OLOMOUC, Czechia – As the dust settles on the Czech Extraliga season, HC Olomouc is already turning its attention to roster construction for the future. According to reports, the club is preparing to part ways with forward Petr Fridrich, their leading goal scorer, after just two seasons with the team. The 25-year-old is expected to continue his career abroad, with opportunities emerging in Northern Europe.
Fridrich’s departure, while anticipated due to growing interest in his services, marks a significant shift for Olomouc’s offense. He finished the 2025-2026 season with 21 goals, a substantial lead over teammate Karel Plášek, who recorded 12. Fridrich also surpassed the 30-point mark for the second consecutive year, solidifying his status as a key offensive contributor.
The forward’s performance has drawn attention from clubs beyond the Czech Republic. While speculation initially centered on a potential move within the Extraliga, Fridrich will instead test his skills internationally. He has 328 career games played in the Czech Extraliga, having first made his mark with HC Vítkovice before joining Olomouc.
Beyond Fridrich’s exit, several other roster decisions are on the horizon for Olomouc. The incoming coach, succeeding Róbert Petrovický, may not retain veteran forward Lukáš Nahodil, who is reportedly considering a return to his hometown club, HC Třebíč, after twelve seasons with Olomouc. A decision is also pending regarding club icon Jiří Ondruška’s future, while Slovakian center Viliam Čacho is linked with a possible move to HC Hradec Králové.
Defensively, Olomouc is also facing changes. After eleven seasons with the club, defenseman Alex Rašner is departing. The team is reportedly eyeing Petr Gewiese, formerly of Mladá Boleslav, to bolster their defensive corps. There’s also a possibility of adding Swedish forward Carl Berglund from HC Bruslaři and Martin Štohanzl from Kolín could reinforce the forward lines. Coach Petr Martínek has indicated that several players from the current roster may move to other Extraliga teams.
Fridrich’s journey to becoming a top scorer is noteworthy. A graduate with a degree in chemistry from the Technical University of Ostrava, he has successfully balanced his academic pursuits with a burgeoning hockey career. His story exemplifies the dedication and versatility of modern athletes.
The situation highlights the cyclical nature of professional hockey, where player movement is constant and teams must continually adapt. Olomouc’s management faces the challenge of replacing Fridrich’s offensive output while also integrating new talent into the lineup. The coming weeks will be crucial as they finalize their plans for the 2026-2027 season.
The club is also focused on developing its youth system, as evidenced by a banner advertisement on Hokej.cz promoting their youth recruitment program. This long-term investment in homegrown talent is seen as essential for sustained success.
As Olomouc navigates these changes, the focus remains on building a competitive team capable of contending for a championship. The departure of Fridrich is a blow, but the club is confident in its ability to find suitable replacements and continue its pursuit of excellence.
The next key date for HC Olomouc will be the official announcement of their finalized roster for the 2026-2027 season. Fans can stay updated on the team’s progress through the official HC Olomouc website and social media channels.
