Colorado College bolstered its goaltending future on January 15, 2026, with a commitment from USHL standout Michal Pradel. The 6-foot-5 Slovakian prospect, a third-round pick of the Detroit Red Wings, will join the Tigers for the 2026-27 season. Pradel's strong performance with the Tri-City Storm highlights his potential impact.
Colorado College announced a significant addition to its roster on Wednesday, January 15, 2026, as goaltender Michal Pradel committed to the program for the 2026-27 season. Hailing from Dolny Kubin, Slovakia, Pradel was selected 75th overall in the third round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 198 pounds, he brings size and skill to the Tigers' net.
Pradel is currently thriving in his first full North American season with the USHL's Tri-City Storm, posting a 10-9-4 record, a .918 save percentage, and a 2.50 goals-against average. His three shutouts tie for the league lead, while his save percentage ranks fourth and GAA seventh among USHL goaltenders. He has made 648 saves out of 706 shots faced and is 3-0-1 in his last four starts. Pradel debuted in the USHL on February 14, 2025, appearing in 14 regular-season games and one playoff contest last spring. Recently, he played four games for Slovakia at the World Junior Championships in Minnesota.
The commitment comes as Colorado College prepares to replace senior goaltender Kaidan Mbereko, who has appeared in 121 games over four seasons. Mbereko earned First-Team All-American honors and the unanimous NCHC Goaltender of the Year award in 2024, along with CHN's All-Rookie Team nod in 2023. This season, he holds a 9-9-3 record with a .910 save percentage and 2.57 GAA.
Pradel is set to arrive in Colorado Springs in the fall of 2026, shortly after turning 19 on March 10. The Tigers, currently 9-10-3 overall and 3-6-3 in the NCHC, face Simon Fraser in an exhibition game on Saturday before traveling to Omaha on January 23-24.
