PWHL Ottawa signs Aneta Tejralova to two-year contract

One of the solid two-way blueliners in Canada’s capital is sticking around for a couple of years.

On Sunday, PWHL Ottawa signed defender Aneta Tejralova to a two-year contract. The deal carries through the end of the 2025-26 season.

“Aneta is an exceptional skater, PWHL Ottawa General Manager Mike Hirshfeld said in a release. “She never backs down when it’s time to block a shot. Her leadership is obvious. Carla MacLeod has entrusted her with the title of captain of the Czech National Team. She’s a great influence in our clubhouse.”

It is the team’s second signing in a week. Last Wednesday, Ottawa re-signed forward Natalie Snodgrass to a one-year contract.

Tejralova was one of the better defenders on the team that narrowly missed the inaugural playoffs. In 23 games, the Prague, Czechia native scored two goals and eight points, finishing second on Ottawa in blueliner scoring, finishing a few points behind Savannah Harmon.

“PWHL Ottawa and our fans have been so welcoming, Ottawa feels like home.” Tejralova said. “I am excited to continue playing for this team. Last year Ottawa gave me a lot of opportunities and confidence to be better so I can’t wait to see what next season can bring.”

The 28-year-old’s signing gives Ottawa nine players signed to a contract for next season, which includes captain Brianne Jenner, Tereza Vanisova and goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer.

Tejralova was making a name for herself on the international scene prior to being drafted in the seventh round of last year’s PWHL Draft. She has been on the Czech senior national team since she was 16. She was on the bronze-medal-winning teams at the 2022 and 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championships. Tejralova has previously played professionally in her native Czechia, Russia, Sweden and spent the 2022-23 campaign with the Boston Pride of the Premier Hockey Federation.

Ottawa will add some more players to its roster in the second PWHL Draft on Monday night in St. Paul, Minnesota.