WJC: 2025 Czech Team

[martygod12]

Třinec did not let Byrtus go. Again..

Really? Thats strange decision.

 

[Goodman68]

Really? Thats strange decision.

Yes. And because of that, there is a possibility that he will go overseas. I'm not saying it will turn out that way, but it's an option.

 

[Swipes]

True but if we’re talking “on paper” than there was some similarly talented teams.

The 2011 and 2013 teams were the exceptions. Not loaded on paper but played very well. They would compete for sure.

2013 we lost to Finland(who won Gold) in QF. Up 3-1 in 2nd period and Libor Šulak made a bad pinch and allowed Finland breakaway to make it 3-2 right before end of period! That was the momentum swing Finland needed and we lost 5-3 I think.
I’ll never forget it! Heartbreaking at the time lol. Also haven’t forgiven Šulak to this day lol

That win against the US with Mrazek in goal was amazing. Can't remember the year though. 2011?

 

[czechcanadian]

That win against the US with Mrazek in goal was amazing. Can't remember the year though. 2011?

I believe so.
That was still when both 4th and 5th place teams from each group played relegation round lol. And we finally placed higher by beating US. It was such a fun tournament.

 

[Swipes]

I believe so.
That was still when both 4th and 5th place teams from each group played relegation round lol. And we finally placed higher by beating US. It was such a fun tournament.

Very memorable.

 

[Czechboy]

Nice view on Benak (translate to English works very well)... I also wondered what Augusta meant by the small rink would hurt him and how there is a big difference betweeen USHL and CHL.lol It made no sense because Benak plays on a small American rink and the tournament is on a small American rink.lol

Also funny that he finds Benak too small and thinks the small rink will be a big problem because he's not in CHL. Now explain Mrtka?lol Giant, playing in WHL.

Feels, to me, like they don't like guys going to North America. Just my view and nothing I can back up.

Jiricek had a good night last night.. very encouragin. Hopefully game 2 in CHL goes smoothly and no injury.

 

[Swipes]

Nice view on Benak (translate to English works very well)... I also wondered what Augusta meant by the small rink would hurt him and how there is a big difference betweeen USHL and CHL.lol It made no sense because Benak plays on a small American rink and the tournament is on a small American rink.lol

Also funny that he finds Benak too small and thinks the small rink will be a big problem because he's not in CHL. Now explain Mrtka?lol Giant, playing in WHL.

Feels, to me, like they don't like guys going to North America. Just my view and nothing I can back up.

Jiricek had a good night last night.. very encouragin. Hopefully game 2 in CHL goes smoothly and no injury.

Pity he wasn't chosen, I guess size was maybe the main factor? But perhaps next year he will get a chance. I like that he's also focused on studying as well.

 

[Czechboy]

Here is a guess from someone else. I didn't really ever consider Rocak as Top 4. I wouldn't split up Holinka/Jecho as they already paly together on a big rink. Agree with the 3 cuts.. Simek/Volas/Husiensky.

Still waiting for that final cut to really piss me off.

 

[Czechboy]

Looking at Jiricek.. he plays later today. Hoping that goes smoothly.

Looking at David Jiricek.. he's stuck in Iowa for the rest of the season. They picked up another RHD on waivers to play in NHL. They are clearly playing the long game here! I'm okay with it but googling 'Jiricek' news in 2024 sucks right now... neither every plays, there are never points and the updates usually are injjuries.lol

 

[martygod12]

Here is a guess from someone else. I didn't really ever consider Rocak as Top 4. I wouldn't split up Holinka/Jecho as they already paly together on a big rink. Agree with the 3 cuts.. Simek/Volas/Husiensky.

Still waiting for that final cut to really piss me off.

That D without Jiricek is disgusting in comparison what it could have been lol.

 

[martygod12]

Nice view on Benak (translate to English works very well)... I also wondered what Augusta meant by the small rink would hurt him and how there is a big difference betweeen USHL and CHL.lol It made no sense because Benak plays on a small American rink and the tournament is on a small American rink.lol

Also funny that he finds Benak too small and thinks the small rink will be a big problem because he's not in CHL. Now explain Mrtka?lol Giant, playing in WHL.

Feels, to me, like they don't like guys going to North America. Just my view and nothing I can back up.

Jiricek had a good night last night.. very encouragin. Hopefully game 2 in CHL goes smoothly and no injury.

Augusta is full of shit, I am losing respect for the guy. Idk he strikes to me like a very egoistic and arrogant men, who thinks he ate all the wisdom of the world. And some of his reasoning behind the lineup choices is very strange, far fetched even. Very unlikable even at first glance, maybe thats just my opinion, but its just how he strikes at me

Benak and Mrtka are two absolutely obvious errors in the nomination, Curran, Badinka, Perez, Skok, Svec are other very questionable omissions.

Idk I just find him like as we czechs say "Takovej Rulik z Wishe"

 

[Czechboy]

Augusta is full of shit, I am losing respect for the guy. Idk he strikes to me like a very egoistic and arrogant men, who thinks he ate all the wisdom of the world. And some of his reasoning behind the lineup choices is very strange, far fetched even. Very unlikable even at first glance, maybe thats just my opinion, but its just how he strikes at me

Benak and Mrtka are two absolutely obvious errors in the nomination, Curran, Badinka, Perez, Skok, Svec are other very questionable omissions.

Idk I just find him like as we czechs say "Takovej Rulik z Wishe"

Reminds me of Havlat's 'you don't expect me to watch the AHL do you,?' line.lol

He has no clue how many top picks come out of the USHL.

USHL in the NHL - USHL

The USHL saw more than 195 alumni on NHL Opening Night rosters for the 2024-25 season, including 2024 first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini (Chicago Steel/Boston

ushl.com

With ten first-round selections and 49 total picks in the 2024 NHL Draft, the USHL has developed the most draft choices of any junior hockey league since 2012. The USHL has produced more selections than the OHL, WHL and QMJHL for eight straight years.

Benak going there was brilliant. I think he'll start a trend. I think some Canadian boys will start going too. Small rink, against north american opponents.. yeah, that is the guy you want for Ottawa.lol

I just keep seeing Rocak at 2RD in guesses and can't help but think I'd like to see Mrtka in that spot.lol

Badinka was unpreventable for this season. Goodman told us! Curran is another guy that went to North America. I don't get it. He seemed like a lock to me. However, I like the team.. I really and I think we can medal. I like Augusta as a coach because he's following the Rulik playbook and Rulik is our Jalonen!

3 and 0 at EHT this weekend!

 

[Czechboy]

That D without Jiricek is disgusting in comparison what it could have been lol.

That right side pains me... went from Jiricek/Mrtka/Badinka to Jiricek on one leg and Rocak.lol

 

[Czechboy]

 

[Czechboy]

Things that make me happy. Do not let him play that exhibition game against Canada. Only game that worries me more is the quarterfinal.lol.

 

[Svedu]

Mrtka and Benak not selected... More surprised regarding Mrtka. But you have a very sound D in this tournament as well. Again.
Cihar making the final roster? Good numbers in a mens league for his age. Possible first round pick? Tell me more please.
Novotny as well. Which prospect excites you more? And what are their strengths and eventual weaknesses?
Also should have good goalies and good top6 and a star in Sale. Exciting!

 

[czechcanadian]

Things that make me happy. Do not let him play that exhibition game against Canada. Only game that worries me more is the quarterfinal.lol.

2 goals and +4 rating. Love to see it. Beauty goal there too.
And I agree. Sit him till the real tourney lol

 

[Czechboy]

Mrtka and Benak not selected... More surprised regarding Mrtka. But you have a very sound D in this tournament as well. Again.
Cihar making the final roster? Good numbers in a mens league for his age. Possible first round pick? Tell me more please.
Novotny as well. Which prospect excites you more? And what are their strengths and eventual weaknesses?
Also should have good goalies and good top6 and a star in Sale. Exciting!

Hoping others reply as well...

Here is my opinion.

Most agree leaving those behind is madness. Mrtka especially after Badinka didn't go due to a squabble with federation/coach. We are looking at Port and Rocak on the Right side. Both 19 and experienced. I like both. Port may even made NHL by 24 years of age. Big boy, shut down type D... right handed. Mrtka plays on small rinks, over 22 a night and is going in round 1 most likely around 15. We left him behind.lol

Benak is most Czech fans fav prospect. He just dominates and is lightining out there. His body may not project to the NHL and I can accept that. But, everytime he plays his peers or one age group above his peers.. he stands out as great and is a fantastic teenager. 13 straight games with a point in USHL but our coach sees a big difference between USHL and CHL which is a funny quote to me. Also play on small ice against elite, mostly, US players. Guess who is in the crossover and what size rink we're playing on?lol

Drives us most of us nuts. I legit would've been fine with him on top line with Sale and Stancl. I would've been fine with him in an outscoring third line with 2 bigger players he can feed.

Cihar is a riser IMO. So hard to use 17 year olds in Czech leageus as the numbers always look bad... like 10 points in 50 games can be a first round talent like Necas, Sale or Kulich. But he looks poised and confident. My theory is different than most. He was 'ok' at the Hlinka. I think he used that experience and took a step. A lot are still talking about his Hlinka but I think he had a growth spurt hockey wise after that. My own theory though. He may end up a first rounder. But not in stone at all. A good U20 and a good U18 would go a long way for him!

Novotny has always been, by us, projected as a first rounder in 2 years. I suspect they'll do with him what I want done with Benak.. put him with 2 solid 19 year olds in top 6. I can't see him disapointing.

Hrabal is a 19 year told Top 40 pick. He should be a star and he's been hot in NCAA. He'd be on every team in the tourney IMO. I really like Milota and I really like Kavan. If we don't medal, I doubt it'll be goaltending.

Forwards don't have 'that guy' but they are deep and 2 through 12 are very equivalent to one another.

The D is now our worry (which was our strength going in)... let's assume Jiricek doesn't get hurt and his form is good:

Dvorak Jiricek
Galvas ????

Port, Rocak, Huscinsky, Koci, Volas and Fibigr. Not seeing the guy to make our Top 4 over the top. All excellent bottom 5/6 guys but our 2RD seems weak to me. I think I have the handedniss right.

That '????' should've been

1. Badinka
2. Mrtka

 

[Svedu]

Hoping others reply as well...

Here is my opinion.

Most agree leaving those behind is madness. Mrtka especially after Badinka didn't go due to a squabble with federation/coach. We are looking at Port and Rocak on the Right side. Both 19 and experienced. I like both. Port may even made NHL by 24 years of age. Big boy, shut down type D... right handed. Mrtka plays on small rinks, over 22 a night and is going in round 1 most likely around 15. We left him behind.lol

Benak is most Czech fans fav prospect. He just dominates and is lightining out there. His body may not project to the NHL and I can accept that. But, everytime he plays his peers or one age group above his peers.. he stands out as great and is a fantastic teenager. 13 straight games with a point in USHL but our coach sees a big difference between USHL and CHL which is a funny quote to me. Also play on small ice against elite, mostly, US players. Guess who is in the crossover and what size rink we're playing on?lol

Drives us most of us nuts. I legit would've been fine with him on top line with Sale and Stancl. I would've been fine with him in an outscoring third line with 2 bigger players he can feed.

Cihar is a riser IMO. So hard to use 17 year olds in Czech leageus as the numbers always look bad... like 10 points in 50 games can be a first round talent like Necas, Sale or Kulich. But he looks poised and confident. My theory is different than most. He was 'ok' at the Hlinka. I think he used that experience and took a step. A lot are still talking about his Hlinka but I think he had a growth spurt hockey wise after that. My own theory though. He may end up a first rounder. But not in stone at all. A good U20 and a good U18 would go a long way for him!

Novotny has always been, by us, projected as a first rounder in 2 years. I suspect they'll do with him what I want done with Benak.. put him with 2 solid 19 year olds in top 6. I can't see him disapointing.

Hrabal is a 19 year told Top 40 pick. He should be a star and he's been hot in NCAA. He'd be on every team in the tourney IMO. I really like Milota and I really like Kavan. If we don't medal, I doubt it'll be goaltending.

Forwards don't have 'that guy' but they are deep and 2 through 12 are very equivalent to one another.

The D is now our worry (which was our strength going in)... let's assume Jiricek doesn't get hurt and his form is good:

Dvorak Jiricek
Galvas ????

Port, Rocak, Huscinsky, Koci, Volas and Fibigr. Not seeing the guy to make our Top 4 over the top. All excellent bottom 5/6 guys but our 2RD seems weak to me. I think I have the handedniss right.

That '????' should've been

1. Badinka
2. Mrtka

Very well written and detailed. Thanks!
I don't know as much as you of course but agree on the takes I have a little info about. Both those D's missing would've been our top4 guys together with Pieniniemi and Kiviharju as right handed D's. Or I don't know if Jiricek is considered better than Mrtka. However , all those 3 right handed D's are considered as better prospects than both Pieniniemi and Kiviharju and that says it all.
You guys will have a good D but with all prospects available and selected you would've had a historically stacked D. And not only by European measures imho. Simply more stacked than when you guys had older Jiricek and Svozil and Spacek and others. And those were some very impressive players that I'm sure will all be NHLers sooner or later even if the Wild will be stacked at D.

Off topic, I also believe Wild will trade some D prospects in the future, or I'm almost hoping they do because I really hope that your guys make it but also Kiviharju. And yeah, it will be very difficult to earn a spot for them in the nearest future.

Another off topic. I also hope the Flyers select bot Mrtka and Benak. The first one early of course if possible and the latter as potential steal later on. Wouldn't mind neither Eklund nor Hagens. But yeah hoping for Benak in a later round for the Flyers and why not Westergård. Those two could have some future chemistry. Benak in a third line centering two speedsters like Westergård and Tuomaala who are considered as snipers? Let the dreaming begin lol.
Why not even select Vaclav Nestrasil in the late rounds. The Flyers need some finns and Czechs to join Michkov. Never forget Timonen or mr. Ginger himself Voracek.

Finland having underperforming Hemming and Väisänen over the seas. I also thought Zahejsky would produce a little bit better.
Poletin can become a riser if he starts being a bit lucky and produces amongst men in a foreign country already. That would be impressive. Has some size also.

 

[Czechboy]

Very well written and detailed. Thanks!
I don't know as much as you of course but agree on the takes I have a little info about. Both those D's missing would've been our top4 guys together with Pieniniemi and Kiviharju as right handed D's. Or I don't know if Jiricek is considered better than Mrtka. However , all those 3 right handed D's are considered as better prospects than both Pieniniemi and Kiviharju and that says it all.
You guys will have a good D but with all prospects available and selected you would've had a historically stacked D. And not only by European measures imho. Simply more stacked than when you guys had older Jiricek and Svozil and Spacek and others. And those were some very impressive players that I'm sure will all be NHLers sooner or later even if the Wild will be stacked at D.

Off topic, I also believe Wild will trade some D prospects in the future, or I'm almost hoping they do because I really hope that your guys make it but also Kiviharju. And yeah, it will be very difficult to earn a spot for them in the nearest future.

I like Kivi and I love Spacek and Jiricek. All 3 of them in Iowa pisses me off. Hoping the Wild trade Spacek to be honest. Eg. I was happy for Svozil when Jiricek got traded too.