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Alex Stalock
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Alexander Stalock (/ˈsteɪˌlɒk/ STAY-lok;[1] born July 28, 1987) is an American sports commentator and former professional ice hockey goaltender. Stalock was originally drafted 112th overall in the 2005 NHL entry draft by the San Jose Sharks, and also played for the Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks. Following his playing career, Stalock began a broadcasting career with the Sharks as a radio color commentator.
Key Information
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Playing career
[edit]Stalock was born in Saint Paul and played high school hockey for the South St. Paul, Minnesota Packers. He helped the Packers to an appearance in the state tournament in 2004, the team's first since 1996. Following that season, Stalock joined Cedar Rapids of the United States Hockey League (USHL) for two seasons. Stalock was named the 2005 USHL Playoff MVP as Cedar Rapids went on to win the Clark Cup. In 2006, he was named USHL Goaltender of the Year.[2] He then attended University of Minnesota Duluth, where he played college hockey with the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs for three years. In his first season with the Bulldogs, he was key to the team's appearance in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA)'s Final Five championship.[3] Stalock was named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team in 2007 and the NCAA West First All-American Team and the WCHA First All-Star Team in 2009.[2]
Professional career
[edit]Stalock was drafted by the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the fourth round, 112th overall, in the 2005 NHL entry draft.[3] He played his first professional season with the Sharks American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Worcester Sharks in the 2009–10 season, appearing in 61 games. He set a new AHL record for wins by a rookie (39) [4] He was named to the AHL All-Rookie Team and represented Worcester at the AHL All-Star Classic.[5] On February 1, 2011, he made his NHL debut in relief of Antti Niemi. Playing 29 minutes and 47 seconds, Stalock allowed no goals on nine shots to record his first NHL win in a 5–3 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes.[6] Shortly after his debut he was reassigned to Worcester. In a game against the Manchester Monarchs on February 4, he suffered a sliced nerve behind his knee after being stepped on by the skate of Manchester's Dwight King, sidelining him for the remainder of the 2010–11 season. Afterwards, he had surgery to repair the nerve and went through many months of rehabilitation. Stalock was sidelined until January 21, 2012, when he started in goal for San Jose's ECHL affiliate, the Stockton Thunder. After six games in Stockton, Stalock was called up to Worcester. He was re-assigned on loan to the Peoria Rivermen, the AHL affiliate of the St. Louis Blues which had need of a goaltender after theirs had been traded to the Ottawa Senators. While with Peoria, he suffered a broken finger during practice.[4]
On July 10, 2013, the Sharks re-signed Stalock to a one-year contract. In September 2013, Stalock was selected as the San Jose Sharks backup goaltender for the 2013–14 season.[7] Stalock made his first NHL start on October 27, saving 38 shots in a 5–2 victory against the Ottawa Senators.[8] On January 16, 2014, Stalock recorded his first shutout in a 3–0 win over the Florida Panthers.[9] Against the Los Angeles Kings on January 27, Stalock passed Evgeni Nabokov for the Sharks' longest streak without allowing a goal with 178:55, 7:37 longer than Nabokov's highest.[10] Stalock made his first career playoff start against the Los Angeles Kings on April 28, 2014.[11]
In the 2015–16 season, on February 27, 2016, Stalock's tenure with the Sharks came to an end when he was traded, along with Ben Smith and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2018 to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for James Reimer and Jeremy Morin.[12] Stalock was placed on waivers the following day by the Maple Leafs and, upon clearing, was assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies on February 29, 2016.[13][14]
Stalock left the Maple Leafs organization as an unrestricted free agent in the off-season and on July 1, 2016, signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Minnesota Wild.[15] He spent the entire season with Minnesota's AHL affiliate, the Iowa Wild. On February 2, 2017, the Wild signed Stalock to a two-year, $1.3 million extension. The contract allowed the Wild to protect starter Devan Dubnyk and expose Stalock in the 2017 NHL expansion draft.[16] Stalock was not selected by the Vegas Golden Knights and remained with the Wild.[17] Stalock made his Wild debut on March 31, 2017 in a 5–1 win over the Ottawa Senators.[18] The following season he was made Dubnyk's backup with the departure of Darcy Kuemper. He earned his first shutout with the Wild, and in three seasons, against his former team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, on December 14, 2017.[16][19] On December 6, 2018, Stalock appeared in his 100th game, a 2–0 loss to the Calgary Flames.[2][20] On January 29, 2019, the Wild signed Stalock, to a three-year, $2.355 million extension.[2] Stalock started the 2019–20 season as Dubnyk's backup again, but after Dubnyk struggled, Stalock was promoted to the starting goaltender in January. The season was disrupted by the pandemic when the NHL paused it on March 12. He started every game for the Wild in the Stanley Cup Playoffs Qualifiers Round that took place in Edmonton, Alberta. He earned his first playoff win in the first game of the series versus the Vancouver Canucks.[21] However, the Canucks won the next three games, eliminating the Wild.[22]
Rehabilitating an injury leading into the pandemic-delayed 2020–21 season, Stalock was placed on waivers by the Wild and later claimed by the Edmonton Oilers on March 1, 2021.[23] He missed the entirety of the season through myocarditis, after contracting COVID-19.[24] Returning to play in the 2021–22 season, Stalock was assigned to the Oilers' AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors. He recorded three wins in five appearances before he was traded by the Oilers for future considerations in a return to his original club, the San Jose Sharks, on March 2, 2022.[25] He appeared in one game with the Sharks, spending the rest of the season with the Sharks' AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda.[26]
On July 13, 2022, Stalock signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks.[26] Stalock ultimately played 27 games during the season, starting 24, with a 9–15–2 record and a .908 save percentage. He was named a finalist for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded to "the NHL player voted to best exemplify the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey."[27] With Chicago, Stalock became the first goalie since the 1934–35 NHL season to stop a penalty shot in three consecutive games.[5]
On August 7, 2023, Stalock signed as a free agent to a one-year, $800,000 contract with the Anaheim Ducks.[5] Stalock was assigned to the Ducks AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls, for the 2023–24 season.[28][29]
Retirement
[edit]In mid-2024, Stalock retired from hockey and re-joined the San Jose Sharks organization as a color commentator on radio broadcasts.[29] In October 2025, it was announced Stalock would join FanDuel Sports Network's coverage of the Minnesota Wild for select games during the 2025–26 NHL season.[30]
Career statistics
[edit]| Regular season | Playoffs | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | League | GP | W | L | T/OT | MIN | GA | SO | GAA | SV% | GP | W | L | MIN | GA | SO | GAA | SV% | ||
| 2003–04 | South Saint Paul | MNHS | 31 | 23 | 7 | 1 | 1581 | 42 | 6 | 2.20 | .924 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2003–04 | U.S. National Development Team | NAHL | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4.50 | .872 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2004–05 | Cedar Rapids RoughRiders | USHL | 32 | 19 | 9 | 1 | 1801 | 82 | 1 | 2.73 | .905 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 582 | 14 | 1 | 1.44 | .950 | ||
| 2005–06 | Cedar Rapids RoughRiders | USHL | 44 | 28 | 13 | 3 | 2641 | 112 | 4 | 2.54 | .931 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 472 | 25 | 0 | 3.18 | .918 | ||
| 2006–07 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | WCHA | 23 | 5 | 14 | 3 | 1364 | 76 | 1 | 3.34 | .881 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2007–08 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | WHCA | 36 | 13 | 17 | 6 | 2170 | 85 | 3 | 2.35 | .914 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2008–09 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | WCHA | 42 | 21 | 13 | 8 | 2534 | 90 | 5 | 2.13 | .924 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2009–10 | Worcester Sharks | AHL | 61 | 39 | 19 | 2 | 3534 | 155 | 4 | 2.63 | .908 | 11 | 6 | 5 | 683 | 26 | 0 | 2.28 | .919 | ||
| 2010–11 | Worcester Sharks | AHL | 41 | 19 | 17 | 4 | 2397 | 105 | 0 | 2.63 | .907 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2010–11 | San Jose Sharks | NHL | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 1.000 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2011–12 | Stockton Thunder | ECHL | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 360 | 17 | 0 | 2.83 | .914 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2011–12 | Worcester Sharks | AHL | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 119 | 5 | 0 | 2.51 | .909 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2011–12 | Peoria Rivermen | AHL | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 106 | 2 | 1 | 1.13 | .964 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2012–13 | Worcester Sharks | AHL | 38 | 17 | 16 | 4 | 2281 | 99 | 2 | 2.60 | .912 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2012–13 | San Jose Sharks | NHL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 42 | 2 | 0 | 2.86 | .846 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2013–14 | San Jose Sharks | NHL | 24 | 12 | 5 | 2 | 1251 | 39 | 2 | 1.87 | .932 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 117 | 4 | 0 | 2.05 | .929 | ||
| 2014–15 | San Jose Sharks | NHL | 22 | 8 | 9 | 2 | 1236 | 54 | 2 | 2.62 | .902 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2015–16 | San Jose Sharks | NHL | 13 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 670 | 33 | 0 | 2.94 | .884 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2015–16 | San Jose Barracuda | AHL | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 122 | 4 | 0 | 1.96 | .930 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2015–16 | Toronto Marlies | AHL | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 181 | 8 | 0 | 2.66 | .907 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2016–17 | Iowa Wild | AHL | 50 | 23 | 17 | 9 | 2871 | 109 | 4 | 2.28 | .926 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2016–17 | Minnesota Wild | NHL | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 119 | 3 | 0 | 1.51 | .944 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2017–18 | Minnesota Wild | NHL | 28 | 10 | 10 | 4 | 1496 | 71 | 1 | 2.85 | .910 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 49 | 1 | 0 | 1.25 | .938 | ||
| 2018–19 | Minnesota Wild | NHL | 21 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 1066 | 53 | 0 | 2.99 | .899 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2019–20 | Minnesota Wild | NHL | 38 | 20 | 11 | 4 | 2178 | 97 | 4 | 2.67 | .910 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 237 | 12 | 1 | 3.04 | .897 | ||
| 2021–22 | Bakersfield Condors | AHL | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 268 | 17 | 0 | 3.81 | .862 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2021–22 | San Jose Sharks | NHL | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 46 | 6 | 0 | 7.81 | .786 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2021–22 | San Jose Barracuda | AHL | 12 | 1 | 8 | 2 | 698 | 47 | 1 | 4.04 | .872 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2022–23 | Chicago Blackhawks | NHL | 27 | 9 | 15 | 2 | 1476 | 74 | 2 | 3.01 | .908 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2023–24 | San Diego Gulls | AHL | 15 | 2 | 9 | 2 | 801 | 51 | 0 | 3.82 | .888 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| NHL totals | 179 | 70 | 65 | 20 | 9,613 | 432 | 11 | 2.70 | .908 | 8 | 1 | 4 | 402 | 17 | 1 | 2.54 | .910 | ||||
Awards and honors
[edit]| Award | Year | |
|---|---|---|
| USHL | ||
| Clark Cup (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders) | 2004–05 | [2] |
| College | ||
| All-WCHA Rookie Team | 2006–07 | [2] |
| All-WCHA First Team | 2008–09 | [2] |
| AHCA West First-Team All-American | 2008–09 | [2] |
| WCHA All-Tournament Team | 2009 | [31] |
References
[edit]- ^ "Wild Story Time with Alex Stalock". Retrieved December 12, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Wild, Stalock agree to terms on three-year contract extension". Minnesota Wild. January 29, 2019 – via NHL.com.
- ^ a b Pierce, Jessi (December 6, 2018). "From the rinks in South St. Paul, Alex Stalock developed into one of the NHL's best puckhandling goalies". The Athletic. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
- ^ a b Heinen, Devon (September 18, 2013). "Stalock unbowed after adversity". ESPN. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
- ^ a b c "Ducks Sign Goaltender Stalock to One-Year Contract". Anaheim Ducks. August 7, 2023. Retrieved April 9, 2024 – via NHL.com.
- ^ "Sharks rally to beat Coyotes 5-3". National Hockey League. February 1, 2011. Archived from the original on March 7, 2011. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
- ^ Kurz, Kevin (September 30, 2013). "Three rookies on Sharks opening night roster". Comcast Sportsnet. Archived from the original on October 3, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
- ^ "Alex Stalock makes 38 saves, lifts Sharks over Senators". USA Today. Associated Press. October 28, 2013. Retrieved October 29, 2013.
- ^ "Pavelski, Nieto, Thornton score and Stalock makes 24 saves for 1st shutout in Sharks 3-0 win". National Hockey League. January 16, 2014. Retrieved January 18, 2014.
- ^ Pollak, David (January 28, 2014). "Sharks' backup goalie Alex Stalock opening a lot of eyes". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved January 31, 2014.
- ^ Kurz, Kevin (April 28, 2014). "Stalock starting Game 6 for Sharks, Vlasic out vs. Kings". Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. Archived from the original on April 29, 2014. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
- ^ "Maple Leafs trade goaltender James Reimer to Sharks". Sportsnet. Retrieved February 27, 2016.
- ^ "Toronto Maple Leafs will examine their goalie prospects closely over the remainder of the season". National Post. Montreal. February 29, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
- ^ Hornby, Lance (December 14, 2017). "Former Marlies goalie between the pipes for Wild against Leafs". Toronto Sun. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
- ^ "Wild agree to terms with Alex Stalock". Minnesota Wild. July 1, 2016. Archived from the original on July 4, 2016. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
- ^ a b "Wild sign goalie Stalock to 2-year extension". TSN. The Canadian Press. February 2, 2017. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
- ^ Russo, Michael (June 22, 2017). "It's official: Vegas inks Wild's Erik Haula in expansion draft". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
- ^ "Stalock beats Senators for first win with Wild". ESPN. Associated Press. March 31, 2017. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
- ^ Campbell, Dave (December 14, 2017). "Leafs' offence sputters in uninspiring loss to Wild". CBC Sports. Associated Press. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
- ^ Anderson, Kristen (December 7, 2018). "Smith shuts the door, Lindholm scores two in feisty win over Wild". Calgary Sun. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
- ^ Pashelka, Curtis (August 3, 2020). "Alex Stalock earns first playoff win, six years after his lone Sharks' postseason start ended in controversy". The Mercury News. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
- ^ "Tanev scores 11 seconds into OT as Canucks beat Wild 5-4". ESPN. Associated Press. August 8, 2020. Archived from the original on April 9, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
- ^ "Oilers claim G Stalock off waivers from Wild". TSN. March 1, 2021. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
- ^ Lewis, Cam (September 23, 2021). "Alex Stalock is likely to miss all of 2021-22". Oilersnation.com. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
- ^ "Edmonton Oilers trade Alex Stalock to Sharks". TSN. March 2, 2022. Retrieved March 2, 2022.
- ^ a b "Athanasiou, Domi, Blackwell, Stalock, Philp and Seney signed". Chicago Blackhawks. July 13, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2022 – via NHL.com.
- ^ Satriano, David (May 9, 2023). "Masterton Trophy finalists named". National Hockey League. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
- ^ "San Diego Gulls Announce Roster Moves". San Diego Gulls. October 9, 2023. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
- ^ a b "UMD men's hockey alum Stalock retires, to enter broadcast booth". Duluth News Tribune. September 13, 2024. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
- ^ "Minnesota Wild Announces 2025-26 Local Broadcast Schedule". Minnesota Wild. October 7, 2025. Retrieved October 8, 2025 – via NHL.com.
- ^ "WCHA Tourney History". WCHA. Archived from the original on July 2, 2014. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
External links
[edit]- Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com, or Eliteprospects.com, or Hockey-Reference.com, or The Internet Hockey Database
- Alex Stalock profile and statistics at TheAHL.com
Alex Stalock
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early career
Junior hockey
Alex Stalock was born on July 28, 1987, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He began skating at the age of three and honed his early hockey skills in the youth leagues of South St. Paul, where he often played goalie by default as the youngest participant in neighborhood games with his older brother Nick and local kids.[6][7][8] Stalock attended South St. Paul High School, playing for the Packers hockey team. He helped lead the team to the 2004 Minnesota Class A State Tournament, where he was named to the All-Tournament Team.[9] Stalock progressed to junior hockey with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the 2004–2005 season, appearing in 32 regular-season games and recording a 2.73 goals-against average (GAA) along with a .905 save percentage while posting a 19–9–3 record.[2][3] His performance contributed to the RoughRiders' advancement through the playoffs, culminating in a Clark Cup championship victory over the Sioux City Musketeers, during which Stalock made 24 saves in the decisive Game 5 and earned series MVP honors.[10] In the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Stalock was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the fourth round, 112th overall.[11] The following season (2005–2006), he appeared in 44 regular-season games for Cedar Rapids, posting a 25–12–5 record with a 2.54 GAA and .931 save percentage, and received the Dave Peterson Award as USA Hockey's Junior Goalie of the Year for his outstanding performance at the junior level.[2][3][12] Following his junior career, Stalock transitioned to college hockey at the University of Minnesota Duluth.[13]College career
Alex Stalock enrolled at the University of Minnesota Duluth in the fall of 2006, joining the Bulldogs men's ice hockey program in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) as a highly touted goaltending prospect following two seasons in the United States Hockey League (USHL).[13] As a freshman in 2006–07, he appeared in 23 games, compiling a 5–14–3 record with a 3.34 goals-against average (GAA) and .881 save percentage while earning All-WCHA Rookie Team honors for his contributions to a team that finished 13–21–5 overall.[1][14] Stalock's development accelerated in his sophomore season of 2007–08, where he started all 36 games for the Bulldogs, posting a 13–17–6 record, 2.35 GAA, .914 save percentage, and three shutouts—efforts that ranked among the top single-season marks in program history at the time.[15][3] He was recognized as the team's Most Valuable Player, receiving the Mike Seiler Award, and earned WCHA Defensive Player of the Week honors on three occasions amid a team campaign that ended with a 13–17–6 overall record and an opening-round WCHA playoff exit.[15] His junior year in 2008–09 marked a pinnacle, as Stalock established himself as one of the nation's elite goaltenders, starting all 42 games with a 21–13–8 record, 2.13 GAA, .924 save percentage, and five shutouts—all single-season program records—and leading the WCHA with a 2.39 conference GAA.[16] Despite the Bulldogs entering the postseason as the No. 8 seed with a 10–11–7 conference mark, Stalock anchored their improbable run to the WCHA playoff championship, defeating higher seeds including North Dakota and Denver; he was named the WCHA Final Five Most Valuable Player for his standout play, including a 34-save shutout in the title game. This success earned UMD an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, where the team advanced to the Frozen Four before a 5–1 semifinal loss to Wisconsin.[17] Stalock capped the season with his second consecutive Mike Seiler Award as UMD's MVP, along with First-Team All-WCHA selection and a spot on the AHCA West First-Team All-America.[16] Following the Frozen Four, Stalock decided to forgo his senior season and signed an entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks organization on April 13, 2009, turning professional after three accomplished years with the Bulldogs.[4]Professional career
San Jose Sharks (2007–2016)
Following his successful college career at the University of Minnesota Duluth, Stalock signed a two-year entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks on April 13, 2009.[18] Stalock began his professional career with the Sharks' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Worcester Sharks, where he played from 2009 to 2013. Over 142 regular-season games, he compiled a 76–53–10 record with a 2.62 goals-against average (GAA), establishing himself as a reliable presence in net.[2] He led the team in wins during multiple seasons, including a standout rookie year in 2009–10 when he set an AHL record for rookie victories with 39 and earned a spot on the AHL All-Rookie Team.[5] In the playoffs, Stalock appeared in 16 games across four postseasons, posting a 9–7 record and 2.32 GAA.[3] Stalock made his NHL debut with the Sharks on February 1, 2011, entering in relief of Antti Niemi against the Phoenix Coyotes; he stopped all nine shots he faced over 29:47 of play, securing a 5–3 victory and his first NHL win.[1] Limited to spot duty early in his career due to injuries and the established tandem of Niemi and Thomas Greiss, Stalock's opportunities increased in the 2013–14 season when he won the backup role. He appeared in 24 games that year, recording a 12–5–2 mark with a 1.87 GAA and .932 save percentage, contributing to one of the league's strongest defensive units that allowed just 193 goals—the fifth-fewest in the NHL—making the Sharks' goaltending eligible for consideration in the William M. Jennings Trophy race (though the award went to the Los Angeles Kings).[19] Stalock also made three playoff appearances that postseason, going 0–1–0 with a 2.05 GAA.[1] In total, Stalock played 62 games for the Sharks from 2011 to 2016, posting a 24–19–7 record with a 2.47 GAA and .915 save percentage.[1] His time with the organization ended on February 27, 2016, when the Sharks traded him, along with forward Ben Smith and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for goaltender James Reimer and forward Jeremy Morin.Toronto Maple Leafs and Minnesota Wild (2016–2020)
Following his trade from the San Jose Sharks to the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 27, 2016, in exchange for goaltender James Reimer and forward Jeremy Morin, Stalock was immediately placed on waivers by Toronto and, upon clearing, assigned to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Toronto Marlies.[20] There, he appeared in five regular-season games during the remainder of the 2015–16 campaign, posting a 2-2-1 record with a 2.47 goals-against average (GAA).[2] Stalock did not see any National Hockey League action with the Maple Leafs before becoming an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the season. On July 1, 2016, Stalock signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Minnesota Wild, returning to his home state as a native of South St. Paul. He quickly established himself as the primary backup to starter Devan Dubnyk, serving in that role throughout his four seasons with the organization. Over 89 regular-season appearances from 2016 to 2020, Stalock compiled a 37-30-11 record with a 2.70 GAA and .908 save percentage, providing steady depth during Minnesota's consistent playoff pushes in the Central Division.[8] His tenure highlighted a reliable tandem dynamic, with Stalock often stepping in for relief or spot starts to preserve Dubnyk's workload. Stalock's 2017–18 season marked a career high in games played at the NHL level up to that point, as he went 10-10-4 with a 2.85 GAA and .910 save percentage in 28 outings, contributing to the Wild's 101-point campaign.[8] The following year, however, was limited by injury; after missing the early portion of the 2018–19 schedule due to an upper-body issue, he appeared in just 21 games, recording a 6-8-3 mark with a 2.99 GAA and .899 save percentage before the Wild were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.[8][21] Stalock rebounded strongly in 2019–20, achieving his first 20-win season with a 20-11-4 record, 2.67 GAA, and .910 save percentage in 38 games, while also starting all four of Minnesota's qualifying round wins against the St. Louis Blues in the expanded playoff format.[8] In recognition of his resilience amid career setbacks, including prior severe injuries like the 2011 skate cut that damaged a nerve behind his knee, Stalock was nominated for the 2020 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association's Minnesota chapter, honoring perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.[22][23] Stalock's tenure with the Wild ended when he was placed on waivers on March 1, 2021, and claimed by the Edmonton Oilers, concluding a stable mid-career chapter defined by dependable backup support and personal triumphs over adversity.[1]Later teams (2020–2024)
Stalock's tenure with the Edmonton Oilers began when he was claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Wild on March 1, 2021, during the 2020–21 season. However, he did not appear in any NHL games for the team, as he was sidelined by myocarditis, a heart inflammation developed after contracting COVID-19 earlier in the season, which limited his participation amid ongoing protocols and recovery efforts.[24] The condition forced him to miss the remainder of the year, marking a challenging period of instability following his more consistent backup role with the Wild. On March 2, 2022, Stalock was traded from the Oilers to the San Jose Sharks—his original drafting team—for future considerations, providing a brief return to familiar surroundings at the tail end of the 2021–22 season. He appeared in just one NHL game for San Jose on April 26, 2022, against the Anaheim Ducks, where he allowed five goals on 14 shots in a 6-2 loss, posting a 7.81 goals-against average (GAA). Additionally, he spent time in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the San Jose Barracuda, playing 12 games with a 1-8-2 record and 4.05 GAA, and briefly with the Bakersfield Condors earlier in the season (5 games, 3-2-0, 3.81 GAA).[2] Stalock signed a one-year, $750,000 contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 13, 2022, entering a more prominent role amid the team's rebuilding phase. In the 2022–23 season, he established himself as the primary starter, appearing in 27 games (24 starts) with a 9-15-2 record, 3.01 GAA, .908 save percentage, and two shutouts—his most extensive NHL action since 2019–20.[1] His perseverance through the prior heart condition earned him recognition as one of three finalists for the 2023 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded for perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. As a free agent, Stalock joined the Anaheim Ducks on a one-year, $800,000 contract signed August 7, 2023, aiming to continue as a veteran presence in the goaltending tandem.[25] He did not play in any NHL games during the 2023–24 season despite multiple emergency recalls from the AHL's San Diego Gulls, where he appeared in 15 games with a 2-9-2 record, 3.82 GAA, and .888 save percentage. Over this later phase from 2020 to 2024, Stalock logged just 28 NHL games across the Oilers, Sharks, Blackhawks, and Ducks organizations, reflecting a journeyman career marked by health setbacks and limited opportunities.[8]Retirement and broadcasting career
Retirement announcement
On September 17, 2024, Alex Stalock officially announced his retirement from professional hockey at the age of 37, concluding an 11-season career in the National Hockey League (NHL) that included 179 regular-season games.[26] In reflecting on his journey, Stalock highlighted his perseverance amid significant challenges, including a career-threatening leg injury sustained in 2011 while playing in the American Hockey League (AHL) that required extensive rehabilitation to return to form, and a myocarditis diagnosis in November 2020 following a COVID-19 infection, which sidelined him for much of the 2020-21 season.[27][24] Stalock's decision to retire was shaped by a desire to embark on a new chapter after years of professional demands, particularly following his time away from the NHL in the 2023-24 season, where he appeared in 15 games for the AHL's San Diego Gulls, posting a 2-9-2 record with a 3.82 goals-against average (GAA) and .888 save percentage.[26][3] Over his NHL tenure, he compiled a 70-65-20 record with a 2.70 GAA, a .908 save percentage, and 11 shutouts across teams including the San Jose Sharks, Minnesota Wild, Edmonton Oilers, and Chicago Blackhawks, while accumulating over 300 AHL appearances that underscored his depth as a reliable goaltender.[26]Role with the Sharks
Following his retirement, Alex Stalock joined the San Jose Sharks' broadcast team in September 2024 as a color commentator, contributing to both radio and television coverage of the team's games.[28] He alternates with fellow Sharks alumni Scott Hannan, Jamal Mayers, and Jason Demers on the Sharks Audio Network, partnering with longtime play-by-play announcer Dan Rusanowsky to provide analysis during game broadcasts.[28] Stalock may also make select appearances on NBC Sports California television broadcasts alongside Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda.[28] In his broadcasting roles, Stalock delivers color commentary and contributes to pre- and post-game analysis, drawing on his 11 seasons of NHL experience to offer specialized insights into goaltending and gameplay strategies.[26] His background as a former Sharks draft pick and player enables him to provide a unique alumni perspective on the team's performance and dynamics.[26] Stalock made his debut broadcast appearances during the 2024–25 season, marking a seamless pivot from his playing career that kept him closely tied to the sport and the San Jose organization where his NHL journey originated.[28][26] As of the 2025-26 season, he continues in this role with the Sharks, alternating with Scott Hannan, Jamal Mayers, and Dan Boyle on radio broadcasts.[29] Additionally, Stalock contributes as an analyst for select Minnesota Wild games during the 2025-26 season.[30]Career statistics
Regular season
| Season | Team | GP | W | L | OTL | GAA | SV% | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010–11 | San Jose Sharks | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 1.000 | 0 |
| 2012–13 | San Jose Sharks | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2.87 | .846 | 0 |
| 2013–14 | San Jose Sharks | 24 | 12 | 5 | 2 | 1.87 | .932 | 2 |
| 2014–15 | San Jose Sharks | 22 | 8 | 9 | 2 | 2.62 | .902 | 2 |
| 2015–16 | San Jose Sharks | 13 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 2.94 | .884 | 0 |
| 2016–17 | Minnesota Wild | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1.51 | .944 | 0 |
| 2017–18 | Minnesota Wild | 28 | 10 | 10 | 4 | 2.85 | .910 | 1 |
| 2018–19 | Minnesota Wild | 21 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 2.99 | .899 | 0 |
| 2019–20 | Minnesota Wild | 38 | 20 | 11 | 4 | 2.67 | .910 | 4 |
| 2021–22 | San Jose Sharks | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7.81 | .786 | 0 |
| 2022–23 | Chicago Blackhawks | 27 | 9 | 15 | 2 | 3.01 | .908 | 2 |
| Career total | 179 | 70 | 65 | 20 | 2.70 | .908 | 11 |
Playoffs
| Season | Team | GP | W | L | GAA | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–14 | San Jose Sharks | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2.05 | .929 |
| 2017–18 | Minnesota Wild | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1.25 | .938 |
| 2019–20 | Minnesota Wild | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3.03 | .897 |
| Career total | 8 | 1 | 4 | 2.54 | .910 |
American Hockey League
Stalock's American Hockey League career spanned multiple teams, where he served as a reliable goaltender in both starting and backup roles, often bridging his development to NHL opportunities with the San Jose Sharks.[5]Regular Season Statistics
| Season | Team | GP | W | L | OTL | GAA | SV% | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–10 | Worcester Sharks | 61 | 39 | 19 | 2 | 2.63 | .908 | 4 |
| 2010–11 | Worcester Sharks | 41 | 19 | 17 | 4 | 2.63 | .907 | 0 |
| 2011–12 | Peoria Rivermen | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.13 | .964 | 1 |
| 2011–12 | Worcester Sharks | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2.51 | .909 | 0 |
| 2012–13 | Worcester Sharks | 38 | 17 | 16 | 4 | 2.60 | .912 | 2 |
| 2015–16 | Toronto Marlies | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2.66 | .907 | 0 |
| 2015–16 | San Jose Barracuda | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.96 | .930 | 0 |
| 2016–17 | Iowa Wild | 50 | 23 | 17 | 8 | 2.28 | .926 | 4 |
| 2021–22 | Bakersfield Condors | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 3.81 | .862 | 0 |
| 2021–22 | San Jose Barracuda | 12 | 1 | 8 | 2 | 4.04 | .872 | 1 |
| 2023–24 | San Diego Gulls | 15 | 2 | 9 | 2 | 3.82 | .888 | 0 |
Playoff Statistics
| Season | Team | GP | W | L | GAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–10 | Worcester Sharks | 11 | 6 | 5 | 2.28 |
Career Totals
In 232 regular season games, Stalock recorded 110 wins, 91 losses, 22 overtime losses, a 2.70 goals against average, .909 save percentage, and 12 shutouts.[5] His strong AHL performances, particularly his rookie season with Worcester and his 2016–17 campaign with Iowa, facilitated multiple call-ups to the NHL starting in 2010.[5]Awards and honors
Junior and amateur
- USHL Clark Cup Champion (2005) with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders.[32]
- USHL Clark Cup MVP (2005).[33]
- USHL Goaltender of the Year (2006).[34]
- USHL First All-Star Team (2006).[1]
- USA Hockey Junior Goalie of the Year (Dave Peterson Award, 2006).[12]
College
During his tenure with the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs from 2006 to 2009, Alex Stalock earned several notable awards recognizing his on-ice performance and contributions to the team.- WCHA All-Rookie Team (2007).[1]
- WCHA Final Five Most Valuable Player (2009).[35]
- University of Minnesota Duluth Most Valuable Player (2009).[16]
- First-Team All-WCHA (2009).[36]
- West First-Team All-American (2009).[37]
Professional
Stalock earned recognition in his professional career for standout performances and exemplary perseverance amid health challenges, including a diagnosis of warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia in 2022 that forced him to step away from play temporarily.- Selected to the 2010 AHL All-Star Game as a rookie with the Worcester Sharks, where he represented the team in the mid-season showcase.[38]
- AHL All-Rookie Team (2010).[39]
- Nominated for the NHL's Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2020 by the Twin Cities chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association, honoring his resilience after overcoming injuries and career setbacks.[22]
- Named one of three finalists for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2023 while with the Chicago Blackhawks, recognized for his perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey following his health issues.[40]