Barbora Bartáková: From University Games Gold to SDHL Rookie
The Czech Republic continues to produce rising stars in women’s hockey. One player we have our eye on with an upward trajectory is 21-year-old forward Barbora Bartáková. After years of dominance in the Czech Extraliga and a gold medal run at the 2025 Winter World University Games, Bartáková has taken the next major step in her career, signing with Djurgårdens IF of the Swedish Women’s Hockey League (SDHL). As she begins her first season abroad, all eyes will be on the young Czech playmaker to see if her offensive brilliance can translate to one of Europe’s top leagues.
Bartáková’s resume speaks for itself. She spent seven years developing with HC Příbram, where she was a central figure in the club’s Extraliga dynasty. Her final two seasons were nothing short of spectacular: she recorded 68 points in 2023–24, followed by an even more impressive 65 points in 2024–25, leading the league in assists. Příbram claimed its sixth consecutive national title last season, with Bartáková at the heart of the offense.
In total, she amassed 168 points over 53 career Extraliga games, and even spent time competing in Czech junior boys’ leagues to sharpen her skills against tougher opposition. Her development path set her apart early on and laid the groundwork for a leap to higher-level competition.
Internationally, Bartáková has donned the Czech jersey at nearly every level. She competed in two IIHF U18 Women’s World Championships, represented Czechia at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games, and in 2025, she helped lead the Czech university team to gold at the Winter World University Games in Lake Placid.
In that tournament, she shined as the top scorer, notching 13 points in six games and scoring in the final against Canada. The upset victory marked Czechia’s first-ever gold in women’s hockey at the Universiade and highlighted Bartáková’s ability to deliver on the international stage.
In June 2025, Bartáková signed with Djurgårdens IF, marking her first professional move outside of Czechia. She joins the SDHL as one of the most prolific point-producers in the Czech leagues and with a growing international pedigree. Djurgården’s sports director Rickard Hårdstam described her as a skilled and offensively oriented player, saying, “Barbora has made loads of points down in Czechia. We hope and believe that she can do the same here, in a better league and environment.”
We chatted briefly with her following her first pre-season game with Djugårdens (a 4-0 loss versus Linköping, but a match where Bartáková looked bright and dynamic throughout)
For Barbora, the move to Stockholm is about more than just hockey:
“I [have been] really looking forward to Stockholm, to play in a better league and to see how it works in another country. Of course I will miss my loved ones, but I am looking forward to this new experience. Sweden has great opportunities for development, both hockey-wise and personally.”
She sees the SDHL as a platform not just for competition, but for growth:
“I am looking forward to quality, balanced matches, a professional approach and atmosphere in the team. At the same time, I am looking forward to where I can move during the season.”
Bartáková brings a cerebral approach to her game. Her style emphasizes intelligence, speed, and creativity:
“I think that one of my strengths is a good view of the field. I try to play with my head up, read the game and look for the best opportunities, be a fast and creative player.”
As Djurgården looks to climb back into the upper tier of the SDHL, Bartáková could play a key role. Her ability to drive offense, read the ice, and elevate teammates makes her one of the more intriguing rookies entering the league this year.
For Czech fans, her journey represents not only her individual progress but reflects the growing strength of the nation’s women’s hockey pipeline. And if her early career is any indication, Barbora Bartáková is just getting started.
