Samuel Hlavaj stopped 39 in Slovakia's 5-4 overtime win over USA in the IIHF World Championships.
The Minnesota Wild signed goaltender Samuel Hlavaj on April 5th to a two-year entry-level contract that starts during the 2024-25 season.
Hlavaj, 22, played for HC Škoda Plzeň of the Czech Extraliga this season and posted a 3.10 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage in 28 games.
The 6-foot-4, 193-pound native of Martin, Slovakia, spent two seasons with HC Slovan Bratislava of the Slovakia League and recorded a 2.47 GAA, a .912 SV% and one shutout in 27 games.
He was named to Team Slovakia's roster for the 2024 IIHF World Championships and played during preliminary Round, Group B action today against USA.
Slovakia had a 4-1 lead in the fourth period with a lone USA goal by Matt Boldy. But USA came all the way back and forced overtime. Slovakia ended up winning in overtime to beat John Hynes' USA team.
Hlavaj stopped 39 out of the 43 shots he faced and won the player of the game award.
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