What are Slovakia’s chances for the 2022 U20 World Cup? (survey)
BRATISLAVA. Ivan Feneš, the coach of the Slovakian under-20 hockey team, did not put together the strongest squad for the transferred juniors. The lineup is missing three drafted players Juraj Slafkovský, Šimon Nemec and Filip Mešár, as well as several injured supports.
However, according to experts contacted by Sportnet, this situation is encouraging more players to show their talent.
Former hockey players Boris Valábik, Michal Handzuš and former coach of the under-18 national team Norbert Javorčík evaluated the chances of young players at the tournament.
1. How much is the Slovak team weakened by the absence of the best players?
2. Who could take the role of leader?
3. Does holding the tournament in the summer make sense?
4. How do you see Slovakia’s chances at the championship?
Norbert Javorčík
(coach of the under-18 national team in 2016-2017)
1. Of course, it’s for layers. The drafted players showed that they can be among the leaders in men’s hockey as well. On the one hand, it is a weakening, on the other hand, it is an opportunity for other players to seize this chance and grow. Everything bad comes with something good.
2. The coaches expect Adam Sýkora to take the lead. This player can also be Matej Kašlík or goalkeeper Šimon Latkóczy. I also highlighted Rayen Petrovicky, Jakub Demek, Dalibor Dvorský and Oleksij Mykluch.