After being selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the third round of the NHL Draft on June 27, goalie prospect Samuel Hrenák arrived at Development Camp with a new opportunity ahead of him and plenty to look forward to.
One of his first moments as a Jets prospect was putting on the organization’s jersey and stepping onto the ice in Winnipeg alongside other young players looking to make their mark.
“It’s awesome. The guys here are so good and the level here is something I have never experienced. Everyday it’s great that we are in this facility. It’s been awesome.”
Photo Credit: Mathieu Ferrand (Illegal Curve)
The camp also gave him an opportunity to continue building a relationship with the organization’s staff, including Moose goalie coach Drew MacIntyre, whose conversation with Hrenák stood out from the other NHL interviews he had during the draft process. Calling it the “nicest interview in the draft I had,” Hrenák said the connection he felt during that conversation was what made it stand out.
“We just chatted a lot, and we had kinda the same opinion about a lot of things. It was just the nicest interview. I don’t know how to describe it more, but it was just super nice. That one I enjoyed the most from all the others I had.”
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Hrenák’s path to the Jets’ Development Camp came after a 2025-26 season where he played in his home country of Slovakia before also joining the United States Hockey League (USHL)’s Fargo Force for nine games. During his time with Fargo, he posted a 7-1-1 record, a .918 save percentage, and a 2.20 goals-against average, while also becoming one of the rare goaltenders to score a goal during his time with the Force.
With his next step still to be determined, Hrenák is weighing what option will provide the best environment for his continued development.
“I don’t know right now. During this Development Camp it was (import) draft to CHL and I got picked by Moose Jaw but I will be kinda deciding what will be the best fit for me. Yeah we’ll see.”.
The Warriors are hoping that next step includes Moose Jaw, with general manager Jason Ripplinger sharing what stood out about Hrenák after the team selected him.
“He’s a big goalie; he moves well, [we] watched a lot of video on him,” said Ripplinger. “We’re looking forward to him hopefully joining us [for the upcoming season].”
Regardless of where he plays next season, Hrenák is focused on continuing his development. He will return home to Slovakia, where he will train Monday through Friday off the ice and twice a week on the ice as he looks to add weight while continuing to work on getting “faster and stronger.”
Although his time in Winnipeg was brief, Hrenák came away impressed with the Jets organization and the environment they have created for their prospects.
Photo Credit: Mathieu Ferrand (Illegal Curve)
“Organization’s great. Like this facility, I never saw something like this before. I don’t have words when I came here. It’s been awesome. A lot of great support we have here. It’s just amazing.”
Hrenák’s summer will also include a chance to compete for a spot with Slovakia at the World Junior Championship after being named to the country’s National Junior Team summer camp roster. For now, he is back home preparing for the next step in his development.
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