Veteran defenceman Martin Škoula has signed a contract to play with CHL Group A club Bílí Tygři Liberec.

by Lukáš Peroutka

Bílí Tygři Liberec was 9th place in the Czech Extraliga this past season, but now the club has taken a step toward strengthening the roster by signing veteran defenceman Martin Škoula.

"We wanted to acquire an experienced defenseman who can play a role in key moments of games. With over 800 NHL games, we think Martin is exactly this type of player," said general manager Ctibor Jech.

In 856 combined regular season and playoff games with the Colorado Avalanche, Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils between 1999 and 2010, Škoula recorded 210 points (45 + 165) and won the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2001.

Since 2010, he has played mostly in the KHL with Avangard Omsk, Lev Prague and Slovan Bratislava.

In Škoula, the White Tigers hope they are getting a player that will not only improve their standing in the domestic league, but also in a Champions Hockey League group that includes Kärpät Oulu, Köln Haie and HC Košice.

"He's mostly a defensive-minded player, yet his passing, anticipation and shot are excellent, as well," Jech said about his style of play. "We believe he could become one of the crucial players for our team in the upcoming season."