Peter Budaj

Peter Budaj (born September 18, 1982) is a Slovak professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Playing career
Budaj was drafted by the Avalanche in the 2001 draft as the first pick for the Avalanche and 63rd overall. He wears number 31 for the Colorado Avalanche and recently finished playing his fourth season in the NHL (2008-09). Prior to this, he played for the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL) and the Toronto St. Michael's Majors of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

In his first NHL season (2005–06), he appeared in 34 games while backing up David Aebischer and then José Théodore. He recorded a combined 47 wins in the next two seasons while splitting duties with Théodore. His first and only NHL playoff appearances came in the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs in relief of Théodore in Colorado's second round matchup against the eventual Stanley Cup champions Detroit Red Wings.

Budaj played his 100th NHL game on November 3, 2007, in a 4-3 home loss against the Vancouver Canucks.

For the 2008-09 season, Budaj was named the starting goalie for the Colorado Avalanche for the first time. He and backup goaltender Andrew Raycroft struggled throughout the season as the Avalanche finished last in the Western Conference, missing the playoffs for the second time in last three seasons.

On June 29, 2009, Budaj was re-signed by the Avalanche to a one-year contract for the 2009-10 season. He will likely compete for the number one spot against Craig Anderson, formerly of the Florida Panthers.

Awards & achievements

 * 2001-02 OHL  Second All-Star Team
 * 2006-07 NHL YoungStars Game