Daniela Pejšová is one of the top blueliners on the planet, and the 21-year-old from Czechia won't last long at the 2024 PWHL Draft.
Daniela Pejšová is one of the top blueliners on the planet, and the 21-year-old from Czechia won't last long at the 2024 PWHL Draft.
Daniela Pejšová won't last on the PWHL Draft board long. The 5-foot-9 defender from Teplice, Czechia is projected to go in the opening two rounds of the 2024 PWHL Draft, and for good reason.
"She's a young defender, so she's still learning a ton, but you look at her physicality and strength it resonates in the game," said Carla MacLeod, the head coach of Czechia's national team, as well as PWHL Ottawa. "She's got an incredible shot and she enjoys the offensive side of the game as well."
Pejšová herself enjoys the physical side to the game which has become a calling card of the PWHL this season.
"I love playing physical...I enjoy that, I love that, I think it's better for the game and maybe for the fans too," she said.
Pejšová is a good skater who evades the forecheck well and quickly transitions pucks up ice. She's played professionally in Sweden the past six seasons, winning back-to-back SDHL championships as a member of Lulea.
The 21-year-old also was named the Best Defender at the 2022 World Championships in Denmark where she scored nine points in seven games.
"She's a great young player and certainly has impact in all the games we've played her in," said MacLeod.
When the PWHL Draft begins, watch for Daniela Pejsova to be an early selection, and despite the fact she'll instantly become one of, if not the youngest player in the PWHL, her impact will span well beyond her years.