Chippewa Falls, Wis – From a relatively unknown prospect out of Poprad, Slovakia beginning his first season of Hockey in North America, to the 35th overall pick and first goalie taken in this year’s NHL Draft, Adam Gajan’s dream came true. After taking the consensus #1 pick in round one, the Chicago Blackhawks took many by surprise selecting Gajan with their second pick. Look, it was not a shock that the he was going to be selected in Nashville, many outlets had the net-minder slotted for the middle of the second to early third round, but being chosen as the first out of his respective position peeked interest.
ADAM GAJAN HAS BEEN DRAFTED TO THE NHL!!
Gajan today went 35th overall to the Chicago Blackhawks! The entire Steel organization is so proud of you for this achievement and can’t wait to see you live your dream!
Help us congratulate Adam on this milestone! 🎉#RALLEYTHEVALLEY pic.twitter.com/ArHaXHt0GT
— Chippewa Steel Hockey (@ChippewaSteel) June 29, 2023
Gajan burst onto the scene last December competing for Team Slovakia at the 2023 World Junior Championships, where he posted a 2-2 record, 2.40 GAA, and .936 save percentage in four games while being the named the tournaments best goaltender. He also went head to head with his now teammate and #1 overall pick Conner Bedard in the Quarterfinals when Team Canada eliminated the Slovaks. Not only did he perform on the big stage, Gajan was an instrumental part in getting the Steel to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. In his 34 games with Chippewa, Gajan was 19-12 with a 2.57 GAA and .917 save percentage and recorded one shutout in his first season in the NAHL.
During his first press conference in Chicago, Adam spoke about the whirlwind experience the last year has been after choosing to play junior hockey in the United States.
Adam Gajan describes his underdog journey to the NHL 💪 pic.twitter.com/slb7dIGN9n
— Blackhawks Talk (@NBCSBlackhawks) June 30, 2023
At 19 years old, Gajan is still a few years away from reaching his ultimate goal of suiting up in a NHL game, but he sure made a huge step in that direction. He is slated to play his first full season with the Green Bay Gamblers in the USHL before heading to the University of Minnesota Duluth. The Chippewa Steel are extremely proud of Adam and all he has accomplished and cannot wait to see where his career takes him.