30 Facts About David Jiricek

Early Life and Physical Attributes

David Jiříček is a name that’s quickly becoming known in the hockey world. Let’s dive into some key details about his early life and physical attributes.

1. 01Birthdate and Place: Born on November 28, 2003, in Klatovy, Czech Republic, David Jiříček has hockey in his blood from a young age.
2. 02Height and Weight: Standing tall at 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) and weighing 204 pounds (93 kg), his physical presence is hard to miss on the ice.

Position and Playing Style

Jiříček’s role on the ice is crucial to his team’s defense and offense. Here’s what you need to know about his playing style.

3. 03Position: He plays as a defenseman, a role that demands both defensive prowess and the ability to contribute offensively.
4. 04Shooting Hand: Jiříček shoots right-handed, a detail that can influence his effectiveness in different game situations.

Draft and Professional Career

David’s journey to the NHL is marked by significant milestones. Let’s explore his draft details and professional career.

5. 05Draft Information: Drafted sixth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Jiříček’s potential was recognized early.
6. 06Current Team: As of the 2023-24 season, he plays for the Minnesota Wild in the NHL, showcasing his skills at the highest level.

Early Career and International Experience

Before making it big in the NHL, Jiříček honed his skills in various leagues and represented his country on the international stage.

7. 07Early Career: He played for HC Škoda Plzeň in the Czech Extraliga (ELH) and SHC Klatovy in the Czech2 league, gaining valuable experience.
8. 08International Experience: Representing the Czech Republic in tournaments like the IIHF World Championships and World Junior Championships, Jiříček has made his mark globally.

Achievements and Awards

David Jiříček’s talent has not gone unnoticed. Here are some of his notable achievements and awards.

9. 09Bronze Medal at IIHF World Championships: In 2022, he won a bronze medal with the Czech Republic national team.
10. 10Silver Medal at World Junior Championships: In 2023, he helped the Czech junior national team secure a silver medal.
11. 11AHL Rookie of the Month: Named the AHL Rookie of the Month for December 2022, Jiříček’s rookie season was impressive.
12. 12AHL All-Star Game: He was part of the 2023 AHL All-Star Game, highlighting his standout performance.

Rookie Season and NHL Debut

Jiříček’s transition to the NHL has been noteworthy. Let’s look at his rookie season and NHL debut.

13. 13Rookie Season Performance: In his rookie season with the Cleveland Monsters, he recorded 6 goals and 32 assists in 55 games, leading all rookie defensemen with 0.75 points per game.
14. 14NHL Debut: Jiříček made his NHL debut on October 28, 2022, with the Columbus Blue Jackets, stepping up due to injuries in their defense corps.

Statistical Breakdown

Numbers often tell the story of a player’s impact. Here’s a detailed look at Jiříček’s statistics.

15. 15Regular Season Stats (2022-23): Played 4 games with the Blue Jackets, recording 0 goals, 0 assists, and 2 PIMs.
16. 16Regular Season Stats (2023-24): In 43 games with the Blue Jackets, he scored 1 goal, 9 assists, and accumulated 22 PIMs.
17. 17AHL Performance (2022-23): In 55 games with the Cleveland Monsters, he tallied 6 goals, 32 assists, and 36 PIMs.
18. 18AHL Performance (2023-24): Played 29 games with the Monsters, scoring 7 goals, 12 assists, and 21 PIMs.

International Tournament Statistics

Jiříček’s international play has been just as impressive. Here are his stats from various tournaments.

19. 19World Junior Championships (2021): Played 5 games, scoring 1 goal and 1 assist.
20. 20World Junior Championships (2022): In 7 games, he recorded 0 goals and 3 assists.
21. 21World Junior Championships (2023): Scored 3 goals and 4 assists in 7 games.
22. 22IIHF World Championships (2022): Played 5 games, recording 1 goal and 1 assist.

Career Totals

Summarizing his career stats gives a clear picture of his journey so far.

23. 23NHL Totals: Across 47 games, Jiříček has 1 goal, 9 assists, and 24 PIMs.
24. 24AHL Totals: In 84 games, he has 13 goals, 44 assists, and 57 PIMs.

Personal and Miscellaneous Facts

Beyond the rink, there are some interesting personal details and comparisons worth noting.

25. 25Hometown: Jiříček hails from Klatovy, Czech Republic, a place that has shaped his early years.
26. 26Comparison with Other Players: Often compared to other young defensemen like Simon Nemec due to their draft positions and early performances.
27. 27Media Recognition: Featured in various hockey media outlets including The Hockey Writers, ESPN, and Hockey Reference.
28. 28Fan Base: His growing fan base appreciates his defensive skills and potential to contribute on offense.
29. 29Off-Ice Activities: While not much is known about his off-ice activities, his focus remains primarily on his hockey career.
30. 30Future Prospects: Expected to continue growing as a player in the NHL, Jiříček has the potential to become a key defenseman for the Minnesota Wild or any team he plays for in the future.

David Jiříček: A Rising Star in Hockey

David Jiříček is making waves in the hockey world. Born in Klatovy, Czech Republic, this 6'4" defenseman has shown immense talent and potential. Drafted sixth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022, he's now with the Minnesota Wild. His early career in the Czech Extraliga and impressive performances in the AHL with the Cleveland Monsters highlight his skills. Jiříček's international experience, including a bronze medal at the 2022 IIHF World Championships and a silver at the 2023 World Junior Championships, showcases his ability to compete at high levels. With a promising rookie season and accolades like AHL Rookie of the Month, Jiříček is a player to watch. As he continues to develop, his future in the NHL looks bright, and fans are eager to see his next moves.