Jaroslav Balaštík

Jaroslav Balaštík (born November 28, 1979 in Uherské Hradiště, Czechoslovakia) is a Czech professional ice hockey player, currently with HC Zlin in the Czech Extraliga

Playing career
Balaštík was drafted in the 6th round, 184th overall in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. After playing eight seasons (1997-2005) with HC Zlín in the Czech Extraliga, and part of one season (2002-03) with HPK in the Finnish SM-liiga; Balaštík started his first pro season in 2005 with the Syracuse Crunch, the Blue Jackets' American Hockey League affiliate. He was quickly promoted to the big club, where he became somewhat of a shootout-specialist, going 6-for-9 for the season.

On December 13, 2006, Balaštík was contracted by the Swedish Jönköping-based club HV71 in the Swedish elite league Elitserien. In HV71, Balaštík played with his fellow countryman Jan Hrdina, with whom he has played before in Columbus Blue Jackets in NHL.

For 2007-08 he has rejoined HC Zlin in the Czech Republic.

Awards

 * Named Best Forward in Czech Extraliga in season 2004-05.
 * Silver medal at the World Championships in 2006.

Records

 * Most goals scored in Czech Extraliga in seasons 2003-04 and 2004-05.
 * Most points in Czech Extraliga playoffs in season 2003-04.
 * Most goals scored in Czech Extraliga playoffs in season 2003-04.

Career statistics
Statistics as of July 12, 2009

International play
Balaštík has played for Czech Republic in the following competitions:


 * 1997 European Junior Championships
 * 1999 World Junior Championships
 * 2003 World Championships
 * 2006 World Championships (silver medal)

International statistics
Statistics as of December 16, 2006