Peterborough Petes Sign 2024 First-Round Import Pick to Standard Player Agreement

The Peterborough Petes have signed 2024 first-round import pick Adam Novotný to an OHL Standard Player Agreement.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

“We are very excited to announce that we have signed Adam Novotný to an SPA,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “Since selecting him in last year’s import draft, we believed that the Petes would be an excellent place for him to continue his development. Paddy (O’Connor) has done a great job building a strong relationship with Adam over the past year which has been a huge part of making this signing possible. We’re very happy to be able to add Adam to our group and help him prepare for the 2026 NHL Draft and beyond.”

“After I was drafted last season, I became more interested in the Peterborough organization,” said Novotný. “I immediately contacted Martin Matejicek, who had only positive things to say about the club.”

The Kobylice, Czechia resident was originally selected eighth overall by the Petes in the 2024 CHL Import Draft. Last season, the 2007-born forward appeared in 41 games for Mountfield HK in Czechia’s top professional league, scoring one goal and contributing two assists for a total of three points. He also featured in 10 playoff games for Mountfield, scoring twice. In the 2023-24 season, Novotný played in 48 games for Mountfield HK U20, scoring 32 goals and adding 27 assists for a total of 59 points. In 2023, Novotný made his debut in the Czech Extraliga for Mountfield, scoring in his first game and becoming the youngest player to score a goal in the league at 15.

Petes Director of Player Personnel and Assistant Coach, , has built a strong relationship with Novotný since the Petes selected him in 2024.

“We are really excited to welcome Adam Novotný to the Peterborough Petes,” said Patrick O’Connor, Petes assistant coach and director of player personnel. “His signature and commitment is a huge part of our plan moving forward. Adam is an elite young talent who is highly driven and focused on coming to play and compete in the OHL for the Petes. He will be showcasing his vast skill set ahead of the NHL draft in the summer of 2026.”

“Although I didn’t play for the club last season, coaches Patrick O’Connor and Rob Wilson communicated with me frequently,” saidd Novotný. “This helped convince me that it was the right choice for my development. They also visited me in the Czechia to meet my family, for which I was very grateful. Of course, I consulted my decision with my family, and I feel tremendous support from them.”

Novotný has also represented Czechia on the international stage at multiple levels. This past season, he featured in seven games for Czechia at the World Junior Championships in Ottawa, scoring once and helping his team win a bronze medal. He also represented his country at the 2025 U18 World Championships in Texas, scoring twice and adding four assists for six points in five games. 

“As for my personal goals, I want to help the team as much as possible and be a valuable player both on and off the ice,” explained Novotný. “I realize that this season is important for me, so I want to do my best to help not only Peterborough but also the Czech U20 national team.”

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