Photo courtesy of: David Pickering
The Peterborough Petes celebrated a successful weekend at the 2026 NHL Draft as forwards Adam Novotný and Adam Levac both heard their names called by NHL clubs.
Novotný was selected 24th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the opening round on Friday, becoming the first Peterborough player taken in the first round since Mason McTavish in 2021.
On the second day of the draft, the Detroit Red Wings selected Petes forward Adam Levac with the 108th overall pick in the fourth round, giving Peterborough two drafted players in the same year.
“It feels amazing, I can’t even describe it with words,” Novotný said after his selection. “I’m so excited to be drafted by such an amazing organization like Vancouver. It’s an unbelievable feeling.”
The native of Kobylice, Czechia, arrived in Peterborough after being chosen eighth overall in the 2024 CHL Import Draft and quickly established himself as one of the club’s top offensive threats. In his first OHL season, Novotný recorded 34 goals and 31 assists for 65 points in 58 games.
Prior to joining the Petes, the 2007-born forward played 41 games for Mountfield HK in the Czech Extraliga, registering one goal and two assists. He made league history in 2023 when he scored in his professional debut at age 15, becoming the youngest player ever to find the back of the net in Czechia’s top league.
Petes general manager and vice-president of operations Michael Oke said Novotný’s selection reflects years of dedication and development.
“Being selected in the first round of the NHL Draft is something that very few people experience in their lifetime and is a testament to the hard work and dedication that Adam brings to the rink every day,” Oke said.
Novotný has also represented Czechia internationally, helping his country capture bronze at the 2025 World Junior Championship and silver in 2026.
