Bruins’ David Pastrnak named Czechia’s flagbearer for 2026 Winter Olympics
One of the top players in the game is receiving one of sport’s greatest honors.
On Wednesday, the Czech Olympic Committee announced that Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak will be the country’s flagbearer for the Opening Ceremony at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
📞 David Pastrňák ponese českou vlajku na slavnostním zahájení v Miláně! ♥️🇨🇿 #pojd
Pastrnak is one of the country’s biggest stars heading into this year’s Winter Games. While Czechia is expected to be competitive in other sports, hockey may be its best chance of securing a medal. The veteran sniper leads an experienced group that could turn some heads in Milan.
Pastrnak is highly regarded, which is why he was named one of the first six players on the Czech roster for this year’s games. The 29-year-old will be making his Olympic debut, as he was still one year removed from joining the Bruins the last time NHLers were allowed to participate at the Winter Games in Sochi 12 years ago.
It’s not as if the Havirov native hasn’t represented his country before. Along with a couple of appearances at the IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship and a trio of endeavors at the IIHF World Junior Championship, “Pasta” has played for the Czechs at the IIHF Men’s World Championship six times. He helped the country win the gold medal at the 2024 tournament, as well as a bronze medal in 2022.
Pastrnak has been named the Czech Player of the Year five times. A Hart Trophy Finalist three years ago, his scoring prowess has made him a difference-maker at the NHL and international levels.
The Opening Ceremony is set to take place at San Siro Stadium in Milan on Friday, Feb. 6. The event is scheduled to get underway at 1:40 p.m. ET. Czechia opens up Group A play on Thursday, Feb. 12, against Canada.