2023 World Junior Championship Preview: Team Czechia
On August 14, 2022, Czechia suffered one of the most disappointing losses in recent history.
They lost 5-2 to a Latvian team that, under normal circumstances, wouldn’t have even been participating. Fast forward to August 17, and they managed to eliminate the previously undefeated American squad 4-2 off the heels of an incredible performance by Tomas Suchanek in the crease.
The Czechs enter the 2023 tournament with a team that all of the major powers should be worried about. A gold seems unlikely, but after finishing fourth in the summer, there’s a real belief they can contend for a medal again this year.
Here’s a breakdown of what the Czechs will bring to Halifax in Group A action:
Goaltenders
Detroit Red Wings prospect Jan Bednar was supposed to be “the guy” for Czechia last year – until he wasn’t. Tomas Suchanek ultimately took over and led the team to a shocking win over Czechia before giving Canada a run for its money. He’s back for a second go-around, with the Czechian trying to build on a good showing in August to become a difference-maker for a team that often struggles to make it out of the quarterfinal. The undrafted goaltender doesn’t have incredible stats by any means over the past few years. Still, he’s a workhorse essentially everywhere he’s gone and isn’t a stranger to game-saving performances. He enters the tournament amid a five-game win streak, so he has confidence on his side.
Oliver Satny, a fellow 19-year-old, should serve as the primary backup. He had a bit of a rough patch with the QMJHL’s Cape Breton Eagles before joining Czechia, but he leads all goaltenders with three shutouts. He’s doing a lot of heavy lifting there after posting a 21-3-4 record with the Charlottetown Islanders last year. He’s been a starter at every international event he’s played at with Czechia, so his experience could come in handy.
Fighting for the backup role will be 6-foot-3 Daniel Král, who has bounced around various leagues in Czechia this year. He has had an excellent season in the Czech U-20 league and has played even better in the second-tier Czech league. He was part of the cancelled WJC but didn’t return for the summer – he’s experienced with the national team overall, though.
The Czechs don’t have an elite goaltender this year, but they have three capable of challenging for the No. 1 spot, and that’s a good thing.
Defensemen
If the blueline looks familiar, it’s because five players are returning from the 2022 tournament. It starts with David Jiricek, who’s been one of the best defensemen in the AHL this season, regardless of age. The Columbus Blue Jackets have let him simmer in Cleveland and he’s been excellent, so it’s only a matter of time until he’s fighting for a top-pairing role with the big club. That’s a huge piece to have for Czechia.
He’ll be joined by Ottawa Senators prospect Tomas Hamara, currently in his first year playing in North America. He was one of the best offensive defensemen in U-18 international competition last year and has shown some promising signs with the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers. A third-round pick in 2022, Hamara should see an uptick in ice time from the 2022 tournament, and is eligible to return again in 2024.
They’ll also have Stanislav Svozil and David Spacek at their disposal. Svozil, another CBJ pick, is tracking to hit the 80-point mark as a second-year defenseman with the WHL’s Regina Pats and should build upon his two world junior performances in a big way. Spacek is one of the better offensive defenders in the QMJHL and could see some power-play time with the Czechs.
With that core four, the Czechs should be able to hold their own in the defensive zone. Add in new Florida Panthers prospect Marek Alscher, and it’s a group with significant NHL affiliation. In terms of non-drafted talent, David Moravec has started to adapt to the smaller North American ice better as the ice time continues to come in Halifax, so that could help him early on.
Forwards
The Czechs will have six NHL-drafted prospects, with Buffalo Sabres first-rounder Jiri Kulich leading the way. After dominating the U-18s with nine goals in six games and following that up with eight points at the summer WJC, Kulich has acclimated well in his first year in North America with the AHL’s Rochester Americans. It didn’t take him long to get into his groove and has been given ample opportunity to thrive in the team’s system. After his run in the summer, expectations are high for Kulich again this year.
The Czechs will be big up front with seven players standing at least 6-foot-3 or taller. Jaroslav Chmelar, a New York Rangers prospect, has thrived as a freshman at Providence College and will play a big role at the juniors after getting injured three games into the summer tournament. He’s not one to mess with, both physically and offensively.
If you’re a Vegas Golden Knights fan, you’ll be keeping a close eye on Jakub Brabenec and Matys Sapovaliv. Brabenec has been one of Charlottetown’s most dangerous scorers over the past two QMJHL seasons and is ready to jump to the U-20 team after playing a handful of games last year. Sapovaliv is a returning player but should play more after putting up a point-per-game with Saginaw.
Martin Rysavy has been a consistent name in Czechia’s national team ladder program and he’s back for his second go-around with the U-20 team. He’s had a quiet year with the Moose Jaw Warriors, but the Columbus seventh-round pick is so hard to knock off the puck and can kill penalties.
There’s also Petr Hauser, who the Devils took in the fifth round last year. When he lines you up physically, he can decimate you. He’s got a power-forward build and has experience against men with Praha this year, but his role will be more about being tough to play against.
Outside of the NHL-drafted prospects, Lukas Pajer had some decent efforts with the U-20 team this year. But, most importantly, if you were a fan of Ivan Ivan in the past, you’ll love Marcel Marcel – not just for his name, but he hits hard and has a great wrist shot, too.
NHL Draft watch
A projected top 10 pick, all eyes will be on Eduard Sale. The 2005-born forward has spent the whole year in the top men’s league and has looked good, despite his age. He has one of the best minds in the draft, especially when it comes to decision-making. Add in a quick release and good work ethic and there’s a lot to like. Being an underaged prospect shouldn’t hurt him – Sale will play quite a bit.
Projection
This team’s identity is clear: they will be a pain in the behind to play against. They might not have the best depth at any specific position, but they’ve got size, scoring acumen and solid goaltending. While I don’t think they’d be a favorite to beat Finland or USA in the quarterfinal, those are definitely solid matchups for them, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they won that. They need their goaltending to be strong, but that quarterfinal game, regardless of opponent, is their gold medal game.
Schedule
Dec. 26 vs. Canada – 6:30 PM ET
Dec. 27 vs. Austria – 6:30 PM ET
Dec. 29 vs. Sweden – 1:30 PM ET
Dec. 31 vs. Germany – 1:30 PM ET