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University of Massachusets Athletics
Massachusetts Hockey Incoming Freshman Nestrasil Selected 25th Overall In 2025 NHL Entry Draft
June 27, 2025 | Hockey
LOS ANGELES – University of Massachusetts hockey incoming freshman forward Vaclav Nestrasil has been selected in the first round, 25th overall, by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft on Friday night. Nestrasil, a native of Prague, Czechia, becomes the second-highest NHL draft pick in program history, trailing only Cale Makar who went fourth overall in 2017, and UMass' highest drafted forward.
"Congratulations to Vaclav on his selection in the First Round of the NHL Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks," said UMass head coach Greg Carvel. "Vaclav had a tremendous year of growth on and off the ice playing in the USHL and we are excited to assist him and help further his development over the next few seasons. Vaclav is a highly skilled forward with a big frame and a great attitude. Everyone at UMass is excited to help Vaclav achieve his goal of playing in the NHL."
Just the second-ever Minuteman to go in the first round, 6-6, 185-pound Nestrasil played in 86 career games in the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the Muskegon Lumberjacks, totaling 55 points on 26 goals and 29 assists. This past season he helped Muskegon win a Clark Cup championship as he posted 42 points (19g, 23a) in 61 regular season games and 13 points (7g, 6a) in 14 postseason contests.
Prior to coming over to North America, Nestrasil was a member of HC Sparta Praha's U17 squad. He also appeared in 12 games for Czechia's U17 national team, logging eight points on five goals and three assists.
"Congratulations to Vaclav on his selection in the First Round of the NHL Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks," said UMass head coach Greg Carvel. "Vaclav had a tremendous year of growth on and off the ice playing in the USHL and we are excited to assist him and help further his development over the next few seasons. Vaclav is a highly skilled forward with a big frame and a great attitude. Everyone at UMass is excited to help Vaclav achieve his goal of playing in the NHL."
Just the second-ever Minuteman to go in the first round, 6-6, 185-pound Nestrasil played in 86 career games in the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the Muskegon Lumberjacks, totaling 55 points on 26 goals and 29 assists. This past season he helped Muskegon win a Clark Cup championship as he posted 42 points (19g, 23a) in 61 regular season games and 13 points (7g, 6a) in 14 postseason contests.
Prior to coming over to North America, Nestrasil was a member of HC Sparta Praha's U17 squad. He also appeared in 12 games for Czechia's U17 national team, logging eight points on five goals and three assists.
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