Czech Hockey Faces Transition: Rulík Steps Down, Search Begins for New National Team Coach
Prague – A new era is dawning for Czech ice hockey as Radim Rulík prepares to step down as head coach of the national team following the upcoming World Championship. The announcement, made Tuesday, March 17, 2026, comes as Rulík is set to take the helm at Extraliga club Kladno, bringing with him assistants Marek Židlický and Ondřej Pavelec. The news marks a significant shift for Czech hockey, prompting an immediate search for a successor to lead the national team forward.
Rulík’s Departure and Kladno Appointment
Rulík informed officials of his decision earlier Tuesday, signaling the end of his tenure with the national squad after the conclusion of the World Championship in May. He had previously indicated he would consider a two-year contract extension, but ultimately decided to return to club-level coaching. The move to Kladno, a team currently led by former NHL star Tomáš Plekanec, represents a return to familiar territory for Rulík, who previously coached in the Extraliga with Pardubice, Mladá Boleslav, and Litvínov.
Plekanec, who currently serves as both sporting director and assistant coach for Kladno, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “I’m glad that Radim, Marek, and Ondřej were impressed by Kladno’s vision and that we were able to finalize the cooperation,” Plekanec stated, according to reports. He also highlighted the strong working relationship he’s already established with Rulík and his assistants, noting their successful collaboration over the past three years.
A Search Underway: Timeline and Priorities
With Rulík’s departure confirmed, the Czech Ice Hockey Association is now focused on identifying a replacement before the start of the World Championship. According to Association officials, the goal is to have a new coach in place to observe players at the tournament. “We are looking for a coach for our national sport and we are taking this seriously,” a spokesperson said. The association aims to secure a coach for a minimum of two years, though a longer-term commitment of four years would be considered for a candidate with significant international experience.
The search process is already underway, with the Association considering a range of candidates. Even as no names have been officially confirmed, speculation is mounting regarding potential contenders. When asked specifically about the possibility of promoting Zdeněk Moták, the current head coach of the Czech under-20 team, officials indicated he is among the options being evaluated. “That is your opinion, We find more options,” the spokesperson stated.
Hadamczik’s Vision for the Future
Alois Hadamczik, a key figure within the Czech Ice Hockey Association, emphasized the importance of a long-term vision for the national team. He acknowledged that while Rulík’s team established a strong training system, the Association is looking to build a more sustained approach, similar to that seen in Switzerland. Hadamczik also expressed gratitude for Rulík’s contributions, noting his willingness to continue assisting with the development of youth players, specifically those in the under-16 and under-20 age groups, alongside Marek Židlický.
Hadamczik also stressed the need to prioritize the development of young Czech players within the Extraliga, advocating for a reduction in the number of foreign players in the league. “We must give young players a chance to play, we must play young players in the league and reduce the number of foreigners in the league, whether the Extraliga likes it or not,” he stated. He believes that investing in domestic talent is crucial for the long-term success of Czech hockey.
Pastrňák Incident and Olympic Reflections
During discussions about Rulík’s departure, Hadamczik also addressed a controversial moment from the recent Winter Olympics. He pointed to a foul on David Pastrňák during a crucial quarterfinal game as a turning point, suggesting that the lack of a penalty call significantly impacted the team’s momentum. “There were 14 stitches and blood on his face… I see that as a key moment,” Hadamczik said. He believes the team was playing confidently before the incident and that a different outcome might have been possible.
No Return for Hadamczik
Despite his strong vision for the future of Czech hockey, Hadamczik confirmed that he does not intend to pursue the head coaching position himself. “I don’t want to have a target on my back like I used to,” he said. “I’ll leave it to the younger ones. My name is not in consideration.” He also stated he had not yet spoken with Tomáš Plekanec regarding his potential interest in the role.
Looking Ahead
The Czech Ice Hockey Association is committed to a thorough and deliberate search for Rulík’s replacement. The priority is to find a coach who can build upon the foundation laid by Rulík and lead the national team to continued success. The next key date on the calendar is the start of the World Championship, where the Association hopes to have a new coach in place to evaluate potential players and begin shaping the future of Czech hockey. Fans can stay updated on the search process and official announcements through the Czech Ice Hockey Association’s official website: https://www.ceskyhokej.cz/
