Prague, March 2 (CTK) – Czech ice hockey national side’s coach Josef Jandac on Wednesday presented the initial 16-members roster for the World Cup that will be organised in Toronto, Canada in September, including 14 players from the American NHL and two from the Russian KHL.
There are three newcomers to the national team, all from the NHL – goalkeeper Michal Neuvirth, defender Andrej Sustr and forward David Pastrnak.
As expected, the 44-year-old legend Jaromir Jagr, who plays the NHL with Florida, is not in the team, but its management will try to make him play the World Cup for the Czech Republic.
By June 1, Jandac will present the complete roster of 23 players. Seven more players, defenders and forwards, will be added to the present nomination.
Czech ice hockey players nominated for the World Cup in Toronto (September 17 – October 1):
Goalkeepers: Petr Mrazek (Detroit Red Wings), Michal Neuvirth (Philadelphia Flyers), Ondrej Pavelec (Winnipeg Jets).
Defenders: Radko Gudas (Philadelphia Flyers), Michal Kempny (Avangard Omsk, KHL), Roman Polak (San Jose Sharks), Andrej Sustr (Tampa Bay Lightning).
Forwards: David Krejci, David Pastrnak (both Boston Bruins), Michael Frolik (Calgary Flames), Martin Hanzal (Arizona Coyotes), Tomas Hertl (San Jose Sharks), Ondrej Palat (Tampa Bay Lightning), Tomas Plekanec (Montreal Canadiens), Vladimir Sobotka (Avangard Omsk, KHL), Jakub Voracek (Philadelphia Flyers).
