Czech goalie Vladar happy with Combine performance

Saturday, 06.06.2015 / 9:41 AM

By Mike G. Morreale - NHL.com Staff Writer / Combing the 2015 NHL Scouting Combine

Share with your Friends


Combing the 2015 NHL Scouting Combine
Czech goalie Vladar happy with Combine performance

BUFFALO -- Goaltender Daniel Vladar had the unenviable task of being the first top prospect at his position to complete the nine fitness tests on the final day of the 2015 NHL Scouting Combine at HarborCenter on Saturday.

In the end, the 6-foot-5, 185-pound native of Praha, Czech Republic, was all smiles with the realization that he survived the grueling Wingate Cycle Ergometer peak power output test to measure the explosiveness of a skater.

"I'm satisfied, but I had a problem with the long jump because I had two faults when my hands touched the floor," Vladar said. "But I was excited with how I did on the bike. I can go home with a clean mind."

Vladar, No. 2 on NHL Central Scouting's final ranking of international goaltenders, was a member of the Czech Republic at the 2015 World Junior Championship but did not play in any games. In 29 games with Kladno's under-20 team, he had a 2.78 goals-against average and .925 save percentage.

"Daniel has good size, covers the net well and can make the big game-winning saves," NHL Director of European Scouting Goran Stubb said. "He's been very consistent. He has a good glove, quick feet and plays a very mature and cool game."

Vladar will play for the Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League in 2015-16. The Steel selected Vladar in the first round (No. 7) of the USHL entry draft in 2015.

"I'm excited and so happy I can be a part of this amazing organization in Chicago," Vladar said. "I will be heading out to Chicago next month for camp and I'm excited about it. I felt it important to play in North American to get used to the smaller ice surface. I've been in Chicago two times before about two years ago so I know what is waiting for me."

---