Ondrej Stebetak (G, L, 6’2″, 172, Portland Winterhawks, 07/19/2007)
Ondrej Stebetak is a 6’2″, 175-pound left-catching goaltender currently playing with the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL. He has intriguing physical dimensions and athletic upside, offering projectable size and mobility for an NHL goaltending prospect. In the 2024/25 season, Stebetak recorded a 23-18-3 record with a below-average 3.72 GAA and an .891 save percentage, highlighting inconsistencies against higher-level WHL competition. However, his stellar international performance with the Czechia U18 National Team (1.68 GAA, .932 SV% in six games) underscores his high-end potential when he is dialed in and playing with confidence.
Statistically, Stebetak excels in pressure situations, stopping 84% of Grade A scoring opportunities and an impressive 91% of breakaways, along with an excellent shootout save rate (80%). His strong puck-handling skills (89% pass completion) are advanced for his age, providing added value in transition and breakout scenarios. Despite these positives, his WHL save percentage and goals against average highlight clear consistency and positional issues at this stage.
Why Stebetak Should Be Drafted
1) Projectable NHL Frame and Athleticism
At 6’2″, Stebetak possesses NHL goalie size with room to fill out physically. His athleticism and lateral mobility offer significant developmental upside, fitting the modern NHL goaltending profile.
2) Strong Performance Under Pressure
His impressive save percentages on breakaways (91%) and Grade A scoring chances (84%), combined with shootout success (80%) — Stebetak thrives in high-pressure situations, a crucial attribute for NHL-caliber goalies.
3) Excellent International Performance
Stebetak’s standout statistics with Czechia’s U18 National Team (1.68 GAA, .932 SV%) — high ceiling when playing in structured defensive environments, hinting at greater consistency potential in the future.
4) Advanced Puck-Handling Ability
His puck skills, highlighted by his 89% pass completion rate, significantly aid team transitions and defensive-zone breakouts. This trait will help him adapt quickly to professional systems emphasizing clean goalie puck touches and transition.
Why Stebetak May Not Be Drafted
1) Inconsistency and Weak WHL Numbers
His subpar WHL statistics (.891 SV%, 3.72 GAA) — significant gaps in consistency and positional fundamentals against sustained higher-level competition. His technical game and concentration levels require improvement.
2) Physical Development Needed
At 6’2″, 175 pounds, Stebetak is slightly undersized and slight for professional hockey, and added strength is necessary to handle crease battles, traffic, and physical strain of higher-level shooters consistently.
3) Positional Refinement Required
Stebetak’s positional consistency and rebound control need development. His struggles at the WHL level often stemmed from over playing the puck carrier, unnecessary movement, or excessive reliance on athleticism rather than efficient technical form.
4) Questionable NHL Starter Upside
Limited elite upside as a future NHL starter. His ceiling likely tops out as a depth organizational prospect unless significant strides are made technically and physically.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: NHL backup or AHL starter
Development Track: At least two additional WHL seasons as the starter focused on positional fundamentals, physical maturation, and consistency. Three to four seasons of professional seasoning in the AHL or ECHL to refine technique, positioning, and confidence under pressure.
Draft Range: 7th Round
Verdict: Stebetak represents a late-round developmental option or priority free agent signing for teams willing to invest long-term in goalie development. His physical attributes, high-pressure performance capabilities, and international success are intriguing, yet significant technical development and consistency improvements are required. With dedicated and focused time, he possesses potential to emerge as a capable NHL depth goalie.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images