Jiricek, Mysak to lead Czechia into 2022 World Juniors

David Jiricek and Jan Mysak will each play an integral role for the Czech Republic at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Both selected as Top 3 Players at the World Juniors for the Czech team last year. 

The Czech Republic has not medalled at the tournament since 2005, and has not made the medal rounds since 2018. Jiricek and Mysak will need to be instrumental if the Czechs have any chance of pulling off some upsets and hopefully make it into the semifinals. 

“Jiricek has room to improve in all-three zones, but he is a beast in the making,” FCHockey scout Miroslav Simurka said. “He’s a rare combination of size and skill, physical presence and dominates in the defensive zone. He is a solid mobile skater, good in transition game. Jiricek has a bomb of a shot and will be a huge factor for the Czechs offensively so his puck management and improving the condition of the puck in the offensive zone will be critical.”

Jiricek, No. 15 in FCHockey’s Winter ranking for the 2022 draft, is a highly touted blueliner and will log major minutes on the back end in the tournament. He currently plays in the top Czech men’s league for HC Plzen and has 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 29 games — already surpassing last year’s season totals of nine points (three goals, six assists) in 34 games.

The 17-year-old should be one of the top defensemen of the tournament and will see plenty of ice time in all situations for the Czech entry.

Mysak will be equally relied upon in the tournament. He’ll be expected to carry the majority of the offensive load. He is a feisty, hard-nosed forward, who displays some offensive upside. 

“He’s is an intelligent, hard-working forward,” Simurka said. “He can put the puck in the net and should be offensive leader for the Czechs at the World Juniors.”

Mysak comes with pro experience, too.

Last year, he played with Laval Rocket in the American Hockey League, where he collected two points in 22 games. This year with the Hamilton Bulldogs in the Ontario Hockey League, Mysak has 31 points (17 goals, 14 assists) in 25 games. 

Here is the projected roster for Team Czech Republic at the World Juniors: