Jaroslav Halák facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jaroslav Halák |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
Halák with the New York Islanders in 2015
|
|||
| Born | 13 May 1985 Bratislava, Czechoslovakia |
||
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) | ||
| Weight | 182 lb (83 kg; 13 st 0 lb) | ||
| Position | Goaltender | ||
| Catches | Left | ||
| SVK team Former teams |
Slovan Bratislava Montreal Canadiens St. Louis Blues Washington Capitals New York Islanders Boston Bruins Vancouver Canucks New York Rangers |
||
| National team |  Slovakia |
||
| NHL Draft | 271st overall, 2003 Montreal Canadiens |
||
| Playing career | 2005–present | ||
Jaroslav Halák (born May 13, 1985) is a professional ice hockey goaltender from Slovakia. He plays for Slovan Bratislava in the Slovak Extraliga. The Montreal Canadiens picked him in the ninth round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Halák has also played for many other teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), including the Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, and New York Rangers.
Contents
Jaroslav Halák's Hockey Journey
Starting in the NHL
Jaroslav Halák began his journey with the American Hockey League's (AHL) Hamilton Bulldogs. He was called up to the Montreal Canadiens in 2007. His first NHL game was on February 18, 2007. He stopped 31 shots to help his team win 3–2 against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Halák got his first NHL shutout (meaning the other team scored no goals) on March 20, 2007, against the Boston Bruins.
Becoming a Star Goalie
Halák became a full-time backup goalie for the Canadiens in 2008. During the 2009–10 season, he played very well. Many people wanted him to be the team's main goalie. He was even named the Canadiens' Player of the Year.
In the 2010 playoffs, Halák led the Canadiens to a huge upset. They were down 3–1 in their series against the Washington Capitals. But Halák played amazingly, stopping 131 shots in the last three games. The Canadiens won the series in seven games! They then beat the Pittsburgh Penguins before losing to the Philadelphia Flyers.
Moving to St. Louis
After that exciting season, the Canadiens traded Halák to the St. Louis Blues in 2010. He signed a four-year contract with the Blues. Fans in Montreal loved him so much that over 5,000 people came to his autograph signing to say goodbye.
With the Blues, Halák continued to play well. In the 2011–12 season, he and his teammate Brian Elliott won the William M. Jennings Trophy. This award is given to the goalies who allow the fewest goals in the regular season.
Trades and the New York Islanders
Before the 2014 trade deadline, Halák was traded twice! First, he went from the Blues to the Buffalo Sabres. Then, he was traded again to the Washington Capitals. He didn't play any games for the Sabres.
On May 1, 2014, the Capitals traded Halák's rights to the New York Islanders. He signed a four-year contract with them. On December 4, 2014, Halák set a new Islanders record. He won his 11th game in a row, beating the old record of 10 wins.
In January 2015, Halák was chosen for his first NHL All-Star Game. He played for Team Toews, which won the game with a record score of 17–12. He also set a new Islanders record for most wins in a season with 38 victories.
In March 2016, Halák got hurt and missed the rest of the season. Later, in December 2016, he was sent to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in the AHL.
Playing for the Bruins and Canucks
After his time with the Islanders, Halák joined the Boston Bruins in 2018. He had a great first season with them, winning 22 games and getting 5 shutouts. In 2020, he won his second William M. Jennings Trophy with teammate Tuukka Rask.
In 2021, Halák signed a one-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks.
New York Rangers and Return to Slovakia
On July 13, 2022, Halák signed with the New York Rangers. He played 25 games for them during the 2022–23 season.
After trying to sign with another NHL team, Halák returned to his original club, Slovan Bratislava in Slovakia, in February 2024.
International Hockey
 Halák in 2010 with the Slovakia men's national ice hockey team |
||
| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men's ice hockey | ||
Representing  Slovakia |
||
| World U18 Championships | ||
| Silver | 2003 Russia | |
| Representing Team Europe | ||
| Canada Cup / World Cup | ||
| Silver | 2016 Toronto | |
Halák has proudly played for Slovakia many times. He played in the IIHF World U20 Championship in 2004 and 2005.
He also played for the senior Slovak team in the World Championships in 2007 and 2009.
Olympic Games
In February 2010, Halák was the main goalie for Slovakia at the 2010 Winter Olympics. He helped Slovakia achieve their best Olympic finish ever, coming in fourth place. He played in two games at the 2014 Olympics.
World Cup of Hockey
At the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, Halák led Team Europe to the final game. They were the underdogs but played very well. They lost to Team Canada in the final.
Awards and Achievements
- William M. Jennings Trophy winner: 2 times (2012, 2020). This award is for goalies on the team that allows the fewest goals.
- New York Islanders franchise record for most consecutive wins (11 wins in 2014–15).
- New York Islanders franchise record for most wins in a season (38 wins in 2014–15).
- Played in the NHL All-Star Game in 2015.
Images for kids
-
Halák with the New York Islanders in 2015
-
Halák in 2010 with the Slovakia men's national ice hockey team
