Marek Ziak

Player Overview Marek Ziak is a 19-year-old Slovak left wing whose strong showing at the 2026 U-18 World Championship — including contributions to Slovakia's semifinal win over Latvia and advancement to the gold medal game — has elevated his profile heading into June's draft.

Current Production Over his last 10 games with HKM Zvolen U20, Ziak posted 3 goals and 1 assist for 4 points alongside a minus-1 rating, numbers that suggest a goal-oriented offensive game but limited playmaking output at the domestic U20 level.

Key Attributes Ziak's most compelling asset this spring has been his ability to perform in high-stakes international competition, contributing to Slovakia's run through a U-18 World Championship bracket that included a pressure semifinal against Latvia. His production profile skews toward shooting over distribution, which indicates a willingness to drive to scoring areas rather than operate primarily as a facilitator. His minus-1 domestic rating warrants attention but does not undermine the competitive credibility he has earned on the international stage.

2026 Draft Outlook Based on his international tournament performance and age-appropriate Slovak U20 production, Ziak projects as a mid-to-late round candidate with legitimate upside if his World Championship momentum reflects a genuine developmental step. Before June, the clearest area demanding improvement is his two-way consistency — scouts will want evidence that his defensive-zone engagement matches his offensive ambition at the next level.