Jakub Škarek Bio
Jakub Škarek, born on 10 November 1999 in Jihlava, Czech Republic, is a professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and catching with his left hand, he has built a reputation as a technically sound and resilient netminder since turning professional as a teenager. Škarek was selected 72nd overall in the third round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders, marking him as one of the top Czech goaltending prospects of his draft class.
After developing through the Czech and Finnish leagues, Škarek signed with the San Jose Sharks in 2025, bringing his international experience to one of the NHL’s developmental pipelines. His journey from a young forward in Jihlava to a professional goaltender across multiple European leagues illustrates a steady progression built on patience, opportunity, and family support.
Early Life and Background
Jakub Škarek was born on 10 November 1999 in Jihlava, a city in the Vysočina Region of the Czech Republic. He grew up in an athletic household that strongly influenced his path toward professional sport. His father, Josef Škarek, competed in football, volleyball, triathlons, and mountain climbing, while his mother, Eva Škarek, was involved in basketball and high jump. His sister, Tereza, pursued athletics as well, specializing in javelin.
Škarek originally began his playing career as a forward in youth hockey. According to published reports, he switched to goaltender at the age of ten when his team’s goaltender missed a practice and a replacement was needed. That unplanned change became a defining moment, as he quickly adapted to the new position and developed a passion for the crease. In addition to his native Czech, Škarek has since learned to speak English, along with some Russian, Slovak, Swedish, and Finnish, reflecting the international scope of his career.
Path to Hockey
Škarek first entered organized competition with his hometown youth club, Dukla Jihlava, working his way up through their development system. His talent earned him a loan to Sparta Praha of the Czech Extraliga during the 2016–17 season, where he made his professional debut as an 18-year-old. Returning to Dukla Jihlava, he helped the club earn promotion to the Czech Extraliga for the 2017–18 season and went on to post a .913 save percentage across 21 top-flight appearances.
Seeking a higher level of competition, Škarek signed with the Lahti Pelicans of the Finnish Liiga on 2 May 2018. That same year, his potential was recognized at the NHL level when the New York Islanders selected him 72nd overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. On 4 July 2018, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Islanders, with the agreement that he would continue developing in Finland. On 16 November 2020, he was loaned to Peliitat Heinola of the Finnish Mestis until the start of the pandemic-delayed 2020–21 season, gaining additional senior minutes during a difficult period for the sport.
Jakub Škarek Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
Jakub Škarek’s early professional years were split between Dukla Jihlava and Sparta Praha, two of the most respected organizations in Czech hockey. His time on loan at Sparta Praha during the 2016–17 season introduced him to the speed and structure of top-tier Czech hockey, even as a teenager. Returning to Dukla Jihlava, he played a central role in the club’s promotion to the Czech Extraliga, anchoring the net through a demanding campaign.
In his first full top-flight season of 2017–18, Škarek appeared in 21 games for Dukla Jihlava and recorded a .913 save percentage, a strong statistical foundation that attracted attention from NHL scouts. His composure, lateral movement, and willingness to handle heavy workloads at a young age marked him as a prospect with NHL potential.
Finnish League Breakthrough (2018–2020)
After being drafted by the New York Islanders in 2018, Škarek moved to Finland to join the Lahti Pelicans of the Liiga. The transition to a new country and a faster, more shot-heavy league represented an important step in his development. He spent the 2018–19 and 2019–20 seasons adapting to the Finnish style of play, which emphasizes structured defense and quick transition hockey.
His entry-level contract with the Islanders ran concurrently with his time in Finland, allowing the organization to monitor his growth closely. In November 2020, Škarek was loaned to Peliitat Heinola of the Finnish Mestis, where he continued to accumulate starts in a competitive senior environment while waiting for the delayed 2020–21 season to begin.
San Jose Sharks Era (2025–Present)
On 9 May 2025, Škarek returned to Finland on a short-term basis, signing a one-year contract with an option for a second year with HIFK of the Liiga. Two months later, in July 2025, he signed with the San Jose Sharks of the NHL, beginning a new chapter in his career. He was assigned to the San Jose Barracuda, the Sharks’ AHL affiliate, where he continues to compete as he pushes for NHL playing time.
Playing Style and Strengths
Škarek is recognized for his technical soundness, calm positioning, and efficient movement in the crease. Catching left and standing 6 feet 3 inches tall, he covers the upper portion of the net effectively and tracks pucks well through traffic. His experience in multiple European leagues has helped him develop a structured, detail-oriented approach to the position.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of his career are his Czech Extraliga debut as an 18-year-old with Sparta Praha, his role in Dukla Jihlava’s promotion to the top flight, and his selection as a third-round pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. His move to the San Jose Sharks organization in 2025 represents another major milestone, placing him firmly within an NHL developmental system.
Jakub Škarek Career Wins
Jakub Škarek has collected notable wins across Czech and Finnish professional leagues, steadily building a resume as he advanced from junior hockey to top-flight European competition. His win totals reflect steady progression rather than headline numbers, as he has focused on consistency, development, and earning starts against high-level competition.
Czech Extraliga Highlights
During his time with Dukla Jihlava and Sparta Praha, Škarek posted a .913 save percentage in 21 Czech Extraliga appearances in 2017–18 and contributed to Dukla Jihlava’s promotion campaign. His debut with Sparta Praha as an 18-year-old marked his first top-tier professional minutes.
Liiga and Mestis Performances
In the Finnish Liiga with the Lahti Pelicans and later HIFK, Škarek continued to log meaningful starts, gaining experience in one of Europe’s most respected leagues. His loan to Peliitat Heinola of the Mestis added further depth to his senior résumé.
Jakub Škarek Family
Family Background and Athletic Lineage
Jakub Škarek was raised in a deeply athletic family in Jihlava. His mother, Eva Škarek, competed in basketball and high jump, while his father, Josef Škarek, was active in football, volleyball, triathlons, and mountain climbing. His sister, Tereza, also pursued athletics as a javelin thrower, giving the household a strong multi-sport foundation.
Personal Life
Škarek’s longtime partner is Sarah Barrett, an accomplished marathon runner and retired NFL cheerleader. The couple’s relationship reflects the international and athletic background that has shaped much of his life off the ice.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a pivotal year in Jakub Škarek’s career. After returning to Finland and signing a one-year contract with HIFK in May 2025, he joined the San Jose Sharks organization in July 2025. Assigned to the San Jose Barracuda of the AHL, he has continued his development within a structured NHL pipeline.
Škarek’s early outings with the Barracuda have provided him with the rhythm and volume of starts necessary to push for an NHL opportunity. The partnership between the Sharks’ goaltending development staff and his European coaching background has shaped his preparation.
Looking ahead, the focus for Škarek is clear: continue refining his game with the Barracuda, build on his AHL experience, and position himself for an NHL debut with the San Jose Sharks. His journey through Czech and Finnish hockey has prepared him for this next step, and the 2025 season is set to define the next phase of his professional trajectory.