2025-2026 SDHL / AuroraLiiga Preview

The 2025–26 season marks a pivotal year for Czech women’s hockey abroad. Their presence is increasingly felt not just as contributors, but as stars and difference-makers. From Finland’s Auroraliiga to Sweden’s powerhouse SDHL, Czech players are earning top-line roles, anchoring defensive corps, and shaping the playoff aspirations of their teams. With the 2026 Olympics fast approaching, this season is a proving ground for Czechia’s brightest, a stage for breakout performances, and a showcase of how far the nation has come in developing world-class talent.

AuroraLiiga: Czech Talent Poised to Shine in Finland

The 2024‑25 season was the first since Finland’s top women’s league re‑branded from Naisten Liiga to Auroraliiga. The new era delivered heightened competition with Kiekko‑Espoo repeating as Aurora Borealis Cup champions while HPK and Team Kuortane followed in the standings. Several Czech players enjoyed breakthrough campaigns and their stories are set to define the 2025‑26 season.

Barbora Juříčková: Czechia’s Rising Young Star Looks to Dominate Finland Once More

Juříčková after scoring her first international senior team goal.

No player symbolized Czechia’s rising talent pool more than Barbora Juříčková last season. The Ostrava‑born forward turned 18 during the 2024‑25 season and exploded for 21 goals and 34 assists in 32 regular‑season games with HPK.  Her 55‑point total dwarfed the 19 points (11 goals, 8 assists) she recorded in 2023‑24, vaulting her into the league’s elite scorers and helping HPK finish second in the standings. Throughout the season, Barbora was consistently outpacing and outsmarting her opponents. She played top line minutes, and was clutch in many a game, and was pivotal in helping HPK dominate the playoffs in route to what would turn out to be a heartbreaking finals defeat.

Notably for Barbora, outside of her domestic play, she became a fixture for the Czech national team and scored her first senior international goal during the February 2025 Euro Hockey Tour when she notched a goal and two assists in a 7‑2 win over Finland. Juříčková’s combination of speed and vision makes her more than a goal‑scorer. Her 34 assists ranked among the league leaders, signaling improved playmaking. HPK’s power play frequently ran through her on the half wall, and her plus‑46 rating reflected her two‑way impact. Entering 2025‑26, the spotlight will only intensify. At 18 she will be expected to drive HPK’s offense once more and could cement herself as one of Europe’s brightest young stars if she continues to repeat this performance. Another big season in Finland may also bolster her role on Czechia’s national team as it prepares for the 2026 Olympics.

Anna Kalová’s comeback and reunion with Juříčková

HPK clearly felt that having Juříčková wasn’t enough Czech talent on their roster, so they spent the offseason adding two exciting signings in Anna Kalová and Tereza Mašková.

Anna Kalová previously with RoKi

Kalová, 22, comes from Finland’s far north, departing RoKi, where she had productive seasons in 2022‑23 (18 points) and 2023‑24 (27 points) but suffered a dislocated shoulder early in 2024‑25 that required surgery and limited her impact. Despite the injury, RoKi’s staff praised her leadership; when she signed with the club in 2022, a team release noted her experience as the alternate captain of Czechia’s U18 national team and expected her to bring leadership and strong skating to the offense. Playing alongside Juříčková at HPK is going to offer her a fresh start and an opportunity to regain her offensive touch which we know is there. With HPK returning much of its core, the Czech duo could form one of the league’s most dynamic lines.

HPK’s off‑season continued with the signing of Tereza Mašková, a 20‑year‑old defender from Cheb, Czechia who spent the past few seasons developing in North America. Mašková spent time with the Northwood School U19 AAA program in the United States where she honed her skills against top‑end competition. She then moved to Canada’s OHA Mavericks in the Ontario Women’s Hockey League (U22 AA) and delivered an impressive number of points, 1g’s and 34a’s in 56gp.

Mašková combines size (5 ft 7 in) with a heavy shot from the blue line and strong outlet passing. HPK believe she can compete for a top‑four role while studying at the local university. Her arrival means HPK will start the 2025‑26 season with all three Czech players (Juříčková, Kalová and Mašková), highlighting a clear desire of the club to focus on their international recruitment strategy and giving the blue line an infusion of youth and skill.

New homes for Skořepová, Malická. Chrastinová Starts First Professional Season.

The summer brought additional Czech transfers outside of the HPK moves. It began with Karolína Skořepová, a versatile winger who spent the past two seasons with Kärpät, signing with Ilves back in May. Skořepová brings defensive responsibility and secondary scoring to an Ilves club that finished fifth last season and will be looking to climb the standings and improve. She leaves Kärpät, the club she’s been with since she left Czechia, and begins a new chapter in her young career, already entering her fourth season in Finland.

Next up is Dominika Malická and teenage defender Marie Chrastinová, both of whom will debut for KalPa. Malická, 21, joins after tallying 6 goals and 16 assists (22 points) in 31 games for RoKi in 2024‑25. Reports on KalPa’s signing noted that she is expected to strengthen the club’s offense, something we expect she’ll be able to do considering she was able to put up offense on a RoKi team that was largely stagnant throughout the entire season. We expect that she may have a chance with KalPa to put up her best season to date.  

Chrastinová, just 17, leaves Czech junior leagues for her first professional season. The same reports from KalPa highlight that she spent last season in the Czech women’s top league and the boys’ U‑17 regional competition, experience that should serve her well in adapting to the Finnish game. KalPa finished sixth last year and hopes these additions help it challenge the top teams, and we’re excited to see both of these young players play a full healthy season ahead of them.

What to watch in 2025‑26

• HPK’s title pursuit: After finishing second, HPK is going to believe its moves can dethrone Kiekko‑Espoo. Juříčková’s continued growth, Kalová’s resurgence and a strong supporting cast make this plausible. If Juříčková approaches or exceeds last year’s 55‑point output, HPK will be a serious contender once again.

• Ilves and Skořepová: Ilves ended the 2024‑25 season with 53 points, well behind the top four. Adding Skořepová, who brings speed and responsible defense, could help close that gap. Her ability to contribute on both special‑teams units will be critical.

• KalPa’s youthful influx: Malická and Chrastinová join a team that finished mid‑table. Malická’s playmaking (she averaged nearly 0.7 points per game for a dramatically handicapped RoKi) should diversify KalPa’s offense, while Chrastinová’s development will be a long‑term storyline.

• Czechia’s national team ripple effects: Juříčková’s breakout last season suggests she is ready for a larger role, and continued success in the Auroraliiga should lock her into the national team’s top forward core. We are eager to see what becomes of her season.

The Auroraliiga’s re‑brand signalled a desire to grow both domestically and internationally, and Czech players are at the forefront of that expansion. The 2025‑26 season will test how far this cohort can push their teams and how high their own ceilings may be. For fans of Czech women’s hockey, Finland’s top league is a great place to watch emerging stars take center stage.

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National Team Stars Collide in Another Exciting SDHL Season

Brynäs Adds Peslarová; Čajanová Returns For Fifth Season

Klára Peslarová during her first stint with Brynäs

The story of the offseason is without question star goaltender Klára Peslarová heading back to Brynäs after spending last season with the Boston Fleet in the new PWHL. Peslarová had previously played eight seasons in the SDHL (with MoDo and Brynäs), even earning Goaltender of the Year honors in 2021. Klára’s time in Boston had it’s pro’s and con’s. She appeared in only 4 games as a backup, but despite the lack of playing time, she mentioned in interviews with Czech Hockey that she valued having the opportunity to practice with and spend time alongside some of the best players in the world. Yet, with the 2026 Olympics on the horizon she has prioritized a return to Europe for more consistent ice time and familiarity. Brynäs officially announced her signing in July 2025, marking a homecoming for the Czech netminder. “It feels incredibly good to return to Brynäs after a year elsewhere. This jersey and community mean a lot to me,” Peslarová said of rejoining her former club. She will be counted on as a starting goalie to help Brynäs contend and to keep herself sharp as Czechia’s almost certain Olympic starter. After some phenomenal appearances for Boston and a 2025 World Championship Tournament All-Star selection, Klára won over many new fans to women’s hockey around the globe. There will certainly be many eyes on her eager to see if her return to Brynäs keeps her world class pedigree strong as Milan 2026 looms.

Quietly under the radar is 22 year old Sára Čajanová, who returns to Brynäs for her fifth season in the SDHL. Now a veteran to not only the Swedish league, but the Czech National Team as well, Čajanová has proven year after year to perform her duties as a defender admirably, becoming a symbol of consistency with sparks of offensive production. She has a career total 56pts in her career in Sweden, and holds a number of highlight reel goals, assists, and player of the week honors during her time in the league. Between World Championships and Euro Hockey Tours she’s now suited up for the National Team over 60 times in the last three seasons, contributing 14pts mostly in primary assists, and has solidified herself as a key player on the blue line for Carla MacLeod’s senior team. We’ll continue to watch her development with eagerness as she positions herself for another solid season for a Brynäs team looking to bounce back after a disappointing playoff defeat to Frölunda.

Djurgården’s Czech Turnover: Bartáková & Jandušíková In, Haasová, Pištěková Out, Plosova to the NCAA

Klára Jandusíková with Syracuse University 24-25

Djurgårdens IF underwent significant roster changes involving its Czech players. The Stockholm-based club lost three Czech forwards in the offseason: Hana Haasová, who signed with Linköping HC, Tereza Pištěková, who departed for SDE HF, and Tereza Plosová, who will attend the University of Minnesota in the fall. To fill the void, Djurgården added 21-year-old Barbora Bartáková and 23-year-old defender Klára Jandušíková on contracts through 2026. Bartáková joins as an exciting offensive talent, she dominated the Czech league last season with 110 points (37 goals, 73 assists) for HC Příbram. She also led Czechia to gold at the 2025 Winter World University Games, scoring 8 goals in that tournament to top the scoring charts. “Barbora has scored a ton of points in Czechia. We hope and believe she can do the same here, in a better league and environment,” said Djurgården GM Rickard Hårdstam. Meanwhile, Jandušíková arrives after five years in U.S. college hockey (Colby College in D-III and a graduate year at Syracuse in D-I), totaling 98 NCAA games in her career. A two-time Czech national team player at World Championships, Jandušíková is expected to be a steady two-way defender for Djurgårdens.

While losing Haasová, Pištěková, and Plosová certainly hurts considering their production last season, the young duo will try to fill the shoes of the outgoing Czech stars in the lineup.

Despite those transfers, Djurgårdens will still rely heavily on another young Czech star, Linda Vocetková. The 18 year old enters her third season with the club in perhaps the biggest season of her career. Vocetková is already committed to play at Colgate University come next Fall, following in the footsteps of some of the biggest names in Czech women’s hockey to attend the prestigious hockey school (no doubt getting some advice on American college life from none other than PWHL number one draft pick Kristýna Kaltounková). After a year in which she was honored with Top 3 player on Team Czechia at the U18 World’s, and with the NCAA on the horizon, this final tune up in Europe’s best league positions her to take a big leap forward stepping into what many will feel is a leadership role. She’ll be looking to increase her productivity from years prior and be called upon to welcome in her new Czech teammates with open arms.

Hana Haasová Heads to Linköping

Hana Haasová Previously With Djurgårdens

After two years with Djurgårdens (and prior stops in Göteborg and Leksand), Hana Haasová is embarking on a new chapter with Linköping HC. The 21-year-old forward signed a one-year deal with Linköping for 2025–26. Haasová made her SDHL debut back in 2021–22 with Göteborg HC and immediately showed a nose for the net, tallying 15 goals in her rookie campaign. A move to Leksand the following season saw her score 12 goals in 23 games. In 2023 she joined Djurgårdens, where she added 18 more goals over two seasons. Now Haasová will bring her quick release and tenacious style to Linköping’s offense. Linköping’s sports director Sabina Eriksson said the team was “a bit thin offensively last season, so it feels good that Hana has signed with us. She has shown in her years in the SDHL that she is a goalscorer, and we believe she will contribute to our offense and take the next step with us”. Haasová will aim to rebound from a modest 2024–25 output (she had a dip in points compared to prior years) and prove herself as a top-six forward for Linköping.

Tereza Pištěková Signs with SDE

Tereza Pištěková with Team Czechia

Teenage forward Tereza Pištěková has also departed Djurgården in a move to SDE HF, continuing the trend of Czech talent redistributing across the league. Pištěková, 20, joined SDE on a two-year contract in April. Last season was Pištěková’s first in Sweden after two very successful years in Finland, and she impressed with 24 points (6 goals, 18 assists) in 35 games for Djurgårdens IF. SDE’s sporting director Helene Åström praised Pištěková as “…a constant offensive threat” coming off “…a strong season in the SDHL last year”. At the 2025 World Championship, Pištěková further showcased a well-rounded game, proving she can contribute in all zones. She’s already a regular on the Czech national team despite her young age, having debuted at the senior Worlds in 2023. Describing herself, Pištěková said: “My biggest strength is when I have the puck on my stick. I try to use my hockey IQ to create chances for my teammates”. SDE will look to the skilled forward to inject some creativity into their offense. Along with the signing of Swedish goalie Emma Söderberg, Pištěková’s arrival is part of SDE’s push to climb the standings in 2025–26.

Laura Lerchová Makes History at Skellefteå AIK

Czech forward Laura Lerchová will continue her journey with Skellefteå AIK, where she has become the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. Lerchová, 25, has been a cornerstone of Skellefteå’s rise in women’s hockey over the past five seasons. She has played 108 games for Skellefteå, recording 108 points in that span, the first player to reach the century mark for the club. Two seasons ago, Lerchová helped Skellefteå win their NDHL division and contend in the qualification playoffs to reach the SDHL. In fact, she notched 5 points in 6 games during the 2024 Kvalserien (promotion tournament), including a clutch goal in the decisive final against AIK Stockholm that clinched Skellefteå’s promotion to the SDHL for 2024–25. Skellefteå’s maiden SDHL season proved challenging, the team finishing 8th. Despite that setback, Lerchová has re-signed for another year in Skellefteå’s black-and-yellow, stating that staying was “not a hard decision, Skellefteå is truly my second home”. As an experienced scorer who also had a stint with MoDo in the SDHL earlier in her career, Lerchová’s loyalty and production will be key as Skellefteå aims to solidify its place in Sweden’s top flight. She remains a respected figure, having been with the club since its early ambitions and now looking to lead them on another chapter of the clubs history.

Vendula Přibylová’s Milestone Season at MoDo

Veteran forward Vendula Přibylová is coming off her most complete SDHL season yet and will be an important returnee for MoDo Hockey. At 29, the veteran Přibylová enjoyed a healthy 2024–25 campaign in Örnsköldsvik, appearing in 35 out of 36 regular-season games (a personal best for games played) and tallying solid contributions for MoDo. She helped the team finish 3rd in the league and secure a playoff semifinal berth. Přibylová has battled injuries in some past years, so playing essentially the full schedule is a big positive. Now a seasoned member of the Czech national team (she has been an Olympian and has played in seven World Championships), she brings leadership and two-way reliability to MoDo’s lineup. However, MoDo will miss the offensive spark of Adéla Šapovalivová, the Czech teenage phenom who led the team with 36 points last year and has now left to join the University of Wisconsin in the NCAA. Přibylová and the remaining MoDo core will need to fill that scoring void by committee. Known for her gritty play along the boards and ability to chip in secondary scoring, Přibylová will aim to increase her production and mentor MoDo’s younger forwards. This upcoming season will be her sixth in Sweden (after joining the SDHL in 2020 from University of Maine), and her longevity and experience make her an integral part of the club’s plans.

Švejdová Looks To Find Consistency and Success in Year Two With HV71

While Klára Peslarová understandably grabbed most of the Czech goaltending headlines this summer, Viktorie Švejdová is quietly poised for a pivotal season of her own in the SDHL. Still only 23, Švejdová already has six campaigns of Swedish hockey under her belt, having progressed from MoDo’s junior setup to five senior seasons before short stops with SDE and, last year, HV71.

The athleticism that made her a breakout star at the 2020 U18 World Championship remains unmistakable, last season alone she earned multiple “Save of the Week” nods and plenty of highlight-reel clips. What’s missing is steadiness in the numbers. Three straight years of inflated goals-against averages and sub-par save percentages have kept her from locking down a full-time national-team role behind Peslarová. It’s year two for her at HV71, and time will tell if the team has built a roster around which they can continue to provide assistance to their goaltenders. Švejdová still has time to grow and pad her resume, but she’ll be looking for wins and opportunities to prove she has what it takes to be a mainstay on the National Team roster. With standout goaltenders like Michaela Hesová and Julie Pejšová waiting in the wings and getting playing time, Viktorie will most certainly be looking for something to prove this season.

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Whether it’s Juříčková’s rise in Finland, Peslarová’s return to Sweden, or a wave of young talent stepping into new challenges, Czech players are at some of the leading storylines across two of Europe’s biggest leagues. Their stories this season will echo beyond their individual clubs, influencing national team selections, inspiring younger generations back home, and reinforcing the Czech Republic’s growing status as a women’s hockey powerhouse. The journey to Milan 2026 is well underway and this year in the SDHL and Auroraliiga may prove to be the most important chapter yet.