World Cup of Hockey: Team Czech Republic initial roster

Team Czech Republic has announced its initial 16 man roster for the World Cup of Hockey

The World Cup of Hockey will be taking place in September of 2016. It will feature seven nations and a younger team of North American stars against each other in a friendly exhibition tournament. Czech Republic will field one of the more underrated teams. They might lack the talent of Canada, Sweden, and the United Sates, but Finland has had a ton of success despite lacking in talent.

Goaltenders

Petr Mrazek (Detroit Red Wings)

Michal Neuvirth (Philadelphia Flyers)

Ondrej Pavelec (Winnipeg Jets)

Mrazek is the only big name here. Nice to see him get some recognition. Pavelec is a bit of a surprise, but he’s proven in international competition. Neuvirth gets a reward for being a great backup goalie. Expect Mrazek and Pavelec to get most of the starts in the World Cup of Hockey.

Defensemen

Radko Gudas (Philadelphia Flyers)

Andrej Sustr (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Roman Polak (San Jose Sharks)

Michal Kempny (KHL)

This group highlights the weakness of the Czech Republic. They lack elite blue liners.

Forwards

Jakub Voracek (Flyers)

Martin Hanzal (Coyotes)

David Krejci (Boston Bruins)

Tomas Plekanec (Montreal Canadiens)

David Pastrnak (Bruins)

Ondrej Palat (Lightning)

Michael Frolik (Calgary Flames)

Vladimir Sobotka (KHL)

Tomas Hertl (Sharks)

This group will be led by Voracek and Krejci. Pastrnak and Tomas Hertl are rising stars while Hanzal is one of the most underrated players in the NHL. Look for both of them to make an impact.