| Born: | May 19, 1985 | Draft: | 2003 Rangers, 50th Overall |
| Hometown: | Ilava, Czechoslovakia | Position: | Defense |
| Known For: | World Championship Silver Medal (2012) | Shoots: | Left |
| National Team: | Slovakia | Current Status: | Retired |
Ivan Baranka (born May 19, 1985) is a former Slovakian ice hockey player, having played his final year in the NHL with the New York Rangers during the 2007-08 season. Drafted 50th overall by the Rangers in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Baranka made his way to North America directly after being drafted, joining the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League (WHL). On top of his acclimation to a new brand of hockey, he also represented Slovakia in multiple international tournaments prior to turning pro.
In 2005, Baranka made his American Hockey League (AHL) debut, appearing in 59 games and recording five goals and 21 points. His increased role the next year led to slightly higher point totals, leading up to his NHL debut in 2007. Despite his progression seeing positive results, Baranka received just one game with New York, finishing with one assist and a plus-1 rating. After returning to Hartford to complete his year, Baranka opted to depart from the NHL and return to Europe.
Joining the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), Baranka enjoyed five seasons with Spartak Moskva, serving as an alternate captain in his final year. After one season with Salavat Yulaev Ufa where he recorded his lowest numbers since joining the league, Baranka played for Avangard Omsk, winning the KHL Nadezhda Cup, the trophy awarded in a tournament consisting of teams that failed to make the KHL Playoffs. Baranka appeared in one season in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) before completing his career in 2020 after five seasons in the Czechia league.
Ivan Baranka Statistics
Deeper Dive
Staff History
- HK Dukla Trencin U20, Slovakia U20 (Assistant Coach) 2021-current
Achievements
- U18 WJC Silver Medal (2003)
- World Championship Silver Medal (2012)
- KHL Nadezhda Cup (2014)