Bruins’ David Pastrnak ‘Honored’ To Be Czechia’s Flag-Bearer At 2026 Olympics
'I am going to give them my all'
Boston Bruins star forward David Pastrnak will be Czechia’s flag-bearer for the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
Pastrnak will represent his country for the first time at the Olympics as he’s expected to have a key role for Czechia. Yet, ahead of the men’s tournament kicking off, Pastrnak is scheduled to fly to Italy on Thursday to be the flag-bearer on Friday for his country.
“I am speechless,” Pastrnak said after Boston’s 5-4 shootout loss on Wednesday, as seen on NESN’s postgame coverage. “Very, very honored.
“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 will be joined by Lucie Charvátová, a biathlete, as the other flag-bearer for Czechia. The star forward is one of nine Bruins players who will partake in this year’s Olympic Games.
Pastrnak has been named the Czech Player of the Year five times. He also helped the country win gold at the 2024 World Championships.
The men’s Olympic hockey tournament is set to begin on Feb. 11. Meanwhile, Pastrnak and Czechia open Group A play on Thursday, Feb. 12, against Canada.
The other eight Bruins players going to the 2026 Winter Olympics are as follows: 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).
