photo: https://hcbilitygri.cz/hrac.asp?id=746

Fantasy Summary

Large netminder, who has a decent International resume, transitioning back to North America


Observations

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August 2023 – Stezka was signed by the Kraken in May, and looks to add to his excellent body of work in the top Czech league. He was a top-five talent amongst goalies who played at least 15 games, and now throws hit hat in the ring to be the NHL back up, or AHL tandem starter depending on his training camp. Alex Wyatt

 

June 2019 – Stezka did not receive an entry level contract from the Wild which means he becomes a free agent.  Jokke Nevalainen

 

February 2018 – After two seasons in the USHL, Stezka signed a two year contract in the Czech Republic with Extraliga team Bili Tygri Liberec. Most of his season has been spent in the Czech 2nd division though, and his .861 save percentage and 4.78 goals against average is far from desirable. He had an excellent playoff in the USHL last year, so adjusting back to European ice may be an issue, and the lack of an ELC last summer with Minnesota’s lack of real goaltending depth is concerning for his future. Minnesota has another season to evaluate him before losing his rights, and barring a massive improvement, it seems that may be the direction they go, especially with just seven UFAs this year, and none over 1.2 million dollars a year. Will Scouch

 

July 2016 – Ales Stezka saw limited playing time this past season as he served as a goaltending understudy for the Sioux Falls Stampede this past season. Throughout the playing time he was allotted he shown terrific athletic tools and a strong propensity to read the play prior to making the first save off of initial shot attempts. Being able to recover and improve his rebound control would do him wonders given how fundamentally sound he is until he is out of position for subsequent shots. He’s a good depth goaltending prospect but a project nonetheless. Edric Joseph

 

December 2015- After an underwhelming run so far this season with the Sioux Falls Stampede, Ales Stezka is looking to turn his fortunes around as he suits up for Team Czech Republic for the Under-20 World Junior Championships. Given his 0.897 SV% so far this season and how well Daniel Vladar has been fairing this year, Stezka will need to earn his playing time. Edric Joseph

 

July 2015 – For a draft class that is projected to be shallow in goal, the Minnesota did while by adding to their goaltending stable by drafting Ales Stezka in the fourth round of the 2015 NHL entry draft. In doing so, they’re showing just how much performance at the Ivan Hlinka World under-18 tournament means to them when evaluating talent. For someone slight of build his lateral mobility is a concern that needs to be address. That being said, he is beyond his years with his glove hand and also his terrific rebound control thereby limiting the oppositions second chance opportunities. Edric Joseph

Attributes
Fantasy Upside 5.0
NHL Certainty 5.0
Country CZE
Position G
Roster Type Minors
Shoot/Glove Left
Date of Birth January 6, 1997
Height 6‘4”
Weight 190 lbs
Drafted 2015 ; Overall: 111

Stats

 Season Team League GP G A TP PIM      Playoffs GP G A TP PIM 
 2015-2016 Greater Kingston Gaels U15 AAAETAHL U15- - -- -|        
 2016-2017 Greater Kingston Gaels U16 AAAETAHL U1636 18 1432 18|Playoffs10 6 39 18 
  Team OMHA White OGC-165 1 23 2|        
 2017-2018 Greater Kingston Gaels U18 AAAETAHL U1836 28 2351 34|Playoffs7 5 49
 2018-2019 Soo GreyhoundsOHL64 4 2024 33|Playoffs11 2 13
 2019-2020 Soo GreyhoundsOHL64 25 2853 28|        
 2020-2021 Soo GreyhoundsOHL0 0 00 0|        
 2021-2022 Soo GreyhoundsOHL63 45 3479 57|Playoffs10 7 29
 2022-2023 Seattle KrakenNHL0 0 00 0|Playoffs10 3 25
  Coachella Valley FirebirdsAHL72 28 2957 74|Playoffs18 6 28
 2023-2024 Seattle KrakenNHL67 9 817 37|        

Highlights