Piešťany is the center of attention as the Slovak hockey team intensifies its preparations for the upcoming World Championship in Stockholm and Herning in 2025. the team has convened at the Piešťany ice rink for a crucial preparatory camp.

Two pivotal preparatory matches against Germany are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, offering a prime possibility to fine-tune strategies and assess player performance.

Coaching Change and Team Leadership

The team is currently navigating its formation without head coach Craig Ramsay,who is recovering from pneumonia. His participation in the tournament remains uncertain. Vladimír Országh has stepped in as his replacement, ensuring continuity in the team’s readiness.

Ramsay’s assistants from previous championships, Petr Frühauf and Ján Pardavý, have joined the team. Frühauf’s club season in the Czech Republic concluded after Hradec Králové’s semifinal playoff loss to Pardubice. Pardavý’s team,Zlín,competed in the final of the second-highest league,and he is expected to join the team on Wednesday.

Roster Updates and Key Players

Several changes have been made to the roster since the two preparatory matches in Switzerland.Striker Petrovský is no longer training with the team due to an injury, sidelining him from championship contention. However, Patrik Koch, along with attackers Matúš Sukel and Samuel Takáč, have been added to the team.

Experienced defender Martin Marinčin and františek Gajdoš will likely not participate in the championship preparation. Adam Sýkora, who played for the New York Rangers’ affiliate in Hartford, is the first confirmed player from overseas.He tallied 9 goals and 19 assists during the season and previously debuted at the World championship in 2022 at the age of seventeen.

Coach’s Viewpoint

Assistant Coach Peter Frühauf emphasized the ongoing evaluation of potential players, stating, We are discussing potential players every day. Peter Frühauf is in contact with them. If they play the series,we leave them so. They know who they are. He added, we’ll see how the cadre and nomination will develop. So far we are not very positive. The more we have to focus on the players who are here, do a bunch and get systemal things into them.

The coaching staff is closely monitoring overseas competitions, including the NHL, to identify potential candidates for the national team. Eight hockey players from the semi-finalists of the Slovak Tipos Extraliga are currently under consideration.

Frühauf noted that Stanislav Škorvánka, David Mudrák, and Alex Tamáši from Hradec Králové are awaiting medical examination results following the conclusion of their season.

Slovakia’s Nomination for Matches Against Germany

The roster for the matches against Germany includes:

• Goalkeepers: Filip Belányi (HK Poprad), Adam Húska (HC Lugano/Switzerland), Patrik Rybár (red Star Kunlun/KHL)
• Defenders: Andrej Golian (HC Slovan Bratislava), Matúš Hlaváč (HK Dukla Trenčín), Michal Ivan (Bílí Tygři Liberec/Czech Republic), Tomáš Královič (HC Slovan Bratislava), Patrik Koch (HC Oceláři Třinec/Czech Republic), Michal laurenčík (HK Dukla Trenčín), David Romaňák (HK Rysy Spišská Nová ves), Adam Žiak (HK Rysy Spišská Nová Ves)
• Attackers: Maxim Čajkovič (Verva Litvínov/Czech Republic), martin Faško-Rudáš (Bílí Tygři Liberec/Czech Republic), Patrik Hrehorčák (HC Oceláři Třinec/Czech Republic), Matej Kašlík (Banes Motor České Budějovice/Czech Republic), Andrej Krajčovič (HK Dukla Trenčín), Andrej kukuča (HC’05 Banská Bystrica), Róbert Lantoši (Bílí Tygři Liberec/Czech Republic), Jakub Minárik (HC Slovan Bratislava), Libor Nemec (U-Mass Lowell/NCAA), Miloš Roman (Verva Litvínov/Czech Republic), Samuel Takáč (HC Slovan Bratislava)

Player Focus: Patrik Koch Overcomes Health Issues

Patrik Koch, a key defender, has rejoined the team after recovering from a concussion sustained at the end of his season with Třinec. It was a concussion, I got a blow to the head. It took some time to disappear all the symptoms. I feel good, it’s been a while. I’ve done some workouts. We’ll see how it will go on training with the team. So far I was on the ice alone and I am curious how it will be in fights, Koch stated, expressing his eagerness to return to full training.

Player Focus: Matúš Sukel Embraces Leadership Role

Matúš Sukel is expected to be a leader for the national team, bringing his experience from four world Championships. Yes, I perceive it. There are enough young guys.I already have something played in the national team. I am not afraid, I will try my best to lead the team and be the right leader, Sukel affirmed, acknowledging his responsibility to guide the younger players.

Coach Ramsay’s Recovery and AHL Prospects

Frühauf provided an update on Coach Ramsay’s health, stating, Craig feels much better.Before I came here, I was communicating with him. he’s still in the care of doctors, but it looks positive. When Craig writes me that he feels good, it’s positive and I look forward to it, but we had this stage several times.

Regarding Adam Sýkora’s arrival, Frühauf said, I was in contact with Adam. He’s basically prepared, it is indeed necessary to solve it all with his Hartford clubs and NY Rangers. He is delighted, as we know, a lot of energy through the phone. He also mentioned the ongoing evaluation of other AHL players, noting the complexities of their playoff schedules.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 World Championship

As the preparatory matches against Germany approach, the Slovak team is focused on refining its strategies and solidifying its roster for the 2025 World Championship. The blend of experienced players and emerging talent, coupled with the guidance of the coaching staff, positions Slovakia as a team to watch in the upcoming tournament.