Story Summary
Štěpánek is set to take a more active role at last-placed Czech Extraliga side Olomouc after working as a consultant since the start of this season. The 40-year-old former Czech international, who won World Championship gold in 2010, is expected to use his extensive experience to assist the club’s goaltenders.
Olomouc’s starter Matěj Machovský has posted an 87.94 save percentage and a 3.65 goals-against average so far, while deputy Oldřich Cichoň has recorded a 91.57 save percentage and a 2.81 goals-against average. The move increases Štěpánek’s day-to-day involvement at a difficult point for the club.
Key Facts
- Štěpánek has been an Olomouc consultant since the beginning of this season and will now become more involved with the club.
- The 40-year-old Vsetín native played for Grenoble last season.
- Štěpánek won World Championship gold in 2010 and bronze medals in 2011 and 2012.
- He won the Czech title with Třinec in 2021.
- Matěj Machovský has recorded an 87.94 save percentage and a 3.65 goals-against average for Olomouc so far.
IHM Discussion
Olomouc are adding more of Štěpánek’s experience around a position that has been under pressure. His career has taken him through France, Slovakia, Switzerland, Finland and Russia, alongside his domestic success with Třinec and his international medals with the Czech Republic.
The immediate emphasis is on the goaltending group rather than a change to the club’s playing personnel. Machovský’s figures have been particularly difficult, while Cichoň’s numbers have been stronger. Štěpánek’s expanded involvement gives both netminders access to a former high-level goalkeeper who remained active as recently as last season with Grenoble.
Why It Matters
Goaltending is a central issue for an Olomouc side described as last in the Extraliga. Štěpánek’s appointment does not itself change the existing results or statistics, but it places a decorated former goalkeeper closer to the daily work of Machovský and Cichoň.
His background also brings a broad reference point to the club. Štěpánek has worked across several European leagues, won a Czech championship and represented his country at World Championship level. Olomouc will look to that experience to support its goalkeepers during the season.