Jaroslav Chmelar

March 2024 – After a promising Freshman campaign in NCAA hockey with Providence College, the Czech native was looking for a strong Sophomore season with the club. Having dealt with a fairly significant injury that cost him some games, Chmelar had a positive season nevertheless, increasing his point totals from his Freshman season, despite having appeared in seven fewer games. The big winger appeared in 26 games with the Friars during the 2023-2024 season, registering 15 points. After getting healthy, he appeared in a few games at the end of the Friars’ season, and upon season’s end, he was signed to a three year entry level contact with the Rangers. Chmelar will report to AHL Hartford for the remainder of the 2023-2024 season, and will be a full time AHL player for the 2024-2025 season, after a full Summer of training. Brendan Ferry

January 2023 – Chmelar suited up for the Czech team in the recently-concluded U20 World Junior tournament in Canada. The Providence Friars’ Freshman left campus to compete for his native country, and he posted five points in seven games, helping his team to earn a silver medal. Thus far this collegiate season, the big forward has accumulated 11 points in 21 games played, nice numbers for his first NCAA season, and first season in North America. He has been given a nice opportunity in coach Nate Leaman’s lineup, and he is clearly adjusting pretty well to the move across the pond. Brendan Ferry

2022  Chmelar has appeared in nine games for the Providence Friars of the NCAA this year, posting four goals and two assists for six points.  The Freshman winger has been prominently featured in the top six of coach Nate Leaman’s lineup, appearing on a line with fellow NYR prospect Brett Berard at times, as well.  Currently, he and Berard are slotted in as the top two RW in Providence’s lineup.  Thus far, it has been a terrific development opportunity for the big, right- shot forward, as he is getting a very nice amount of ice time while competing in Hockey East, one of the NCAA’s better conferences.  The fact that Chmelar is putting up some nice point totals, in addition to the valuable experience that he is getting, is a big added bonus.  Brendan Ferry

June 2022 – Chmelar was chosen to take part in next month’s camp for the Czech team, where he hopes to earn a spot on the team for the upcoming World Junior Championship. Chmelar is also heading to Providence College for the 2022-2023 season, after spending last season with Jokerit U20 in Finland, where he posted nine goals and nine assists for 18 points in 39 games played. He will team up with fellow NYR prospect Brett Berard at Providence. Look for Chmelar to stay at the college level for three to four full years before attempting to turn pro. His NHL rights are held by New York until June 1st, 2025. Brendan Ferry