PRAGUE – Czech national hockey team head coach Kari Jalonen has finalized his roster for the upcoming IIHF Men’s World Championship, summoning two world champions, a promising young goaltender, and veteran forward Lukáš Špaček as he prepares to lead the squad into the tournament in Prague and Ostrava.
The announcement, made through the Czech Ice Hockey Association on Tuesday, confirms the inclusion of forwards David Krejčí and Jakub Voráček – both members of the Czech Republic’s gold-medal-winning team at the 2024 World Championship – alongside 20-year-old goaltender Jaroslav Askarov, who is earning his first senior national team call-up after a standout season in the Liiga with Tappara.
Špaček, a 28-year-old forward currently playing for Sparta Praha in the Czech Extraliga, returns to the national setup after a strong club season that saw him record 22 goals and 38 assists in 52 games. His recall signals Jalonen’s intent to blend experience with emerging talent as the Czechs aim to defend their title on home ice.
“We’re building a team that combines proven winners with players who are ready to step up,” Jalonen said in a video statement released by the association. “Krejčí and Voráček know what it takes to win at this level. Špaček has been consistent all season, and Askarov has earned this opportunity through hard work and performance.”
The call-ups come as several high-profile players confirmed their absence from the roster. Boston Bruins forward David Kämpf, Minnesota Wild’s Tomáš Nosek, and San Jose Sharks’ Radim Zohorna have all declined invitations due to club commitments or personal reasons, according to verified team communications. Dallas Stars’ Radek Faksa and Winnipeg Jets’ Nikolaj Ehlers were not selected, with Jalonen citing tactical fit and current form as deciding factors.
Defenseman Michal Kempný, who won gold with the Czechs in 2024, is also absent from the initial camp list due to ongoing recovery from a lower-body injury sustained during the NHL season. The Czech Ice Hockey Association confirmed he remains under team medical supervision but is not expected to join the squad before the tournament opener.
Askarov’s inclusion marks a notable development in the Czech goaltending hierarchy. The Nashville Predators prospect, who was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes organization in March, posted a 2.18 goals-against average and .924 save percentage in 38 Liiga games this season, earning league Best Goaltender honors. His promotion over more experienced options like Lukáš Dostál and Pavel Francouz suggests Jalonen is prioritizing upside and mobility in net.
“He’s been impressive in training and showed maturity beyond his years,” said goaltending coach Petr Přikryl in a separate interview with Czech Television. “He handles the puck well, reads the game quickly, and isn’t fazed by big moments. We believe he can compete at this level.”
The Czech Republic, ranked fourth in the IIHF World Ranking, opens its World Championship campaign on May 10 against Norway in Prague’s O2 Arena. The tournament, co-hosted with Ostrava, runs through May 26, with the Czechs placed in Group A alongside Sweden, Switzerland, and Germany.
Jalonen emphasized that the roster remains fluid, with additional evaluations scheduled during the pre-tournament exhibition games against Latvia and Germany later this week. “We’ll continue to assess combinations and readiness,” he said. “Nothing is set in stone until we step on the ice for our first game.”
For fans following the team’s preparations, the Czech Ice Hockey Association will provide daily updates through its official website and social media channels, including live streams of select practices and press conferences.
As the host nation seeks to become the first country to win back-to-back World Championships since Russia in 2014 and 2015, the blend of championship pedigree and youthful energy in Jalonen’s selection could prove pivotal. Whether the omitted veterans will return for later stages depends on performance, health, and tournament progression – but for now, the message is clear: the Czechs are leaning on proven winners while giving the next generation a chance to earn their place.
The next confirmed checkpoint is the team’s first exhibition match against Latvia on May 6 in Prague, scheduled for 4:00 PM local time (2:00 PM UTC). Fans can share thoughts and reactions using #CzehRep on social platforms.
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