today 15:10
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In the last two months, the direction of Adam Sýkora’s career has changed enormously. Already in the spring, his performances from Nitra were praised. During the club’s journey to the final of the extra league, he was one of the stable players in the lineup. However, no one expected what would come after the club year.
Due to injuries and apologies, the young man made his way to the national team, where he established himself as the second youngest seventeen-year-old scorer in Slovakian history. He made it all the way to the world championship in Finland, from where, thanks to two goals and excellent performance, he made it all the way to the second round of the NHL draft.
The winger was selected from the 63rd place as their first choice in this year’s selection by the famous New York Rangers. We caught up with him at the rookie camp of the team from the original NHL six.
ADAM SÝKORA modestly wishes to play at least one game in the NHL for the Rangers within two years
You have already managed to charm overseas journalists, who appreciate your 100% performance in every exercise at the Rangers rookie camp. What do you say to that?
“I was pleased. I got new gear, I was a little more wooden. That’s why I try to be interested in at least small things. To show that I deserved the second round.”
Logically, the three players from the 1st round of the draft, led by the great Juraj Slafkovský and Šimon Nemec, receive the most attention here. In a way, you are like that too, since the New York club selected you for the first time only in the second round and reached out to you. How do you perceive it?
“I think it’s an advantage. I have more motivation, but I have to prove it with my performances on the ice. There is also more pressure on me.”
Have you set a goal for when you would like to get to the NHL?
“My dream is to play at least one match in a Rangers jersey within two years.”
You must have been nervous in Montreal before your name was called, but you were probably overwhelmed by the start of the draft. What do you say to him?
“As soon as I heard ‘Slovak guy’, I knew it was Juro from the first place and subsequently, when they mentioned Nitro, that it was Šimon. It was amazing to be live at the best draft from Slovakia’s point of view in history.”
Has the funny nature of Juraj Slafkovski taken over Canada already?
“Yes, I was most amused when Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes asked him what he was cooking on and he replied, on the stove. That’s exactly him, he’s having fun with life (laughs).”
Were you particularly pleased with any of the congratulatory messages?
“Many famous hockey players, led by Marián Gáborík, Marián Hoss, and Tomáš Tatar, wrote to me. Until now, I’m trying to write it off.”
With your name, the interest of Arizona or Los Angeles was mentioned the most. Did the Rangers surprise you?
“Yes, they surprised. I was only in contact with Mr. Gajdošík. I didn’t feel much interest from the club, but that’s how it sometimes happens that they know everything about you, but they don’t let you know.”
Adam Sýkora in the 2022 draft.
Source: New York Rangers
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Getting into the lineup of the famous club from Manhattan is extremely difficult. They don’t take a lot of farm players and sign free agents more easily than other teams. How do you perceive it?
“I took the first step. Now it will be up to me how I deal with it. Rangers are a big club, I have to work on myself all the more.”
Before the draft, you said that an overseas junior was probably waiting for you, but now we hear that you might also play in Sweden. Can you reveal more about it?
“I heard about the interest of two Swedish clubs, we will see how it turns out. Men’s hockey would continue to benefit me. I have the opportunity to stay in Nitra as well. I believe I will make the right decision.’
What have you accomplished in New York so far?
“At the beginning of the week, we trained on dry land and on ice. Then we were supposed to meet with club officials and tour Madison Square Garden.”
You caught the attention of overseas journalists when you said that you like the game of provocateur Brad Marchand. Did you have a similar answer prepared in advance?
“It came spontaneously. I have admired him for a long time, as he is not afraid to jump into bigger players. He knows how to provoke opponents. I also said it at meetings with other clubs.”
On social networks, Rangers fans were not discussing your two goals in the World Cup, but the action when you were not afraid to bodycheck even the much bigger Canadian Adam Lowry. Did you notice that?
“Yes, a lot of people responded to that. I was pleased to give a similar hit. If I was in the NHL, he would probably fight me. I was lucky to play in the championship with a basket (laughs).”
Is your 2004 also fueled by enormous generosity as you indulge each other?
“That’s right, we’ve been very close since childhood. Just look at how immediately Filip Juro and Šimon enjoyed the draft. As well as from my draft and the selection of other guys. We are a great team.”
The fans are deciding which of the drafted Slovak hockey players will perform at the under-20 championship in August. Would you like to play in Edmonton?
“I think there shouldn’t be any problem from my side. If I get in the lineup, I want to go to Edmonton.”
What is your main goal now, with which you go into preparation?
“Strengthen and work on all activities on and off the ice. I want to improve my puck control.”
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