Czechia is heading to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, with high hopes of capturing their first-ever Olympic medal in women's ice hockey. The Czech Ice Hockey Federation unveiled the 23-player roster in early January 2026, a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talents. This team, coached by Carla MacLeod, appears to be the strongest Czechia has ever assembled for a major international tournament. As the tournament approaches, here are three players to keep a close watch on:

1. Kristýna Kaltounková (Forward)

Kristýna Kaltounková is a dynamic forward who was the first overall pick in the 2025 Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) draft. Now playing for the New York Sirens, Kaltounková is expected to lead Czechia's offensive charge. Her impressive performance at Colgate University and subsequent transition to the PWHL have established her as a player to watch. Kaltounková's offensive skills and playmaking abilities make her a threat every time she's on the ice.

2. Klára Peslarová (Goaltender)

Klára Peslarová is the backbone of the Czechia women's national team. A goaltender currently playing for Brynäs IF, Peslarová has consistently delivered clutch performances for the "Lionesses" over the past several years. Her experience and ability to perform under pressure will be crucial if Czechia aims to advance deep into the tournament. Peslarová's performance in goal could very well determine Czechia's fate in the Olympics.

3. Aneta Tejralová (Defense)

Aneta Tejralová brings a wealth of experience and leadership to Czechia's defensive unit. Tejralová, who captains the national team, plays for the Seattle Torrent in the PWHL. Her steady presence on the blue line and ability to contribute offensively make her an invaluable asset. Tejralová's leadership will be essential in guiding Czechia through the challenges of the Olympic tournament.

Czechia's women's team has been steadily improving, securing bronze medals at the Women's World Championships in 2022 and 2023. With a well-rounded roster featuring a mix of PWHL stars, NCAA standouts, and European veterans, they are aiming to build on their recent success and compete for a medal in Milan. The team will face tough competition in the preliminary round, battling against powerhouses like Team USA, Switzerland, Finland and Canada. However, with the likes of Kaltounková, Peslarová and Tejralová leading the charge, Czechia is poised to make a significant impact at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The women's tournament begins on February 5, with Czechia facing Team USA.