Michal Birner replaces Hertl on Team Czech Republic at World Cup
Team Czech Republic has reached into its own backyard, selecting Czech Extraliga winger Michal Birner to replace the injured Tomas Hertl at the upcoming World Cup, according to TV NOVA Sport's Roman Jedlicka.
Birner, 30, spent most of last season with Liberac Bili Tygri HC of the Czech Republic's top league, finishing third in team scoring with 39 points in 51 games.
He also spent four games with the Chelyabinsk Traktor of the KHL, where he was held off the scoresheet in four games.
The St. Louis Blues drafted Birner in 2004, 114th overall.
It appears Team Czech Republic first reached out to forward Jiri Hudler, who recently signed with the Dallas Stars, before settling on Birner.
"Hudler didn't answer phone calls and messages," Czech Republic general manager Martin Rucinsky said. "His agent Petr Svoboda then told us Jiri didn't have interest to go."