Patrik Rybár went 4-2 with a .966% and a 0.86 GAA at the 2022 Olympic Games, securing a Bronze Medal for Slovakia. However, after being somewhat at odds with the national team ever since due to Russia’s war on Ukraine and his continued commitment to the KHL, Rybár has chosen to stick with his club team and opt out of the Olympics in 2026. As a result, Slovakia arrives at the Milan Olympics with one of the youngest goaltending groups in the tournament, and one of the most intriguing.
As we trace the paths of these three goaltenders, the question is which of these young netminders is ready to seize the moment on the Olympic stage right now?
Samuel Hlavaj (Iowa Wild)
Age: 24
Hlavaj has quietly become Slovakia’s most reliable international option over the past several seasons. His rise within the program began early, earning Top-3 Player honours for Slovakia at the 2018–19 World Junior Championship (at just 17), before asserting his potential in the QMJHL. During the 2019–20 season, he was named to the All-Rookie Team, led the league in goals-against average, and earned Second All-Star Team honours, alongside a Rookie of the Year award.
After going undrafted, Hlavaj returned to Europe and backstopped his club to a Slovak Extraliga championship in 2021–22, cementing his transition from junior standout to professional starter. That form then carried directly into international play. At both the 2023–24 and 2024–25 World Championships, Hlavaj was named a Top-3 Player on Team Slovakia, consistently delivering high-end performances against elite competition.
Now with Iowa in the AHL after signing with the Minnesota Wild in 2024, Hlavaj enters Milan as the most battle-tested option in Slovakia’s crease. He’s young, but already seasoned at the senior international level.
Adam Gajan (University of Minnesota)
Age: 21
Gajan is Slovakia’s most explosive talent in goal since Jaroslav Halak. Drafted 35th overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks, Gajan’s stock rose rapidly on the back of his performances in short, high-pressure tournaments.
At both the 2023 and 2024 World Junior Championships, Gajan was named Top Player on Team Slovakia. His 2023 tournament in particular turned heads: a .936 save percentage across four games, routinely facing overwhelming shot volumes while keeping Slovakia competitive.
Now developing in the NCAA with the University of Minnesota, Gajan’s talent remains raw but electrifying. His size, athleticism, and ability to rise to the moment make him a genuine wild card. He is certainly capable of stealing games at the Olympic level, but it remains to be seen whether he yet has the execution necessary.
Stanislav Škorvánek (Mountfield HK)
Age: 30
Škorvánek is the most veteran of the group. After winning two championships in the Slovakia 2, he delivered a historic performance at the 2023 World Championships, leading the tournament in both goals-against average (1.26) and save percentage (.954) in his first appearance representing his country at the senior level.
During the 2023–24 season, Škorvánek was named to the Slovak Extraliga All-Star Team and led the league with four shutouts. While he has since fallen out of favour with the Slovak National Team, and lacks the draft pedigree of Gajan or the North American experience of Hlavaj, Škorvánek offers something Slovakia may value deeply in Milan: 10 years of professional starts.
A proven World Championship performer in Hlavaj, an elite NHL prospect in Gajan, and a veteran in Škorvánek give Slovakia real options in the crease. In a short tournament where confidence can swing game to game, youth may not be a liability. It may be Slovakia’s greatest weapon!