Slovak Hockey Standouts Shine Across European Leagues
Hradec králové, Czech Republic – A wave of strong performances from Slovak players is making an impact across several European hockey leagues. Mountfield Hradec Králové secured victories over Litvínov (2-0) adn Vítkovice (4-0) this weekend, largely thanks to the stellar goaltending of Stanislav Škorvánek. Meanwhile, forward Peter Cehlárik is excelling in Sweden and Alex Čiernik is finding his footing in Finland.
Škorvánek recorded shutouts in both weekend games, especially impressing against Vítkovice with 16 saves and a highlight-reel stop. “The guys played really well and the opponent didn’t get to the end very much, so I just stood there, he moved and won,” the 29-year-old goalkeeper noted.
In the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), Peter Cehlárik delivered a historic performance for Leksand against skelleftea, registering five points – four assists and one goal – in an 8-5 win. Fellow Slovak Oliver Okuliar also contributed with a goal and an assist in the same game. Cehlárik has eight points in six matches this season (1+7) and recently was named captain of Leksand, a first for a foreign player in the club’s history. “It means a lot to me. It’s one of the greatest career successes. I’m glad to value my values I bring to the team. We want to gain a new direction and energy,” cehlárik stated.
Alex Čiernik, drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers four years ago but never playing an NHL game, is now competing in Finland’s top league with Lahti Pelicans. After eight matches, he has begun to produce, scoring in two of his last three games, including a goal against Hämeenlinne on Friday. Despite Čiernik’s recent success, Pelicans currently sit 14th in the league with seven points.
