Czech center Michael Špaček, 27, is moving from Swiss club Genève-Servette to Czech club Sparta Prague, the latter announced on Tuesday.
“Michael is one of the best centers in Europe, which has been proven in several leagues and tournaments,” said Sparta sports director Tomáš Divíšek. “We believe he will significantly help our offense and become one of the team’s leaders.”
“It’s a big club that is a household name on the European hockey scene,” said Špaček, who grew up in the Pardubice system. “I think every young boy wants to play for (Sparta), and I’m glad that my dream has come true now.”
Špaček signed a three-and-a-half-year deal, which would keep him with the team until 2028, when he is 31.
“For me, the length of the contract is mainly a symbol of confidence in my abilities,” said Špaček. “I will do my best to help Sparta succeed.”
Špaček was a fourth-round draft pick of the Winnipeg Jets in 2015. He then spent the next five seasons in North America – two in junior with the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels and three with the Jets’ AHL farm team, the Manitoba Moose.
Since returning to Europe, Špaček has played in Finland, Czechia, Sweden and Switzerland. He spent the past two seasons with Ambri-Piotta before moving to Genève-Servette last summer.
A playmaking center, Špaček had 13 points – 12 of which were assists – in 21 National League games with Genève this season. He also had 12 points in eight Champions Hockey League games this season, which ranks him third in tournament scoring.
Genève and Sparta have both advanced to the CHL quarterfinals, and Sparta announced that Špaček will in fact play in Tuesday’s home game – the first leg of the quarters – against the Växjö Lakers from Sweden. As they are on opposite sides of the CHL playoff bracket, the two teams could potentially face each other in the final. Genève is the defending champion.
In the domestic Extraliga, Sparta currently sits fourth with 44 points in 25 games.
Internationally, Špaček won a silver medal as a member of Czechia’s U18 World Championship team in 2014. He also played in three World Junior Championships, three senior-level World Championships – winning a bronze medal in 2023 – and the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.