Jakub Vondras

January 2024 – What was going to be a disappointing World Juniors for Jakub Vondras quickly became something good. He hadn’t played at all until the bronze medal game, where he came in relief for Michael Hrabal. Making 17 saves on 20 shots and helping the Czech Republic win the medal, Vondras played well. His nerves were evident early but he settled in and was a big reason why Czechia won that game. The athleticism for his size, being 6-4, is evident, but he might rely on that part of his game too much. His ceiling, right now, caps out at a potential backup at the NHL level, but a big second half of the season for the Sudbury Wolves in the OHL can greatly improve his standing. Nick Bass