Prague – After establishing himself as a consistent NHL player with the Calgary Flames, Czech forward Adam Klapka is now focused on securing a key role with the national team ahead of the upcoming IIHF World Championship in Switzerland. The 25-year-old is using the Euro Hockey Tour as an opportunity to impress coach Radim Rulík and solidify his place in the lineup.
Klapka’s journey to this point has been marked by perseverance. Last year at the World Championship, he initially watched from the sidelines before earning playing time only after Tomáš Hertl’s absence due to NHL commitments. He was also left off the Olympic roster earlier this year, adding extra motivation to prove his worth during the current evaluation period.
The Euro Hockey Tour, featuring back-to-back tournaments, provides Klapka with valuable ice time and a platform to showcase his skills. Rulík intends to evaluate Klapka alongside linemates Jaroslav Chmelář and Matyáš Melovský in various game situations, including power plays and penalty kills, in addition to standard five-on-five play – a role Klapka regularly fulfills for Calgary.
“We all had a meeting with Coach Rulík upon arrival and he clearly outlined his expectations for us,” Klapka said. “There’s a vision in place, and we’ll strive to fulfill it, building on what we’re accustomed to from North America while also incorporating the things the coaches want to see from us. Last year, on the farm, I played on the second power play unit, so it’s not like I’ve never been in that situation. I’ll approach the modern season with the goal of securing a spot and becoming a consistent contributor on special teams in the NHL.”
From Farm System to NHL Regular
Klapka’s 2025-26 season represented a significant step forward in his career. After several years developing in the Flames organization, he finally became a full-time NHL player. This stability contrasts sharply with previous seasons where he frequently moved between Calgary and its AHL affiliate.
“It’s definitely different than playing 30 games in the NHL over a season,” Klapka explained. “You have to take care of yourself differently, it’s more demanding mentally, but the exit meetings were positive. I have a solid foundation to prepare for next season. But I can’t rest on my laurels; I have to keep working hard. Mentally, it’s much better than last year when I was constantly going up, and down.”
The experience of playing consistently in the NHL has instilled a sense of confidence in Klapka. He acknowledges, however, that there’s still room for improvement. “I could have scored more goals (he finished with six), and there were plenty of chances that didn’t go in,” he noted.
A Debut Season to Build On
Klapka’s breakthrough season included his first NHL goal with the New York Rangers before being traded to Calgary. Now, he’s aiming to add a World Championship appearance to his list of accomplishments. He views this opportunity as a chance to contribute to the national team and represent his country on the international stage.
The shift to a full NHL season has fundamentally changed Klapka’s approach to preparation and self-care. The demands of playing at the highest level require a more disciplined routine and a greater focus on physical and mental well-being. The positive feedback from his exit interviews with the Flames provides a strong base for continued development.
Klapka’s ability to contribute offensively is an area he’s actively working to enhance. While he demonstrated a willingness to shoot the puck, converting those opportunities into goals remains a key focus for the upcoming season. His size and strength build him a difficult matchup for opposing defenders, and he’s eager to leverage those attributes to create more scoring chances.
What’s Next for Klapka and Czechia
Klapka and the Czech national team will continue their preparations for the World Championship with the Fortuna Hockey Games in České Budějovice and a subsequent tournament in Sweden. These games will serve as crucial evaluation opportunities for Rulík as he finalizes his roster. Klapka understands the importance of making a strong impression during these games and is committed to showcasing his versatility and value to the team.
The Czech Republic will be looking to contend for a medal at the World Championship, and Klapka’s ability to contribute offensively and defensively will be vital to their success. His NHL experience and growing confidence make him a valuable asset to the team. The tournament in Switzerland is scheduled to start in May, and Klapka is determined to be a part of it.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Klapka is the start of the Fortuna Hockey Games on Thursday in České Budějovice. Fans can follow the team’s progress and updates through official IIHF channels and Czech Hockey Association announcements.
