Daniela Pejšová Bio
Daniela Pejšová (born 14 August 2002) is a Czech professional ice hockey player who currently plays for PWHL San Jose of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). A defender who shoots left, she previously played for the Boston Fleet of the PWHL, as well as Luleå HF/MSSK and Modo Hockey of the Swedish Women’s Hockey League (SDHL). She is also a member of the Czech Republic women’s national ice hockey team.
Standing 1.73 m tall and weighing 71 kg, Pejšová was drafted seventh overall by Boston in the 2024 PWHL draft, marking a significant milestone in her career. She has developed into one of the most promising Czech defenders of her generation through work in both the SDHL and the international stage.
Early Life and Background
Daniela Pejšová was born on 14 August 2002 in a hospital in Teplice, Czech Republic, and she is a native of the nearby town of Košťany. Growing up in the Czech Republic gave her early exposure to a strong national hockey tradition and provided opportunities for young players to develop their skills through local club programs.
Her passion for the sport emerged at a young age, and she began her playing career in 2012 at the age of ten. Those early years in youth hockey helped her build the foundation that would carry her toward international competition and eventually professional ranks abroad.
Path to Hockey
Pejšová progressed through the Czech youth system before making her mark on the international junior stage. She represented the Czech Republic at the IIHF Women’s U18 World Championships in 2018, 2019, and 2020, gaining valuable experience against some of the world’s top young talent.
Her performances at the junior level opened doors to senior opportunities, and she went on to represent the Czech Republic at the IIHF Women’s World Championships in 2019 and 2021. Pejšová also competed for her country at the World University Games in Lake Placid in 2023, further broadening her experience on the international stage.
Daniela Pejšová Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
During her teenage years, Pejšová split her time between club hockey in Europe and international duty with the Czech national program. Her appearances at multiple IIHF Women’s U18 World Championships helped establish her as a reliable two-way defender with a strong understanding of the game.
Her senior international debut followed soon after, and she represented the Czech Republic at the IIHF Women’s World Championships in 2019 and 2021. These experiences helped prepare her for the jump to professional competition in one of Europe’s top leagues.
Swedish Women’s Hockey League (SDHL) Era
Pejšová moved to Sweden to play in the SDHL, joining Modo Hockey before later suiting up for Luleå HF/MSSK. Playing in the SDHL allowed her to compete at a high weekly pace against experienced professional players, sharpening her defensive game and her ability to contribute offensively from the blue line.
Her time in Sweden was an important step in her development and helped position her as a top prospect heading into the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s second draft. The move to Scandinavia is widely viewed as a key chapter in her path toward becoming a professional in North America.
Boston Fleet Era (2024–2026)
On 10 June 2024, Pejšová was selected seventh overall by PWHL Boston in the 2024 PWHL draft, becoming one of the highest-drafted Czech players in the league’s history. She joined the Boston Fleet for the team’s early PWHL seasons and quickly carved out a role on the defensive corps.
In two seasons with the Boston Fleet, she recorded two goals and five assists in 55 regular season games, contributing steady defensive play while chipping in offensively when given the opportunity. Her consistent performances helped solidify her reputation as a dependable, modern defender capable of logging heavy minutes.
PWHL San Jose Era (2026–Present)
During the league’s expansion to twelve teams ahead of the 2026–27 season, Pejšová signed a two-year contract with PWHL San Jose on 14 June 2026. The move marked a new chapter in her professional career as the league continued to grow across North America.
Joining an expansion franchise gave Pejšová the chance to help shape the identity of a new club while continuing to develop her game. Her transition from Boston to San Jose reflected her status as a sought-after defender entering her prime years.
Playing Style and Strengths
Pejšová is recognized for her poise with the puck, strong skating, and dependable defensive positioning. As a left-shooting defender, she is comfortable joining the rush and contributing to offensive plays while remaining disciplined in her own zone.
Notable Events and Milestones
Her selection seventh overall in the 2024 PWHL draft stands as the headline milestone of her young career. Multiple appearances at IIHF Women’s U18 World Championships, two senior Women’s World Championships, and the World University Games in Lake Placid round out a resume that highlights her consistency at every level she has played.
Daniela Pejšová Career Highlights
Across her time with Luleå HF/MSSK and Modo Hockey in the SDHL and the Boston Fleet in the PWHL, Pejšová has built a reputation as a reliable defender. Her professional totals include two goals and five assists in 55 regular season games during her two seasons with Boston.
SDHL Highlights
Pejšová competed in the Swedish Women’s Hockey League with both Modo Hockey and Luleå HF/MSSK, two of the league’s established programs. Her SDHL experience prepared her for the pace and physicality of professional hockey and helped her earn the attention of PWHL scouts.
PWHL Highlights
In the PWHL, Pejšová has played 55 regular season games for the Boston Fleet, recording two goals and five assists. Her contributions helped the Fleet during the league’s formative seasons and laid the groundwork for her next step with PWHL San Jose.
Daniela Pejšová Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Pejšová was born and raised in the Czech Republic, with ties to both Teplice and the town of Košťany. Her background in a country with a deep hockey tradition helped shape her early path in the sport.
Personal Life
Pejšová is known publicly for her dedication to hockey and her representation of the Czech Republic on the international stage. Beyond her career as a professional player, she continues to focus on her development as one of the top Czech defenders of her generation.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2024–25 PWHL season with the Boston Fleet, Pejšová continued to develop her role as a steady defensive presence. Her work helped the team compete in a league that was still establishing its identity in its early years of play.
Internationally, Pejšová remained a part of the Czech Republic women’s national team setup, building on her prior Women’s World Championship experience. Her combination of club and national team duties kept her schedule demanding but also reinforced her growth as a two-way defender.
Looking ahead, her eventual move to PWHL San Jose and continued international commitments signal an exciting next phase of her career. With experience across the SDHL, the PWHL, and multiple IIHF events, Pejšová enters the coming seasons with momentum and a clear role on a new expansion franchise.