Ivan Baranka

History

Baranka is a strong defenseman from Slovakia. After playing with the WHL Everett Silvertips during the 2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons, Baranka made the leap to professional hockey in the fall of 2005.

2007-08: After two injury shortened seasons with the Hartford Wolf Pack, Baranka began the 2007-08 season as arguably the AHL team’s No. 1 defenseman. He played well to start the season and then was rewarded with a one game call-up to the NHL team. He completed the season in Hartford, although he only stayed healthy enough to play 61 games. Rather than remain in North America to vie for a spot on the NHL team this Fall, Baranka accepted a contract with the Moscow Spartek of the KHL.

Talent Analysis

Baranka is physical and possesses good speed, and puckhandling skills. Although he did not show much offensively in junior hockey, he has become an offensive threat over his seasons with Hartford. 

Future

 It is unlikely that he will return to play in North America anytime in the near future.