Vojtech Port is a defenseman drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the 6th round (161st overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft. He began his hockey career at the age of five in his hometown of Jihlava, Czechia. His older brother played hockey, and Port followed in his footsteps. He played in Jihlava's youth system until the age of 15, then moved to Prague for two years to continue his development. Soon after, Port was drafted by the Red Deer Rebels in the WHL.
Port’s favorite team growing up in Czechia was Sparta Prague, and his favorite player was Rasmus Dahlin, the Swedish defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres. Port has modeled his game after Dahlin, aiming to be a two-way defenseman who contributes both offensively and defensively. "I try to play like him," Port says, referencing his admiration for Dahlin’s ability to impact both ends of the ice.
Port’s strengths on the ice include his ability to read the game and make quick decisions. He is also known for his passing, which allows him to make effective plays under pressure. With progress needed to be made to make the NHL, he is focused on improving his physicality, particularly in battles along the boards and in the corners, areas he is actively working to develop. "The battles in the corners and the tight situations are what I’m focused on improving," Port adds.
Port faced strong competition in the WHL, including Yegor Sidorov, a player known for his intelligence and high hockey IQ. "You need to be ready for everything when you play against him," Port says of his experience facing Sidorov, highlighting the need for full preparation when playing against top talent.
During the 2023 NHL Draft Port didn’t know where he would be selected. He spoke with the Ducks a few times during the season but was unsure of his draft position. When the Ducks selected him 161st overall, Port was excited and thankful for the opportunity. "It was a great moment, and I was really glad for that," he shares.
The Ducks did not ask unusual or unique questions during the draft process, but Port had conversations with the team both early and late in the season. These discussions focused on his background and potential.
Port attended the Ducks’ rookie and development camps, where he gained valuable experience training with older players. At camp, he learned the importance of preparation and taking care of his body. He also interacted with veteran Ducks players, including Ryan Getzlaf. The meetings before camp were an opportunity for Port to learn from those with more experience in the NHL. "It was great to see him there and talk to him," Port recalls of his interactions with Getzlaf.
Port is very aware of the growing presence of Czech players in the NHL, particularly after Radko Gudas and Lukas Dostal helped Czechia win the gold medal at the 2024 IIHF World Championship. He takes pride in the progress of Czech hockey and notes that the country’s junior leagues are strong, and the national team has been performing well in international tournaments. Port knows both Dostal and Gudas personally, which has given him insight into their success. "We’ve been playing great hockey and bringing home medals," Port states, referring to the success of Czech hockey on the international stage.
Before games, Port listens to rap music, especially Lil Baby, as part of his pre-game routine. He prefers to eat rice and chicken before games, finding it to be an effective meal to fuel his performance. If he weren’t playing hockey, Port believes he would still be involved in some way in the sport, either as a coach or scout.
Port’s first impressions of Anaheim were positive, particularly because of the warm weather, which contrasts with the colder climate in Czechia. He enjoys the sunny conditions, especially after spending time at the rink. He also expressed appreciation for the Ducks’ jerseys, particularly the home jersey. "I really like the orange ones; they look great," Port adds.
Vojtech Port’s combination of skill and work ethic positions him well for a future with the Anaheim Ducks. His dedication to improving his game and his background in both Czech and North American hockey make him a player to watch in the years to come.
Austin Gibbons serves as the Anaheim Ducks prospect analyst for The Sporting Tribune. Look for more Ducks prospect analysis in his series, "Ducks Prospect Highlights" through the 2024-25 season.