The Czech Republic’s national hockey team has finalized its roster for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, featuring a notable lineup of NHL talent. Among the 12 NHL players included are Colorado Avalanche center Martin Necas, Boston Bruins right winger David Pastrnak, and Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl.
Strong Goaltending Selection
The team will benefit from a robust goaltending lineup, which includes Lukas Dostal of the Anaheim Ducks, Karel Vejmelka from the Utah Mammoth, and Dan Vladar of the Philadelphia Flyers. This selection highlights the Czech Republic’s commitment to fielding experienced players in key positions.
Despite the strengths of the roster, the team will be without Vancouver Canucks forward Filip Chytil, who has not fully recovered from a concussion. This absence is a significant loss as Chytil was expected to contribute to the team’s offensive capabilities.
Diverse Roster with Limited NHL Defensemen
The squad includes a total of 25 players, with only two defensemen currently active in the NHL: Radko Gudas from Anaheim and Filip Hronek from Vancouver. This reflects a declining trend in the number of Czech players in North American leagues over recent years.
Notably, 19 of the 25 players on the roster were part of the team that claimed victory at the world championship held in Prague two years ago, showcasing a blend of experience and continuity.
The Czech Republic will begin its Olympic campaign against Canada on February 12, 2026, with France and Switzerland also in Group A. As the tournament approaches, the team aims to capitalize on its NHL talent and previous successes to make a significant impact on the international stage.
