Background and development
Aleš Stezka is an emerging goaltender in the Seattle Kraken system, currently playing for the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the AHL. A native of Liberec, Czech Republic, Stezka was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the fourth round (111th overall) of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. While he did not sign with the Wild, he has carved out a strong professional career in Europe and North America, showcasing his resilience and steady development.
Stezka began his North American journey in the USHL, splitting two seasons between the Sioux Falls Stampede and the Chicago Steel. During his time with the Steel in 2016-17, he was a pivotal part of their Clark Cup-winning team, posting a .916 save percentage in the regular season and providing steady performances in the playoffs. Returning to Europe, Stezka gained valuable experience in the Czech professional leagues, playing for teams like Liberec, Chomutov, and Vitkovice. His standout 2022-23 season with Vitkovice HC saw him record a .924 save percentage and a 2.14 goals-against average (GAA), cementing his status as one of the league’s top goaltenders.
In 2023, Stezka signed with the Seattle Kraken organization and transitioned to North America, joining the Coachella Valley Firebirds. He quickly adapted to the AHL, posting a .914 save percentage in his first season and earning recognition for his calm presence in net and ability to steal games.
Playing style and strengths
Aleš Stezka’s game is defined by his composure, athleticism, and technical precision. At 6’4” and 195 pounds, he possesses the size NHL teams covet in modern goaltenders, but it is his blend of positional soundness and agility that sets him apart. Stezka’s ability to read plays and react with quick, efficient movements makes him difficult to beat, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Key strengths:
- Positional Play: Stezka consistently squares up to shooters, minimizing openings and forcing opponents to take difficult shots.
- Calm Under Pressure: His mental resilience allows him to stay focused in tight games, a quality that has earned him trust from coaches at every level.
- Athleticism: Despite his size, Stezka is highly mobile and capable of making acrobatic saves when needed.
- Puck Handling: Stezka’s ability to play the puck confidently helps his team transition quickly from defense to offense.
Areas for development
As Stezka continues to adapt to the North American game, there are areas where further refinement could elevate his potential:
- Rebound Control: Improving his ability to absorb shots or direct rebounds into safe areas will help him limit second-chance opportunities.
- Consistency: While Stezka has shown flashes of brilliance, maintaining a high level of play throughout a season is crucial as he looks to take the next step in his career.
- North American Style: Adjusting to the faster, more physical play in the AHL and NHL remains an ongoing process for the Czech goaltender.
Role with the Kraken and future outlook
Stezka projects as a high-upside goalie who could compete for an NHL backup or tandem role in the near future. With Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer currently ahead of him in the depth chart, Stezka has the opportunity to refine his game in the AHL while waiting for a chance to prove himself at the NHL level. His performances with Coachella Valley have shown that he is capable of excelling under pressure and developing into a reliable presence in net.
Comparables
Stezka’s game draws comparisons to goalies like Jaroslav Halak or Laurent Brossoit, who blend technical efficiency with poise. His combination of size, athleticism, and adaptability suggests he could thrive as a dependable NHL goaltender if he continues to progress.
Final takeaway
Aleš Stezka’s journey from the USHL to the AHL reflects his determination and steady growth as a goaltender. With his size, skill, and composure, he has the tools to become a valuable part of the Seattle Kraken’s future. While there is still work to be done in areas like rebound control and consistency, his potential as a reliable NHL netminder is clear. Kraken fans should keep a close eye on his development, as Stezka’s best hockey may still be ahead of him.