Getting To Know: Petr Kvaca

Petr Kvaca, a 6-foot-1, 174-pound goaltender, was the No. 114 overall pick by the Colorado Avalanche at 2017 NHL Draft. This is the second consecutive year that the Avs have used a mid-round selection on a European keeper after they chose Adam Werner in the fifth round last year.
Kvaca, 19, played for HC Ceske Budejovice in the Czech Republic in 2016-17. He appeared in 18 games with Ceske and had three shutouts and a .939 save percentage while leading the league with a goals-against average of 1.14. At the end of the season, the team won the championship in the country's second-tier pro league.

Also during the campaign, he played seven games while on loan with HC Benatky nad Jizerou and produced a 1.41 goals against-average and .917 save percentage.
The Brandys nad Labem, Czech Republic, native also had the opportunity to play four games at the World Junior A Challenge for his nation's under-19 team and ended with a 2.40 goals-against average and .919 save percentage. He was also a backup for the Czechs at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship.
ColoradoAvalanche.com chatted with Kvaca during the Avs' summer development camp to get to know a little more about him.
How did you find out about the Avs having interest in you?
"Well last season I had a lot of events. A championship in Montreal and a tournament in Alberta. The team found and watched me, and I am very happy."
What are some of the best things you learned during development camp?
"Um, I don't know. English maybe (laughs). Also, skating before the net and a lot of new things in the gym. It's good for me."

When did you start playing hockey?
"I started hockey at about 4 years old."
Why did you decide to be a goalie?
"I saw Dominik Hasek on TV, and I wanted to be like him."
Is he your idol?
"Yeah, but inspiration is probably the better term."
Coming from the Czech Republic, how is the United States and what are your impressions of Denver?
"I like Denver and the mountains. When I landed in Denver, I looked around and just said 'Wow.' It is pretty for me. It is my first time in America, and I like this city."
What is your favorite food?
"I like pizza. I really like Italian."
What is your biggest fear?
"Before I fly. Yeah, I hate flying, but now I've learned to like it (laughs)."