The Czechs are looking for a defender before the WC, he was ruled out by an injury

The Czechs are looking for a defender before the WC, he was ruled out by an injury | Hokej.cz

Petr Zámorský | Photo: ceskyhokej.cz

Pilsen defender Petr Zámorský leaves the camp of the national team shortly before the double match in Slovakia. “Injury in the lower half of the body will not allow Petr to continue preparing for the World Championship,” said head coach Radim Rulík in a press release.

The 31-year-old defender was aiming for his fourth participation in the World Cup, this year he played a total of eight matches for the national team and scored three points (1+2). “We want to thank him for the work he has done and wish him to get back to health as soon as possible,” says Rulík.

At the same time, Zámorský could have really realistic hopes for the final nomination for the domestic championship, because he transferred self-confidence and playing comfort from the club scene to the national team.

In the extra league, he was really a dominant fullback: he scored 40 points in the regular season, only Kladno’s Jiří Ticháček scored more. Zámorský even dominated the team’s scoring in Pilsen – albeit a defender. With almost 25 minutes skated per game, he was the busiest player in the Czech top league.

“Petro’s lower body injury won’t allow him to continue preparing for the World Championship.”

Ten defenders remain in the national team squad before Friday and Saturday’s duel with Slovakia after Zámorský’s departure. It is assumed that tough Radko Gudas from Anaheim will join the national team before the Czech Games. Jan Rutta from San José or participants in the extra-league final may also be in the game.

Nomination of the Czech Republic for matches in Slovakia

Goalkeepers:
Lukáš Klimeš (HC VÍTKOVICE RIDERA), Dominik Frodl (HC Energie Karlovy Vary), Jakub Malek (Ilves Tampere).

Defenders:
Filip Pyrochta (BK Mladá Boleslav), Libor Zábranský (Porin Ässät, FIN), Andrej Sustr (Cologne Haie, GER), Jan Ščotka (HC Kometa Brno), Dominik Masin (Ilves Tampere, FIN), Jakub Galvas (Malmö Redhawks, SWE), Michal Kempný, Jakub Krejčík (both HC Sparta Prague), David Spacek (Iowa Wild, AHL), Jiří Ticháček (Knights of Kladno).

Attackers:
Roman Cervenka (SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers, SWI), Ondřej Beránek (HC Energie Karlovy Vary), Tomas Filippi, Jakub Rychlovsky (both White Tigers Liberec), Michael Spacek (HC Ambrì-Piotta, SWI), David Tomasek (Färjestad BK, SWE), Petr Kodytek (Ilves Tampere, FIN), Jakub Flek (HC Kometa Brno), Jáchym Kondelík (Banes Motor České Budějovice), Radan Lenz (HV71, SWE), Michal Kovarčík, Ondřej Kovařčík (both Mikkelin Jukurit, FIN), Matej Stránský (HC Davos, SWI), Filip Chlapík, Pavel Kousal (both HC Sparta Prague), Ondřej Kaše (HC VERVA Litvínov), Matyáš Kantner (Kalpa Kuopio, FIN), Jakub Vrana (Springfield Thunderbirds, AHL).