BY: Clare McManus
| Rastislav Elias | Team Slovakia U18 | Slovakia2 | L | G | 6’3″ | 176 | Nyiregihaza | 2004 | 2021-2022: C |
Slovakian native and 2022 NHL draft prospect, Rastislav Eliaš, has made strong impressions at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup tournament.
Eliaš has suited up for four games with team Slovakia at the 2021 Hlinka tournament, leading his team to the medal rounds and posting a 2.25 GAA and a .919 save percentage.
Eilaš was born in Nyiregyhaza, Hungry and has played hockey with HC Kosice in Slovakia for the past few years. The six-foot-three netminder has played extremely well for his age, competing at high levels in Slovakia and posting all-around solid numbers. In the 2019/20 season, Eliaš played 25 games with the U20 team, playing as an underager, posting a 2.57 GAA and a .922 save percentage.
This past season, Eliaš played with team Slovakia U18, posting a 3.16 GAA and a .906 save percentage in 11 games played.
After being drafted 131st overall by Green Bay Gamblers in the 2019 USHL Entry Draft, Eliaš will take his talents to North America and the USHL for the 2021/22 season with the Gamblers. Rastislav’s brother, Juraj Eliaš, will also be joining him in their venture to the USHL.
In an interview with Matej Deraj of Dennik Sport, Eliaš stated, “I should be flying to Green Bay after the Hlinka tournament. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Hockey Slovakia will have some interesting names to keep an eye on for the 2022 NHL draft. So far, Eliaš is looking like a top goalie prospect for the draft.
Goaltender scout Danny Tiffany states, “the thing about Rastislav Elias is that his game is still very raw. There’s a lot to be developed & him going to the USHL is the best thing for him. If he chooses to take the NCAA route there will be no pressure or rush. A top goalie for the 2022 NHL Draft without a doubt”.
Tiffany scouting report on Eliaš’ game:
- Tracks the puck really well on initial shots from the point, but sometimes struggles to stay with the play when a rebound pops out.
- Challenges well and is usually in a pretty good position off the rush.
- Off angle shots however seem to be a bit more of an issue for him. He doesn’t seem totally confident in his post play when the play develops high to low quickly.
- Has active hands.
Where will Neutral Zone have Rastislav Eliaš ranked in the next draft? Well, we shall see.
