After a tumultuous season in Vancouver saw the Canucks miss the playoffs for the ninth time in 12 years, defenceman Filip Hronek will look to make an impact on the international stage. The 27-year-old has committed to representing Czechia at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, set to take place in Herning, Denmark, and Stockholm, Sweden.
In an April 18 update on the Czech national team’s official website, GM Jiří Šlégr shared that Filip Hronek had previously committed to joining the team. He added that discussions with the Canucks were ongoing and that they were awaiting results from Hronek’s exit medical. The statement, originally in Czech, was translated via Google Translate. Filip Chytil, another Czech player on the Canucks roster, is staying home this time around while he works his way back from a concussion.
Despite missing over 20 games due to a shoulder injury, Hronek put together a respectable campaign in Vancouver, finishing with five goals and 28 assists in 61 games. He’s no stranger to the international spotlight – he was named Best Defenceman at the 2019 Worlds after leading all blueliners in scoring, and helped Czechia earn Bronze in 2022.
Joining Hronek on this year’s Czech squad is Utah HC goaltender Karel Vejmelka, who said he’s “excited to battle for the trophy again.” The Czechs are coming off a gold medal win in 2024, which they secured with a 2-0 win over Switzerland on home ice in Prague.
Originally drafted by the Detroit Red Wings 53rd overall in 2016, Hronek has tallied 40 goals and 238 points over 451 NHL games. Since joining Vancouver, he’s notched 10 goals and 82 points in 146 games.
Czechia opens the tournament on May 9 against Switzerland. Other Canucks also heading overseas include forward Conor Garland with Team USA and prospect Tom Willander, who will suit up for Sweden.
Hronek’s addition brings experience and offence to a Czech blueline looking to defend their championship title.
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