***Horní Cerekev - Hometown of Denisa Křížová***
*(Source: Google Maps)*

Nestled amidst the rolling hills where Southern Bohemia meets Moravia lies the small village of Horní Cerekev. Dating back to 1361 and boasting a population just under two thousand, this tiny Czech village has been the birthplace of a few modest but rather obscure figures in the small nation’s history. They include the mother of Czech national revivalist Karel Borovský and Czechoslovak World War II pilot and Nazi resistance fighter Jan Pernikář.

Today, Horní Cerekev has added another to its rather small list of noteworthy citizens: Denisa Křížová, an all-star in Czech women's hockey whose journey from these humble origins is nothing short of inspiring. I had the unique opportunity to sit down with Denisa to explore her life, her hockey career, and her future aspirations as she continues to carve out her legacy in the world of international hockey.

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Denisa's love for ice hockey began as a very young girl, inspired by her father, who also played the sport in his youth. He routinely brought his youngest daughter and her older sister to local rinks, fulfilling his own desire to teach his children the game he cherished. "I never wanted to leave the rink when he would take me!" she recalled. Like many young athletes, she played alongside boys, unaware that women's hockey existed in Czechia. "I had no idea there was women's hockey here…" she admitted. “I grew up not knowing that I could play organized hockey, let alone grow up and play professionally…” For Denisa, playing with the boys was simply the norm. At 12 or 13 years old, it’s easy to understand how a young player such as her might be unaware of the opportunities available. However, her father, the man who inspired her to play, was quietly working behind the scenes to ensure she had the chance to pursue her passion for the game.

He began researching girls’ hockey programs in the country and eventually reached out to the coaches of Slavia Prague. At the time, Slavia boasted one of the best women's programs in Czechia and was a member of the European Women's Hockey League (EWHL), which included teams predominantly from Central and Eastern Europe.

***Křížová as a young player with HC Slavia Praha***
*(Source: HC Slavia Prague)*

Upon hearing she’d have a chance to join the team well over an hour away from her home, she jumped on the opportunity. During her two years with Slavia, Denisa and her teammates achieved an impressive record of 31-3, being crowned EWHL champions both years. She considers herself fortunate to have had the opportunity to play in Prague, her experience defined by the chance to be part of an all-women's team for the first time, early on in her development. "I was so happy to join a women's team; it helped me grow so much, giving me the chance to play travel hockey for the first time, and we were winning consistently," she said with a grin.

Traveling across Europe and winning championships naturally brought attention to Denisa as a rising standout player domestically. Perhaps most impressive about her time at Slavia Prague was her ability to integrate into a team that, due to the structure and organization of women's hockey at the time, included women from all age groups. Entering the club at just 13, Denisa found herself practicing and playing alongside teammates who were sometimes twice her age. "I was 13 at the time, and I had a teammate who was 28. It wasn't like it is now where there are multiple age levels for just one club." she recalled. Her ability to hold her own and mature quickly in her game did not go unnoticed at the highest levels of Czech hockey.

***Křížová battling during an EWHL game.***
*(Source: Slavia Prague)*

During her tenure at Slavia, Denisa was introduced to the national team for the first time. Her initial lack of awareness about the development programs was evident, she didn't even realize there was a structured pathway for girls to progress to the national team. "Nowadays, there are U19, U18, U16 teams—suddenly there are four different development teams. But for me growing up, I had no idea; there was only U18. So being a part of Slavia's program opened the door for me..." Indeed, the door opened wide. Her exposure to international competition with the U18 national team not only honed her skills but also broadened her perspective on the possibilities within hockey. It was during this time that she connected with a former goalie teammate of hers who had recently played in the United States and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. This sparked the idea of playing overseas for the first time. Her teammates family facilitated introductions to the National Sports Academy (NSA), a prestigious (but sadly, now defunct) boarding school in Lake Placid, New York, known for its elite girls' hockey program and for developing many of the best women's players of the current generation, such as PWHL stars Savannah Harmon and Kali Flanagan. After a few conversations, Denisa’s talents were recognized, and she was given the opportunity to pack her bags and move her life to North America.

For her, the decision was a no-brainer, but it was understandably more complex for her family. They faced the tough choice of sending their young daughter across the Atlantic to focus on her burgeoning hockey career. "Imagine me being 15 years old, all hyped up, telling my mom that all I want to do is play hockey. This is so exciting; I'm going to go over there and play, not thinking about life whatsoever, not thinking about school. Like, that just didn't exist for me then!" Denisa reminisced, her eyes lighting up as she recalled the moment her career was truly launching. "When you're 15 years old, you think you know everything. Everyone but you is stupid; you know better than your parents; you think you're just the best. It's funny to think about, but I was just so hyped."

For her parents, it was an equally exciting but challenging decision. "You have my dad who is so excited for me to go play hockey, but then you have my mom. She was asking, where are you going to live? What are you going to eat? Who's going to do your laundry? What about visas? She was thinking about the things people need in life." Despite the nervousness and concerns, Denisa and her family committed to the move. In the Fall of 2011, she relocated to Lake Placid, and began playing and living at the National Sports Academy. Little did she know, this move would be the first step in a journey that would shape her both personally and professionally, opening doors she hadn't even imagined.

Success on the ice came almost instantaneously. In her first season with NSA, she finished fourth on the team in points, notching 16 goals and 19 assists in 30 games. While her performance on the ice was notable, adjusting to life in the Adirondacks presented its own challenges. "I didn't speak any English!" she laughed. "Going through elementary school back home in Czechia, we had English language classes, and me being a cocky 15-year-old thinking, 'Yeah, I know English, I'll be fine!' I realized very quickly that I had no idea what people were saying to me! That first year in high school was tough for sure, but I am so happy I did it!" Her performances on the ice after that first year however, didn't suffer the same setbacks as her language journey. Each of her next two seasons at NSA saw her numbers and productivity improve, culminating in the 2013–2014 season where Denisa tied the team record in points, posting an incredible 23 goals and 22 assists in just 25 games—a stellar performance that was sure to get her noticed.

"When I went to Lake Placid for a few years, it really opened my eyes to just how big women's hockey is in the States, especially on the college side," Denisa said, amazed. "They have Division I, Division II, all these different levels... it was so cool to learn about the opportunities. So, I made it one of my goals when I got here: I wanted to become a Division I hockey player." Beyond competing and getting noticed for her skills on the ice, she added, "I saw the world a lot differently when trying to get into college... it's not the same from when I came over at 15 years old as it is for some others. In high school, you just want to do what you like; you don't want to be in school, you're hitting puberty. For me, I just wanted to focus on hockey, get into college... and learn English." Denisa had already experienced a tough transition when she first came to North America, but it took on a whole new level of difficulty when she had to meet more than just the standard in order to advance her hockey career. This included taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the SAT—spending countless hours with her English teachers after school, after practice, and after all her other work. "Knowing I wanted to go the college route, I knew I had to pass these tests, like really sit down, put the time and effort in. I probably had a different experience than other teenagers..." Yet, she persevered, and colleges and universities eventually took notice of her talent, which led the Czech prospect 250 miles east to the heart of New England: Boston, Massachusetts, and the next chapter of her journey, Northeastern University.

***Křížová as a member of the Northeastern University Huskies***
*(Source: Hokej.cz)*

After a few years in eastern New York, Denisa would make another drastic change. The move from rural to bustling urban life. "The fact I got to go to Boston... best city in the world. It was so much fun! I love Boston; I miss the city every time I get a chance to go back," she recalled fondly. "I just get all these memories flooding back that I made there... it was so cool to see how colleges and universities in the States are run. It's amazing that you have this time to focus on your academics, but you also have plenty of time to focus on the sports you love. The fact you can combine these things... it's amazing."

Over the next four years, Křížová would experience some of the best times of her life in Boston, finding success both in the classroom and on the ice. Now well removed from college, Denisa still recommends the North American college route to every player she talks to. "I always say, you really should go to college here in the U.S. It's the best experience to get your education and be part of such a professional sport... even if just for the facilities that are at these places. It's incredible; I have never seen anything like that since."

***“Her…work ethic and team-first attitude, along with her skill and speed, are what make her a special player”***
- *Northeastern HC Dave Flint*

During her time at Northeastern University, she had the chance to play alongside teammates like current PWHL greats Kendall Coyne Schofield and Hayley Scamurra. Denisa would go on to became the eighth-highest scorer in program history, amassing 169 points. She also placed sixth in program history in assists with 107 and was the leading goal scorer in her junior season, tallying 18 goals and 27 assists in 34 games. She attributes much of her success to the exceptional coaching she received from Northeastern's head coach, Dave Flint, and his staff, who helped develop Křížová and many other successful athletes who have emerged from the program. When I asked what he remembers about her time under his guidance, Coach Flint said, "Denisa was an elite player for us and had a great career. Her great work ethic and team-first attitude, along with her skill and speed, are what make her a special player... I was lucky to have been her coach for four years."

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Throughout our conversation, she frequently expressed how each incredible moment in her career seemed to follow one after another. It was as if each chapter of her journey unfolded more unexpectedly than the last, and with every milestone, success, and triumph, her sense of amazement only grew.

***Křížová with the Boston Pride of the former NWHL***

Source: www.pelhrimovsky.denik.cz

Křížová was picked thirteenth overall in the 2017 NWHL Draft—the highest form of women's hockey in the country at the time. Selected by the Connecticut Whale (but signing with the Boston Pride), she made history as the first professional women's hockey player of Czech origin to be drafted. It's a historic marker that is not lost on her. "Throughout my whole hockey career, I'm just like... wow!... I'm amazed. Like when I was 13, wow, there's women's hockey, who knew. When I'm 15, wow, I can go to the U.S. and play there! Wow, I can represent my country, I can go Division I! Wow, there's a women's professional league!" At this point, I could see the pure joy on her face as we spoke. You could still see the young player shining through, amazed and in wonder that the passion she had as a child was now her life. "This whole time I'm like... are you kidding me? Being drafted as the first Czech player, I was just like... another wow out of many, many, wows."

Denisa had the opportunity to suit up for the Boston Pride during the 2018–19 NWHL season, appearing in 16 games. Although her tenure was brief, she immediately showcased her potential and skill at the professional level. Adapting seamlessly to the heightened competition, she tallied 6 goals and 8 assists, amassing 14 points—nearly a point-per-game pace. Her performance highlighting not only her offensive prowess but also her ability to quickly adjust to the demands of professional hockey. However, her entry into the league came during a tumultuous time for women's hockey. "Around this time, the Canadian Women's League (CWHL) folded, and then the rumors started about the NWHL folding," Denisa recalled. The uncertainty surrounding the stability of professional women's hockey in North America made long-term planning difficult for many players. While the NWHL continued operating, the financial and organizational instability prompted Denisa to consider her options.

***Křížová as a member of Brynäs IF in the SDHL, the highest level of competition in Europe***
(*Source: www.brynas.se)*

Seizing a better opportunity, she decided to return to Europe for the first time since she was 13 years old. "Sweden had a better setup financially," she explained. "I hadn't been home in eight years, and I thought it might be time to switch it up and give my family the chance to fly and come watch me." Shortly after being introduced to the professional stage in North America, Denisa chose to do what was best for herself and her family amid the backdrop of uncertainty. She packed her bags for Sweden, ready to continue her career, for now, in a more stable environment. Her next move saw her join Brynäs IF in the Swedish Women's Hockey League (SDHL), widely regarded as the premier women's hockey league in Europe. Throughout our conversation, it was clear that returning closer to home was the best choice for her at this stage of her career. It was a trend that many European athletes shared with Denisa—leaving home at a young age to pursue their dreams in North America, often far from family, support systems, and the familiarity of home. "[Sweden] was another wow. It eye-opening experience at the time," she shared. "Here's this league, it's close to home, I can still make good money, I can still keep chasing my dreams in hockey..."

And chase them she did. Over three seasons with Brynäs IF, Denisa became a key player and one of the team's leading scorers. She played 106 regular-season games, netting an impressive 56 goals and adding 72 assists. In addition, she appeared in 23 playoff games, contributing another 13 goals and 7 assists. Her outstanding performance was instrumental in helping Brynäs IF secure two third-place finishes and a silver medal, narrowly missing out on the SDHL championship in the 2020–21 season. Her time in Sweden not only allowed her family to watch her play more easily but also enabled her to continue developing her game in a highly competitive environment. Despite her success in Sweden those years, Denisa felt throughout a growing desire for challenges and opportunities that would push her to become an even better player. “I loved my time in Sweden, but I started to feel like it was time for a change after those few years…”' she admitted. “I wanted to push myself further and explore what else was out there.” Hearing positive things about the rebranded Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) in the U.S. reignited her interest in North American hockey. “After three years, I had heard good things about the U.S., the rebrand of the PHF—the evolution of the NWHL—and I got a call to play for the Minnesota Whitecaps. I thought, you know, why not?” she smiled.

Denisa was happy she took the chance to return to North America. As swiftly as she had left her pro career there, she was back—this time in a part of the United States markedly different from the bustling streets of Boston. "Minnesota was so different. It's literally the State of Hockey, like I always heard people saying. I always thought, you're just saying that, who cares? But it's real—the amount of hockey here, and it's year-round. It was so cool to be a part of it," she remarked. Joining the Minnesota Whitecaps for the 2022–23 season, Denisa quickly became an integral part of the team. She appeared in 24 regular-season games, and her consistent performance helped the Whitecaps secure a playoff spot. Her experience added valuable depth to the roster. Embracing the community and the passionate hockey culture of Minnesota, she felt at home both on and off the ice.

However, life had other plans. Just as her time with the Boston Pride had come to an unexpected close, Denisa's tenure with the Minnesota Whitecaps ended abruptly as well. The underlying uncertainties in the world of women's professional hockey that initially prompted Denisa to depart began to surface once more. After the season concluded, she returned to Czechia for the summer to train and prepare for the upcoming campaign. She had already signed a contract to return to the ‘State of Hockey’ and was eager to continue this chapter of her career. "Suddenly, we got this email or text..." she recalled. The Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) had been sold, was ceasing operations, and players contracts were to be voided. Suddenly, almost overnight, professional women's hockey in North America hit a standstill. The reverberations were felt quite literally around the world.

"It was a roller coaster of emotions... I remember I broke down, being at home with my parents. I didn't know what was next," Denisa shared. The uncertainty was enough to make any athlete reconsider their future. Thousands of miles away from her team and with her career in limbo, the thought of quitting hockey even crossed her mind. "Like, do I still even want to play hockey?" she asked herself. "Do I want to go back to the Swedish league or Switzerland? It's really hard to describe those feelings because suddenly you think about things like, I have a lease signed in Minnesota, I have a car there, I have a life there..."For the next few months, everything hung in the balance as rumors of a new league swirled, and players around the world pondered their futures and the realities of potential retirement. Denisa credits her family as the glue that held her together during this uncertain time. "My family was so supportive. They kept me grounded and reminded me to take things day by day."

Amid her personal doubts and the collective uncertainty among players, glimmers of hope began to appear on the horizon. Slowly, talks of what was to come began to surface. Leaks hinted at a new organization—a league that aimed to do things differently, a player focused collective bargaining agreement (CBA), and an ownership group committed to the future of women's hockey. "You start to hear that there is going to be a draft, there's going to be all these new teams... but I was like, I don't want to hear anything unless it's written on paper! It would drive you crazy; you would read a rumor and then it would crush you again because it wouldn't be true…" Denisa recalled. Over that long summer, rumors eventually transformed into reality. The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) was officially established in 2023—a monumental effort driven by a coalition of current and former players who took matters into their own hands. Backed by influential figures like tennis icon Billie Jean King and significant investment from the Mark Walter Group, the PWHL aimed to provide stability, equity, and a sustainable future for women's hockey. For the first time, it seemed that women's hockey had a true north star to guide it forward.

True to the recurring theme in her journey, Křížová found herself at yet another pivotal moment that left her in awe thinking “wow”. "I guess things happen for a reason! I got drafted, which was the first step, and all I could think was, wow! I get to be part of this league. It's not over; I can continue to play hockey, keep chasing my dreams. And of course, I got drafted by Minnesota, which worked out so perfectly," she exclaimed. Selected 48th overall by the Minnesota franchise, Denisa was welcomed back to the city where she had reignited her North American career. This time, however, she was returning to a state that embraced women's hockey more feverishly than ever before.

Returning to Minnesota wasn't just a personal victory for Denisa; it also marked her entry into a league poised to revolutionize women's hockey, and one that promised greater exposure and accessibility for fans. For Denisa's parents, this meant they could watch their daughter's games live or on-demand from Czechia. "For my parents, it was the first time they could go back and re-watch my games whenever they liked, even if they couldn't catch them live," she noted. The league's ambitious marketing campaign captivated the hockey community, drawing global attention and uniting fans. "The biggest difference is just the business side of it... having these sold-out crowds, having these people here in Minnesota be the best fans in the league, with all the merch. I'm super lucky and fortunate that I got to be a part of it," Denisa shared enthusiastically.

Minnesota clinched a playoff berth as the fourth and final team to advance to the postseason. The magic of hockey was on full display as the team embarked on an unlikely path to the Walter Cup. Facing the heavy favorites Toronto—who had the opportunity to choose their first-round opponent and perhaps underestimated Minnesota—they staged a remarkable comeback. After losing the first two games, Minnesota executed a stunning reverse sweep to eliminate Toronto from the playoffs, a dramatic turnaround that demonstrated the team's resilience and determination. Despite the team's struggles at times, Minnesota found ways to win when it mattered most. In the finals, Minnesota faced Boston in a thrilling five-game series. The team continued to defy expectations, overcoming numerous challenges, however, it was the collective effort, including veteran leadership from players like Křížová (who contributed two crucial goals during that playoffs), that propelled Minnesota to victory. Ultimately, they bested Boston to win the inaugural Walter Cup, securing a shutout victory on Boston's home ice to close out the series.

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As we wrapped up our conversation after nearly an hour of exchanging stories and talking hockey, I had two final questions for Denisa. Like players who have won the Stanley Cup, members of the Minnesota team were told they would be allowed to have their 'day with the cup,' where they could take it home to their local communities, the rinks where they grew up, or any place meaningful to them. When I asked Denisa about her plans, I was saddened to learn that the opportunity to bring the trophy back to Czechia was not yet fully confirmed. "I really wish I could bring it home to the Czech Republic—to show my friends and family. It would mean so much to me," she said. When I inquired if it was in the works, she replied, "I'm talking to people about it, still waiting for a couple of answers, but hopefully it will work out because that would be so cool—to be the first ever to bring it home."

Denisa did eventually get her day with the cup stateside locally in Minnesota. "I [brought] it to my gym, to my trainers who helped me throughout the offseason and every single day. They [were so excited to see the trophy]. I also volunteered and helped coach the girls' program at Hamline University, a local NCAA Division III school, so [I brought it to the girls there]. I have been with them for three years." She also organized an event with local girls' youth hockey players of all ages. Her intention was to give girls from around the community the chance to see the cup, enjoy the atmosphere, and soak in the magic of professional women's hockey coming to life right before their eyes.

Finally, we broached the topic of reflection. I asked her to look back and share a moment that has stood out as the best in her career thus far. Her answer was a bit surprising, yet perfectly in line with the kind of person and player she is. "The best moment was with the national team when we qualified for the Olympics. We had lost to Germany in the 2013 qualifiers, then in 2017 we played and lost to Switzerland. I guess third time's the charm! Making the team, flying to China—it was incredible! I'll never forget those moments. Denisa emphasized how important and meaningful it is to pull on the Czech national team jersey. Hearing her speak about the triumph of finally qualifying for the Games was heartfelt, and it was equally moving to hear her excitement about the possibility of representing her country again in less than two years at the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics. Beyond finally being able to compete in front of their family and friends, the goal this time is to field a team that can challenge the USA and Canada for a spot on the podium—in what would be their first Olympic medal in women's hockey…

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Denisa recognizes that when she was growing up, the journey she undertook wasn't possible through the pathways available to young women's hockey players today. "Back then, when I was growing up, I feel like it was either stay home, play with the boys for as long as you could, and then quit hockey at some point because you can't play with the boys forever. Or you just had to accept going to the States to join high school teams or college teams," she described.

Reflecting on our conversation and hearing Denisa's story from beginning to present, it's clear that this 30-year-old is truly unique. She's chosen a path that, years from now, I hope will be discussed at length when the pioneers of the sport are remembered. As one of the first Europeans to make the jump to North America—not only to play but to succeed, to grow up here, to study and learn, and ultimately become a professional athlete here—she has blazed a trail in a league dedicated to inspiring millions of girls worldwide, showing them that they too have the right to dream big and strive for greatness.

As the now newly rebranded Minnesota Frost prepare to embark on their second season in the PWHL, I can't help but think about the little girls in Czechia who have now seen a native of their homeland hoist the grandest trophy in women's hockey—a trophy which, if progress continues with this generation's momentum, will become as revered and synonymous as Lord Stanley's Cup. I see a team that boasts superstars and celebrities, but also a young woman from Horní Cerekev who has grown alongside the sport, become its newest champion, and will continue to inspire for generations to come.

As humble as Denisa comes across, I have a feeling that when the day finally comes for her to hang up her skates, the hockey world will look back at the path she's taken, the unknowns she's braved, and the successes she's earned at every level. And I imagine someone might read an article that tells her story in full and simply close it, thinking to themselves... "wow.”

Denisa Křížová: Her Hockey Story

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