ZAHEJSKY MAKING THE ADJUSTMENT TO WHL
By Colton Davies – Follow Colton on X
Vit Záhejský recently made the transition from his home in Czechia to Kamloops, after being drafted No. 2 overall by the Kamloops Blazers in the CHL’s Import Draft. He has been adjusting to life in a new country, and despite the challenges, he has taken everything in stride.
Through eight games, the 17-year-old has two assists playing on the top line with Detroit Red Wings prospect Emmitt Finnie and 2025 NHL Draft prospect Tommy Lafrenière.
When asked how life in Kamloops was treating him, Záhejský was optimistic. “It’s pretty good,” he said. “I like my billets and the rink is nice.” The biggest difference, of course, was the change in environment. “The language is different. The people here are so friendly, and the food is also different.” He laughed when asked about his favourite pre-game meal saying, “I like Chicken Alfredo.”
Before coming to Kamloops, Záhejský had heard a little about the Blazers from his friend and fellow teammate Matteo Koči, who had spoken highly of the team and the city. Koči was selected No. 58 overall by Kamloops in the 2023 CHL Import Draft. The defenseman racked up five goals and 10 assists for 15 points in 58 games during the 2023-24 campaign. Koči has tallied six points in 23 games this season and was recently named to Czechia’s World Juniors squad. Having a fellow Czech to lean on has been very beneficial for Záhejský. The decision to play in North America was always an option for him, and he was excited about the opportunity to grow his game in the Dub.
“The league is a lot faster,” Záhejský said about the biggest adjustment he has had to endure since coming from the Czech league. “The players are bigger, and the structure is a little different.” But Záhejský is determined to succeed. “It was a tough run back in Czech, but I think coming here is helping me develop as a player.”
Záhejský had already made a splash during training camp with an impressive Michigan goal. “I saw the open space, and I just tried it,” he said modestly. “It would be awesome to score that in a game.” He smiled when he recalled pulling off the move twice back in the Czech league last season.
Adjusting to a new team and league wasn’t easy, but Záhejský has found guidance from some of the Blazers’ veterans. “I look to Emmitt Finnie, Jordan Keller, and Ryan Michael for help,” he shared. “They have a great mentality, and I try to learn from them every day.” It was clear that he appreciated the strong support system around him.
As a young player who grew up in Czechia, Záhejský had his own hockey idols. “I watched a lot of NHL last season,” he said. “I like Jack Hughes, David Pastrnak, and Brock Boeser.” He also admires Cole Caufield for his style of play, saying, “I try to model my game after him.”
Though Záhejský’s start to the WHL season was challenging, especially after a setback due to an injury, he was determined to improve. “I feel good now,” he said, “ It was tough coming in after the guys had already played 25 games. I just want to keep improving every day.”
One of the most significant experiences of his young career so far came when he represented Czechia at the prestigious Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton back in August. He helped lead Czechia to a silver medal, racking up three goals and seven points in five games. Záhejský was proud of the achievement, “It was a huge tournament for all of us,” he said. “I think I played pretty good. I had my best game ever in the Final, and it was amazing to see how different hockey is in places like Canada, Sweden, and the U.S.” August’s installment of the tournament featured top 2025 prospects Matthew Schaefer, Jacob Ihs-Wozniak, Adam Benak as well as 2026 top prospect and Medicine Hat Tigers forward Gavin McKenna.
Despite the pressure of being a prospect for this year’s NHL Draft, Záhejský has remained focused on the task at hand. Záhejský was recently named to the NHL Central Scouting list in October, and given a C rating, which indicates fourth or fifth round potential. When asked about his upcoming draft year, he said, “I don’t think about it too much. I just focus on the first games and take it one step at a time.” His dedication to improving and his team-first mentality have been evident as he prepares for the latter half of the season ahead.
Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis shared his insight on the Czechia product. “Záhejský is already so good physically. Nothing seems to phase him,” Ellis told BlazerHockey. “He has a good motor and always likes to move, and that, plus his pure strength, makes him an intriguing prospect.”
Kamloops is set for a quick Alberta road trip with a triple header that kicks off on Friday against the Calgary Hitmen, Saturday against the Red Deer Rebels and a Sunday matinee game against the Edmonton Oil Kings. The Blazers will return home following the Christmas break for a Friday, Dec. 27 game against the Vancouver Giants.