Hlavaj to Start Bronze Medal Game for Slovakia Against Finland

Samuel Hlavaj will start in goal for Slovakia against Finland in Saturday's Olympic bronze-medal game. He was pulled in Friday's semifinal loss to Team USA after allowing four goals on 23 shots, bringing his tournament GAA to 3.39. Despite this, he boasts a strong .915 save percentage across four Olympic outings. Following the medal game, Hlavaj is expected to rejoin AHL Iowa, where he posted a 3.33 GAA and .884 SV% in 18 appearances during the 2025-26 season.