WESTFIELD, Mass. – Westfield State University junior defenseman Tomas Muller is back on campus, after an exciting opportunity overseas, playing for the Czech Republic's National Ice Hockey Team at the 2025 World University Games in Torino, Italy.
Muller became the second Owl to have the chance to represent his country at the World University Games, joining Tom Skold, who skated for Sweden in 2023. Muller also joins Skold and current New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette '86 as Owls who have represented their nations in international competition, as Laviolette both played and coached the US Olympic Team after graduating from Westfield State.
"It meant the world to me," said Muller. "It was huge honor to be able to play in a national jersey at an international tournament with so much talent."
The chance to play at the University Games was a bit of a pleasant surprise and his first time representing the Czech Republic in national competition.
"I knew I was in the extended nomination, but I wasn't sure if I'd make all the cuts because our team was mostly pro players from Czech leagues and they're all great players."
Muller's Czech team had a strong showing, going unbeaten in pool play with a 4-0 record, including an overtime win, before falling in the tournament quarterfinals, 4-3 to the Ukraine, to knock the Czech's out of medal contention.
"I was looking forward most to getting a chance to compete in the medal games, which we unluckily didn't get to do after losing in quarterfinals," said Muller. "Even though it was our first loss of the tournament it was a game that mattered the most."
Muller played in all six games in the tournament, including wins over Canada, Kazakhstan, Sweden and Korea. He finished with one assist.
"I have missed a few games with my team here at Westfield which I'm a little upset about but they played great when I wasn't here and won many tough matches," said Muller, a native of Hradec Kralove, in the Czech Republic, who played his junior hockey for the Boston Jr. Rangers.
Muller has played in 16 games for Westfield State this season, with one goal from the blueline.
"Through hard work and determination Tomas has become integral part of our team, and each and every year he's improved," said Westfield State head coach Bob Miele. "Having the chance to represent his country and Westfield State at the World University Games is well deserved honor for him."
Westfield is currently 11-10 this season and 7-7 in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference.
The Owls are currently sitting in fifth place in the standings in the 10-team league. The top eight teams in the standings at the end of the regular season will compete in the conference tournament.
Tomas and the Owls will be back on the ice on Thursday, hosting Rivier University at 7:35 p.m. at Amelia Park. The Owls grabbed a 4-1 win over the Raiders the last time these two teams met last month while Muller was in Torino.