Early on in the 2010-11 season, Ondrej Pavelec and his teammates, as well as the whole hockey world, had a serious scare when the young goalie collapsed during a game in Atlanta. The episode turned out to be a fainting spell and Pavelec was given a clean bill of health. Since that night, his outstanding play in his return has been nothing short of spectacular. The native of Kladno, Czech – which just happens to be the same town that has given the hockey world players like Jaromir Jagr, Patrik Elias and Tomas Plekanec – has become one of the top goaltenders in the NHL so far this season. Tending the pipes for a much improved and confident Thrashers team, Ondrej is providing the Thrashers with stellar play and the ability to take two points every time they hit the ice. Since leading the Chicago Wolves of the AHL to the 2007-08 Calder Cup, Ondrej has been a fixture with the Thrashers, emerging last season as a serious contender for the #1 spot in the Atlanta crease, which he has solidified so far in 2010-11.
- Ondrej currently sits 2nd in the NHL for goaltenders with a 1.71 GAA and .971 save percentage
- He is 8-1-0 and has a 1.21 GAA and a save percentage of .962 in his last 9 games played
- He led the Thrashers to victory in three of his four starts this week, winning in Colorado on Nov. 30 (3-2), on the road against Washington on Dec. 4 (3-1) and at home against Nashville on Dec. 6 (3-2)
BIOGRAPHY:
- Born in Kladno, Czech Republic on August 31, 1987
- Drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the second round, 41st overall, in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft
- Signed his first NHL contract as a free-agent with the Atlanta Thrashers in 2007
- Led the Chicago Wolves to the 2007-08 Calder Cup championship (AHL)
- Named NHL 1st star of the week for November 21, 2010 – November 28, 2010
- Has represented the Czech Republic in several international tournaments; he was a member of his country’s entry in the 2006 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships; the 2010 Olympics, and the 2010 World Championships
