Rising Stars Shine: Three Young Hockey Players Secure Major 2026 Roles
Three young hockey players have secured key roles in major upcoming events. Samuel Hlavaj and David Špaček will compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics, while Hunter Haight has earned a spot in the AHL All-Star Classic. Their recent performances have cemented their places on the international and professional stages.
Samuel Hlavaj impressed during the qualifying rounds for the 2026 Olympics, locking in his position on Team Slovakia. His strong play also caught the attention of the Minnesota Wild, reinforcing his reputation as a rising talent. Hlavaj previously won silver at the 2016-17 IIHF U-18 World Championship, adding to his growing list of achievements.
David Špaček will represent Team Czechia in the 2026 Games, following a family legacy. His father was part of the Czech team that won gold in Nagano in 1998—one of the country's two Olympic titles, the other coming in Beijing in 2022. Špaček's rapid development led to his first NHL call-up with the Wild in January 2026, marking a significant step in his career.
Meanwhile, Hunter Haight narrowly missed making the Wild's opening roster in 2025 but quickly returned to the team. He made his NHL debut on October 9, 2025, before being assigned to the AHL's Iowa Wild. There, he recorded ten goals and 15 points in his first 30 games, earning him a place in the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will feature both Hlavaj and Špaček, each bringing experience and skill to their national teams. Haight's selection for the AHL All-Star Classic highlights his progress in professional hockey. All three players have taken important strides in their careers this season.
