Led by NHL stalwarts David Pastrnak, Martin Naces, and Filip Hronek, as well as a strong goaltending tandem of Karel Vejmelka and four-year Flame Dan Vladar, the Czechs are one of the stronger sides at the World Championship. But their captain is much less of a household name in North America — at least, to those who didn’t watch the Flames in 2012-13.

It’s been more than 12 years since Roman Cervenka last suited up for an NHL game, but even at 39 years of age, he remains one of the top players in the world outside of North America. The 5’11” forward collected 65 points in 65 games split between the regular season and playoffs with Czech club Pardubice HC in 2024-25 and entered Thursday’s contest with five points in three games at the 2025 Worlds.

Cervenka didn’t last long in North America, as his slight frame and limited English adversely affected his ability to adapt to the NHL. He collected nine goals and 17 points in 39 games as a 27-year-old with the Flames in the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season before returning to the KHL.

The Flames undoubtedly hope Klapka will stick around much longer, even if he isn’t yet at the top of the pecking order for the national team. The 24-year-old behemoth was terrific in spot duty with the Flames in 2024-25, racking up six goals and 10 points in 31 games while spending time on all four forward lines.

Klapka is a pending restricted free agent who could be in line for his first one-way NHL deal after making $775,000 with the Flames and $100,000 with the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers last season. He’s one of a handful of RFAs the Flames still need to sign this summer, along with Morgan Frost, Connor Zary, Kevin Bahl, and Rory Kerins.

For more coverage of the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship, follow along with Adrian Kiss’ series of recaps right here on FlamesNation.