Krizova Named Czech Player of the Year At Annual Gala

PWHL Minnesota and Team Czechia forward Deniza Krizova was named the Czech Player of the Year at Cesky Hokej's annual award gala this weekend.

PWHL Minnesota forward and Team Czechia member Denisa Krizova was named the Czech Player of the Year at the Cesky Hokej awards gala at Prague's Žofín Palace over the weekend.

Krizova scored six points in 24 games last season in the PWHL with Minnesota, and added two goals in the playoffs helping Minnesota capture the first ever Walter Cup title. 

Internationally, Krizova again represented Czechia at the IIHF World Championships playing to a fourth place finish while scoring two points in seven games.

Earlier in the week it was announced that PWHL Minnesota had extended Krizova's contract, which already ran through next season, for an additional campaign. 

“She was a very consistent player for us all year and know that she will continue to play a valuable role for us,” said head coach Ken Klee in a news release.

Krizova was also excited to be returning to Minnesota with hopes of winning another championships. 

"We have a great team, great players, great fans, and we’ll be working hard on winning another Walter Cup! I’m looking forward to seeing all of our fans at the rink next season," she said.

The 29-year-old from Horní Cerekev, Czechia is entering her seventh season of professional hockey. Krizova previously played in the NWHL and PHF with the Boston Pride and Minnesota Whitecaaps, as well as in Sweden with Brynas. Prior to turning pro Krizova spent four seasons at Northeastern University in the NCAA.

The two-time World Championship bronze medalist was the 48th overall pick in the inaugural 2023 PWHL Draft by Minnesota.

Boston Bruins forward David Pastrňák was the Golden Stick winner on the evening. Martin Kudela was named Czechia's para ice hockey player of the year.