helmi 07, 2023

Kateřina Mrázová

Czech Hockey Star Kateřina Mrázová Wins Medals In AYCANE Hockey Baselayers

It took a while, but Czech women’s hockey has arrived, and suddenly they can’t stop winning medals at the World Championships. That long road to reach the podium makes it all the sweeter, says all-star and AYCANE ambassador, Kateřina Mrázová.

“It was amazing to see our group stick together and win a medal for the first time after four cycles and lots of hard work,” she says, referring to the qualification period to reach the Olympics and stick in the top tier of women’s hockey. “[2022] was a challenging year, with the qualification format and then right into the Olympic games, but it was a great experience for the Czech women to make the games and then do well. It gained us exposure on TV, so the program gained some respect. Competing in the tournament on the world’s biggest stage was really special. To win a second bronze at this year’s world’s really solidifies that we’re here. It wasn’t a fluke. We’re for real.”

While men’s hockey has a rich history in the Czech Republic, with legends like Dominik Hasek and Jaromir Jagr (who is somehow still playing) tearing up the NHL, racking up awards, and winning the gold medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics, the ladies have taken a longer road to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

With players like tenacious two-way center, Mrázová, they’ve fought through a series of demotions and promotions from the second tier to the top level at the world championships. In 2022, they finally qualified for their first Olympic games, finishing in 7th place.

Then, this past fall, the Czech women loudly announced their arrival on the international stage with a bronze medal-winning performance at the 2022 IIHF World Championship, the program’s first-ever medal. Then, they did it again this summer.

Mrázová, an assistant captain, played a key role for Czechia in both tournaments and did so with AYCANE hockey underwear and socks on under her gear, helping to regulate her body temperature, manage moisture, and improve her performance.

How AYCANE Changes Her Game

The Prague-born Mrázová connected with AYCANE through fellow ambassador, Noemi Rhyner, who got her involved and set her up with AYCANE hockey base layers, hockey skate socks, and off-ice apparel. Mrázová noticed a difference right away.

“It’s really lightweight and doesn’t smell,” she said of the women’s hockey baselayers. “It takes all the sweat away and stays comfortable throughout the game. Since I got it I haven’t stopped wearing it under my gear.”

You’ll often catch Kateřina in her AYCANE hoodie, joggers, tees, and hat even off the ice. She trains in AYCANE as well. “Again, you can’t really smell it like a regular workout tee,” she said. “It’s really lightweight and fits perfectly. I especially love to hop into the joggers and hoodie after a practice or game. It’s comfy and stylish too!”

As Mrázová continues to develop her game here in the States, you can bet she’ll be doing it in AYCANE.

A Blossoming Professional Career

Known for her stickhandling skills, she became the first European player to win the Clarkson Cup. After completing her college career at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Mrázová transitioned to the professional ranks in the now-defunct NWHL, where she became the first Czech player to score a goal in the National Women's Hockey League. Her next destination was Sweden, where she spent three seasons with Brynäs IF, establishing herself as a leading scorer and playmaker.

Mrázová and many other European players returned to the States for the 2022-23 season, where she centered the top line for the Connecticut Whale, earning All-Star honors while averaging a point per game.