Kelowna Rockets forward Vojtech Cihar named 2026 World Juniors MVP

Vojtech Cihar was named MVP of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship after recording 12 points in seven games and helping Czechia win a silver medal; his WHL rights were acquired earlier this season and he is set to join the Kelowna Rockets.

Vojtech Cihar was named MVP of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship and is set to join the Kelowna Rockets. He helped lead Czechia to a silver medal and recorded 12 points in seven games during the tournament. The 18-year-old spent the first part of the season with HC Energie Karlovy Vary, appearing in 27 games and recording four goals and four assists. His WHL rights were acquired earlier this season from the Lethbridge Hurricanes in a trade that also involved Shane Smith being moved to Kelowna. Known details: - Vojtech Cihar was named MVP of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. - He registered 12 points in seven games and helped Czechia earn a silver medal. - Cihar played 27 games for HC Energie Karlovy Vary this season, with four goals and four assists. - His WHL rights were acquired from the Lethbridge Hurricanes in a deal that included Shane Smith joining Kelowna. - The Rockets are preparing to host the 2026 Memorial Cup and list players such as Tij Iginla, Carson Wetsch, Tomas Poletin, Hiroki Gojsic and Hayden Paupanekis on the roster. - Through 36 games, Kelowna holds a 17-14-3-2 record, ranking eighth in the Western Conference. Summary: Cihar's MVP performance adds a notable international accomplishment to the Rockets' roster as the club prepares to host the 2026 Memorial Cup. He is expected to join Kelowna soon, though a specific arrival date was not provided.