Matej Machovsky went into last season with one goal: Return to play hockey in North America.
The Czech goaltender played three seasons in the OHL from 2010-2013, but after going undrafted, he returned to his homeland and played four seasons with Plzen HC in the Czech league. Last season saw him put together a 21-25-0 record with a 2.25 goals-against average and .925 save percentage. His performance had the attention of the Wings director of player evaluation, Jiri Fischer. The Detroit Red Wings signed Machovsky, who turns 24 on July 25, to a one-year deal in May.
It was a satisfying accomplishment for Machovsky, who is 6-foot-2, 187 pounds.