Vladar Ready for Whatever Comes His Way

BOSTON - Following the conclusion of his third Bruins Development Camp earlier this month, goaltender Daniel Vladar took a look forward.
Once a third-round pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Vladar is hoping to take another step in his career after spending the majority of his 2016-17 season as a member of the Atlanta Gladiators, Boston's ECHL affiliate. In 18 appearances, he recorded a .887 save percentage and a 3.89 goals against average.

Due to an injury sustained by Bruins backup goaltender Anton Khudobin early in the regular season, Zane McIntyre was promoted to the big club, providing Vladar an opportunity to make the jump to Providence.
"I didn't even expect that I was going to play in the AHL last year, so it was great," said Vladar.
During his time in Providence, Vladar appeared in eight games while recording a .921 save percentage and 2.62 GAA. Finding success and gaining experience in the AHL bestowed a boost of confidence in the 19-year-old Czech Republic native.
"I got a couple games, a couple wins," recalled Vladar. "Like I said, it was just great and I enjoyed every day there and I was just happy and thankful that I got a chance from the coaches to play."

In addition to the experience he was able to gather on the ice, Vladar also had the opportunity to pick up some advice from fellow goaltenders Malcolm Subban and McIntyre - both were just signed to two-year, two-way contracts and are projected to be Providence's goalie tandem next season - during his time with the P-Bruins.
"I lived with Subby for the last month of the season when we were in the playoffs," said Vladar. "He's a great guy and an even better goalie."
Living with Subban allowed Vladar to develop chemistry with his teammate and gain a better understanding of what it takes to be a goaltender at the next level. He also enjoyed getting to know McIntyre, who made his NHL debut this past season.
"Zano Insano was one of the best goalies ever in the NCAA, so he's a great goalie, too. He works hard every day and that's why he got a chance to play in the NHL," said Vladar.
Prior to his time in the ECHL and AHL, Vladar garnered valuable experience as a member of the Chicago Steel of the USHL. He also represented the Czech Republic on the international stage in a variety of tournaments, earning silver medals for the Czechs at both the 2014 Under-18 World Championship and 2015 Ivan Hlinka Memorial. He also recently represented his nation at the 2017 World Junior Championship U-20, during which he appeared in two games.
At a staggering 6-foot-5, Vladar has the perfect build of an NHL goaltender, which is enticing to the Bruins brass.
"I think he is ready for [the AHL] full-time, but we just want to get Daniel in the net as much as possible this upcoming season," Sweeney said. "We'll be very cognizant of him. It likely will be back in the East Coast [Hockey League]."
No matter where Vladar ends up playing this fall, he will continue to prepare for whatever opportunity presents itself.
"I just want to get stronger, to get ready to play 40, 50, 60 games for a season and I'm not sure I was ready for it last season," said Vladar. "But right now, I'm trying to work hard every day and just be in a gym and get stronger for my physical side."