Two Minnesota Magicians goaltenders suited up for teams in the 2020 IIHF World Junior Hockey Tournament in the Czech Republic. Current and former Magicians goalies Samuel Vyletelka and Isaiah Saville suited up for Team Slovakia and Team USA, respectively.
Vyletka left the Magicians mid-December to join Team Slovakia and stepped into their back up position under starting goaltender, Samuel Hlavaj. Vyletelka suited up in all five games for Team Slovakia, playing in three of them and recording a .815 save percentage and 6.06 GAA.
Vyletelka recorded just over 99 minutes played in net for the Slovaks, including one start versus Team Finland. Unfortunately, Team Slovakia didn’t make it to the medal round of the tournament, but Vyletelka said, “It was definitely a great experience playing against world class and NHL players. It really shows you what the top level is about and is something I will never forget.”
Former Magi netminder, Saville suited up in all five games for team USA. Team USA made it out of pool play for their group, but ended up falling to Finland in the quarterfinal round. Prior to joining Team USA, Saville spent the first half of his 2019-2020 season in net for The University of Nebraska Omaha NCAA Division 1 team, where he’s played in 14 games and recorded a .889 save percentage.
TRINEC, CZECH REPUBLIC – DECEMBER 28: Slovakia’s Samuel Vyletelka #1 makes the initial save on Finland’s Aku Raty #35 during preliminary round action at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship at Werk Arena on December 28, 2019 in Trinec, Czech Republic. (Photo by Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images)
TRINEC, CZECH REPUBLIC – DECEMBER 28: Finland’s Patrik Puistola #21 shoots the puck against Slovakia during preliminary round action at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship at Werk Arena on December 28, 2019 in Trinec, Slovakia. (Photo by Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images)