'He's powerful': Wild Prospect makes good first impression by breaking team bike, 'I just pushed too hard'

The Wild wrapped up day two of Development camp on Wednesday, a lot of prospects stood out but Samuel Hlavaj made the biggest impression.

ST. PAUL - There isn't a better way to make a good first impression then by breaking the team's bike in the weight room because you "pushed too hard." 

Well, that is exactly what goaltending prospect Samuel Hlavaj did. 

"I don't know," Hlavaj said when asked what happened to the bike. "I just pushed too hard."

Minnesota Wild Director of Player Development Brad Bombardir said he's powerful for breaking "one of those airdyne wind bikes.” 

Hlavaj, 23, was signed in early April after he played in 28 games for HC Škoda Plzeň of the Czech Extraliga. He posted a 3.10 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage.

He also played for Team Slovakia at the 2024 IIHF Men's World Championships. His impressive tournament helped him be named as one of Slovakia's top players. Hlavaj went 3-2-0 with a 2.54 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage in five games for Slovakia. 

"It was really fun for me. I enjoyed every game," Hlavaj said. "I played a couple of those. Maybe five. Not sure how many. It was close to the home so we had full crowd every game. It was an amazing feeling."

The 6-foot-4 goaltender is one of the most ripped and strong goalies out there. Hlavaj was asked if he has always been this jacked. 

"Yeah I've been always like this," Hlavaj said with a chuckle. 

The native of Martin, Slovakia, signed with the Wild because he was excited about the chance they are going to give him. He will start in the AHL with the Iowa Wild and the team is excited to see how he grows. 

"I think because they gave me the chance to prove that I belonged here I think," Hlavaj said. "I want to prove it to everybody." 

Bombardir: "We’re looking forward to having him here this year. Coming over here, North America. It’s a change for him and all that, but we’ll put the work in with him and see what ends up happening.”

The big Slovakian goaltender doesn't lack confidence either and breaking the bike because he is too strong might have only increased his confidence. 

When asked who was the hardest shooter to face in development camp, Hlavaj responded by saying nobody. Not even one guy?

"No," Hlavaj responded.

You just made saves on every single player?

"Yeah," Hlavaj said with a big grin on his face. 

The young goaltender knows he has some things to improve on but he just wants to get better each day. Whether that is in development camp, training camp, or in the minor leagues, Hlavaj wants to get better. 

And hopefully play in the NHL.

"I don't know special area but I want to get better every day, day by day," Hlavaj said. "My goals for the season are obvious; I want to play a couple of games in the Show. And I'm gonna work on it." 

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