Slovak prospects - Top 10 rankings (updated July 3rd)

[kudla]

Urban (G), Tomas, Eperjesi ((D), Zold and Misiak (F) ale the last cuts

 

[Speyer]

The Slovak programme has been extremely impressive in the last few years especially considering their tiny player base. If they continue producing high end prospects like this they will catch up to Switzerland and Germany again and eventaually surpass them.

Did the Slovak hockey federation implement some specific reforms in their junior system to make this turnaround possible? Any insight from Slovak users would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Rusty7550]

Urban (G), Tomas, Eperjesi ((D), Zold and Misiak (F) ale the last cuts

So the only unacceptable cut was Gabriel. Rest of these guys are same level imo, not really a difference makers. I am happy that Moško stays. I was little bit worried because his performance wasn't ideal yesterday (just like whole defense except Nemec)

 

[kudla]

The Slovak programme has been extremely impressive in the last few years especially considering their tiny player base. If they continue producing high end prospects like this they will catch up to Switzerland and Germany again and eventaually surpass them.

Did the Slovak hockey federation implement some specific reforms in their junior system to make this turnaround possible? Any insight from Slovak users would be greatly appreciated.

In like 2016 I think, there was a serious meeting at our hockey assotiation regarding the future. Im not exactly sure about all the changes, but I know that younger kids started practicing more. Whatever happened, our junior teams have clearly gotten better. But it was already clear 4 years ago that 04 birth year could be strong. I think our junior program has gotten better, but it's hard to predict whether we will keep producing very good players.

 

[Antiillafire]

So the only unacceptable cut was Gabriel. Rest of these guys are same level imo, not really a difference makers. I am happy that Moško stays. I was little bit worried because his performance wasn't ideal yesterday (just like whole defense except Nemec)

Personally I prefer Zöld over Kopecky. One can skate and has some skill, the other is just a big body with last name

 

[alko]

The Slovak programme has been extremely impressive in the last few years especially considering their tiny player base. If they continue producing high end prospects like this they will catch up to Switzerland and Germany again and eventaually surpass them.

Did the Slovak hockey federation implement some specific reforms in their junior system to make this turnaround possible? Any insight from Slovak users would be greatly appreciated.

We need more sample years, to be sure, if it isnt a fluke.

 

[Speyer]

We need more sample years, to be sure, if it isnt a fluke.

Would you say that "Team Slovakia U18" that plays in your U20/second tier leagues had a noticable influence on your current prospect output or do you think its effects are neglectible? The reason that I ask is that similar concept was discussed for my country (Switzerland) but ultimately abandoned for multible reasons...

 

[Antiillafire]

Would you say that "Team Slovakia U18" that plays in your U20/second tier leagues had a noticable influence on your current prospect output or do you think its effects are neglectible? The reason that I ask is that similar concept was discussed for my country (Switzerland) but ultimately abandoned for multible reasons...

So far I think the program has had quite positive results. The problem with the orange 20 program is that it was in the top men’s league and the team would get beaten badly on most nights, this was compounded because of the best players playing in other nations. However with the u18 program, the hockey federation has taken more seriously focusing on puck skills and skating and not just “system.” Also gets the guys playing together and more familiar with each other. The u18 project plays against Slovakia u20 teams and second league teams. Therefore, the young guys can try more moves and daring skills instead of just dump and chase like it would be with orange u20 program. Watching this Slovak u18 team against Russia 2 days ago, they cycle puck and move it around very well, drop passes and such. That was more limited with previous programs. Also I think u18 program has helped with depth development. Now we have guys who are 7-8-9 forwards who still have good luck skills and can play, not just one line.

 

[Speyer]

So far I think the program has had quite positive results. The problem with the orange 20 program is that it was in the top men’s league and the team would get beaten badly on most nights, this was compounded because of the best players playing in other nations. However with the u18 program, the hockey federation has taken more seriously focusing on puck skills and skating and not just “system.” Also gets the guys playing together and more familiar with each other. The u18 project plays against Slovakia u20 teams and second league teams. Therefore, the young guys can try more moves and daring skills instead of just dump and chase like it would be with orange u20 program. Watching this Slovak u18 team against Russia 2 days ago, they cycle puck and move it around very well, drop passes and such. That was more limited with previous programs. Also I think u18 program has helped with depth development. Now we have guys who are 7-8-9 forwards who still have good luck skills and can play, not just one line.

Ok thanks for the insight. To me it sounds a similar programm could do a lot of good for the swiss junior national teams as well. Epecially a bigger focus on puck skills an making plays instead of dump ins could do wonders for us. Unfortuantely certain factors in swiss ice hockey will probably not alow it. Its kind of a shame since experts on junior hockey here have recomended an equivalent of the Slovakian programm or the USNDP for years.

 

[Eye of Ra]

A lot of young slovaks go to NA, Sweden, Czech and Finland. Would it not be better for them to stay in Slovakia?

 

[tobu]

Slovakia - USA 5-2

Impressive performance allround for Slovaks. Dvorsky is looking a lot like a top 10 draft pick.

 

[Antiillafire]

Weakest link on team: 4th line and it’s not even close in my opinion.

 

[kudla]

Weakest link on team: 4th line and it’s not even close in my opinion.

Who knows why

 

[alko]

So far I think the program has had quite positive results. The problem with the orange 20 program is that it was in the top men’s league and the team would get beaten badly on most nights, this was compounded because of the best players playing in other nations. However with the u18 program, the hockey federation has taken more seriously focusing on puck skills and skating and not just “system.” Also gets the guys playing together and more familiar with each other. The u18 project plays against Slovakia u20 teams and second league teams. Therefore, the young guys can try more moves and daring skills instead of just dump and chase like it would be with orange u20 program. Watching this Slovak u18 team against Russia 2 days ago, they cycle puck and move it around very well, drop passes and such. That was more limited with previous programs. Also I think u18 program has helped with depth development. Now we have guys who are 7-8-9 forwards who still have good luck skills and can play, not just one line.

But you should have some material in your hands. I think, the work was done 4-5 years ago with this generation. They have talent, they worked hard and you see the results.

Without talent it would be hard to accomplish something like this. SVK 18 in second league is good, but the real work is done in age between 12-15 years.

 

[hellwar9]

This U18 team is really fun to watch. Really the whole first 3 offensive lines could be drafted (Slafkovsky, Repcik, Mesar, Zlnka, Petrovsky, Sykora, Molnar, Dvorsky, Ciernik). And I would add Gabriel to them, who unfortunately (we all know why) didn't make team. And from them even Slafkovsky, Mesar, Dvorsky, Molnar in the first round and maybe also Ciernik who knows. A really unbelievable generation and it's a pity that on WC U18, we are in a lower division.

I'm already looking to the next season and in this topic the current draft + the following two are discussed, so I would write the 10 best Slovak names for draft 2024 for now, which are worth watching next season, even though only Jakub Chromiak currently has real chance for draft for now.

1.Jakub Chromiak
2.Andrej Tomasec
3.Andrej Fabian Licko
4.Jozef Silhar
5.Tobias Faith
6.Theo Kiss
7.Markus Saxa
8.Peter Kovac
9.Dominik Drapak
10.Michal Liscinsky

 

[wings5]

This U18 team is really fun to watch. Really the whole first 3 offensive lines could be drafted (Slafkovsky, Repcik, Mesar, Zlnka, Petrovsky, Sykora, Molnar, Dvorsky, Ciernik). And I would add Gabriel to them, who unfortunately (we all know why) didn't make team. And from them even Slafkovsky, Mesar, Dvorsky, Molnar in the first round and maybe also Ciernik who knows. A really unbelievable generation and it's a pity that on WC U18, we are in a lower division.

The question is, will it be better for them to continue their development in Slovakia /Europe or not? Previous generations went largely to CHL and ended up busts. They might also not have been as talented as these upcoming kids though but still the question remains.

 

[hellwar9]

The question is, will it be better for them to continue their development in Slovakia /Europe or not? Previous generations went largely to CHL and ended up busts. They might also not have been as talented as these upcoming kids though but still the question remains.

From what I've seen, at least Zlnka and Petrovsky are currently better like Chromiak, Cajkovic or 99's when were at the same age. But good question, I don't think I have the answer, it is impossible to say which way is better and which is worse. We'll see in the future.

 

[Antiillafire]

The question is, will it be better for them to continue their development in Slovakia /Europe or not? Previous generations went largely to CHL and ended up busts. They might also not have been as talented as these upcoming kids though but still the question remains.

It worked out well for a few guys though. Cernak and Chromiak both greatly aided by move to CHL, as well as Okuliar (who wasn’t drafted but became much better player after going to WHL). I think looking at Cajkovic is a bad example as he has a bad attitude. Also guys like Petrovsky, Zlnka and even Repcik are imo very close or better at their age than any Slovak forward drafted in the nhl since Marko Dano. I’d take them all over Cajkovic and most over Chromiak and I’m a big fan of Chromiak.

On the 2024 draft, looks a bit weaker right now, but it’s very hard to gauge since guys haven’t played in so long. Let’s see what younger guys look like at u17 tourney

 

[RememberTheName]

Might be a bit of an odd thing to say, but does anyone else not like the Slovakian jerseys? Every time I try and watch them I struggle to track players around the ice and see player numbers and names on the back of the jerseys. The red lettering on the blue jerseys just really does not work well for my eyes. I don't have a problem with this for any other team I have ever watched but Slovakia.

That being said, Slovakia is seriously on the rise. Slafkovsky and Nemec are absolute beasts.

EDIT: Also, what are your guys' opinions on Adam Sykora? That kid has absolutely silky smooth hands and seems to just bounce off of checks every time he gets the puck.

 

[stastny12]

Might be a bit of an odd thing to say, but does anyone else not like the Slovakian jerseys? Every time I try and watch them I struggle to track players around the ice and see player numbers and names on the back of the jerseys. The red lettering on the blue jerseys just really does not work well for my eyes. I don't have a problem with this for any other team I have ever watched but Slovakia.

Yeah, these jerseys are not great and Slovakia use them only for smaller tournaments and prep games. That´s why you can see the sponsors on them. Otherwise, they use a different type of jersey set.

 

[stastny12]

It worked out well for a few guys though. Cernak and Chromiak both greatly aided by move to CHL, as well as Okuliar (who wasn’t drafted but became much better player after going to WHL). I think looking at Cajkovic is a bad example as he has a bad attitude. Also guys like Petrovsky, Zlnka and even Repcik are imo very close or better at their age than any Slovak forward drafted in the nhl since Marko Dano. I’d take them all over Cajkovic and most over Chromiak and I’m a big fan of Chromiak.

On the 2024 draft, looks a bit weaker right now, but it’s very hard to gauge since guys haven’t played in so long. Let’s see what younger guys look like at u17 tourney

You sure, though? All the players you mentioned are pretty talented guys, but I don´t really see a difference between this group and group of players like Liska, Okuliar, Pospisil, Roman or Ruzicka.

 

[Antiillafire]

You sure, though? All the players you mentioned are pretty talented guys, but I don´t really see a difference between this group and group of players like Liska, Okuliar, Pospisil, Roman or Ruzicka.

Really? Maybe ruzicka but the rest don’t have the hockey iq that 2004 born guys have. Liska is literally a grinder now. Pospisil remains to be seen. Roman always had limited offensive upside. Oh and no.1 issue with the guys you listed: skating. Zlnka, Petrovsky, Repcik are much better skaters

 

[kudla]

Might be a bit of an odd thing to say, but does anyone else not like the Slovakian jerseys? Every time I try and watch them I struggle to track players around the ice and see player numbers and names on the back of the jerseys. The red lettering on the blue jerseys just really does not work well for my eyes. I don't have a problem with this for any other team I have ever watched but Slovakia.

That being said, Slovakia is seriously on the rise. Slafkovsky and Nemec are absolute beasts.

EDIT: Also, what are your guys' opinions on Adam Sykora? That kid has absolutely silky smooth hands and seems to just bounce off of checks every time he gets the puck.

Natural hard worker who won't give up a single shift. He has good tools and made fantastic progress, but Im not sure if he is gonna be a NHL prospect

 

[wings5]

delete

 

[alko]

Natural hard worker who won't give up a single shift. He has good tools and made fantastic progress, but Im not sure if he is gonna be a NHL prospect

Why not? Hard workers are appreciated in NHL. Look to Vlado Orszagh. Not exactly a offensive monster, but had his place in NHL.