Klara Peslarova is one of the best netminders on the planet. Following an ACL injury, she's back in action this season and ready to reclaim her spot in Czechia's crease.
Klara Peslarova is one of the best goaltenders in the world, if not the best. The Czech netminder was integral in helping her nation win their first ever bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships, and was looking forward to challenging for another medal in 2023, until she suffered a devastating injury.
Peslarova tore her ACL, and was sidelined from action in the SDHL and interntionally. Now however, the 26-year-old is back at 100%, and getting ready to reclaim her spot in Czechia's crease after watching last year's World Championships from home.
"Every player wants to make it and get into the final nomination," she said in a translated interview with Czech Hockey. "I watched the last world championship from the couch, this year I would like to get to it and fight for the number one position."
That role last year went to Blanka Skodova, who was solid in net for Czechia, and will push Peslarova this year. Peslarova, who is currently the starter for Brynas in the SDHL isn't ready to settle for watching again, and is prepared to take Czechia not only into the World Championships this year, but also through the 2026 Olympic Games.
"It is something we would like to achieve," she said of medaling at the Olympics. "We tried it at the last Olympics, now it could work. I believe that if we each work on each other, it will come. For many girls it will also mean the end of their careers, so we would like to achieve such a big success."
Along with playing for Brynas this season, Peslarova is also coaching U-16 boys and the club's NDHL goaltenders. She's back to posting eye popping numbers, and if she remains healthy, could find herself starting in the PWHL next season.
For now however, Peslarova has her sights set on returning to form in Sweden, and returning to Czechia's crease in Utica, New York for the 2024 World Championships next April.