Frank Musil

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

František Musil (b. 17 December 1964), known mostly as Frank Musil, is a former professional ice hockey defenceman and a current scout for the Edmonton Oilers.

Musil was selected in the second round of the 1983 NHL Entry Draft, 38th overall, by the Minnesota North Stars. In addition to playing in various professional European leagues, Musil played 797 games in the NHL, for Minnesota as well as the Calgary Flames, Ottawa Senators and Edmonton Oilers.

Musil's draft position fell, but not because of talent, as there was some uncertainty whether he would be able to escape Czechoslovakia, then a Communist country. Musil obtained a holiday visa and travelled to Yugoslavia with his girlfriend. Leaving her at the resort, Musil met with Minnesota General Manager Lou Nanne and player agent Rich Winter, who had arranged for an American work visa. Winter and Nanne used the work visa to fool the border guards, who were unaware that Musil was a defecting hockey star. Thus, in the summer of 1986, Musil arrived in Minnesota, and began his NHL career that fall.

Musil retired from hockey at the end of the 2000/01 season, and was hired by the Oilers as a scout. Musil is married to former professional tennis player Andrea Holikova, who is also the sister of NHL forward Bobby Holik.