Former Slovak national team forward Tomáš Záborský has signed with second-tier club Rytieri Martin, Šport.sk reported, following his departure from Tipsport Liga side HK 32 Liptovský Mikuláš. The 38-year-old veteran joins the Turiec-based club to bolster their top-six forward group as they pursue promotion back to Slovakia’s top flight.

How the Rytieri Martin Front Office Secured the Veteran Forward

The acquisition comes after Martin parted ways with forward Ivan Jakubík, who transferred to Skalica. According to details published by DenníkSport.sk, the club’s management monitored the player market carefully before moving for Záborský, calling the opportunity to sign the experienced forward one that “could not be refused.” The team officially announced the signing on their social media channels, highlighting the player’s extensive international and domestic resume.

In statements reported by Sportnet and Pravda, the Martin organization outlined their expectations for the newcomer: “We welcome the experienced Slovak forward to Martin, who comes to Turiec to rank among the leaders on the ice and in the dressing room.” Záborský joins another high-profile acquisition, Marek Viedenský, as part of the club’s push toward the upper echelon of Slovak hockey, as noted by DenníkSport.sk.

A Career Spanning NHL Farms, KHL, and European Leagues

Záborský brings a wealth of high-level experience to the Tipos SHL. A native of Trenčík, he previously played junior hockey for Považská Bystrica in the second division nearly two decades ago, as detailed by Pravda. His professional journey since then includes a stint in North America within the New York Rangers farm system, European stops in Germany, the Czech Republic, Finland, and Sweden, and KHL campaigns with Avangard Omsk and Salavat Yulaev Ufa, per Sportnet.

Domestically, Záborský has worn the captain’s “C” for Dukla Trenčík and served as an alternate captain for HK Poprad. Before his mid-season switch to Martin, he appeared in eight games for Liptovský Mikuláš during the current campaign, recording one goal and two assists for three points, according to Pravda. During the previous season, he produced 24 points across 44 games for Liptovský Mikuláš.

League Standing and Upcoming Fixtures

Rytieri Martin currently sits fourth in the Tipos SHL standings as the league progresses through its autumn schedule. The second-tier competition features clubs such as HC TEBS Bratislava and HK Gladiators Trnava, who recently contested a 5–4 result in league play reported by HokejPortal. Záborský’s arrival provides Martin with immediate offensive depth as the club prepares for its upcoming round of regular-season fixtures in pursuit of the league summit.