It Pears The first year class of the hockey program will have a player whose expectations are almost as high as it is.
Chicago Blackhawks chose MinuteMan Forward Vaclav Nestrasil with the 25th Global Choice in the first round of the NHL draft on Friday night.
Nestrasil, which is 6 feet of 6, 185 pounds, became the second Pears Player in the history of the program that will be done in the first round next Cale Makar.
“Congratulations to Vaclav for his selection in the first round of the NHL draft for the Blackhawks Chicago,” said Greg Carvel, a Umass coach in a statement. “Vaclav had a huge year of growth and out of ice playing USHL and we are excited to help and help develop -in the coming seasons. Vaclav is a highly qualified advantage with a large frame and a great attitude. Everyone in Umass is excited to help Vaclav achieve their goal of playing NHL.”
Nestrasil, who played for the Muskegon Lumberjacks, was the first USHL player this year. In 86 junior hockey career games, the Czexia native had 26 goals and 29 assists. It had 42 points in 61 games by 2024-25.
Entering the project, it was expected to be a second round, but its stock increased during the weeks before the draft.