Frank Musil - Playing Career

Playing Career

Musil was selected in the second round of the 1983 NHL Entry Draft, 38th overall, by the Minnesota North Stars. He played on 1985 Gold Medal winning IIHF Men's World Championships for Czechoslovakia. 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 Ritch 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 Holíková, who is the sister of retired NHL player Bobby Holík.

Musil's son, David, was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2nd round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft with the 31st pick of the draft. David is currently a defenseman with the Vancouver Giants.