The Czech Ice Hockey Association has officially appointed Zdeněk Moták as the new head coach of the men’s national team, succeeding Radim Rulík after the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland. The decision was made unanimously by the executive board of the Czech Ice Hockey Union and announced at a press conference on April 16, 2026.
Moták, a 61-year-old veteran coach, will take over the role beginning with the 2026-27 season. His contract, along with that of his designated assistant Pavel Gross, runs for two years. Jaroslav Kameš will serve as goaltending coach, with a third assistant coach to be named by the end of June 2026.
The announcement confirms what had been widely anticipated in Czech hockey circles. Moták brings significant pedigree to the position, having led HC Oceláři Třinec to back-to-back Czech Extraliga championships in 2023 and 2024. His most recent club role ended in December 2025 when he stepped down from the Třinec bench prior to being named head coach of the Czech junior national team in January 2026.
“After deciding that Radim Rulík would conclude his tenure, we had to look for someone to whom we could entrust the leadership of our national sport,” said Alois Hadamczik, president of the Czech Ice Hockey Association. “I was given the mandate by the executive board to find new coaches, and I am pleased that the board voted unanimously for both gentlemen. I have complete trust in them.”
Moták expressed humility and determination upon accepting the role. “I would like to thank you for the trust. I truly appreciate it. I approach this position with great humility and responsibility. I believe it will be crucial that we prepare ourselves honestly and pass on the joy of hockey to everyone,” he said, as quoted by Czech media outlets.
His assistant Pavel Gross, 57, brings extensive international experience, most recently serving as head coach of HC Sparta Prague until his dismissal in October 2025. Gross previously won a championship with Adler Mannheim in the German DEL during the 2018-19 season and has spent much of his coaching career in Europe.
“Both of us are hardworking, and it’s important that we spread hockey joy to everyone — not just fans, but also players. And perhaps, we too will find joy in the sport,” Gross added.
The transition will occur smoothly, with Moták set to attend the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland as an observer. This arrangement allows him to familiarize himself with the team dynamics and competitive environment while Rulík completes his final tournament in charge. The Czechs are scheduled to face Slovakia in the group stage of the championship.
Rulík, who has coached the national team for three seasons, will depart after the World Championship. His tenure included a gold medal at the 2024 IIHF World Championship hosted in Prague and a silver medal with the Czech junior team at the 2023 World Juniors. Hadamczik praised Rulík’s contributions, noting his advocacy for closer collaboration between national team coaches across all age categories.
Following his departure from the national team role, Rulík is expected to return to club hockey, with reports indicating he will join HC Kladno in the Czech Extraligue for the 2026-27 season while maintaining a role within the association’s sports department.
The Czech Ice Hockey Association emphasized that the decision to appoint Moták and Gross was based on their proven track records, shared philosophy, and alignment with the long-term vision for the program. The two-year contracts provide stability as the team prepares for future international competitions, including the 2027 IIHF World Championship and qualification campaigns for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
As the national team transitions to new leadership, the focus remains on maintaining the program’s recent success while building toward future goals. The announcement concludes a period of speculation that began after the association confirmed Rulík’s departure would occur after the World Championship, with Moták consistently named as the leading candidate throughout the process.
The next official update regarding the national team under Moták’s leadership is expected following the conclusion of the 2026 IIHF World Championship in late May 2026, when the coaching staff will commence preparations for the upcoming season.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the Czech national team and all developments in international hockey.
