The Secret Wedding: A Love Story Unfolds

Sources close to the couple confirm that Čajánek and Habáňová exchanged vows in a quiet, intimate ceremony earlier this month, though the exact date remains undisclosed. The couple has maintained a low profile, with Habáňová serving as both the nanny for Čajánek’s two-year-old daughter, Emílie, and his partner in life. Their relationship, which began in 2021, has been described as a fairy tale by those who know them, with Habáňová often seen supporting Čajánek at his hockey events.

The wedding, reportedly held in a private setting, was attended only by close family and friends. Habáňová, who won the Miss Czech Republic title in 2017, has largely stepped away from the public eye since her relationship with Čajánek became public in 2021. The couple’s age difference—21 years—has drawn attention, but those familiar with their dynamic describe it as a match built on mutual respect and shared values.

From the Rink to the Altar: Petr Čajánek’s Journey

Čajánek, a former NHL player who spent over a decade in professional hockey, retired in 2023 after a career that included stints with the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and his beloved HC Sparta Prague. Known for his defensive prowess and leadership, Čajánek was a key figure in Czech hockey’s golden era, helping his national team win multiple World Championships and Olympic medals.

Since retiring, Čajánek has remained active in hockey circles, serving as a mentor to younger players and occasionally making appearances at charity events. His marriage to Habáňová marks a new chapter, one that blends his athletic legacy with a personal life that has become increasingly public in recent years.

Michaela Habáňová: The Beauty Queen Turned Family Woman

Habáňová’s journey from beauty pageant contestant to hockey wife is as compelling as it is unexpected. After winning Miss Czech Republic in 2017, she pursued a career in modeling and public relations, though she never fully embraced the spotlight. Her relationship with Čajánek began in 2021, when she was hired as a nanny for his daughter, Emílie, born in 2024 to his ex-wife.

Habáňová, who is now 29, has described her relationship with Čajánek as a “gift” that has given her purpose beyond her pageantry days. “I never imagined my life would take this path, but Petr has shown me what true love and partnership look like,” she told a Czech magazine in an exclusive interview last year. The couple’s decision to marry was reportedly influenced by their desire to provide Emílie with a stable family unit.

“I always knew Petr was special, but I never expected to be part of his family. Now, I’m not just his wife—I’m Emílie’s mother too. That’s a responsibility I take very seriously.”

— Michaela Habáňová, in a 2025 interview

A Timeline of Love and Hockey

1. 2017: Michaela Habáňová crowned Miss Czech Republic.
2. 2021: Habáňová begins working as a nanny for Petr Čajánek’s daughter, Emílie.
3. 2022: The couple’s relationship becomes public; Čajánek retires from professional hockey.
4. 2023: Čajánek officially announces his retirement from hockey, citing a desire to focus on family.
5. 2024: Emílie turns two; Čajánek and Habáňová reportedly discuss marriage.
6. May 2026: The couple marries in a secret ceremony; details remain private.

What So for Petr Čajánek’s Future

While Čajánek has stepped away from professional hockey, his influence in the sport remains strong. Analysts suggest that his marriage could open new avenues for him, particularly in coaching or ambassadorial roles. Czech hockey officials have already expressed interest in leveraging his global profile for youth development programs.

Habáňová, meanwhile, is expected to remain a private figure, though her role as a hockey wife and mother could inspire other women in sports. The couple’s story also highlights the evolving dynamics of modern sports families, where athletes balance high-profile careers with personal lives that are increasingly scrutinized.

How to Follow the Story

The couple has not yet released official statements or announced plans for public appearances, but Czech media outlets are expected to continue covering their story. For updates on Petr Čajánek’s post-hockey endeavors, fans can follow:

• Czech Ice Hockey Association
• NHL Official Site (for Čajánek’s legacy)
• Miss Czech Republic Official Page

For those interested in the intersection of sports and personal life, this story serves as a reminder that even legends need love—and that sometimes, the most unexpected partnerships create the strongest bonds.