Man of the Week: Adam Ruzicka
KHL.ru’s weekly column goes on with Spartak’s Adam Ruzicka. The Slovak forward, in his debut season in the league, netted the OT game-winner at the recent KHL World Games match in Tashkent between the Red-and-Whites and Dinamo Minsk.
Adam Ruzicka has quickly become a pivotal player for Spartak Moscow in his debut KHL season. His recent overtime goal secured a 3:2 victory against Dinamo Minsk during the KHL World Games in Tashkent, underscoring his knack for delivering in crucial moments. It was a nice game for both teams, played in front of a record crowd for such matches. So far, the Slovak has fifteen goals and twenty-eight points through 37 games.
Early Life and Junior Career
Born on May 11, 1999, in Bratislava, Slovakia, Ruzicka began his hockey journey with HK Ruzinov 99 in the Slovak capital. Seeking to advance his career, he quickly moved first to Czechia for two seasons, then to North America, joining the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for the 2016-2017 campaign. In his rookie year, he tallied 25 goals and 21 assists over 61 games, showcasing his scoring ability. The following season, he improved his performance with 36 goals and 36 assists in 63 games, leading to his selection by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round, 109th overall, of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
Moving up the ranks
After his major junior tenure, where he also lined up for the Sudbury Wolves, Ruzicka transitioned to professional hockey within the Flames organization. He spent the majority of his time with the Stockton Heat in the American Hockey League (AHL), where he continued to develop his skills. For example, in the 2021-2022 AHL season, he recorded 11 goals and 9 assists over 16 games, reflecting his offensive potential. In his career, he lined up for exactly 100 AHL games, with a respectable loot of 68 (32+36) points.
Ruzicka also had opportunities to play in the NHL with the Calgary Flames. During the 2022-2023 season, he appeared in a career-high 44 games, contributing 6 goals and 14 assists. Despite limited ice time, averaging just over 10 minutes per game, he demonstrated his capability to compete at the highest level.
Transition to the KHL
In May 2024, after splitting his last North American season between the Flames and the Arizona Coyotes, Ruzicka signed a one-year contract with Spartak Moscow, aiming to take on a more prominent role, further his development and join his brother-in-law, defenseman Michal Cajkovsky. His impact was immediate; as of December 2024, he has been a consistent offensive contributor for Spartak, with his OT goal against Dinamo Minsk highlighting his ability to perform under pressure.
On the international stage
Ruzicka has represented Slovakia on various international stages with the juniors. He played in both U18 and U20 World Junior Championships, where he was a key player for the Slovak national team, contributing both offensively and defensively. He also represented his country in several others junior international tournaments, but never played with the senior national teams.
Future Prospects
At 25 years old, Ruzicka is entering the prime years of his hockey career. His successful transition to the KHL and immediate impact with Spartak Moscow suggest a promising future ahead. And his offensive production, size, and all-around play will be instrumental as the Red-and-Whites keep on being a high seed in the Western Conference in the regular season’s second part.
