Detroit City Wire

DETROIT -- Ondrej Becher expressed his excitement after being selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the third round (No. 80 overall) of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, marking his third draft-eligible season.

Becher attributed his selection to a strong 2023-24 campaign. “I was expecting that because I think I had a really good year this year in the WHL and at World Juniors too,” he said during Detroit’s 2024 Development Camp in July.

Last season, Becher accumulated 96 points (32 goals, 64 assists) over 58 regular-season games with the Western Hockey League’s Prince George Cougars. He also added 19 points (five goals, 14 assists) in 15 playoff games, aiding the Cougars' journey to the Western Conference Final. Additionally, he secured a bronze medal with Czechia at the 2024 International Ice Hockey World Junior Championship, contributing ten points (three goals, seven assists) in seven games.

Red Wings Assistant Director of Player Development Dan Cleary commented on Becher's performance: “I got to see Bechs play the past few World Juniors. He’s a little bit older, late bloomer I guess, but fun guy. Obviously he’s got skills.”

Becher noted significant improvements in his gameplay from last season. “I started playing more defensively, so I became a two-way player,” he said. “I wasn’t a two-way player before. I tried to improve in the defensive zone, and I think I did.”

Growing up, Becher admired David Krejci, a Czech-born forward who retired from the NHL in August 2023 after a 16-season career with the Boston Bruins. “(Krejci) was an amazing two-way player,” Becher said. “That’s what I think I’m playing now.”

Looking ahead, Becher has set high expectations for himself this season and found his first NHL Development Camp enlightening. “I have to work hard every day,” he stated. “Probably even more than before.”