By Andy Miller
‘I want to be a player who can look back and say I put in the work everyday, because talent only takes you so far.’ – Kristyna Kaltounkova
Kaltounkova is a player in this year’s draft who has size, work ethic, skill and smarts. She has many eyes on her this year as she has good size and high end skill. At Colgate she is motivated this season by opinions saying that Colgate would be in tough to make the postseason. For Kaltounkova that was not an excuse to have in her back pocket if things went poorly but a challenge to excel and go beyond the expectations of those on the outside. Being able to play on the International stage in February (2025) was an honour for her to play with and against some of the top players in the world.
Her timing on the ice is typically bang on and she can lead a rush or support it at just the right pace. She is able to move her feet to find the seams to receive or give a pass. For teams thinking about drafting her, her abilities on the power play separate her from most other players. Kaltounkova has a good one timer that she can get off quickly and she places it well. She will drive the centre lane whenever possible.
Coming to the end of her Collegiate career Kaltounkova has developed as a player and she is quick to give credit to Coach Decosse. She appreciates all the work he has done to help her develop her shot, which in my word’s is a top shot if not the top one in this upcoming draft class. Kaltounkova, or Kalty, as she is referred to is thankful for her coach’s challenges to make her a better all around player. Decosse also stated that Kaltounkova ‘play(s) a complete 200-foot game (and) that sets her apart, as she impacts all three zones with skill and determination.’
When asked about sports that were popular in Czechia in her youth she stated that’ hockey and soccer were the most popular sports where I grew up. My mom actually played soccer when she was younger, but we were always a hockey family even though no one in my family played hockey besides me and my older brother. My grandpa played a little (too).’.
Kultunkova stated that her ‘parents have had a lot of impact and influence on my life and hockey, they are my biggest supporters and would do anything for me. Although they always believed that I had to earn everything myself, they have always been in my corner. They are so humble and have taught me to value and appreciate everything, even the little things. Their dedication and sacrifice to drive me to hockey my whole childhood is something so admirable; they took a part of their life and dedicated it to me, my brother, and our hockey careers. They always put emphasis on the fact that school comes first, that’s why I have been working really hard in the classroom trying to succeed. It is hard to describe what they do and have done to me in a short answer, but all of their help, support, love, care, sacrifice, and dedication have helped me be where I am today, and I would not be the same without them.’ When ever she speaks about her family she lights up and you can tell that they are all important to her. This is clearly where her work ethic and attitude come from.
Family support allowed Kaltounkova to come to the US in high school and played for Vermont Academy where she stated she developed as a player and met some strong players but at that level it was a good mix of talent. She began to develop her leadership skills at Vermont Academy and was named captain eventually in the program. This created an interesting transition for Kaltounkova, obviously all players go from seniors to freshman but she was one who went from leadership to rookie. Unlike most rookies though, Coach Decosse wanted her to be a key part on the ice for her Colgate squad. He also shared that ‘Kalty’s leadership qualities are unmistakable, being named captain last season reflects the respect she commands among her peers. She’s what we call an “everyday” player: she sets the standard for work ethic and competitiveness in every practice and game. On the bench, she provides a calm, positive voice during tense moments, helping to keep the group focused.’
Coach Decosse described ‘Kalty (as) a rare blend of intelligence, physical strength, and elite offensive instincts, making her a dominant power forward at the NCAA level. She can influence a game in countless ways, whether she’s finishing with her dynamic goal-scoring, setting up teammates with elite playmaking, or approaching every shift with unmatched competitiveness. Her willingness to play a complete 200-foot game sets her apart, as she impacts all three zones with both skill and determination.’ You can see the respect her coach has for her in the words he chose. Her talent is obvious her attitude is what sets her apart.
Speaking with Kalty shows how much she values her family. Family comes through in just about everything she says. This clearly connects to her teams as she is quick to point out her teammates and all they do to support her. She is clearly a player who has her priorities correct. Kalty is quick to thank her Coach’s and staff and wants to let others know that her success is not her’s only, as she is so very grateful for all those that helped her and continue to help her on her journey.
Kaltounkova is a true power forward. In her coach’s words she ‘is a rare blend of intelligence, physical strength, and elite offensive instincts, making her a dominant power forward at the NCAA level.’ You don’t need to be looking for Kaltounkova to see her on the ice, she jumps out at you and her dominance is obvious to any fan. One skill that sets her apart is her shot, it is powerful and accurate. According to Kalty Coach Decosse has spent quite a bit of time over her years at Colgate helping her refine and fully develop that talent so it has gone from high end to truly elite.
When asked about her development she said first and foremost she puts a’ full effort into everything but, especially this year, into playing defense on PK. Being able to shift my game this year to be more confident on the defensive side. This has given me more autonomy in my game. She is developing into an incredibly versatile player who isn’t just a player to consider in all options but the player you want on the ice as a coach in every situation possible. Improving her ability to get in passing and shooting lanes has been part of that goal this season and it is clearly developing as she makes it hard on
Her recent international experience with Team Czechia. ‘In (an earlier event in) Finland I was a centre, this most recent one I was playing on the wing, this was a big transition for me. Coach Carla (MacLeod) put me in really good positions’. Kaltounkova indicated that she felt that she was in spots where she was able to help the team and be successful. Kalty could have taken a poor attitude to being put on the wing but as she stated ‘it is on me to be able to play either position. It was very helpful to combine all the different skill sets and playing styles.’ Kaltounkova is ready for new challenges and if she has any difficulty transitioning into the PWHL game, which I doubt, her mental toughness and resources will surely help her. She also shared that ‘it was an honour to play with and against some of the world’s top players on the U18 team and the National team.’ As well as that ‘t helped remind her ‘that skill is not enough and hardwork is what is needed as well to be successful at the highest level you can reach.’
She shared that ‘the U18 world championship in Czech in 2017 was an incredible experience as all my family was able to come and watch me with us hosting. Due to my age the team had to get an IIHF exemption to allow me to play. It was incredible to be there and see what the atmosphere was like. I am hoping to be on the team going forward.’ She is a truly humble person who seems to have things figured out for a young woman who is not 23 yet.
At Vermont Academy Kaltounkova displayed her athleticism by playing Soccer, Lacrosse and hockey. She was able to play different sports and retain her passion and health for the ice. She was a player who was a leader in High School being named Captain in her senior year. This allowed her to see how hard work can benefit you as a leader, but also as an athlete playing multiple sports.
When asked about goals going forward, with the international game, Kalty stated ‘To make the team for the World Championship. To help the team be successful, a gold is the dream but a medal would be great. I am going to do everything I can to help my team if I am given that opportunity.’ She then stated that ‘growing up, the Olympics was the dream for girls so that is a goal for me to represent the Czech republic. Being in Italy my family could come. She is a driven person who would definitely be an asset to Team Czechia in Italy in February 2026.