Jakub Škarek Bio
Jakub Škarek (born 10 November 1999) is a Czech professional ice hockey goaltender 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 191 cm tall and weighing 89 kg, he was selected 72nd overall by the New York Islanders in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. He has been active in professional hockey since 2016 and is regarded as one of the promising Czech goaltenders of his generation.
Early Life and Background
Jakub Škarek was born on 10 November 1999 in Jihlava, a city in the Czech Republic known for its long tradition of ice hockey. He grew up in a household shaped by athletics, which gave him an early appreciation for competitive sport. His mother, Eva Škarek, competed in basketball and high jump, while his father, Josef Škarek, participated in football, volleyball, triathlons, and mountain climbing. His sister, Tereza, was also an athlete, specializing in javelin.
Surrounded by family members who pursued sport at high levels, Škarek developed a strong work ethic and a competitive mindset from a young age. He originally began his playing career as a forward, but at the age of 10 he switched to goaltender when his team’s goaltender missed a practice and the squad needed a replacement. The change proved permanent and laid the foundation for his future career between the pipes.
Path to Hockey
Škarek began his organized hockey journey with his hometown youth club, Dukla Jihlava, where he developed his goaltending fundamentals. He progressed quickly enough to make his professional debut with Dukla Jihlava, which served as a launching pad for a higher level of competition. His poise in net as a teenager drew the attention of top-tier Czech clubs.
During the 2016–17 season, Škarek was loaned to Sparta Praha of the Czech Extraliga, where he made his top-flight debut at the age of 18. The experience against older and more experienced shooters helped him refine his technique. Returning to Dukla Jihlava, he backstopped the club to promotion to the Czech Extraliga for the 2017–18 season and posted a .913 save percentage across 21 top-flight appearances, confirming his status as a top prospect.
Jakub Škarek Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
Škarek’s earliest professional years were spent splitting time between Dukla Jihlava and Sparta Praha. With Dukla Jihlava, he gained valuable minutes in lower divisions, while his loan to Sparta Praha exposed him to the demanding pace of the Czech Extraliga. These formative seasons allowed him to adjust to the rigors of professional hockey and to build the consistency that scouts look for in young goaltenders.
By the conclusion of the 2017–18 campaign, Škarek had established himself as one of the top goaltending prospects in the Czech Republic. His .913 save percentage in the top flight drew interest from clubs abroad. That summer, he was selected 72nd overall by the New York Islanders in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, validating years of steady development.
Finnish Liiga Breakthrough (2018–2020)
Following the draft, Škarek opted to continue his development in a stronger professional league, joining the Lahti Pelicans of the Finnish Liiga for the 2018–19 season. The move to Finland represented a significant step up in competition, giving him the chance to face experienced professional shooters on a nightly basis. He adjusted to the smaller European ice and faster pace of the Liiga, which became a critical learning environment.
On 4 July 2018, Škarek signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the New York Islanders, with the agreement that he would continue his development with the Lahti Pelicans. He spent multiple seasons in the Liiga organization, refining his positioning, rebound control, and mental toughness. His time in Finland solidified his reputation as a technically sound and composed goaltender.
New York Islanders Organization (2020–2025)
On 16 November 2020, the Islanders loaned Škarek to Peliitat Heinola of the Finnish Mestis until the commencement of the training camp for the pandemic-delayed 2020–21 season. The arrangement allowed him to stay game-sharp during a period of widespread disruption. He continued to be regarded as a depth goaltending prospect within the Islanders system, providing organizational insurance at the position.
Throughout his time under contract with the Islanders, Škarek continued his development in Europe, working on his game and adjusting to the demands of professional hockey. Although he did not secure a full-time NHL role, his consistent performance in European leagues kept him firmly on the prospect radar. His pathway reflected a patient, long-term approach to reaching North American hockey.
HIFK and San Jose Sharks Era (2025–Present)
On 9 May 2025, Škarek returned to Finland, signing a one-year contract that included an option for a second year with HIFK of the Liiga. The move signaled a fresh chapter in his career and another opportunity to showcase his abilities in a top European league. However, his time in Helsinki was brief.
Just two months later, in July 2025, Škarek was signed by the San Jose Sharks of the NHL, ending his long association with the Islanders organization. He was subsequently assigned to the San Jose Barracuda, the team’s AHL affiliate, where he continues to compete at a high level. The transition to the Sharks system marked an important new phase, offering him a clearer pathway to potential NHL action.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Škarek’s career was being selected 72nd overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, a milestone that confirmed his standing among Europe’s top goaltending prospects. He also played a central role in helping Dukla Jihlava earn promotion to the Czech Extraliga during the 2017–18 season, posting a strong .913 save percentage in the top flight. His signing with the San Jose Sharks in 2025 represented a fresh start and a new opportunity to pursue an NHL roster spot.
Jakub Škarek Career Wins
Across his time in the Czech Extraliga, Finnish Liiga, Finnish Mestis, and AHL, Jakub Škarek has accumulated a steady record of professional appearances. His victories are spread across multiple leagues and reflect a journeyman career built on consistency rather than headline-grabbing numbers. He has yet to record a verified NHL regular-season win based on the available records.
Czech Extraliga and Finnish Liiga Highlights
Škarek’s early professional wins came with Dukla Jihlava and during his loan with Sparta Praha in the Czech Extraliga. After moving to Finland, he recorded additional victories with the Lahti Pelicans, Peliitat Heinola, and HIFK. His body of work in the Liiga demonstrated his ability to compete in one of Europe’s most demanding leagues.
Other Wins and Performances
In addition to his top-flight league appearances, Škarek competed in the Finnish Mestis during the pandemic-delayed 2020–21 season, gaining further professional experience. Since joining the San Jose Barracuda in 2025, he has continued to add to his professional resume in the AHL.
Jakub Škarek Family
Family Background and Athletic Lineage
Jakub Škarek was raised in a deeply athletic family in Jihlava, Czech Republic. His mother, Eva Škarek, competed in basketball and high jump, while his father, Josef Škarek, was involved in football, volleyball, triathlons, and mountain climbing. His sister, Tereza, was a javelin thrower, further underscoring the family’s strong connection to competitive sport.
Personal Life
Škarek is married to Sarah Barrett, a marathon runner and a retired NFL cheerleader. The couple has been together as he has continued his hockey career across Europe and North America. In addition to his native Czech, Škarek speaks English, as well as some Russian, Slovak, Swedish, and Finnish, languages he has picked up through his time playing in different countries.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year marked a significant turning point in Jakub Škarek’s career. After spending much of his development in the Finnish Liiga, he returned to Finland in May 2025 by signing a one-year contract with HIFK that included an option for a second year. The deal was intended to give him a featured role in a competitive league, but his time in Helsinki was short-lived.
Two months later, in July 2025, Škarek was signed by the San Jose Sharks of the NHL, ending his long tenure within the New York Islanders organization. He was assigned to the San Jose Barracuda of the AHL, where he has continued to compete. The move offered him a new developmental pathway and a potential route to NHL action with a rebuilding Sharks franchise.
Looking ahead, Škarek’s 2025–26 season with the Barracuda is expected to be a critical proving ground. Working within the Sharks’ goaltending pipeline, he has the opportunity to demonstrate that he is ready for the next level. His blend of European experience, language skills, and athletic pedigree positions him as a prospect to watch in the San Jose system.