Player Spotlight: Magdalena Erbenová

Magdalena Erbenová, a fifth-year graduate student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), has made a significant impact on the ice. Born in the town of Benátky nad Jizerou, just south of Mlada Boleslav, Czechia, Erbenová's journey in hockey however, is just a small glimpse into her character and ambition.

Early Beginnings and International Experience

Erbenová's hockey career began in her home country, where she played for and succeeded at both Slavia Prague and HC Příbram, earning the opportunity to represent Czechia on the international stage right from the start. Her leadership skills were evident early on as she captained the national teams at the U15 and U18 levels and even led the Youth Olympic team at U16. Her exceptional performance earned her the title of one of three Best Players of the Czech National Team in 2017 and 2018 at the U18 World Championships.

Reflecting on her early passion for hockey, Erbenová shared, “I can’t remember much from the very beginning, but I do know that once I put on hockey gear, I didn’t want to take it off. My passion for the sport was partly inspired by my brother, who also played hockey—I wanted to be like him. My grandad, who was a coach, played a big role too. His influence and my growing love for the game solidified my connection to hockey.”

Her international accolades have been diverse and impressive, including winning the European U16 Championship in 2015 and securing second place at the Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer in 2016. She’s even achieved first place in International Roller Hockey tournaments in Boskovice and Barcelona in subsequent years. These experiences shaped her career early on, preparing her for the level of competitive hockey she would come to seek as she got older and more experienced.

Discussing her early experiences in Czechia, particularly in Benátky nad Jizerou and at Slavia, Erbenova noted, “At the time, there wasn’t much of a women’s league, or at least it wasn’t very popular. That actually worked in my favor, as playing with boys until juniors was probably the best thing that could have happened for my development. Boys are faster and stronger, so playing alongside them pushed me harder than anything else. It taught me to keep up and challenged me to grow as a player.”

These formative years not only honed her skills but also instilled a resilience and competitive edge that would serve her well throughout her career, leading her ultimately, to North America and the NCAA.

Collegiate Career at RPI

Erbenová's journey to RPI is one that’s required flexibility and patience. Reflecting on her path, she shared, “It’s been an interesting journey, to say the least. I was at a national team tournament when I ended up talking with our captain for a long time. During that conversation, she asked me about my future plans and mentioned the option of going abroad to university to play hockey. I loved the concept and started looking into it. With her help, I reached out to coaches at different schools. Initially, I committed to another university when I was a junior, but they wanted me to spend a year as a postgraduate at a U.S. high school first. I chose Northwood, and it turned out to be a fantastic year full of adventures, even though it was cut short due to COVID. However, that initial commitment fell apart during my PG year, so I had to find another school. RPI was one of the schools I was in touch with at the time. I loved the school, the league, and the coaches, so it was an easy decision to commit. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but every challenge along the way was worth it.”

Erbenová joined RPI in the 2020-21 season, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, she did not compete that year. However, she made her mark academically, earning a spot on the ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team, an accolade that would become a hallmark of her career, exemplifying the true student athlete experience, made even more impressive being an international student.

In the 2021-22 campaign, Erbenová played all 32 games, ending the season ranking third on the team in assists. Her defensive prowess was highlighted by her team-high 75 blocked shots, with multiple blocks in 16 games and a season-high of eight blocks in a single game against Quinnipiac. And while her on-ice talent was impressive, her hard work in the classroom earned her another ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team honor.

In her Junior year (2022-23), Erbenová demonstrated her maturing prowess on the ice. She was a cornerstone of the team, suiting up for 18 games, and defensively, Erbenová was formidable, amassing 33 blocked shots and ensuring her presence was felt in 14 games with at least one block.

In her final undergraduate season, 2023-24, Erbenová played 11 games, adding one goal and two assists to her career totals. She continued to maintain her defensive responsibilities with 22 blocked shots, but most impressively her academic excellence continued to shine as she was named to the ECAC All-Academic Team once again. Her third in four years.

As she concludes her tenure at RPI, Erbenová has returned to the ice for her fifth and final year of eligibility, playing in 9 games through the season so far. She once again has demonstrated her invaluable defensive skills, achieving a season-high of 5 blocks in an early November game against Clarkson. She even scored the game-winning goal against Brown just a few short weeks ago.

Beyond the Ice

However, Erbenová’s impact extends far beyond the rink and the classroom. While excelling academically and earning a spot on the Dean’s Honor List, she also dedicated time to meaningful community service. During her time at Northwood School, she interned at a local senior healthcare center, and during her time working with the elderly community, she has launched a nonprofit aimed at enriching seniors’ lives through engaging activities, impactful seminars, and meaningful trips. Her efforts culminated in the project being recognized as the Most Valuable Project in Czechia, an accolade which goes far beyond her leadership on the ice, and speaks volumes about her character.

Reflecting on her academic journey and future aspirations (potentially in hockey), she shared, “I completed my…degree in Business and Management last year, and now I’m in the MBA program. I’ve been taking things one step at a time, especially after my injuries, to see if I could still play hockey at a high level. My goal is to continue playing hockey in Europe for a few more years—probably in Sweden, Switzerland, or Finland—while also finding a job I can balance with my hockey career.”

Personal Life and Future Aspirations

Magdalena’s journey is a blend of athletic excellence, academic achievement, and community service. As she prepares to graduate with her MBA from RPI, Erbenová leaves behind her own legacy of hard work, determination, and a commitment to making a difference both on and off the ice.

When asked what the defining moment from her career thus far is, she answered “I’d have to say the Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer. The atmosphere was incredible, and getting to experience it at just 14-16 years old was truly special. Not only did we perform well in the tournament, but there was so much to do outside the rink. Meeting new people, cheering for other sports, and soaking in the overall Olympic spirit made it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

While her future endeavors remain to be seen, there is no doubt that Erbenová will continue to excel in whatever path she chooses, carrying forward the lessons and experiences from her career at RPI and her international exploits.

In the world of collegiate hockey, players like Magdalena remind us that success is not only measured by statistics, but also by the impact one has on their team, community, and beyond. Her story is an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a testament to the power of ambition and will. We will continue to root her on, no matter where her journey takes her!

-ČWHR

*Photo’s graciously provided by: George Rizos (@georgerizosphoto) and Magdalena Erbenová