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Meet the Team: An early look at what Slovakia might look like at the 2022 World Juniors
This is a big year for Slovak hockey. The trio of Juraj Slafkovsky, Šimon Němec, and Filip Mešár is poised to crack the first round in next July's draft, and each has a legitimate shot of being among the first 10 names called to cross the stage.
Slovakia is set to play in a difficult Group B, but they have a well-balanced, skilled roster that could catch some teams by surprise if they're not ready.
So, who are the returnees for this team? Well, this year's Slovak lineup features 12 return players from last year's group, led by starting goaltender Šimon Latkoczy alongside Martin Chromiak, Roman Faith, Oleksii Myklukha, Maroš Jedlička, Matěj Kašlik, Šimon Bečár, Rayen Petrovický, Marko Stacha, Samuel Knažko, Slafkovský, and Němec.
The Roster
The Slovak top-six has the potential to create a tonne of offence for this group, no matter the configuration. They could, for example, make a swap at the centre position between Kašlík and Myklukha without skipping a beat. Slafkovsky is a skilled winger with a hard shot and a knack for getting involved physically. Chromiak will be an important piece for the Slovaks on the opposite wing as an elder statesman of the tournament and a skilled winger who's even pulled off the famed "Michigan" move that's sweeping the hockey world.
Jakub Demek is a big-bodied power forward with strong puck protection mechanics and an aggressive playing style. Mešár is a creative winger with top-end skating who can beat defenders 1-on-1. Myklukha will play a huge role in the faceoff dot, and his two-way game will prove critical to Slovakia's success at this tournament.
The third line I've posted is probably identical to the one that the Slovaks will ice on opening night. Dalibor Dvorský is an unreal talent, and one of the players in that second-tier of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft behind Connor Bedard and Matvei Michkov. Faith will be relied on to show up for the Slovaks and put pucks in the back of the net, as he did last tournament.
The fourth line is going to feature some notable skaters in the form of a pair of 2022 NHL Draft prospects with Petrovský and Sýkora. Petrovský is a pure sniper, capable of lighting the lamp any time he steps onto the ice. Sýkora's constant movement and doggedness to get the puck will make him a factor, especially on the forecheck. Samuel Krajč's presence as a big, checking forward will provide a constant screen at the net-front, and act as a constant nuisance in pursuit of the puck.
Knažko will play big minutes as a leader of this defensive group. He's a skilled distributor from the blue line, capable of finding his teammates with precise passes, and his skating is another plus-level tool in his toolkit. Bečár's chemistry with Knažko will make him the obvious pairing partner on that first pair, and he'll be the defensive conscious of that duo.
Němec is an exceptionally smart defender with amazing passing vision, and he'll be the anchor on the Slovak's second pairing. He can lead their power play unit as a quarterback with his mobility opening up shooting and passing lanes. Stacha played well at the last World Juniors and was included in the top three players award for Slovakia accordingly. Stacha is a mobile, physical defenceman, who isn't afraid to join the rush.
Jozef Viliam Kmec will be a nice addition to the third pairing, where he will bring a physical element. He can also do some stick work and intercept passes or breakout plays with his reach. Petrovický will join him, and he'll operate in more of a supportive role in the offensive zone.
Forwards:
Juraj Slafkovský, LW, TPS (Liiga)
Eligible for 2022 NHL Draft
Slafkovský is easy to spot on the ice with his towering 6-foot-4 frame. He skates relatively well for a player his size, has great puck skills, and boasts a hard shot. Slafkovský is an eager contributor in all three zones, constantly applying himself on the forecheck and the backcheck alike. He can set up his teammates thanks to his vision and playmaking ability with ease, and he's not shy about going to the net-front for deflection chances.
Martin Chromiak, RW/LW, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
Los Angeles Kings, 2020 NHL Draft, fifth-round, 128th overall
The Slovaks are going to rely on Chromiak to generate a lot of their offence, and with his goal-scoring instincts, it's easy to understand why. He can score from anywhere, has soft hands, and has a great shot. He's played with Shane Wright on the Kingston Frontenacs this season, producing 32 points in 23 games.
Matěj Kašlík, C/LW, Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL)
Eligible for 2022 NHL Draft (re-entry)
Kašlík is a smart, playmaking two-way centre that wants the puck on his stick and plays hard hockey in all three zones to make sure that it's there as often as possible. His skating makes that a relatively easy task, too. He can play the wing as well.
Filip Mešár, LW, HK Poprad (Tipos Extraliga)
Eligible for 2022 NHL Draft
Mešár is a skilled playmaker and a dynamic forward in transition with his top-end skating. Mešář recorded eight points (two goals and six assists) in five games at the recent Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, and made his men’s debut at the Deutschland Cup this year. He is now for the second straight season in the Slovak Extraliga.
Jakub Demek, RW, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Vegas Golden Knights, 2021 NHL Draft, fourth-round, 128th overall
Demek is a big-bodied power forward who plays with aggressive style. He is using his long reach when fighting for the puck and is strong around the net. His overall effort is great. He's hard to knock off the puck and a force in transition. His puck protection and cycle game can do some damage.
Oleksii Myklukha, C, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
Eligible for 2022 NHL Draft (re-entry)
Myklukha is a two-way centre with great vision and a knack for coming away with the puck in the faceoff circle. He's a bit of a pickpocket when the opposition has the puck. He was part of the Red Bull Academy where he recorded 52 points in 39 games before leaving for Blainville-Boisbriand in the QMJHL.
Dalibor Dvorský, C, AIK (HockeyAllsvenskan)
Eligible for 2023 NHL Draft
Dvorský is a top prospect for the 2023 NHL Draft. He had 11 points in just three games at Hlinka-Gretzky Cup this summer. He is a very dangerous goal-scorer with great hands, and he is still only 16 years old. Dvorský has already managed to score a goal in HockeyAllsvenskan.
Adam Sýkora, RW/LW, HK Nitra (Extraliga)
Eligible for 2022 NHL Draft
Sýkora makes smart decisions with pace, has great vision, and isn't shy about screening goalies at the net-front. He wants the puck on his stick, and he wants to be a difference-maker. He is also strong on the rush and has good puck skills, ones that don't diminish as he gains speed. Sýkora is one of the youngest players eligible for the upcoming draft.
Roman Faith, LW, HK Dukla Michalovce (Extraliga)
Eligible for 2022 NHL Draft (re-entry)
Faith scored a very important goal against Switzerland which helped them with advancing to the quarterfinals at last year's tournament. He has the ability to create scoring chances as a passer and finish them as well. He can step up for this team in difficult situations.
Servác Petrovský, C, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
Eligible for 2022 NHL Draft
Petrovský is a pure sniper, and he's not shy about putting that plus-level shot of his on-goal. He's got great situational awareness. The Owen Sound Attack took him 39th overall in the CHL Import Draft, and he's rewarded their conviction with 20 points in 25 games this season, good for fourth on the team.
Samuel Krajč, RW/LW, HK Dukla Trenčín (Extraliga)
Eligible for 2022 NHL Draft (re-entry)
Krajč suffered a brutal, unfortunate injury at last year's World Juniors during a scrimmage and went straight to the hospital. That was his tournament. This is his chance at redemption. Krajč is a 6-foot-2 forward who excels on the forecheck and at the net-front. He's got a bit of a power forward's profile.
Maroš Jedlička, C, HKM Zvolen (Extraliga)
Eligible for 2022 NHL Draft (re-entry)
Maroš Jedlička is an interesting player. He was really good at the junior level in Slovakia and is now the most productive junior in the Slovakian Extraliga with nine goals and 11 assists in 24 games. Jedlička is a responsible centre defensively with a knack for intercepting opponents' passes before they can develop into dangerous plays.
Oliver Stümpel, C/W, Corpus Christi IceRays (NAHL)
Eligible for 2022 NHL Draft (re-entry)
He grew up in the U.S., where his father Jozef used to play in the NHL. Stümpel can shoot the puck, skate, and has improved his playmaking ability over the years.
Defencemen:
Samuel Kňažko, D, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Columbus Blue Jackets, 2020 NHL Draft, third-round, 78th overall
Kňažko left TPS in November to play for the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL, and he's made the transition look easy to date. He is a very smart offensive-minded blueliner that can quarterback a power play with ease. He will also create scoring opportunities with his great hands and skating.
Šimon Němec, D, HK Nitra (Extraliga)
Eligible for 2022 NHL Draft
Němec is an exceptionally smart defender. He is able to lead a power play unit as a quarterback and his mobility helps him in finding passing and shooting lanes with which to unleash his cannon of a shot. Němec is great defensively, his gap control is nearly perfect, and he can make plays under pressure. His maturity allows him to play with men in Slovakia’s Extraliga.
Rayen Petrovický, D, TUTO (U20 SM-sarja)
Eligible for 2022 NHL Draft (re-entry)
Petrovický is a smart, offensive-minded blueliner who isn't afraid to get in the fray for 50/50 pucks or travel deep into the offensive zone.
Oliver Fatul, D, HC Bánská Bystrica (Extraliga)
Eligible for 2022 NHL Draft (re-entry)
Fatul left for Sweden, where was part of the Malmö Redhawks development program for three years, and he was also drafted third overall by Swift Current Broncos of the WHL. He is a good skater for his size, and he'll likely play a leading role in the Slovak penalty kill.
Maxim Štrbák, D, Jokerit (U20 SM-sarja)
Eligible for 2023 NHL Draft
Štrbák is a promising prospect and currently the best Slovak blueliner eligible for the 2023 NHL Draft. The Sioux Falls Stampede took him with the 77th overall pick in the USHL Draft in the hopes that they can get him to come to North America. Štrbák can skate, has a great frame and strength, and also boasts solid puck skills. He is a dark horse candidate for their defensive core.
Marko Stacha, D, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
Eligible for 2022 NHL Draft (re-entry)
Stacha is a mobile defender who is not afraid to throw his weight around to knock puck carriers off balance. Stacha was traded this year from Vancouver Giants to Kamloops Blazers.
Jozef Viliam Kmec, D, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
Eligible for 2022 NHL Draft
Kmec was drafted 104th overall in the 2021 CHL Import Draft by the Prince George Cougars. Kmec is a right-handed defenseman, whose 6-foot-3 frame will make him a nice addition on the third pairing. His point production in the WHL is impressive as well. He has 12 points in 25 games.
Denis Bakala, D, HC Prešov (Tipos Extraliga)
Eligible for 2022 NHL Draft (re-entry)
Denis Bakala is another defender with a great frame and long reach. He can kill play after play in the neutral zone, intercept passes, and is also strong along the boards with an active stick and a knack for getting under his opponents' skin with his elevated work rate. Bakala plays on the first pair in Prešov in the top Slovak men's league.
Šimon Groch, D, Olomouc (Extraliga)
Eligible for 2022 NHL Draft (re-entry)
Groch is another big defenceman who is able to clean the crease area and can potentially jump in the Slovak lineup. He has been playing in the Czech Republic since the 2017-18 season when he joined the U16 category in Brno.
Goalies:
Šimon Latkoczy, G, Madison Capitols (USHL)
Eligible for 2022 NHL Draft (re-entry)
Latkoczy will start as the No. 1 goalie for Slovakia. He was in the net against Switzerland, Germany, and the United States last year in Edmonton, where he split his starts with Samuel Hlavaj. We probably all remember that important save against Switzerland with three minutes left. Baragano had a wide-open net, but Latkoczy was able to save the puck thanks to his unbelievable sprawling glove save. He will play for University of Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA) next year. Latkoczy is a right-hand catch goalie, maybe a little on the small side for his position, with a low stance, good puckhandling skills.
Tomáš Boľo, G, St. Cloud Norsemen (NAHL)
Eligible for 2022 NHL Draft (re-entry)
Boľo is a key goalie for St. Cloud Norseman in the NAHL. Boľo ranks fifth with his 2,29 GAA after 12 games played and has a solid .904 save percentage and two shutouts with a 9-3-0 record. Boľo will be the Slovak backup goalie.
Rastislav Eliaš, G, Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)
Eligible for 2022 NHL Draft
Eliaš was the No. 1 goalie for Slovakia U18 at the recent Hlinka-Gretzky Cup helping the team to their best-ever finish, a silver medal. He is good at tracking the puck and has quick reactions. He played 11 games against men in the Slovak second-tier league last year with 2,34 GAA and a .906 save percentage. He is currently working on his development in the USHL where he is a netminder for the Green Bay Gamblers.
Dnes vyšiel na EP článok o našom tíme.
https://eprinkside.com/2021/12/17/meet-the-team-an-early-look-at-what-slovakia-might-look-like-at-the-2022-world-juniors
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Tu: https://www.hokejportal.net/?q=clanok/slovaci-dorazili-do-red-deeru-dva-dni-v-izolacii-aj-vitaju/114278
na konkurenčnom portáli písal niekto komentár že všetci nominovaní sú už na hotely v izolácii a všetci (aj zo zámoria) mali na letisku negatívny test. Že to má z informácií realizačného tímu. A podľa mňa to bude naozaj tak pretože inak by sme to už vedeli z médií že niečo nieje ok. Čiže Petrovsky je negatívny a Kňažko asi je ok
Nema nikto ziadnu info ohladom Knazka s Petrovskym? Bola by to obrovska strata, keby oni dvaja nesli na MSJ. Pevne verim, ze u Knazka to je len drobne zranenie, a u Petrovskeho ziaden covid.
https://sport.aktuality.sk/c/bbytvrq/ms-v-hokeji-u20-rusi-sposobili-nominaciou-obrovsky-rozruch-v-zamori-hovoria-o-zlyhani/
Obrovske prekvapenie
Áno viem, bola to toxická reakcia, a trochu aj závistlivá... iba mi to prišlo nefér a bolo mi ľúto ostatných... ale áno.. je to bohužiaľ normálne a stáva sa to, a je to tak... aspoň že máme niekoho kvalitnejšieho, a máme individuality, aspoň nie jak za Bokroša... ano bol to prepal,a ani ja som na tom nevidel nič zle, iba som sa nad tym pozastavil, dobre urobil som tu bordel aky som nečakal...
Presne. Tiež tomu nerozumiem. Je prirodzené, že hráč sa teší, že je nominovaný na MSJ. Čo je na tom, že sa tam točil či usmieval? Jasné, väčšina tu by sa asi neusmievala, netešila a je pre nich ÚPLNE neprirodzené, že by to oslavovali. Akože, čo? Čo je na tom sakra zlé, že sa teší? Ja sa samozrejme neteším, ale jemu to nemôžem zazlievať. Bol nominovaný na najväčší juniorský medzinárodný turnaj na svete. Tak čo je na tom zlé? Takúto toxickú reakciu by som čakal na šport aktualitách, ale nie tu. Tu určite nie.
Mam pocit že niektorý si pri tých info aj luskate doma pod stolom .hahha ..načo to je dobré vedieť čo robia ..nech sa pripravujú ...mám pocit že to tu je sebranka 20 ročných vyhoretych chlapcov ...áno Stumpel v tom videu o tom vedel klub si spravil trošku promo na sieti že majú reprezentanta..a keď sme pri tých menách Stumpel ,Lašák atď ....Svedi ,Fini a podobný majú tiez a čo ? Len my sme tak pribrzdeny národ že chceme zo všetkého robiť problém protekciu a neviem čo ...uvidíme či nato majú ..kto je tu tréner ?...výsledky a hra ukážu ...nie to že si pozriete štatistiky ..tie nie sú všetko ...napadol má s minulosti Rutu Fín ..dlho ročný reprezentant v sezóne 10 bodov ale hral pravidelne ms aj na úkor iných hviezd ...proste tréner ho chcel a hotovo ...iba poprosím o normálnu vecnu debatu a nie takéto sračky čo tu riešia niektorý ...priemerné zmýšľajúci človek pri pohľade na nejaké trápne video pochopy o čo tam ide ....a ešte raz nezastavam sa nikoho ..a protekcia je a bude ...a je všade ...dokonca isto aj v NHL aj v iných krajinách ...tak nereveme...krásny deň
Nerozumiem co take poburujuce je na tom videu s mladym Stumpelom. Chalan sa tesi ze bol nominovany do repre, nic viac tam nevidim. Komentare pod videom su len gratulacie, ak niekto viete priblizne popisat, co tam bolo, napiste to sem
9 hod. ráno a zaspamoval si to tu 4 prispevkami, s prepáčením, o ničom. Veď kľud a nerobne tu z toho bordel. :slimak: