Daniela Pejsova, 21, is one of the top young defenders in women's hockey with Team Czechia. Next season she hopes to bring her talent to North America in the PWHL. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA1NjE4MzExNzYzODYzMDY5/daniela-pejsova-2024-czechia.jpg] There was a consensus focus on blueliners at the inaugural PWHL Draft in 2023. When the 2024 Draft takes place, defenders will again be a high priority for teams as it's a positional weakness for many. Looking at the top prospects for the league, Cayla Barnes deservedly has earned a lot of praise as a blueline prospect for the league, but one defender teams will not overlook is Daniela Pejšová. The 21-year-old Teplice, Czechia product is big, physical, a smooth skater, and able to move the puck up ice with ease. She can play an offensive game, but more often than not Pejšová is doing all the small things right, shift in and shift out, including shutting down top line opponents. It's a trait PWHL bluelines across the board are stuggling with, and it's a point where one lucky team who selects Pejsova will immediately improve. Pejsova welcomes the challenge of matching up against top players whether it's with Team Czechia or next season in the PWHL. "I enjoy every second of it, it was always my dream to play against the best in the world, and now it's happening," said Pejsova. In terms of the PWHL specifically, Pejšová is not shy to share her intent. After spending six seasons in the SDHL with Lulea and MoDo, she's ready for the next step, to be drafted by, and play in the PWHL. "Honestly that's my goal...that's what I'm working on every day since I started to play hockey," said Pejšová. "I always wanted to play against the best and challenge myself. That's one of my goals to play in that league, hopefully it's going to happen." One aspect of Pejšová's game that's become more evident at the 2024 World Championships, is her ability and willingness to play physical in the corners, and while defending the rush. Body checking has been allowed in the SDHL the past two seasons, and Pejsova welcomes a more physical game in the PWHL as well. "I love playing physical...I enjoy that, I love that, I think it's better for the game," she said. Czechia coach Carla MacLeod is also very familiar with the demands of the PWHL as she coaches PWHL Ottawa. She sees Pejsova as a top young defender in the game. "She's a young defender, so she's still learning a ton, but you look at her physicality and just her strength, it resonates in the game. She's got an incredible shot," said MacLeod of her blueliner. The transition to the PWHL from other leagues will get more difficult each year as the talent level in the league continues to increase. Next season however, when Daniela Pejšová makes the step into the league, she won't need to wait long for her name to be called at the draft, and the team who selects her will wait only until she steps on the ice for the first time to see a positive impact on their roster.
