According to an announcement by the Czech ice hockey association on X, HC Sparta Praha defenseman Matyáš Michálek will miss the upcoming Hlinka Gretzky Cup due to an injury. The 16-year-old blueliner, projected as a top prospect for the 2028 NHL Entry Draft, has been replaced in the national under-18 team roster by HC Slavia Praha defenseman Jan Novák.
Roster Change Impacts Czech Blueline Ahead of Edmonton Tournament
The Czech under-18 national team suffered a significant lineup setback ahead of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Sparta Praha defenseman Matyáš Michálek is sidelined with an injury, forcing the coaching staff to alter their defensive pairings before the tournament kicks off on Monday, August 3, in Edmonton, Canada. According to the Czech ice hockey association, 16-year-old Jan Novák of Slavia Praha takes Michálek’s spot on the roster.
Michálek was originally slated to be the youngest member of the squad and the sole representative from the 2010 birth year. His absence leaves a noticeable void on the ice. According to international scouting observations from this spring’s under-18 World Championships, the young defenseman earned regular minutes and solidified his role despite playing against older competition. North American scouts noted his performance at the World Hockey Challenge nine months ago, viewing him as an early contender for the highest tiers of the 2028 NHL draft.
Did you know? Matyáš Michálek was selected first overall in the CHL Import Draft by Oshawa a month prior to the tournament, though his immediate club future between North America and HC Sparta Praha remains unconfirmed.
Jan Novák Steps Up With Family Legacy in Slavia Praha
Replacing the injured Sparta defenseman is Jan Novák, a 16-year-old blueliner from Slavia Praha. According to federation records, Novák enters the tournament as the least internationally experienced player among the Czech skaters, having debuted with the national team only this past April. Notably, the young player is the son of Jan Novák Sr.
The updated Czech roster features three goaltenders, eight defensemen, and fourteen forwards. The goaltending tandem includes Jaroslav Martínek and Denis Beran from Mladá Boleslav alongside Kryštof Štěpánek of SaiPa Lappeenranta in Finland. The defensive corps alongside Novák features Lukáš Kachlíř (Liberec), Jiří Gombár (Karlovy Vary), Dominick Radim Byrtus and Sean Žuffa (both Třinec), Štěpán Tomka (Slavia Praha), Michal Jordán (Pelicans Lahti, Finland), and Oliver Andrle (Malmö, Sweden).
Tournament Details and Coaching Staff
The Hlinka Gretzky Cup begins on August 3 in Edmonton. The Czech coaching staff is led by head coach Jaroslav Nedvěd, supported by assistant coaches Patrik Martinec and Václav Eismann. Otakar Černý serves as the team manager, while Petr Přikryl oversees goaltending duties.
Pro Tip: Follow official tournament feeds and the Czech ice hockey association’s social media channels for real-time lineup changes and pre-game updates straight from Edmonton as the opening puck drop approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Matyáš Michálek missing the Hlinka Gretzky Cup?
According to the Czech ice hockey association, Michálek was forced to withdraw from the tournament roster due to an injury.
Who replaced Michálek on the Czech under-18 roster?
Jan Novák, a 16-year-old defenseman from HC Slavia Praha and son of Jan Novák Sr., replaced Michálek in the lineup.
When and where does the Hlinka Gretzky Cup start?
The tournament begins on Monday, August 3, in Edmonton, Canada.
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