The newest Kelowna Rocket made a name for himself over the holidays representing his country.
Vojtech Cihar was named MVP of the 2026 World Junior Hockey Championships on Monday night (Jan. 5), after he and Czechia lost 4-2 to Sweden in the gold medal game.
The Los Angeles Kings prospect dominated the tournament, scoring four goals and adding eight assists in seven games played, finishing fourth in points.
He was also named to the World Junior All-Star team, which is voted on by the media.
Cihar earned the silver medal at the tournament along with his Rockets teammate Tomas Poletin, who had six points in the event.
Now that the World Juniors have ended, Cihar, Poletin, and Tij Iginla are all expected to re-join the Rockets and could be back in the line-up as early as Wednesday, Jan. 7, when the Rockets welcome the Tri-City Americans to town. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m.
When Cihar plays for Kelowna, it will be his Rockets and WHL debut.