Coming from a bronze medal campaign during last year’s World Juniors Championship, the Czechia team bets on a veteran team with a lot of experience. The nation is one of the powerhouses of hockey and won the 2024 Men’s World Championship.
The team holds 14 players that were drafted in the NHL, while also holding two soon to be eligible for the draft. The team is composed of many young stars, however, these are some that stand out:
Related: A Quick Guide to the 2025 World Junior Championship
Matěj Maštalířský
Being one of the returning players, Maštalířský already has an idea of what to expect from the World Juniors environment.
The winger has the ability to be a type of “wild card” with his potential to play on both sides of the rink. Maštalířský has been known for his play-making and puck-handling skills, which led him to become a player of high scoring stats.
The native from Domazlice is recognized as a player who creates opportunities by catching his opponent’s errors. This is also one of the aspects that makes him successful in the power-play.
Maštalířský plays for Verva Litvínov in his home country ‘s hockey league.
He will be one of the Alternate Captains in this World Juniors for Czechia.
Jiiří Felcman
Felcman is another player who will be especially important on the offensive side of the team. He is an agile player who can get through difficult situations and make impressive plays.
The Hradec Kralove native will also help the team on the special teams. Felcman has been known for his abilities on not only his natural offensive player power-play but also helps a lot through the penalty kills.
The center currently plays for the SCL Tigers, based in Switzerland, gathering seven points in 26 matches.
The Chicago Blackhawks drafted Felcman as the 93rd overall pick in 2023.
Eduard Šalé
Šalé has been an essential piece for the Czech team. He is also a veteran in the championship, having an important role in last year’s bronze medal. The player was also part of the U20 team from 2023.
One of the right-winger’s most memorable moments was his hat-trick against Norway in 2023.
The Seattle Kraken draftee plays in the AHL. Currently, Šalé has recorded 13 points in 23 games played. He has been impressive in the team.
The right winger will certainly be one of the most important playmakers for the team. Šalé was also rewarded for his leadership on and off-ice, being named the captain for this year’s WJC.
Jakub Dvořak
Dvořak is one of the most experienced players on this list – playing the last two WJCs.
The defenseman currently plays for the Ontario Reign, being drafted 54th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2023 draft. So far, he has three points in 14 games. However, one of the challenges has been dealing with penalties for which he has recorded 10 penalty minutes.
The Liberec native and only defensemen on this list will be essential to hold the team’s backbone.
Michael Hrabal
No team is successful without a netminder. Czechia chose to have Michael Hrabal once again in their lineup. Last year during the WJC, Patrik Augusta, the team’s head coach, showcased how important and valuable the goaltender is for the national team in an interview.
“(Hrabal) is a big part of our team and every team needs a good goalie,” Coach Augusta said. ”We have one.”
Hrabal currently plays for the Umass. He holds a .917 save percentage while having gathered a shutout in the season. The 6-foot-6 goaltender was selected 38th by the Arizona Coyotes, now Utah Hockey Club.
Hrabal will likely be the starting goaltender of the Czechia team.
Honorary mention:
Miroslav Holinka – Drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the 2024 draft as the 151st overall pick. Currently plays for the Edmonton Oil Kings. He has recorded 21 points (10 goals and 11 assists) in only 23 games, so far this season.
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