Just to emphasize the "one off game" thing, half of that particular Kazakhstan roster has retired without playing a single senior hockey game in their local championship, while semi glancing on Slovak player profiles shows they all still play pro hockey some 6 years after the game. Yeah, we can argue about relatively healthy hockey scene in Slovakia benefiting their own youngsters in long term, but even in Kazakhstan proper prospects do not retire without a reason.
Kazakhstan is a 3rd tier hockey nation. Out of all the major sports, hockey is notably affected by pure chance the most. Just like 1st tier nations can lose to Latvia once in a blue moon, the same can happen with any other 2nd tier nation and Kazakhstan.
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GDT: Discussion: 2025 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships (Ottawa, Ontario)
