Panacek and Pestuka Put Pen to Paper to Round Out Czech Line

Winston-Salem, NC

For Immediate Release:

The Carolina Thunderbirds, proud members of the Federal Prospects Hockey League, have announced the re-signings of F Petr Panacek and F Jiri Pestuka for the 2023-24 season, joining fellow Czech line member, Jan Salak. 

Panacek, a native of Vysocany, Czech Republic, joined the Thunderbirds during the 2018-19 season and put up 54 points in his first year with the team. In 2019-20, the 27-year-old put up a Thunderbirds career high 69 points over 46 games, including 44 assists, his FPHL single season high. A season ago, Pestuka shined in the playoffs netting eight goals and assisting on five. In the regular season, he tallied 50 points in only 34 games, including 29 assists. 

Pestuka, who first played for Carolina in the 2017-18 season, is coming off a year in which he accrued a Thunderbirds’ season high 46 points including 27 goals in the regular season. In the postseason, the forward matched Panacek’s points total with 13, including nine assists. 

Pestuka and Panacek stay with the Thunderbirds to be a part of the Czech line, including fellow Czechian, Jan Salak. The line combined for 151 points a season ago and 37 points in the postseason. 

The Thunderbirds open their season on October 27th against the Danbury Hat Tricks in Danbury, Connecticut. Fans can watch the game live on YouTube on ThunderbirdsTV.