Jack Ivankovic may not be the tallest goalkeeper heading into the 2025 NHL Draft, but he is making a serious name for himself. Standing at just 5 foot 11, the Canadian teenager has defied expectations in a position where most elite goalies are well over 6 feet tall.
He is currently ranked fourth among North American goalies by NHL Central Scouting, thanks to his sharp reflexes, athleticism and mental toughness.
“My athletic ability and competitiveness are my biggest strengths,” Ivankovic said. “If I can see the puck, I can stop it.”
This past season in the Ontario Hockey League, he helped Brampton to 25 wins in 43 games, with a .903 save percentage and two shutouts.
He models parts of his game on Juuse Saros, a fellow 5-foot-11 goalie who plays for the Nashville Predators, and also studies Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars for his calm presence and positioning.
Al Jensen of NHL Central Scouting believes height should not hold Ivankovic back.
“He is probably the most skilled goalie in this draft,” Jensen said. “He competes hard, plays smart, and stays strong in the crease. He plays bigger than some of the goalies who are 6 foot 2.”
Ivankovic’s list of achievements supports that view. He won the F.W. Dinty Moore Trophy last season for the best goals-against average by a rookie in the OHL. He also helped Canada win gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the World Under-18 Championship, where he was named the tournament’s best goalie.
In December, he became the first 17-year-old goalie to start a World Junior Championship game for Canada. He stopped 24 shots and seven of eight shootout attempts in a narrow loss to Latvia.
Off the ice, he takes care of his mental and physical health by doing yoga and spending time with friends who are not involved in hockey.
“I think it helps to step away from the game sometimes,” he said. “It keeps me fresh and focused.”
Ivankovic’s father, Frank, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1995. Although he never played in the NHL, he has been a key influence in Jack’s career.
“He always pushed me to work hard, even when I was young,” Jack said. “Whether I have a good game or a bad one, I talk to him. That support means a lot.”
As the NHL Draft approaches, Ivankovic has shown that talent, dedication and sharp instincts matter more than height.
Photo: Kevin Sousa/Getty Images
