Connecticut Native Janka Hlinka Returns Home on One-Year Deal

The Connecticut Whale announced on Monday that they've re-signed forward Janka Hlinka to a one-year contract for the upcoming 2023-24 season. The details of her contract were not disclosed.

Hlinka played 23 games for the Whale during the 2022-23 season. She played 16 games during the 2021-22 campaign for the Whale while also playing internationally for Slovakia in Olympic qualifiers and the IIHF D1A World Championships. During four seasons at Middlebury College, Hlinka tallied 65 points in 113 games.

“Not many words can describe how excited I am to be back with the Whale for another season. There is no greater joy or honor than being able to continue playing the game that we love and I am grateful to have another year putting on my home state's colors,” Hlinka was quoted as saying in the press release announcing her signing.

“We are happy to be bringing back Janka to the Whale,” Head Coach Colton Orr also said in the press release. “Her work ethic, character, and talent on the ice bring depth to our lineup, making us stronger and more competitive. She continues to grow as a pro and we can't wait to see what she can accomplish in her third season with the Pod.”

Hlinka is the ninth player under contract for the Whale so far this offseason, joining goaltender Emma Soderberg; defenders Kacey Bellamy, Allie Munroe, and Maude Poulin-Labelle; and forwards Kennedy Marchment, Taylor Girard, Kendall Cornine, and Melissa Samoskevich.