Dan Vladar is about to step into one of the biggest moments of his career - making his Olympic debut in net for Team Czechia at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. After backing up in Czechia’s opener against powerhouse Canada, Vladar is getting the nod to start today’s matchup against France. And while it's his first time on Olympic ice, this isn’t his first rodeo representing his country.
At 28, Vladar brings experience and poise to the crease. He’s already worn Czechia’s colors at the IIHF World Championship - where he put together an impressive run in 2025 - and earlier in his career at the World Juniors.
But this is the Olympics, and for any athlete, that stage hits different. It’s the biggest spotlight in international hockey, and Vladar is ready to own his moment.
He’s one of three NHL goalies on Czechia’s roster, joining Lukas Dostal of the Anaheim Ducks and Karel Vejmelka of the Utah Mammoth. That trio gives Czechia a rare luxury - real depth at the game’s most crucial position. And with NHL players back in the Olympics for the first time since 2014, having a netminder with Vladar’s size, skill, and NHL pedigree is a major asset.
But it’s not just about the stats or the scouting report. Vladar is bringing something personal to the ice in Milano: a custom goalie mask that pays tribute to his hometown of Prague.
It’s a nod to where it all started - and a reminder of what this moment means to him. He’s called it a dream come true, but make no mistake, once the puck drops, the mindset shifts.
As he put it, it’s “horse blinders, no friends” - even if that means staring down his Flyers teammate Travis Sanheim when Czechia faces Canada.
There’s also a chip on Czechia’s shoulder heading into this tournament. They were left out of the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off, and that snub hasn’t gone unnoticed. Now, with a full NHL roster and a goalie like Vladar stepping into the spotlight, they’ve got something to prove.
Today marks a milestone for Vladar - and potentially a turning point for Czechia’s Olympic campaign. All eyes will be on the crease, and Vladar’s ready to rise to the moment.