Simon Slavicek, Eduard Sale, Matyas Sapovaliv, Adam Zidlicky, Tomas Hamara & Jakub Vondras have been selected to represent Czechia at the 2024 World Junior Championships.
Six players from the OHL have been selected to represent Czechia at the 2024 World Juniors in Sweden; Simon Slavicek (FLNT), Eduard Sale (BAR), Matyas Sapovaliv (SAG), Adam Zidlicky (MIS), Tomas Hamara (BFD), and Jakub Vondras (SUD).
It is safe to say that the OHL will be highly represented at the 2024 World Juniors, and Czechia will bring six players from OHL teams.
Seattle Kraken first round pick Eduard Sale will be one of the bigger names on this entire roster, as he will play in the World Juniors for the second-consecutive year.
Sale hasn't exactly been the most noticeable in Barrie, as he is still adapting to the North American-style of game. Playing on the international stage once again, Sale should be expected to have a successful tournament and be one of Czechia's go-to players offensively.
6-foot-3 centreman Matyas Sapovaliv will play in his third World Junior tournament for Czechia. The Vegas Golden Knights prospect should be a top-six centre once again, and an active net front presence.
Sapovaliv has had a breakout season with the Saginaw Spirit this year, as they prepare to host the Memorial Cup next spring. He currently has over a point-per-game, on an offensively-loaded team.
Slavicek and Zidlicky will likely play depth roles on this team, as they typically have in the OHL.
Simon Slavicek has earned an elevated role in Flint, with their weak depth up-front. Zidlicky has been locked into a bottom-six role in Mississauga, among their youthful forward group.
Defender Tomas Hamara is another returnee to this team, as he is also heading into his third World Junior tournament.
The two-way defender was recently traded to the Brantford Bulldogs, where he has been playing heavy minutes alongside fellow Senators prospect Jorian Donovan. On paper, Hamara is Czechia's best defenceman.
In goal, Carolina Hurricanes prospect Jakub Vondras will have the opportunity to fight for Czechia's starting role alongside Michael Hrabal.
With either Vondras or Hrabal starting, the Czechs are in great hands in the goal crease.
