Czechia unveils men’s roster for 2026 Winter Olympics

One of the dark horses heading into Milan is geared up and ready to go.

On Tuesday, the Czech Ice Hockey Federation revealed its men’s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The group of 25 players is prepared to represent their country on the biggest stage in sports, and potentially make a solid run in the tournament.

The group features loads of both active and former NHL talent. The team will be led by Boston Bruins sniper David Pastrnak, who played a key role in helping the Czechs win gold at the 2024 IIHF Men’s World Championship. The forward group is stacked with scoring threats such as Martin Necas, Tomas Hertl and Ondrej Palat.

The D-Corps is a solid veteran bunch, headed by Radko Gudas, Michal Kempny, and Filip Hronek, all looking to make the most of their opportunity on the Olympic stage. Goaltending could be the difference-maker in what could be a tough Group A. Anaheim Ducks standout Lukas Dostal is expected to be the No. 1, but has a great supporting crew in Dan Vladar and Karel Vejmelka.

Forwards: David Pastrnak, Roman Cervenka, Martin Necas, Dominik Kubalik, Jakub Flek, Lukas Sedlak, Ondrej Palat, Pavel Zacha, Tomas Hertl, David Kampf, Ondrej Kase, Radek Faksa, David Tomasek, Matej Stransky

Defensemen: Radko Gudas, Tomas Kundratek, Michal Kempny, Jan Rutta, David Spacek, Filip Hronek, Jan Tichacek, Radim Simek

Goaltenders: Lukas Dostal, Dan Vladar, Karel Vejmelka

This will be the first time NHLers will be allowed to compete at the Olympics since Sochi in 2014. Czechia was the first to win gold in the “NHL era” of Olympic competition in 1998. The country also won bronze in 2006, finishing seventh in 2002 and 2010, along with a sixth-place result in 2014. As Czechia, the country has made it to the semifinals three times.

Here’s Czechia’s schedule for its group stage games:

• Thursday, Feb. 12: Czechia vs. Canada, 10:40 a.m. ET
• Friday, Feb. 13: France vs. Czechia, 10:40 a.m. ET
• Sunday, Feb. 15: Switzerland vs. Czechia, 6:10 a.m. ET

The play-off round will take place on Feb. 17, with the quarterfinals taking place the following day. Both semifinal games will occur on Feb. 20. The bronze medal game will be held on Feb. 21, with the tournament culminating on Feb. 22 with the gold medal game.