The Erie Otters have placed right wing Stanislav Polodna, 18, on recallable waivers, Sherry Bassin, managing partner/general manager, said Wednesday. That seems to clear the way for Polodna, of Milevsko, Czech Republic, to begin his professional career with HC Česke´ Budĕjovice, a club in the Czech 2nd League. But that club needs to contact Bassin to begin the transfer process through the OHL.
“It doesn’t happen automatically,” Bassin said of Polodna playing for the pro club. “We’re not going to stand in his way. But there’s a process that has to go through the league office.”
Polodna remains under contract with the Otters. Through recallable waivers, Bassin can choose to keep Polodna’s rights if an OHL team attempts to claim him. The pro club contacted Polodna through his agent three weeks ago, Polodna said. He plans to return home next week. Polodna skated in Wednesday’s practice, but won’t play Thursday against Belleville or Saturday against Kitchener.
“It’s a new chance,” Polodna said. “I want to show (the new club) how good of a hockey player I am.”
The Otters selected Polodna 12th overall in the 2006 CHL Import Draft. He had 10 goals and 31 points in 63 games as a rookie last season. But he has no goals and four points in 18 games this season since returning from a shoulder injury. When asked if he was unhappy playing for the Otters, Polodna declined to comment. “I don’t want to talk about it,” he said. “It would be unfair to the team if I talk about it.”

– Victor Fernandes