This weekend, the SDHL ushered in a new season with its first pre-season games, highlighted by Vendula Přibylová scoring an exciting goal for MoDo, and Tereza Pištěková scoring twice in her unreal SDHL pre-season debut for Djurgårdens! For the first time, we’re catching a glimpse of players on the ice as they return from summer, ready to take on the challenge of a new campaign.

Much like in Finland, the SDHL is brimming with talent. It is without reasonable doubt the best league on the continent, and for many players the road to play for either their national team or in North America often runs through the SDHL. There is a unique atmosphere surrounding the league this year, with several players planning to cross over to the NCAA at the conclusion of the season, while others are simply looking to take the next step in their careers.

As we head into the new season, several storylines are poised to shape the SDHL, particularly for Czech players.

Similar to the Finnish League (now Aurora Liiga), the SDHL has seen many of its top players depart for the newly formed Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) or other opportunities abroad. Czech stars like Noemi Neubauerová, Daniela Pejšová, Aneta Tejralová, and Dominika Lásková have all left the SDHL in the last 12 months, leaving fans and analysts wondering who will step up to fill the void and deliver standout performances this season.

That void will most certainly be felt in net. Klára Peslarová, a standout goaltender who has been a key player in the SDHL for the last 5 seasons, has received an invite to PWHL Boston’s pre-season camp. Her return to the SDHL is uncertain, but her impact on the league cannot be understated. Her stats from last season reinforce this, with a save percentage consistently above .900 and the ability to single-handedly change the outcome of games.

But there are two other goaltenders I’m particularly excited to watch. One who has attracted attention is Blanka Skodová. Despite her club AIK's relegation and last-place finish, Skodová's performance was admirable. She began the previous season with HIFK in Finland, winning all five of her games before moving to the SDHL. After five years of NCAA Division I experience at UVM and Minnesota-Duluth, her return to Europe was met with high expectations, but the season didn’t pan out as many I’m sure had hoped. Transitioning from NCAA hockey to European leagues hasn’t been without its challenges, but her talent is undeniable. Skodová remains a key figure on the Czech national team, where she was the starting goalie for the bronze medal-winning team at the 2022-23 Women’s World Championship. As of this writing, her future club and league is still undecided, and many Czech hockey fans are eager to see where she will end up.

***Viktorie Švejdová***
*Team Czechia 2022 Winter Olympics*

Viktorie Švejdová is another netminder bringing intriguing storylines to the new season. She joins HV71 after a season in which her former club, SDE, narrowly secured a playoff spot, finishing just one point above the last playoff position. Švejdová’s journey has been one of growth and perseverance. Having spent much of her developmental years with MoDo (2018-2022), where she essentially grew up and honed her skills, Švejdová brings a wealth of experience to HV71. Last season, she played a pivotal role in SDE's push for the playoffs, although they were ultimately swept by MoDo in the first round. As she reenters the fray, Švejdová’s experience and resilience will be critical for HV71's ambitions. I am optimistic that she will make a significant impact for the club this season. With HV71 seemingly in a better position to enable Švejdová’s success with better talent up front, I expect a big comeback in the league!

As alluded to already, the departure of some of the league’s biggest names has created an opportunity for new stars to emerge and make their mark. While there are many talented players eager to step into the spotlight, a few stand out as particularly exciting to watch. These players bring a combination of skill, potential, and the drive to elevate their game to new heights. Here are the three players I believe will capture the attention of fans and analysts alike this season.

Adéla Šapovalivová

At just 18 years old, Adéla Šapovalivová has already established herself as the top Czech women’s hockey prospect, with an impressive list of accolades and accomplishments that few her age can rival. Her meteoric rise in the world of hockey can be largely attributed to her outstanding performances with the Czech national team program, where she has consistently delivered at every level.

Šapovalivová’s recent season with MoDo in the SDHL was nothing short of spectacular. Leading all U18 players in goals, assists, and total points, she claimed the titles for Most Assists by a Junior (18), Most Goals by a Junior (11), and Most Points by a Junior (29). Her dominance on the ice also earned her the prestigious Rookie of the Year award and a silver medal in the SDHL. However, her achievements extend beyond league play. At the U18 World Junior Championships (WJC), Šapovalivová was a standout performer, leading her team with nine goals and two assists, which earned her a spot on the All-Star Team and the title of Best Forward of the tournament.

Her leadership was critical in pushing the Czech U18 team to a silver medal, and her ability to perform in clutch moments—such as her game-winning goal in the quarterfinals against Sweden—showcases her potential to become a global star in women’s hockey.

Šapovalivová’s journey continues as she prepares to make the transition to North American hockey. She has committed to playing at the University of Wisconsin for the 2025-26 season, a move that promises to further her development and expose her to the highest levels of collegiate competition. If her trajectory continues as it has, Šapovalivová is poised to be a top candidate for the PWHL draft in the near future, where she could make an even bigger impact on the world stage.

Sara Čajanová

Sara Čajanová has rapidly established herself as one of the premier defensive players in the SDHL, and this season she is set to be a crucial part of Brynäs IF's ambitions. Coming up through the Vsetín system in Czechia, Čajanová was always a standout player, known for her exceptional vision on the ice and her ability to control the game from the blue line. Her performance as a junior was nothing short of extraordinary, putting up numbers that caught the attention of scouts across Europe.

Since joining Brynäs IF in the 2020-21 season, Sara has been on a meteoric rise. Each year has seen her points totals soar, culminating in an impressive 25 points last season, placing her as the fourth highest-scoring defenseman in the entire SDHL. This is no small feat in a league that features some of the best talents in women's hockey. Her ability to contribute both offensively and defensively has made her an indispensable part of Brynäs' lineup.

Čajanová's leadership skills were also evident early on in her career, as she captained the Czech U18 team at the 2020 World Junior Championships, where she was recognized as a Top 3 Player on her team. This leadership quality has translated seamlessly into her professional career, where she continues to lead by example on and off the ice.

Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, all eyes will be on Čajanová as she aims to build on her stellar performances and help Brynäs make a deep playoff run. Her combination of skill, experience, and leadership makes her one of the most exciting players to watch this season, not just within Brynäs IF, but across the entire SDHL.

Tereza Plosová

Rounding out the list is Tereza Plosová, another exciting young prospect from the Czech national team system. Plosová, who at just 18 years old, finished in the Top 40 in the SDHL last season, made an immediate impact in her rookie year. She recorded 8 goals and 15 assists in the regular season, adding three more points during the playoffs.

Plosová’s international experience is equally impressive. She was a key player in Czechia's U18 team that won silver at the World Junior Championships, and she has consistently performed at a high level in international play. Plosová has already committed to playing at the University of Minnesota starting next season, setting up an exciting future matchup with Adéla Šapovalivová when she joins the NCAA (Yes, I am already counting down to when I can watch Wisconsin vs. Minnesota).

Plosová’s combination of youth, skill, and determination makes her one of the most promising players to watch this season. Her ability to adapt and thrive in one of the world’s toughest leagues speaks volumes about her potential, and her move to the NCAA next year will only further her development.

Honorable Mention: An honorable mention must go to Tereza Pištěková, whose impact in the SDHL is already being felt. Fresh off a successful stint with HPK in Finland, Pištěková made a statement in her pre-season debut with Djurgårdens IF this weekend, scoring two incredible goals and showcasing the skill set that has fans buzzing with anticipation. Her seamless transition into the league adds another layer of excitement as she looks to build on her impressive performances from the Naisten Liiga. With such a strong start, Pištěková is certainly a player to watch closely as the season progresses.

As we shift our focus it’s also important to highlight the voices and experiences of other impactful players in the league. I had the opportunity to speak with Kristýna Pátková, whose journey and insights offer a deeper understanding of what it means to compete at this level. As she enters her second year in the SDHL, her perspective offers valuable insight into what it's like to transition from the NCAA to one of the most competitive leagues in Europe, and how she’s embraced the challenges and opportunities that come with it.

When asked about her experience playing in the SDHL and for Linköping, Pátková expressed her love for the league’s competitiveness and physicality. "I love playing in the SDHL. It’s a great and competitive league, and I’ve really enjoyed the transition from the NCAA. I grew up playing with boys until I was 18, so the physical style here feels natural to me." She’s particularly excited about returning for her second year with Linköping, noting, "This year feels really awesome so far. I think we have a great team and could go far this season."

As for her goals this season, Pátková is focused on continual improvement and making a significant impact. "My biggest goal is to keep getting better every day and every game. I’m also hoping to earn a spot on the National team and help our team go further this season."

Living in Sweden has been another highlight for Pátková, who has embraced the culture and lifestyle. "I love the country, and the city of Linköping is amazing. I spend a lot of time in the city, especially enjoying some Fika (a coffee break as the Swedes call it). And of course, the hockey is the best in Europe, so it’s hard to pick just one favorite thing."

Playing against friends and national teammates adds an extra layer of excitement to her SDHL experience. "It’s great having friends on other teams. Sometimes it gets heated during the game when we’re battling hard, but after the game, we’re always friends. Last year, I was particularly excited to play against AIK to see my best friend Blanka Škodová, or Brynäs to see Nemo [Noemi Neubauerova], but I’m always excited to see my other Czech friends as well."

Pátková's reflections on her journey and her aspirations for the upcoming season are truly inspiring. I am eagerly anticipating her second year in Sweden, as she holds a special place for me as a fan of Czech women’s hockey. Allow me to share a brief anecdote: Two years ago, following the Czech women's historic qualification for their first Winter Olympics, the national team auctioned off some of the jerseys worn during their game against Denmark. At the time, I was still getting into following and cheering for the women's team, but I was thrilled to discover a player who not only shared my birthday (shameless plug) but also played for the University of Vermont in my home state. After winning the auction for her jersey, I reached out to Kristýna, where we traded a few messages, and have remained in contact ever since. She remains one of the most memorable and positive interactions I’ve had with a professional player so far, and is one of the people who have inspired me to start this blog, website, and journey following the Czech Women’s National Team.

The SDHL continues to be a proving ground for some of the best talent in women’s hockey, and the stories we follow this season will undoubtedly shape the future of Czech hockey. Whether it’s the battle for supremacy among the leagues scorers, the emergence of new talent, or the personal journeys of players like Krystina Patkova as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of professional hockey, the 2024-2025 season promises to be one to follow.

As the season gets underway, the eyes of the European hockey community will be on Sweden, and the SDHL will once again show why it remains at the pinnacle of women’s hockey across the Atlantic. With so much talent on display and so many compelling storylines to follow, this season is set to be a thrilling journey.

The SDHL Season Preview

NCAA Season Preview

Naisten Liiga Season Preview