Ondrej Pavelec, a Czech professional ice hockey goaltender, spent a decade in the National Hockey League (NHL), primarily with the Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets franchise. Born on August 31, 1987, in Kladno, Czechoslovakia, Pavelec began his journey in hockey at a young age, eventually making his way to North America to further his career.
Pavelec was drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the second round, 41st overall, in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. Before making his NHL debut, he honed his skills in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. His performance in the QMJHL was impressive, earning him the Jacques Plante Memorial Trophy for the best goals-against average in the league during the 2005-2006 season.
In the 2007-2008 season, Pavelec made his NHL debut with the Thrashers. He played in seven games that season, showcasing his potential as a reliable goaltender. Over the next few years, he split his time between the NHL and the American Hockey League (AHL), playing for the Chicago Wolves, where he continued to develop his skills.
The 2010-2011 season marked a turning point for Pavelec as he became the starting goaltender for the Thrashers. That season, he played in 58 games, recording a .914 save percentage and a 2.73 goals-against average. His performance was a bright spot for the team, which was struggling in the standings.
In 2011, the Thrashers relocated to Winnipeg, becoming the Jets. Pavelec continued as the starting goaltender for the newly formed team. During the 2011-2012 season, he played in 68 games, achieving a .906 save percentage and a 2.91 goals-against average. His role as the primary goaltender for the Jets was solidified over the next few seasons, where he consistently played more than 50 games each year.
One of Pavelec's standout seasons came in 2014-2015 when he posted a career-high .920 save percentage and a 2.28 goals-against average. His efforts helped the Jets reach the playoffs for the first time since the franchise's relocation to Winnipeg. Although the team was swept in the first round by the Anaheim Ducks, Pavelec's performance was a highlight of the season.
Injuries and competition for the starting position affected Pavelec's playing time in the following seasons. During the 2016-2017 season, he spent a significant portion of the year with the Manitoba Moose, the Jets' AHL affiliate, before being recalled to the NHL. Despite these challenges, he continued to demonstrate his abilities when called upon.
In 2017, Pavelec signed a one-year contract with the New York Rangers, serving as a backup goaltender. He played in 19 games during the 2017-2018 season, recording a .910 save percentage and a 3.05 goals-against average. After the season concluded, Pavelec announced his retirement from professional hockey in September 2018.
Throughout his career, Pavelec also represented the Czech Republic in international competitions. He played in several IIHF World Championships and was part of the Czech team at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
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