As reported by the NHLPA on Twitter, Fribourg-Gotteron forward Roman Cervenka will replace an injured David Krejci for Team Czech Republic at the upcoming World Cup of Hockey.
#WCH2016 UPDATE: Roman Cervenka will skate for Team Czech Republic, replacing an injured David Krejci. pic.twitter.com/1bGfcMWw4o
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) September 3, 2016
Krejci will not be able to skate at the World Cup as he is still not at 100% after his left hip surgery. But Bruins fans should be sure that the Czech forward will recover in time for the kickoff of the 2016-17 season. The Czechs may have to call up other players after Radko Gudas and Tomas Hertl also had to opt-out of the tournament due to injuries.
Often considered one of the most talented players in Europe, Roman Cervenka had a short stint in North America during the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season, when he played 39 games for the Calgary Flames, scoring nine goals and 17 points. The Prague, Czech Republic native spent most of his pro career playing in his native country but has also had played a number of seasons in the KHL, most notably with SKA St. Petersburg and Avangard Omsk. Earlier this spring, he signed a one-year deal with Fribourg-Gotteron of the Swiss National League A.