Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor

By Regan Bartel

Rookie eyes birth on Team Czechia

Tomas Poletin’s hot start turns heads

Nov 11, 2025 | 6:00 AM

If all goes according to plan, Tomas Poletin will be wearing Czechia’s colours this December at the 2026 World Junior Hockey Championship in Minneapolis. And if that happens, there’s one matchup he already has circled.

“For me, it’s probably better to beat the U.S.,” Poletin said with a grin. “Those games always feel bigger, more emotional, more chirping. It’s like a war out there.”

That edge has already shown up in Kelowna. The 18-year-old forward has brought a mix of skill, confidence, and compete to his first season in North America, quickly earning a reputation as one of the Rockets’ most dangerous players.

“I’ve always been kind of a power forward,” he said. “Most goals are scored around the crease, around the net. That’s where I want to be strong, winning pucks, taking hits, creating space for my teammates. That’s my game.”

It’s a style tailor-made for the smaller North American ice and one that’s allowed the New York Islanders prospect to find instant success.

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Poletin’s WHL debut was a hint of what was to come, a highlight-reel goal in Penticton that turned heads across the league.

“That goal was absolutely spontaneous,” he said, laughing. “Probably the best goal I’ve ever scored. I didn’t even know I could do that. But it gave me a lot of confidence. Since then, everything’s been great.”

And it has been. Through 15 games, Poletin is tied with Tij Iginla for the team lead in goals with nine, mixing finesse with that heavy, net-front presence that coaches love. But what’s impressed his teammates just as much is how quickly he’s adapted to the habits and pace of the league.

When asked after practice which teammate has impressed him most with pro-level habits, Poletin didn’t hesitate.

“Nate Corbet,” he said. “He’s always the first one here and the last one to leave. He’s hardworking, he’s a team guy, and I like how he approaches practice. We’re good friends.”

Poletin’s attention to detail and work ethic have made the transition to North America smooth, something the Islanders hoped for when they encouraged him to make the move.

“I talked with them after the draft,” Poletin said. “They wanted me to come here to learn the smaller rink and the North American game. The decision was mine, but they were really happy I chose Kelowna. I think it worked out pretty well.”

Off the ice, he’s learning the rhythm of life in a Canadian hockey town, billet life, no car, and plenty of support from teammates.

“We usually go with Dawson Gerwing when we need a ride,” he said, laughing. “Daniel Pekar and I both don’t have cars. We make it work.”

He’s also taken a liking to his new home. “Kelowna is beautiful,” he said. “The lake, the mountains, the people, I love it here.”

Poletin’s younger brother, a goaltender, was drafted by the Rockets as well, something that makes the family connection even stronger.

“He’s a great goalie,” Tomas said proudly. “Whenever we’re together, it’s a battle, basketball, ping pong, whatever. I hate losing. I can’t stand it.”

That competitiveness is what drives him, whether it’s in practice, a rivalry game, or maybe one day against the Americans on the international stage.

“It’s a big goal for me,” Poletin said. “I’m just trying to play my best hockey every game. That’s how you earn that opportunity.”

So while the 2026 World Juniors are still a few months away, Poletin’s fire is already lit. And if Czechia meets Team USA in Minneapolis, he’s already promised it’ll be loud, on the scoreboard and on the ice.

“They chirp more,” he said, smiling. “They talk all game. Sometimes I chirp them back in Czech. They don’t understand, and it drives them crazy. That’s even better.”