From Zlín to the PWHL: Draft Day With Natálie Mlýnková

With Czechia celebrating its first-ever PWHL number one pick, another milestone followed close behind. Natálie Mlýnková’s long awaited leap to the pro ranks.

The morning after Natálie Mlýnková heard her name called 12th overall by the Montreal Victoire, the shy but composed Natálie we’ve come to know was still there, but now, there was a calm about her. A weight lifted. After years of hard work, uncertainty, and chasing a dream that sometimes felt impossibly far away, her name had been called. She was officially a professional women’s hockey player.

Natálie became the second Czech selected on Tuesday night’s 2025 PWHL Draft. No less significant, though understandably a little overshadowed by the historic moment that came just before. Her national teammate, Kristýna Kaltounková, made history as the first European and first Czech player ever chosen first overall, joining the New York Sirens.

It’s a moment Czech hockey will celebrate all summer, and likely well into Kristýna’s rookie season, which fans everywhere are eagerly anticipating. But while that story is being told across the league, my focus stayed locked on Natálie. Having followed her journey before, and with our shared connection to Vermont - me being from there, and her making a home at the University of Vermont, I was eager to experience her draft night firsthand. Especially with her future destination still very much unknown.

Natálie and Kristýna arrived together, walking down the PWHL’s signature purple carpet side by side, joined by fellow European standout Michelle Karvinen of Finland. We followed their steps through pre-draft interviews, where both spoke of pride, excitement, and gratitude. Each took a moment to shout out their fans back home in their native language, a small but powerful reminder that despite the family and fans in North America, for players like Natalie there were still tons of supporters soaking in the moment with them across the Atlantic.

After some lighthearted photos and laughs, with the nervous energy still hanging in the air, they greeted fans along the carpet. Familiar faces, fans young and old holding jerseys and posters, all eager for autographs, pictures, or even just a few seconds with players they’d followed for years, or were only just learning about for the first time.

The Hard Rock Casino event center buzzed with energy. As the players finished arriving, the room filled with families, league staff, celebrities, commentators, and media all while the Hard Rock event crew did their best to stay invisible in the background.

Finally, the lights dimmed, and the Draft officially began. You could feel the weight of the moment settle in for the players, for their families, and for everyone watching.

While not unexpected, it was still surreal hearing Kaltounková’s name called first. The New York Sirens choosing the player they hope becomes their franchise cornerstone alongside their exciting Rookie of the Year and last season’s first-overall pick, Sarah Fillier. The cameras flashed. The interviews began. The spotlight was all Kristýna’s.

But like all drafts, that moment ended quickly. Kristýna was whisked backstage for her first media hits, team introductions, and a wave of attention that would follow her through the night and beyond.

Back in the media pit, after soaking in the moment with Kristýna in the media interview room, I waited patiently. I wasn’t leaving until I heard that second name, the other Czech story we came for.

The picks rolled on. Unexpected trades. Big names called. Cameras flashing. Waves of cheers. But through it all, one thing struck me, something TV rarely captures completely: the raw, human side of draft night. The nerves. The doubts. The silent tension every time a team stepped to the podium.

Most mock drafts had Natálie comfortably inside the Top 10, a lock for the first round. But as always, draft night rarely follows the script. Trades shook up the board. Teams recalibrated. Predictions unraveled. The first round came and went. Within view, I spotted Natálie, her family, and her agent. The anticipation was building. And then finally…

“With the 12th overall pick, the Montreal Victoire select… Natálie Mlýnková.”

For her, years of hard work, long nights, and tough decisions all culminated in that one sentence. She was officially a professional women’s hockey player.

And while the spotlight may have been brightest on her teammate Kristýna Kaltounková, Natalie’s moment mattered just as much for Czech hockey, for herself, and for the growing community of young girls watching back home.

The next morning, after the interviews, the celebrations, and the whirlwind of draft night, I had the chance to sit down with Natálie for a quick conversation. Amidst the busy media schedule, she still carried her signature calm energy, but there was a new spark of excitement behind her eyes.

Interview

CWHR: First off, congratulations, 12th overall pick, newest member of the Montreal Victoire, and the second Czech drafted last night. How are you feeling? Has it all sunk in yet?

Natálie: Honestly? Not really! It’s been a lot, so busy, but I love it. I’m just enjoying every second of it. It’s crazy to think it’s real… but I’m so grateful, especially to be landing in Montreal. It’s close to Vermont, where I’ve made so many connections, and actually, some of my friends live in Montreal too, I didn’t even realize until they started reaching out.

CWHR: That’s perfect. When you were at the University of Vermont, did you ever get the chance to visit Montreal? Or will this be a new adventure?

Natálie: It’ll be pretty new for me. I’ve been there quickly for some games or to a rink maybe, but never really walked around or explored. So I’m definitely excited to get to know the city, meet the people, and… maybe even learn some French! laughs

CWHR: You’re from Zlín, a small town in Eastern Moravia. For people learning about you now, how does it feel coming from such a small Czech town to playing in one of Canada’s biggest cities?

Natálie: It’s incredible… such a privilege. Coming from Czechia, which is already a small country, and then from a smaller town… to now, stepping into this journey? It’s hard to believe. I played with boys when I started, traveled everywhere for hockey. Now, Montreal, it’s amazing.

CWHR: I saw your family was here last night. You shared that big hug after getting drafted. Have you had time to celebrate with them yet?

Natálie: Not really yet! It’s been so busy with media, meeting the Montreal staff, players, everything… but we’ll have time soon. I’m so thankful they could be here, they wouldn’t have missed it for anything.

CWHR: I know you’ll be heading back to Vermont for a bit, and eventually home to Czechia. How special will it be getting back on the ice, coaching, being with young players now as a PWHL draftee?

Natálie: I’m so excited for the girls in Vermont, for the girls back home. It means so much to be someone they can look up to, especially now that it’s just a short drive to Montreal. I love my country, I love my people… seeing little girls loving hockey, that’s the most incredible part for me. I just want to give back, share my story, and help however I can.

CWHR: You’ve already been active with a ton of other programs and camps back home. What’s your hope for the future of Czech women’s hockey?

Natálie: We have to keep pushing more resources, more support. There’ve been so many amazing players before me, Kristýna too… but it’s still hard for young girls to stay in Czechia to develop. We need to change that. The last few World Championships showed what we can do, but we’re building something bigger. It’s happening, I really believe in this. People are paying attention now, investing, and that’s how we grow the game.

CWHR: There are more Czech girls coming to the NCAA now than ever. You’ll be a mentor for many of them. How exciting is that?

Natálie: So exciting! I love that now they have someone to ask for advice. When I started, there wasn’t always that connection. But now? We have this small community of Czech girls playing abroad, and it’s special, we help each other, share our experiences, and build those friendships. It means a lot.

CWHR: Before I let you go, I know you shared a short message in Czech during the draft. Would you say a few words again for the fans back home?

Natálie (in Czech): It’s such an honor to represent Czechia and all the girls. We grew up in different conditions, but it’s getting better. I hope many more girls will follow us, and I hope we can be at least a small inspiration. If anyone ever has questions or needs help, ask us, we’re happy to help. We remember when we were young, and we didn’t have this. I hope this moment helps everyone at home, in Czechia, in Zlín. Thank you for your support. I hope we’ll see each other soon!

CWHR: Thank you so much, Natálie. Congratulations again enjoy this moment, and good luck in Montreal.

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Natálie’s journey from Zlín to Montreal is proof of how far Czech women’s hockey has come, and how far it’s still going. For the young girls watching, for the families back home, and for the next generation dreaming of moments like this, Natálie’s story is one of hope, hard work, and belief that anything is possible.