WHC Valkyries Brno, once known as HLC Bulldogs Brno, has transformed from a modest local side into the Czech Republic’s most promising women’s hockey project. After two decades of steady development, the club captured the First Women’s League title in the 2025/26 season, securing a place in the top‑flight Women’s Extraliga for the upcoming 2026/27 campaign.
A new era for women’s hockey in Brno
The promotion is more than a sporting milestone; it represents a new chapter for a team that offers many of its players their first experience on a dedicated women’s roster. Forward Nela Veselá describes the locker‑room atmosphere as “a special energy and camaraderie that you don’t find anywhere else,” highlighting the sense of belonging that has become central to the club’s identity.
Beyond the ice, Valkyries have become a catalyst for grassroots growth, organizing the Valhalla Cup, a girls’ tournament that has expanded from four teams to twelve participants across the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Croatia. The competition not only showcases emerging talent but also cements the club’s mission to create pathways for young athletes.
The broader surge in women’s hockey across the country, fueled by the national team’s recent successes and increasing professional opportunities, places Valkyries at the forefront of a cultural shift. While the step up to the Extraliga presents fresh challenges, the organization embraces the chance to compete at a higher level and to further embed hockey in the community.