After taking the 2023-24 season off, forward Michal Mrázik is returning to his native country Slovakia for the 2024-25 season.
Former Atlanta Gladiators forward Michal Mrázik is returning to Slovakia. The 22-year-old is joining the HK Poprad team for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
Mrázik is back to playing hockey after taking the 2023-24 season off. In a social media post from November 2023, the forward indicated he would be taking some time away from the sport.
"After several injuries in the past three years, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional sports for now. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for everything hockey has given me throughout my life. The number of people I have met because of hockey is unbelievable. I feel grateful for the experiences of playing the game and traveling the world. Huge thanks to all my coaches, who have not only contributed to my growth in the hockey world but also beyond. I am deeply appreciative of my family and parents, without them, I wouldn't even be here. Gratitude to both of my great agents, manager, my physio team, all my friends who supported me, and everyone who cheered for me. I extend my thanks to the fans and clubs that I had the chance to play for."
Mrázik last played for the Atlanta Gladiators during the 2022-23 season, recording 13 points on nine goals and four assists. He also saw one game at the AHL level with the Tucson Roadrunners. Atlanta traded the forward to the ECHL's Cincinnati Cyclones in June, but he was released prior to the start of the 2023-24 season.