LEWISTON – Richard Stehlik, a defenseman for the Lewiston Maineiacs, was called up Monday by the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League.

The Admirals are the top affiliate for the Nashville Predators of the NHL. Nashville selected Stehlik in the third round (76th pick) in the 2003 NHL draft.

“I talked to their head scout and they’re flying him out to Milwaukee tomorrow morning,” said Maineiacs vice president and governor Matt McKnight. “He’ll work out with the team all week. He might see some action this weekend but they wouldn’t commit to that.”

A native of Slovakia, Stehlik scored 11 goals and assisted on 25 others in 44 games. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound defenseman had 109 penalty minutes and led the Maineiacs with an impressive differential of plus-20.

Stehlik, 19, enjoyed an impressive training camp with Nashville before joining the team in Lewiston. Contract issues with his former team in Slovakia delayed his appearance in a Maineiac uniform, but the imposing defenseman proved to be a fan favorite with his aggressive play and rifle for a slap shot.

He missed a few weeks during the Holidays to play for his native Slovakia in the World Junior Championships. Stehlik served as captain for Slovakia.

Milwaukee is in first place in the West Division of the AHL’s Western Conference. The Admirals have four games remaining in the regular season, with Friday’s and Saturday’s two-game finale with the Chicago Wolves being Stehlik’s best opportunity of seeing action.

Whether he plays or not, Stehlik is eligible to return to the Maineiacs next year. But with a potential lockout looming over the NHL next year limiting available rosters spots in the AHL, this week’s tryout could give Stehlik another option.

“It’s a great opportunity for him,” said McKnight. “There’s a lot pending with what will happen if there is a lockout. Any opportunity he gets to show his ability to play at the next level will only help him.”

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