After medaling in back-to-back tournaments, Czechia looks to continue and ride their momentum into this year’s World Junior Championship (WJC.) They have a roster mixed with experience and skill. Who are a few players to watch for throughout this year’s tournament as they represent their country?
Jakub Dvořak (D)
One of a few players representing Czechia this year who has begun their professional careers, Jakub Dvořak, made his way to the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Ontario Reign after being drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. His numbers have not jumped off the page, tallying only three assists in 14 games. Still, he is slowly getting his feet wet and becoming more accustomed to pro hockey after spending last season with the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League (WHL).
Dvořak will help Czechia excel in the tournament thanks to his international experience. He played in the last two WJCs and, prior to that, the 2022 and 2023 Under-18 WJC tournaments. His mobility and skillset will be on full display as he helps lock down the back end of the ice.
Miroslav Holinka (F)
After a strong season last year in the Czechia U20 junior ranks, Miroslav Holinka was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fifth round of the 2024 Draft and also picked by the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL in the CHL Import Draft. He signed with the Oil Kings and has made quite an impression. His smarts and versatility, among other strong assets, have made him a consistently strong player. He does not necessarily stand out in one certain aspect of the game skill-wise but has found a happy medium in being a goal-scorer and playmaker. So far this season, he has tallied 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points.
Holinka will be a player in the forward group who brings prior experience to Czechia, having played in the 2023 U18 tournament. His defensive skills, which ho a bit under the radar, is an underrated part of his game that should impact the Czechs throughout the tournament.
Michael Hrabal (G)
A player who could be an x-factor in the tournament is returning goaltender Michael Hrabal. After playing in seven games in last year’s tournament and posting a 4-3-0 record, he will likely be the lead netminder again this year. The 2023 second-round pick of the Arizona Coyotes (now Utah Hockey Club), is in the midst of his second season with the…
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