Wild prospect Pavel Novak: ‘I beat cancer’

Pavel Novak, a 20-year-old prospect in the Minnesota Wild organization, has posted online that he has successfully beaten cancer.

In June, Novak posted that he was diagnosed with an oncological disease and was to start treatment immediately. Novak signed his three-year entry-level contract with the Wild a month before the cancer diagnosis.

“After a few months of troubles, I’m happy to share with you that I beat the cancer. There is no better feeling than to be healthy again,” Novak said.

I would like to say thank you to all the doctors who helped me to get over this. You’re my heroes. The biggest thank you to my parents and sister who always supported me and
went thru all treatment with me. lt wouldn’t work without you.

“Also thank you to everyone who was praying for me! I’m really excited about what the future brings.”

Novak was drafted in the fifth round by Minnesota back in 2020. The scoring winger recorded 29 goals and 72 points in 62 regular season games with the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets last year and was a stalwart with Czechia’s U-20 team.

At the 2022 World Junior Championship in Edmonton, Czechia forward Michael Gut used specially designed True sticks in honor of Novak. The sticks were auctioned off, with proceeds going to the Ivan Hlinka Endowment Fund.

Born in 2002, Novak is eligible for an overage season in the WHL. Adam Kydd, Novak’s teammate with the Rockets, is currently tied for the points lead among overage WHLers with seven in three games.

While it’s unclear what’s next for Novak and his career, this is a fantastic feel-good story to kick off the season.