World Juniors Wrap: Adam Gajan Picks Up Where He Left Off

Nearly seven months ago, Chicago Blackhawks Director of Amateur Scouting Mike Doneghey and the rest of the scouting department saw something special in goalie Adam Gajan. Doneghey reminded that he had quite the performance at last year’s World Junior Championships.

“Some will say single-handedly carried Slovakia to where they were,” Doneghey said.

He might be back at it again. Gajan had 27 saves in Slovakia’s 6-2 win Tuesday. For the netminder who took the world by storm last year is picking up where he left off.

Gajan is certainly one of the Blackhawks more intriguing prospects, a goalie Chicago picked early in the second round (35th overall) and has been just as solid with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL. the flash that got him drafted is shining bright again.

It also bolsters a goaltending pipeline that includes Drew Commesso, whose numbers may have slipped from his hot start but still has held his own on a Rockford team that’s shuttling a lot of players to the big club.

Aside from Gajan, fellow Blackhawks prospect Martin Misiak had an assist in the win.

USA Hockey Also Records a Win

The United States also put a win on the board with a 4-1 victory over Norway. Frank Nazar had a helper in the effort, while Gavin Hayes and Sam Rinzel logged decent minutes. But it was Oliver Moore who caught the attention due to his lower total on the ice, which was just under five minutes of ice time.

While it’s not anything to take note of as it was the first game against an opponent where the game was in hand, it’s something to watch. He has 12 points in 18 games, with just two as goals. The early returns haven’t featured Moore as a goal scorer but more of a distributor. His speed, while a major weapon, has not come with the high clip of goals that have been hoped for.

Is it a cause for concern? Nah. But it’s interesting to note in regards to the ice time because this is an international tournament and outside of the norm of what he’s used to at Minnesota.

Take it as you want. But it’s still something to keep an eye on as the tournament rolls on.