Petes Add Big Czech Forward Patrik Poláček in CHL Import Draft

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Petes have added some size and international talent to their prospect pool, selecting Czech forward Patrik Poláček in the 2026 CHL Import Draft.

the peterborough selected 6’5 Czech forward Patrik Poláček in the 2026 CHL Import Draft (photo courtesy of the peterborough petes, via Eliska Svobodova – hcsparta.cz)

The Petes used their lone pick in Tuesday's draft to select the 6'5", 194 pound forward with the 37th overall selection.

General Manager and Vice President of Operations Michael Oke described Poláček as a big, strong player who brings a physical style, forechecks hard and isn't afraid to drive to the net.

Oke said the Petes' coaching staff and scouts had the opportunity to watch the Czech forward both in person and on video during various international events and believe he possesses many of the qualities the organization looks for in a Peterborough Pete.

Poláček is coming off an impressive season with HC Sparta Praha's U17 team, where he finished second in the Extraliga dorostu U17 league scoring race. He recorded 36 goals and 31 assists for 67 points in 42 games.

He elevated his game even further in the playoffs, leading the league with 17 points in 12 postseason games while helping Sparta Praha capture a championship.

The forward also appeared in four games with Sparta Praha's U20 team, collecting two goals and three assists.

On the international stage, Poláček has represented his home country of the Czech Republic at the U17 level. He suited up for the national program in 25 games during the 2025-26 season, recording 15 points, and also helped Czechia reach the bronze medal game at the 2025 U17 World Hockey Challenge.

The selection gives the Petes another intriguing prospect to watch as the organization continues to build for the future.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.