Jaroslav Janus joins HKM Žilina from Slovan Bratislava

Experienced Slovak ice hockey goaltender Jaroslav Janus is joining HKM Žilina for the 2026/27 season. The 36-year-old moves to the club from ŠK Slovan Bratislava.

Janus has an extensive professional background, having been drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 6th round of the 2009 NHL Draft. His career includes playing in the OHL and AHL, where he won the Calder Cup with the Norfolk Admirals in 2012. In Europe, he has competed in the KHL, as well as leagues in the Czech Republic, Finland, and Hungary.

In the Slovak Extraliga, Janus previously played for HC Košice, helping them secure a championship in the 2022/23 season. Most recently, after a stint in Prešov, he joined Slovan Bratislava in January 2026, maintaining a 92.4% save percentage during the regular season. František Skladaný, the club's executive director, stated that securing high-quality Slovak goaltenders was a key strategic goal to provide the team with more depth and strength.