Michael Špaček (ice hockey)

Špaček made his Czech Extraliga debut playing with HC Pardubice at age 17, during the 2013–14 season.^[1] Špaček had played as a youth within the Pardubice organization since 2010. In his first full professional campaign with Pardubice in 2014–15, Špaček contributed 12 points in 40 games. Spacek was selected in the 4th round, 108th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2015 NHL entry draft.^[2] Špaček competed for the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL, during the 2015–16 season.^[3]

On 2 June 2017, after two seasons with Red Deer, Špaček completed his junior career by agreeing to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Winnipeg Jets.^[4]

During the 2019–20 season, re-assigned to the Manitoba Moose of the AHL, Špaček appeared in 45 games posting 20 points assists before he was re-assigned by the Jets to join the Ontario Reign, primary affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings, on loan for the remainder of the season on 2 March 2020.^[5] Špaček failed to appear in a game with the Reign due to injury before the season was prematurely ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As an impending restricted free agent from the Jets, Špaček opted to halt his NHL aspirations by agreeing to a one-year contract in Finland with Tappara of the Liiga on 4 August 2020.^[6] His rights were later relinquished by the Jets on 4 October 2020.^[7] In the 2020–21 season, Špaček registered 5 goals and 13 points through 18 regular season games with Tappara before leaving the club to return to the Czech Republic in joining HC Oceláři Třinec of the ELH for the remainder of the season on 26 January 2021.^[8] Špaček made an immediate impact with Třinec, collecting 14 points in 16 playoff games to help the club claim the Championship.

As a free agent, Špaček joined his third European club within the year, agreeing to a two-year contract with Swedish outfit Frölunda HC of the SHL on 3 May 2021.^[9]