Before David Pastrnak suits up for Team Czechia, he will bear the country’s flag during the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony.
“Honestly speechless,,” the Bruins star forward told reporters after Wednesday’s loss to the Florida Panthers. “Very, very honored and going over there to represent my country. I am going to give them my all. Very happy and honored to be able to hold our flag and represent us at the ceremony.”
Pastrnak, who was named to Czech’s Olympic roster, will carry his country’s flag during the opening ceremony on Feb. 6. He will be joined by Lucie Charvátová, a biathlete for Czech.
The Bruins star forward is one of nine Boston players who will partake in this year’s Olympic games. It will be Pastrnak’s first Olympic games.
Joonas Korpisalo (Finland), Elias Lindholm (Sweden), Hampus Lindholm (Sweden), Jeremy Swayman (USA), Charlie McAvoy (USA), Henri Jokiharju (Finland), Pavel Zacha (Czech Republic) and prospect Dans Locmelis (Latvia) are the other Bruins players representing their countries.
Zacha and Elias Lindholm are dealing with upper-body injuries, but Bruins coach Marco Sturm believes they both will be good to go for the men’s tournament, which begins Feb. 11.