Milan (from our correspondent) – She knew going into the game that she would be one of two goaltenders prepared to play. On Monday morning, Coach MacLeod designated her as the starting goalie against Canada, moving her from the Czech Republic’s third-string position. “The coaches spot what I’m capable of. They weren’t afraid to set me in there. Both they and I feel like I can do more and deliver a different performance. It wasn’t a terrible performance, but it wasn’t the kind of performance I usually deliver, which is important to me.”
She faced two key saves early in the game, then watched as the Czech team struggled during a 5-on-3 power play. Shortly after Canada returned to full strength, they scored their first goal. Pejšová was unable to secure the backhand shot, and couldn’t react to the follow-up attempt. For the second goal, a defender, Lásková, altered the puck’s trajectory, and she missed the shot with her glove on the third.
“I made some saves, not all easy ones. But I don’t think I have anything to be ashamed of. It wasn’t a complete disaster. One goal was my fault, but the others were difficult. There were some unfortunate rebounds that I usually catch. I always strive to find my mistakes and work on them,” Pejšová said after the game.
The Czech team has utilized all three of its goaltenders during the tournament, an unusual strategy. Pejšová has also demonstrated her reliability this season, recording two shutouts in the Women’s Euro Hockey Tour. “The coaches really believe in me, and I’ve shown them that this season, as well as at the Universiade. It’s difficult in these games. You face a lot of shots, and it either goes well or it doesn’t. Most of the time, I manage to support and motivate the team, but today wasn’t that day,” she explained calmly.
She has demonstrated maturity in handling pressure, having long ago decided to turn off her phone regardless of the game’s outcome. “I don’t find that pleasant. I only write to the coaches and close people. At least I feel like everything is okay. Even if we won the Universiade, I had two shutouts for the national team, or I conceded three goals today, I still have the same people who support me and with whom I communicate. Whether it’s crazy or good. I’m not on social media right now, and a few other girls have the same approach at the Olympics. We’re trying to focus on ourselves, not on the networks,” she said with composure.
Photo: Mike Segar, Reuters
Julie Pejšová during training at the Olympics in Milan.
Olympics 2026 in Milan and Cortina
Milan, Italy – Czech goaltender Julie Pejšová is navigating a pivotal moment in her hockey career, demonstrating resilience and a calm demeanor despite a challenging start at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The athlete’s journey to the Olympic stage is particularly noteworthy given a serious knee injury that once threatened to conclude her career.
Pejšová was unexpectedly named the starting goalie for the Czech Republic’s game against Canada on February 10, 2026, after coaches expressed confidence in her abilities. While acknowledging the game didn’t go as planned, she remained optimistic. “The coaches see what I’m capable of. They weren’t afraid to put me in there,” she stated after the game. “I feel like I can do more and deliver a different performance. It wasn’t a terrible performance, but it wasn’t the kind of performance I usually deliver, which is important to me.”
The Czech team has utilized all three of its goaltenders during the tournament, a strategic decision that highlights the team’s approach to the competition. Pejšová has previously demonstrated her skill, recording two shutouts in the Women’s Euro Hockey Tour this season.
Pejšová’s path to success hasn’t been without obstacles. After undergoing knee surgery, she was told she might never play again. She spent nearly two years in recovery, working with a physiotherapist to regain her form. Her determination culminated in a victory over Canada at the Universiade, a moment that brought her to tears.
Currently, Pejšová plays for a junior team in Milevsko, competing against male players in their early twenties. She is considering options for her future, including playing professionally in Sweden or pursuing opportunities in men’s hockey, though the latter would require special approval. “I’m thinking about whether to go into women’s hockey, but the guys are two meters tall at 20, they have a shot, they’re fast. At the same time, that’s why the coaches trust me. They see that I’m used to this fast hockey,” she explained.
Maintaining a strong mental game is a priority for Pejšová, who disconnects from social media and limits communication to coaches and close family members after each game. This approach allows her to stay focused and manage the pressures of high-level competition.
