Petr Nedvěd, the general manager of the Czech national hockey team, has resigned. The former outstanding striker left the position at his own request on August 31. This was confirmed by the president of the Czech Ice Hockey Association, Alois Hadamczik, to iSport.cz. Nedved could be replaced by Martin Havlát, who has been his assistant until now.
“Yes, Petr Nedvěd quit at his own request on the last day of August. These are personal reasons. We agreed together on a friendly level that if the situation changed for the better, we would start cooperation again,” Hadamczik said for the iSport.cz website.
Fifty-two-year-old Nedvěd has been the general manager of the national team since 2018, with the exception of the 2022/23 season.
He worked with the main coaches Miloš Říha, Filip Pešan, Karim Jalonenen and Radim Rulík. Together with Jalonen, they won bronze medals at the 2022 World Championships, the team led by Rulík dominated the championship this year.
“I am leaving for personal or family reasons, which I would not like to discuss in more detail in the media. I hereby thank you for respecting my privacy,” said Nedvěd.
The main adept for the vacant position is Havlát, who worked with Neddvo last season.
“I’m waiting for Martin’s opinion on whether he will take over Peter’s responsibility and his competences. He was with the national team for two years, they did many things together. If I get a positive answer, everything would continue in the usual way, which I wish,” said Hadamczik.
Havlát spent several seasons in the NHL, excelling for example in the Ottawa Senators, Chicago Blackhawks or San Jose Sharks teams. He also participated in the All-Star Game in 2007.
One of Rulík’s assistants, Marek Židlický, is also without a valid contract for next season. However, according to Hadamczik, the former successful defender should continue.
Source: sportweb.pravda.sk
