Alexander Salak

Alexander Salák (born January 5, 1987 in Strakonice, Czechoslovakia), is a professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing with the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League.

Early Career in Czech Republic
Alexander Salák started his career in HC Pisek and moved to HC České Budějovice organization during the 2001/02 season.

Salák played from 2002 to 2006 for Budějovice, playing in the U18 and U20 Championship leagues. During the 2005/06 season, he played 2 games for HC Strakonice, a 2. Czech Liga-team. In the following season, Salák spent the entire season playing for HC Tabor at the same level.

Career in Finland
Alexander Salák was contracted to Finland in 2006, when he played for Mestis team Jokipojat on the second highest level of ice hockey in Finland. For the next season he was contracted to SM-liiga side TPS. In TPS, Salák is coached by TPS Goaltending Coach, Urpo Ylönen who has coached top Finnish goalies like Miikka Kiprusoff, Fredrik Norrena and Antero Niittymäki in the past.

Florida Panthers
On May 29, 2009, Alexander Salák was signed by the Florida Panthers of the NHL. He was assigned to their AHL farm team, the Rochester Americans after training camp. He was recalled by the Panthers and made his NHL debut on October 9, 2009 in a relief role in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes. On August 13, 2010, Alexander Salák was loaned to Färjestads BK of the Swedish Elite League for the 2010-11 season.

Chicago Blackhawks
On February 9, 2011, Salák was traded by the Panthers to the Chicago Blackhawks, along with forward Michael Frolík for Jack Skille, Hugh Jessiman, and David Pacan. On May 31, 2011, Salak was signed by the Blackhawks to a two-year contract.