The Czech Republic announced the first 16 players to represent them in the World Cup of Hockey in September, and it seems they had the goaltenders figured out fairly easily.
Congratulations to Petr Mrazek on being named to Team Czech Republic for the World Cup of Hockey. #worldcupofhockey pic.twitter.com/WEWMetBC62
— Red Wings SPORTalk (@SPORTalkWings) March 2, 2016
There was no real surprises for the names announced, but some will surely be disappointed that Czech legend, Jaromir Jagr wasn’t named. Even despite the fact that the had previously retired from the national team, there was still buzz around his name leading up to the announcement, leading to a sense of sadness that their legendary forward won’t be suiting up for the nation one last time. There is still hope that Jagr will suit up, as news is that he “wants to focus on the NHL season right now”, and asked to be left off of the initial roster.
Martin Rucinsky says Jaromir Jagr "wants to concentrate on the season right now." Jagr asked not to be included on initial Czech roster.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 2, 2016
World Cup Announcements: Czech Republic Roster First 16
Another name that sticks out, and fans in the Motor City will surely be happy to see, is that of Detroit Red Wings goaltender, Petr Mrazek. Coming into this season there was a battle between him and the initial favorite, Jimmy Howard. But, with some stellar performances, and more consistency than Howard could offer, Mrazek has solidified himself as a full-time starter for the Red Wings, and fans will surely be excited to see him compete for his national team come September.
The 16-man roster announced earlier today is as follows:
G Petr Mrazek, Detroit Red Wings
G Michal Neuvirth, Philadelphia Flyers
G Ondrej Pavelec, Winnipeg Jets
D Radko Gudas, Philadelphia Flyers
D Michal Kempny, Avangard Omsk (KHL)
D Roman Polak, San Jose Sharks
D Andrej Sustr, Tampa Bay Lightning
F Michael Frolik, Calgary Flames
F Martin Hanzal, Arizona Coyotes
F Tomas Hertl, San Jose Sharks
F David Krejci, Boston Bruins
F Ondrej Palat, Tampa Bay Lightning
F David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins
F Tomas Plekanec, Montreal Canadiens
F Vladimir Sobotka, Avangard Omsk (KHL)
F Jakub Voracek, Philadelphia Flyers
The final seven players for the roster must be announced before June 1st.
All eight teams competing in the World Cup of Hockey 2016 are announcing their rosters of at least 16 players throughout the day. Below is schedule of the roster announcements:
Team Finland: 4 a.m.
Team Czech Republic: 11 a.m.
Team Sweden: 1:15 p.m.
Team Europe: 4:30 p.m.
Team North America: 5:15 p.m.
Team Canada: 6:05 p.m
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