With the World Junior Championships kicking off Tuesday morning, much of the focus of Blackhawks fans was on Team USA and its four Chicago prospects. The impressive list included Frank Nazar, Oliver Moore, Gavin Hayes, and Sam Rinzel. All four skaters will hope to use the international spotlight to gain confidence and compete for a title as they continue to develop. The number of six total skaters in the tournament for the Blackhawks is a testament to the team’s incredible depth in the pipeline.
With Team USA getting the day off Wednesday, though, Blackhawks fans were treated to an even more dominant performance from Slovakian goaltender Adam Gajan. The second-round pick of Chicago in this year’s draft shut out Team Switzerland, stopping all 36 shots he saw.
The 19-year-old goaltender has now started two games in the tournament and saved 63 of 65 shots in total while playing on back-to-back days. One of the two goals he let in was deflected into the net by his own teammate, so he’s been terrific to open the tournament.
Gajan entered the WJC as likely the best goaltender in the field. Just before getting drafted this summer, Gajan earned the honor of top goaltender at last year’s tournament. It isn’t often that the recipient of that honor comes back the following year, so he faces big expectations for the rest of the tournament. With that much weight on his shoulders, we’ll certainly get a long look at him between the pipes over the next few weeks.
Gajan interrupts a solid season with the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers to play in the tournament. Back home, he boasts a save percentage of .911 and an impressive record of 14-4-1. He’s improving rapidly, and if this level of improvement holds for the next month, the rest of the field is in trouble. At last season’s tournament, Gajan posted a save percentage of .936. Not much room to beat that mark.
Another incredible tournament won’t get Gajan onto the Blackhawks or IceHogs, so don’t get too eager. He’s still only 19 years old, and it’s no secret that goaltenders take an eternity to develop. However, as Gajan continues to improve his game, the outlook between the pipes for Chicago gets better and better. With the team currently struggling with a decision on 24-year-old Arvid Soderblom, Gajan could certainly make GM Kyle Davidson’s job a bit easier in a few years. If he and 20-year-old Drew Commesso both live up to the hype, the Blackhawks could turn what was once a weakness into a point of emphasis for years to come.
The young netminder’s success on the international stage is the best news the Blackhawks could ask for. As Gajan continues to shut down some of the world’s best young talent, Chicago’s future looks brighter than ever.
