Ondrej Pavelec is a former professional ice hockey goaltender from the Czech Republic. He began his career playing for HC Kladno in the Czech Extraliga before being drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the second round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. Pavelec made his NHL debut in 2007 and spent the majority of his career with the Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets franchise.
Throughout his career, Pavelec was known for his athleticism and quick reflexes in the net. He was also praised for his ability to stay calm under pressure and make key saves in crucial moments. Pavelec was a consistent performer for the Jets, playing in over 300 games for the team and recording 18 shutouts.
Despite his success, Pavelec faced some challenges throughout his career. He suffered a serious knee injury in 2011 that forced him to miss significant time, and he struggled with consistency at times. However, he remained a valuable member of the Jets' roster and was a fan favorite in Winnipeg.
In addition to his NHL career, Pavelec also represented the Czech Republic in international competition. He played in several World Championships and was a member of the Czech team that won the bronze medal at the 2006 IIHF World Junior Championships.
Pavelec announced his retirement from professional hockey in 2019, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. He finished his career with a record of 156-167-48, a save percentage of .907, and a goals against average of 2.88. While he may not have been a superstar goaltender, Pavelec was a reliable and consistent performer throughout his career and will be remembered as a key member of the Jets' franchise.
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