COLOGNE, GERMANY - MAY 9: Slovakian bench and fans celebrate after a third period goal against Denmark during preliminary round action at the 2017 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/HHOF-IIHF Images)
Since the dissolution of the former Czechoslovakia, the newish nation of Slovakia has been able tot establish itself as pretty safely belonging to the second tier of hockey nations, but with only very rare instances, have they threatened the historical upper echelon.
At the under 20 level, they started in 1993 in division C, were easily promoted to Division B and then the top flight in back-to-back years and are now in their 23rd straight season at the top. That all said, they had to fight off the relegation round nine times (including four in a row and six in seven years between 2005-2011), while only having three opportunities to play for a medal, twice coming away with a bronze.
That most recent bronze, in 2015 provides a good template for success for Slovakia this time around. That team had a few NHL draft picks, including Erik Cernak (LA, since trade to TB), Christian Jaros (Ott), Radovan Bondra (Chi), Peter Cehlarik (Bos), Martin Reway (Mtl), and Matej Paulovic (Dal), but none who were considered to be top tier prospects. Indeed, none of the above have yet to firmly establish themselves as bonafide NHLers. Instead, that team was largely carried by superlative play from their undersized and unheralded netminder, Denis Godla, now playing for KalPa in the Liiga. For this year’s Slovakian squad to challenge for a medal, a similar formula will have to coalesce. They will have to merge as a teamwide shutown squad while finding ways to score just enough to squeak past the more favored nations.
Five to Watch
Michal Ivan, D
Most prospect hounds looking at the Slovakian roster will settle their eyes on the forwards, with a couple of skaters already drafted and two or three more with reasonable to strong chances to join them this June. Neither the defense-corps nor the goalie rotation has a single member who has heard his name called by an NHL team, although Ivan may be a dark-horse to be selected. Selected in the first round of the CHL Import Draft by Acadie-Bathurst of the QMJHL, he has proven to be a fairly quick study to the North American game. A smooth skater with a strong transition game, he has a promising two-way game as well as some power play utility. His frame is slight, so he relies on positioning and stickwork for most of his defensive plays. He is usually defensively solid, although at this stage of his career, is better off being utilized in a support role, such as his use on the second pairing with the Titan, rather than being given the heavy minutes.
Adam Liska, LW
Selected in the CHL Import Draft just a few picks ahead of Slovakia teammate Ivan, Liska has begun to recover from a slow start with the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers to become a regular offensive contributor. Coming off a big performance at the WU18 last year, he shows especially well along the boards, and always visibly gives his all. His draft hopes rest on his play off the puck showing enough to make up for a lack of dynamicism in his feet. He has some stickhandling chops and is willing to play in the rough areas of the ice, but is somewhat slender and can be thrown off his normal game after losing out to a bigger, more powerful opponent. Of course, if his recent offensive exploits turn out to be a new level of play, the rest may not matter as much. For now, Liska is likely to be utilized in a middle six role where he will be best positioned to bring secondary scoring as well as some energy.
Milos Roman, C
Generally thought by many to be Slovakia’s top draft eligible prospect this year, Roman is a somewhat undersized, but offensively dynamic scorer who has a nose for the puck. Drafted sixth overall in the CHL import draft by the moribund Vancouver Giants, his immediate offensive output as a North American rookie has gone a long way to placing his team in the playoff picture after several years on the outside looking in. More of a playmaking pivot than a shooter, he had already spent most of a season playing against men in the Czech Republic’s second division, and featured on Slovakia’s U18 and U20 teams last season, interestingly producing more against the older age group. His success on the smaller ice surfaces of North America suggest that he could provide depth to Slovakia’s attack on the second line, giving a boost to his draft stock. He currently looks like a third or fourth rounder, but there is still plenty of hockey to come before draft day.
TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 31: Slovakia's Adam Ruzicka #20 skates with the puck during preliminary round action against Russia at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship. (Photo by Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images)
Adam Ruzicka, C/LW
Without a doubt the highest profile prospect suiting up for Slovakia this year, Ruzicka would have been a first round pick if he played liked he looks. In other words, he looks like a scout’s dream of power forwards come alive, with a 6-4” frame filled with beef. On his good days, he can skate, shoot, handle the puck and crash and bang. He can even demonstrate some instincts for the game. On his bad days, he simply looks disinterested. Last year, he had a few good days at the WU18, but had mostly bad days at the WJC. His rookie season in the OHL was mixed at best. Instead of coming off the board on day one of the draft, he lasted until the middle of the fourth round, when the Flames took what was in essence, a flyer that he irons out his consistency issues over time. This year he has been having many more good days. He has been using his size more often, driving the net with vigor and showcasing his plus shot and playmaking ability far more. Sarnia has been the beneficiary thus far, but if he is truly emerging from his shell, he could orchestrate an upset or two on his own.
Marian Studenic, RW
After a so-so first season in North America with a mediocre Hamilton team, Studenic showed just enough to be drafted in the later rounds, he has taken significant steps forward in his return engagement with the Bulldogs. He has already equalized his offensive output from last season in barely more than half the games played (30 points in 58 games last year, 30 points in 32 games thus far in 2017-18). A hard-working puck possession player, he tends to drive possession for his OHL team, getting the puck into the offensive end. A slick skater he has also improved his play away from the puck and has been given a key penalty killing role to boot. In the offensive end, he is generally more of a supporting contributor than one who can create scoring chances on his own, but Slovakia will likely have to rely on him on their first line. The New Jersey fifth rounder was shut out of the scoresheet at last year’s WJC, so if he is placed up the lineup, he will definitely need to add more to keep his nation in the game.