ČWHR’s Team Czechia Preview: Home Ice Ambitions
Czechia’s “Lionesses” enter the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship riding the momentum of breakthrough success. They captured historic bronze medals in 2022 and 2023, asserting themselves among the world’s top teams. Although they fell just short in 2024 – losing the bronze-medal game in a heart-breaking shootout to Finland – the Czechs remain hungry to return to the podium on home ice. This year’s tournament in České Budějovice has already sold over 70,000 tickets, signaling unprecedented home support for a tournament that the nation now hosts for the first time in history. Head coach Carla MacLeod’s squad is determined to reward that enthusiasm with a third medal-winning campaign, and perhaps even stage a major upset. With a deeper, healthier roster now, Czechia could threaten the usual Canada-USA duopoly without anyone daring to predict exactly what color their medal might be. The stage is set for the host nation to make more history in front of an electric home crowd!
As the ČWHR team prepares to board the plane and make the jump overseas for the knockout rounds, we’ve previewed this years star-studded roster, and breakdown perhaps the most talented squad the Czech’s have ever assembled at this tournament.
Goaltenders
Klára Peslarová (Boston Fleet, PWHL) – The 28-year-old backbone of Czechia’s defense comes in as the team’s presumptive starter once more. Peslarová has spent this season in the PWHL with Boston, where she‘s had limited opportunities behind star goalie Aerin Frankel. Let that not fool you though, she has no doubt been able to practice alongside and take reps from some of the best players in the world during her stay in Boston. Despite the lighter workload, her pedigree is unquestioned – she was the SDHL Goalie of the Year in 2022 and an All-Star at the Beijing Olympics. Peslarová’s big-game experience and quick reflexes will be pivotal, Czechia’s medal hopes rest on her playing up to the elite level she has shown in the past.
Michaela Hesová (Dartmouth College, NCAA) – Just 19, Hesová turned heads in her freshman collegiate season. As Dartmouth’s primary netminder, she faced a barrage of shots nightly and still posted a .916 save percentage in ECAC play. Her efforts earned her Second Team honors and a unanimous selection to the ECAC All-Rookie Team, and just over the weekend, was named Dartmouth Women’s Hockey MVP for the season. A technically sound goalie with poise beyond her years, Hesová could back up Peslarová and could see action against lower seeds. The experience she gained backstopping a rebuilding Dartmouth should serve her well under World Championship pressure.
Viktorie Švejdová (HV71, SDHL) – Švejdová spent 2024–25 with HV71 in Sweden’s top league, an invaluable training ground for high-pressure games. She played 24 of 36 regular-season games for HV71, registering a 90.00% save rate and a 2.96 GAA despite her team finishing near the bottom of the standings in a challenging year for the club. The 22-year-old showed resilience facing Sweden’s best shooters. Švejdová brings agility and a battler’s mentality as Czechia’s likely third goalie. Her SDHL season – featuring 7 wins, 1 shutout, and many hard-earned lessons – leaves her prepared to step in if called upon.
Defense
Daniela Pejšová (Boston Fleet, PWHL) – A dynamic two-way defender, Pejšová transitioned to North American pro hockey this season as the #7 overall PWHL draft pick. With the Boston Fleet she has tallied 3 assists in 23 games thus far while adjusting to a league full of the best talent in the world. Pejšová’s offensive upside hasn’t quite fully been unleashed in Boston quite yet (very recently being given the chance to play forward alongside Hilary Knight and Susanna Tapani), so she’ll be eager to jump into the play for the national team. At just 22, she already has World Championship All-Star honors on her resume and scored a key goal in the historic 2022 win over Finland. Look for Pejšová to quarterback the top power-play unit and spark offense from the back end.
Aneta Tejralová (Ottawa Charge, PWHL) – The Captain. An offensive-minded defender, Tejralová has continued to elevate her game. In Ottawa, the 29-year-old Czech blueliner has been part of a deep defense corps that includes her defensive partner Finnish star Ronja Savolainen. Tejralová has chipped in modestly on the scoresheet (this season surpassing last season’s totals with 1g and 9a’s thus far), but more importantly, she’s played a key role on Ottawa’s special teams and has proven herself countless times against top North American forwards. Fans will never forget that it was Tejralová who scored the overtime winner to beat Finland in 2022 – that clutch gene and her puck-moving skills make her a potential X-factor. Expect her to join the rush and provide the veteran stability in the Czech defensive rotation we all expect her to be.
Dominika Lásková (Montreal Victoire, PWHL) – Lásková brings veteran savvy and a calming presence on defense. After missing last year’s Worlds due to injury, the 28-year-old will look to get back on track despite her limited playing time with the Montreal Victoire in the PWHL. Lásková was anticipated to be a steady contributor on their blue line but has only featured in just 10 games. In January of 2024 she suffered a significant knee injury, one which she has spent much of the last year plus recovering from. She played her first game in 403 days back on March 3rd of this season. Her dedication to rehabilitation has been commended by the GM of the organization Danièle Sauvageau. A former Merrimack College assistant captain, Lásková is a smooth skater who can make the smart first pass out of the zone. Her experience and leadership will be invaluable, especially in tight, defensive battles. For many Czech women’s hockey fans, ourselves included, the hope is this tournament can be the launching point for the revitalization of her career after a tough recovery.
Klára Seroiszková (HV71, SDHL) – Seroiszková, 24, spent the season helping anchor the blue line for HV71 in Sweden. On a young HV71 squad that struggled to find wins, she was a workhorse defender, often tasked with shutting down the opposition’s top lines. Seroiszková didn’t put up big points in the SDHL (her role was more stay-at-home), but she did gain valuable experience in a league known for high-pace and skilled play. A reliable left-shot defenseman with good size, she brings a physical element to Czechia’s back end. Seroiszková’s season in Sweden should have sharpened her defensive reads and battle-tested her for the fast tempo of international play.
Andrea Trnková (RPI Engineers, NCAA) – Trnková is coming off a standout sophomore season at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in the NCAA. At just 19, she led all defense on her college team in scoring with 17 points (8 goals, 9 assists) over 30 games – an impressive feat for a blueliner and one that earned her ECAC Third-Team honors. As an offensive defenseman, Trnková was RPI’s power-play catalyst, and she also showed a knack for blocking shots (35 blocks) and playing big minutes. This balanced contribution only proves that her maturity and work ethic are far beyond many her age. Internationally, Trnková is relatively untested, but her high upside is clear. She’ll likely be used in an offensive role – expect to see the 5’9” defender hopping over the boards on Czechia’s second power-play unit and looking to unleash her accurate point shot or set up forwards with crisp passes.
Sára Čajanová (Brynäs IF, SDHL) – Only 20 years old, Čajanová just completed her second season in the SDHL with Brynäs IF, one of the league’s top clubs. In 2024–25 Brynäs made a deep playoff run, and Čajanová was a regular on their blue line, often paired against quality opponents. She recorded a handful of points and showed flashes of her offensive talent, but her primary growth was in the defensive zone. With Brynäs, Čajanová learned under veteran teammates and held her own in high-pressure playoff games. She’s a mobile defender with a strong first pass. Coming into the World Championship, Čajanová will likely play a depth role, but don’t be surprised if she steps up with confident plays after a season in Sweden’s pressure cooker.
Tereza Radová (Leksand IF, SDHL) – Radová, 25, also honed her skills in Sweden this year, patrolling the blue line for Leksand IF. It was a challenging season – Leksand finished last in the SDHL, and unfortunately, felt the dispair of relegation after a tight battle against fellow Czech Adéla Jůzková and Färjestad – yet Radová emerged as one of the team’s leaders. She contributed offensively when she could (Leksand’s scoring was scarce) and was often on the ice in all situations. Radová’s commitment on a struggling team speaks to her character; she blocked plenty of shots and logged heavy minutes despite the losses. A World Championship rookie last year, she now brings added grit and determination. Radová will be eager to translate her hard-earned lessons into a steady defensive role for Czechia, likely seeing time on the penalty kill and against secondary lines.
Karolína Kosinová (HC Baník Příbram, CZE) – The lone home-based player on defense, Kosinová has dominated the Czech domestic league with HC Příbram. At 26, she’s an experienced defender who has been a star on home ice. While the competition domestically isn’t as strong as abroad, Kosinová’s playmaking abilities are undeniable. She is an offensive force from the point – and a seasoned leader. Now she’ll look to prove she can translate that success to the international level. Kosinová’s booming shot and knack for finding open teammates could add an extra offensive punch when she’s in the lineup.
Forwards
Tereza Vanišová (Ottawa Charge, PWHL) – A proven goal-scorer, Vanišová has been on fire in the lead-up to Worlds. Without question one of the most electric players to watch in the entire tournament this year. With the Ottawa Charge, the 26-year-old winger has made history as the first player to score two hat tricks in the PWHL season. She netted six goals (and added an assist) in her last five games for Ottawa prior to the break, rounding into top form at the perfect time. Vanišová is a speedy, skilled forward who thrives on big moments – she scored two goals just 32 seconds apart in one game, the fastest pair in PWHL history. Coming into the tournament, she’s expected to slot on Czechia’s top line and be a primary trigger on the power play. Carla MacLeod and Ottawa have used her successfully in a number of offensive situations this season, and she’s already delivered 15 goals on the season. The Czechs will look to Vanišová to continue her scoring binge and lead the way offensively.
Kateřina Mrázová (Ottawa Charge, PWHL) – The veteran center returns to the Worlds lineup, though questions linger about her health. Mrázová, 32, missed the 2024 tournament due to a serious injury, and she was placed on long-term injured reserve by Ottawa in February. Before the injury, she had been a point-per-game player for the Charge, providing crafty playmaking and leadership down the middle. Her status for game action is cautiously optimistic – she has been skating significantly over the past month and is eager to contribute on home ice. Mrázová’s track record is stellar, and not surprising for those who have followed her career: she was instrumental in Czechia’s bronze runs (in 2022 she had the OT assist against Finland) and has Olympic experience. Even if not 100%, her vision and hockey IQ can elevate the Czech attack. Keep an eye on whether she centers the top six or is eased in gradually. If she’s in form, her combination with players like Vanišová could be lethal.
Klára Hymlárová (Minnesota Frost, PWHL) – Hymlárová, 24, reunited with Křížová as a member of the Minnesota Frost this season after being drafted following a standout career at St. Cloud State in the NCAA (She finished her career in the Huskies top ten list of all-time scorers). A crafty forward, Hymlárová has struggled to find consistency in her rookie season in pro hockey. She’s bounced around lines, her role varying, and her point production stagnant. However, she’s still receiving middle-six forward minutes, and for those who have seen her game, her effort to contribute physically, and battle in tight spots is certainly noticeable. Internationally, she has a flair for the dramatic (she was the only Czech to score in the shootout of last year’s bronze game loss, and is in last years Top 10 goals of the tournament). She’s been named a Top 3 player on Team Czech once before (‘22-23), and we expect Hymlárová to show her potential once more in international play, likely to be deployed on a scoring line and second power-play unit, where her soft touch around the net and increasing confidence can shine.
Kristýna Kaltounková (Colgate University, NCAA) – Kaltounková might be a World Championship newcomer at 23, but she arrives as one of the most heralded young forwards in the tournament. Fresh off a stellar collegiate career at Colgate, “Kalty” tore up the NCAA this season. She became Colgate’s all-time leading goal scorer, breaking a 21-year program record with her 78th career goal, and earned herself a top-10 finalist spot for the Patty Kazmaier Award (the women’s college hockey MVP). In her final year, Kaltounková amassed 48 points (26 goals, 22 assists) in 37 games, ranking among the top 12 in overall scoring. A sniper with a quick release and a competitive edge, she will likely jump straight into Czechia’s top six. Coaches will count on Kaltounková to translate her scoring prowess to the wider ice, she’s shown she can score against elite peers, and now she’ll test herself against the world’s best. Keep an eye on her trigger from the left circle. Colgate fans saw her score in bunches, and Czechia hopes for the same.
Denisa Křížová (Minnesota Frost, PWHL) – Křížová, 28, is one of Czechia’s most seasoned forwards. A Walter Cup champion with the Minnesota Frost in the inaugural PWHL season last year, Křížová has continued to been a steady two-way presence for the Frost in this campaign. Her offensive numbers have been modest, but she’s often played on a line tasked with shutting down opposing stars and putting in work on the forecheck where she continues to thrive and improve her game. In last year’s Worlds, Křížová scored the clutch third-period goal that forced overtime in the bronze game, underlining her knack for rising to the occasion. For the national team, Křížová will likely feature on the second or third line, where her skill and veteran poise will be crucial. Don’t discount her offensive contributions either – with 5+ years of NWHL/PHF and European pro experience, she still has a scoring touch when opportunities arise.
Noemi Neubauerová (Toronto Sceptres, PWHL) – Neubauerová’s season has a tale of two chapters. Early in the fall, the 25-year-old forward went to Switzerland for a short stint with EV Zug and immediately made an impact. She played just 9 games for the club but notched 4g’s and 4a’s proving she was in fine form heading into PWHL play (including scoring a game winning goal for Zug during a fantastic EWHL Cup run). After November, Neubauerová crossed the Atlantic for Toronto’s training camp and became a depth forward for the Sceptres. While her scoring slowed unfortunately in Toronto, she contributed in other ways, forechecking hard and playing responsible defense. Neubauerová also has prior big-tournament experience (she was on the 2022 bronze squad). For the Czech team, she projects as a utility winger likely slotted on the third or fourth line. Given her offensive upside shown overseas and in college, she could surprise if given the opportunity, but her primary role will be to provide depth, energy, and responsible shifts. Having seen what she can do in international tournaments before (she’s played very well in this years Euro Hockey Tour), we think she’s a dark horse for being in contention to score some BIG goals.
Michaela Pejzlová (HC Ambrì-Piotta, SWHL) – A creative center with a championship pedigree, Pejzlová had an eventful 2024–25. She signed in the Swiss Women’s League with HC Ambrì-Piotta and quickly proved a class above. Pejzlová’s presence has been announced in Switzerland with authority. This season she racked up an incredible 47pts with 23g’s and 24a’s in 26gp. The 27-year-old’s success is no surprise – she had been a top scorer in Finland’s Naisten Liiga for HIFK in prior seasons. She joins the national team as an experienced playmaker down the middle. Pejzlová has excellent vision and is deadly in the faceoff circle. She may center the third line, especially if Mrázová is limited. Given her strong start in club play and past international highlights, Pejzlová could be an under the radar contributor. If she’s back to 100% (sitting out in the latter stages of the Swiss League playoffs due to a minor injury), she’ll bolster Czechia’s secondary scoring in a big way.
Natálie Mlýnková (University of Minnesota, NCAA) – Mlýnková, 23, added another chapter to her impressive NCAA career this year as a graduate transfer at the University of Minnesota. Previously a star at Vermont (where she earned Hockey East Player of the Year in 2024 ), Mlýnková joined the powerhouse Gophers and fit right in. She brought scoring depth and veteran leadership to a stacked Minnesota lineup. One highlight came in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game, where Mlýnková notched a hat trick to lead the Gophers to a 4-1 win, demonstrating her knack for stepping up on big stages. In NCAA play, she continued to be a clutch performer, often teaming up with star linemates like Abbey Murphy. Mlýnková is a versatile forward who can play center or wing, kill penalties, and contribute on the power play. With her combination of North American experience and past Worlds pedigree, she’ll be an important piece for Czechia’s forward group. Look for her to bring energy, a strong work rate, and timely scoring, perhaps in a second-line role.
Adéla Šapovalivová (MODO Hockey, SDHL) – Few players in this tournament can match the season Šapovalivová just had. At only 18 years old, the Czech phenom lit up the Swedish SDHL with MODO Hockey, finishing fifth in the league scoring race with 36 points (15 goals, 21 assists) in 34 games . She outscored and outshone many seasoned internationals, helping MODO to a strong season. Šapovalivová’s 36 points were the most by any teenager in SDHL history, and she proved clutch as well – she had multiple game-winning goals and was a catalyst on MODO’s power play. Her playmaking and puck control have drawn comparisons to a young Hilary Knight (whom she’s likely to face in Group A). Czechia will likely deploy Šapovalivová in a scoring role despite her youth, she’s simply too talented to shelter. Fans got a glimpse of her potential in the 2022 Worlds when, at 16, she didn’t look out of place. Now, brimming with confidence from her breakout club season (and soon to be a University of Wisconsin Badger) she could be one of the tournament’s breakout stars. Look for Šapovalivová on the wing of a skilled line, where her creativity and fearlessness will be on full display.
Tereza Plosová (Djurgårdens IF, SDHL) – Plosová, 21, enjoyed a breakout season in the SDHL with Djurgårdens IF. She led her team in goals, potting 17 in 35 games and totaling 26 points, a performance that put her 14th among all league scorers. A speedy winger with a nose for the net, Plosová became one of Djurgården’s go-to shooters, especially on the power play where her one-timer was lethal. She showed a knack for scoring big goals; down the stretch, Plosová scored in several must-win games as Djurgården pushed for the playoffs. For Czechia, she brings a pure sniper’s touch that complements the playmakers on the roster. Plosová likely will slot into a middle-six wing role, and don’t be surprised if she earns power-play time given her success in Sweden. If she can find open ice, her accurate shot could add valuable secondary scoring for the Czechs.
Tereza Pištěková (Djurgårdens IF, SDHL) – Another Djurgården standout, 22-year-old Pištěková formed a dynamic duo with Plosová in Stockholm. Pištěková is a playmaking forward who led her team with 18 assists and amassed 24 points on the season. She was the engine driving their offense – distributing the puck with vision beyond her years. Pištěková’s 24 points placed her just outside the SDHL’s top 20 scorers, marking a career high and underlining her growth as an all-around forward. What makes her particularly valuable is her responsibility at both ends; she took on tough defensive assignments and was a key faceoff taker for her club. Heading into Worlds, we expect Pištěková’s playmaking to elevate her wingers. Given her chemistry with Plosová, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the two club mates reunited on a line, hoping to carry over their SDHL success.
Hana Haasová (Djurgårdens IF, SDHL) – Haasová, 22, rounds out the Czech “Djurgården trio” after her first full season in Sweden. A hardworking forward, Haasová had a more subtle stat line, with 4 goals and 9 points for Djurgården, but her contributions went beyond numbers. She often provided energy on the forecheck and was trusted in defensive situations. Haasová’s season in Stockholm saw her adjust to the higher pace and physicality, and she became a lineup regular by season’s end. On the national team, she projects as a depth winger likely used on the fourth line. Haasová’s familiarity playing alongside Plosová and Pištěková could be a useful asset in pre-set plays or cycle situations. Above all, she’ll bring hustle and tenacity to every shift, traits that will be crucial in tight games or against the tournament’s giants.
Conclusion
Brimming with talent and buoyed by home-ice advantage, the Czech women’s team has never been better positioned for success. The blend of experienced stalwarts (like Peslarová, Mrázová, and Křížová) and rising stars (Kaltounková, Šapovalivová, and others) makes this 25-player roster arguably the ‘deepest’ in Czechia’s history. There’s a palpable confidence around the squad, a sense of purpose after coming so close last year to a third consecutive bronze. “We have taken a huge step in recent years,” as coach MacLeod has often noted, and now the Lionesses aim to take one more. The expectations are high: a podium finish for a third Worlds, achieved in front of a raucous home crowd. The players, for their part, seem ready to deliver a performance worthy of the moment. If the puck bounces right, Czechia could not only secure another historic medal but maybe even challenge for something greater – a prospect that would have seemed unbelievable and impossible just a few years ago. As the puck drops in České Budějovice, all eyes will be on this surging Czech team to see if they can turn expectation into reality. One thing is certain though: they have the momentum, the roster, and the belief to make it a spring to remember for Czech hockey fans.
Our team is ready……are you?
Sources: Official roster and club affiliations; player and team statistics from NCAA, SDHL, PWHL, and IIHF reports; Czech Ice Hockey Association; The Hockey News and sports media coverage for recent player performances.
