Coyotes choose Karel Vejmelka as backup goaltender

The Coyotes on Friday announced a roster move that all but ascertains that Karel Vejmelka will be the team's No. 2 goaltender when the regular season opens, a move that comes as somewhat of a surprise.

But Vejmelka, 25, earned his place behind Carter Hutton on the roster with some impressive showings in three preseason games and his work before that in the Rookie Faceoff and development camp.

Vejmellka, a native of the Czech Republic whom the Coyotes signed to a one-year contract in May, is a former Nashville Predators fifth-round draft pick who has yet to play in an NHL regular season game. He had 25 saves in Arizona's 3-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights in the preseason finale Thursday…