Alexander Salak (born on January 5, 1987 in Strakonice, Czech Republic) is a Czech professional ice hockey goaltender who currently plays for HC Sibir Novosibirsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
Playing Career[]
Early Career[]
Salak started his career in HC Pisek and moved to HC České Budějovice organization during the 2001-02 season. He played from 2002 to 2006 for Budějovice, playing in the U18 and U20 Championship leagues.
During the 2005-06 season, Salak played 2 games for HC Strakonice, a Czech Second National League-team. In the following season, he spent the entire season playing for HC Tábor at the same level.
Playing Career in Finland[]
Salak was contracted to Finland in 2006, when he played for Mestis team Jokipojat on the second highest level of ice hockey in Finland. For the next season, he was contracted to SM-liiga side TPS.
In TPS, he was coached by TPS Goaltending Coach, Urpo Ylönen who has coached top Finnish goalies like Miikka Kiprusoff, Fredrik Norrena and Antero Niittymäki in the past.
NHL Career[]
On May 29, 2009, Salak was signed by the Florida Panthers of the NH and was assigned to their AHL farm team, the Rochester Americans after training camp.
Salak was recalled by the Panthers and made his NHL debut on October 9, 2009 in a relief role in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes.
On August 13, 2010, he was loaned to Färjestads BK of the Swedish Elite League for the 2010-11 season.
On February 9, 2011, Salak was traded by the Panthers to the Chicago Blackhawks, along with forward Michael Frolík for Jack Skille, Hugh Jessiman and David Pacan.
On May 31, 2011, Salák was signed by the Blackhawks to a two-year contract and played for the Rockford IceHogs. On June 18, 2012, the Blackhawks released him from his contract.
KHL Career[]
Salak made his Kontinental Hockey League debut playing with SKA Saint Petersburg during the 2013–14 KHL season.
Gallery[]
Headshots[]
