Team Finland, first in Maple Leafs fans' hearts for having Leo Komarov in the lineup, has a contender for our affection at the World Cup. Maple Leaf Milan Michálek was named to the Team Czech Republic roster today, joining a certain Arizona defenseman named Zbynek Michálek, who also happens to be his brother.
Michálek last skated for the Czech Republic in the Olympics, and has represented his country in every single year of his career except for last year, probably due to being in the first round of playoffs with the Ottawa Senators.
The Czech Republic is looking to be a solid contender at the World Cup, especially in goal, with Petr Mrazek backed up by Michal Neuvirth. Two Tampa Bay Lightning players barely had a chance to rest from their game 7 defeat before showing up on the roster -- forward Ondrej Palat, and noted giraffe-like defenseman Andrej Sustr. The entire roster is here:
Goalies:
Petr Mrazek, Detroit Red Wings; Michal Neuvirth, Philadelphia Flyers; Ondrej Pavelec, Winnipeg Jets.
Defensemen:
Radko Gudas, Flyers; Michal Kempny, Avangard Omsk; Roman Polak; San Jose Sharks; Andrej Sustr, Tampa Bay Lightning; Jakub Nakladal, Calgary Flames; Zbynek Michálek, Arizona Coyotes; Michal Jordan, Carolina Hurricanes.
Forwards:
Michael Frolik, Flames; Martin Hanzal, Coyotes; Tomas Hertl, Sharks; David Krejci, Boston Bruins; Ondrej Palat, Lightning; David Pastrnak, Bruins; Tomas Plekanec, Montreal Canadiens; Vladimir Sobotka, Avangard Omsk; Jakub Voracek, Flyers; Ales Hemsky, Dallas Stars; Radek Faksa, Stars; Milan Michálek, Toronto Maple Leafs; Dmitrij Jaskin, St. Louis Blues
You know his country loves him when an ardent Michálek fan created a montage like this one: