Czechia opened the 2025 IIHF World Championship against Switzerland in a rematch of last year’s final. Martin Nečas, who had confirmed he would join the team days earlier, had expected to play and arrived in Herning, Denmark in plenty of time to do so. However, his equipment did not.
As a result, he watched from the stands as the Czechs quickly fell down 2-0, fought back to take a 3-2 lead, fell behind 4-3 and ultimately won 5-4 in overtime.
“I was probably more nervous than if I was playing,” Nečas told Czech media on Saturday. “When we were losing, I knew it was a big game and that we needed those points, or we might need them later in the tournament. It’s easier when you play, but what could I do about it?”
Despite not arriving long before the game and still suffering from the effects of jet lag, the Colorado Avalanche winger said he’d rather play right away than watch.
"I would definitely rather jump right in,” he said. “Last year, when I went straight into the game against Great Britain, I felt terrible, but the next game was a lot better. There are always some positives and negatives, but I definitely wanted to be on the ice against Switzerland.”
Martin Nečas saving #88 for “another player”
After <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/international/latest-news/necas-arrives-in-prague-pastrnak-and-zacha-on-their-way-too">flying overseas and arriving in Prague on Saturday morning</a>, Martin Nečas wasted no time getting right into the IIHF World Championship, playing Saturday night in a 4-1 win over Great Britain. After the game, he was obviously a popular man in the mixed zone and answered several questions from the Czech media.
According to assistant coach Jiří Kalous, Nečas will play on a line with Michael Špaček and Filip Zadina, with Nečas on the right side.
“I played with Záďa (Zadina) on youth teams, so it won’t be a problem. I know how Záďa plays, so I think it’ll work out.” said Nečas. “And Špágr (Špaček)? Of course I know him, I played with him once in the World Juniors. We talk a lot off the ice so that we know who will play where, especially in the attacking zone. Then it’s somewhat about instinct.”
As they’ve had a day off since the Switzerland game, the Czechs will go back to Karel Vejmelka in goal again. More than likely, either Daniel Vladař or Josef Kořenář.
According to Hokej.cz, this is the team’s expected lineup against Norway:
Červenka
– Sedlák – Pastrňák
Zadina – M. Špaček – Nečas
O.
Beránek – Kodýtek – M. Stránský
Lauko – Kondelík –
Flek
Voženílek
Krejčík
– Hronek
Hájek – Kundrátek
Pyrochta – D.
Špaček
Ticháček
Vejmelka