With the 2021 World Hockey Championships about to get underway, teams are starting to unveil their rosters for the tournament. So far, the teams have featured fewer notable names than usual, a trend that continued with the roster that Slovakia revealed today. The full roster is as follows with NHL affiliations mentioned where applicable.
Goalies
Julius Hudacek
Adam Huska (NYR)
Branislav Konrad
Defensemen
Martin Bucko
Marek Daloga
Daniel Gachulinec
Martin Gernat
Mario Grman
Michal Ivan
Adam Janosik
Samuel Knazko (CBJ)
Simon Nemec
Mislav Rosandic
Forwards
David Buc
Peter Cehlarik (BOS)
Martin Fasko-Rudas
Adrian Holesinsky
Marek Hrivik
Milos Kelemen
Michal Kristof
Robert Lantosi (BOS)
Adam Liska
Kristian Pospisil
Milos Roman
Pavol Skalicky
Juraj Slafkovsky
Marian Studenic (NJ)
Matus Sukel
As both Canada and the United States did, Slovakia has also added a draft-eligible player to their roster. In fact, two of them (Nemec and Slafkovsky) are there and if they play, they will become the youngest forwards to suit up for them at the Worlds; Marian Hossa currently holds that distinction.
In terms of the NHL content, Studenic saw some time with New Jersey late in the season in a depth role and will now get an opportunity to get some more playing time, likely in a higher role. Knazko was a third-round pick of Columbus last fall, used with the selection that they picked up in the Max Domi–Josh Anderson trade; the blueliner had a strong season in Finland while captaining the Slovaks at the World Juniors. Cehlarik has 40 career NHL games with the Bruins over parts of four seasons before returning overseas this season. Lantosi signed with Boston this season after playing on an AHL deal a year ago while Huska’s name may be familiar from his frequent appearances in the taxi squad shuffle as he was sent back and forth several teams.
The tournament will get underway this Friday and run through to June 6th.
Better luck next year.
“Vaccine”