MILAN — Slovakia’s improbable run at the Winter Olympics continued Wednesday with a decisive 6-2 quarterfinal victory over Germany, securing a medal game appearance and sending shockwaves through the hockey tournament. The win, fueled by a resilient performance and a rising star in Juraj Slafkovský, marks a significant moment for Slovak hockey, a program hoping to recapture past glory.
The Slovaks, defying expectations, have emerged as a compelling story in Milan. Their success isn’t simply about winning; it’s about a young team playing with a joy and cohesion that has resonated throughout the competition. This medal guarantee is particularly remarkable considering the team is, by their own admission, ahead of schedule, and the fact that the 2022 Olympic bronze medal was won in a fanless environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This time, the spotlight is fully on a team brimming with confidence.
The game itself was punctuated by moments of both drama and dominance. Early in the second period, a collision sent Slafkovský, the Montreal Canadiens’ first overall pick in 2022, head-first into the boards after a nudge from German forward Moritz Seider. A collective gasp went through the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena as the nation held its breath, recalling the legacy of Slovak hockey icons like Marián Hossa, Zdeno Chára, Peter Bondra, Pavol Demitra, Ziggy Palffy, and Marián Gaborik. However, Slafkovský quickly returned to the bench, receiving treatment, and was back on the ice to witness Milos Kelemen’s go-ahead goal just moments later.
Kelemen’s goal, a slick backhander over Philipp Grubauer, ignited the Slovak offense. Oliver Okuliar followed up just 33 seconds later, extending the lead to 3-0 and effectively breaking the game open. The Slovaks continued to pour on the pressure, showcasing a team-first approach that has been the hallmark of their tournament success.
A Team Effort Fuels Slovak Success
While Slafkovský, with 10 goals in his last 10 Olympic games, has understandably garnered much of the attention, this Slovak team is far from a one-man show. St. Louis Blues rookie Dalibor Dvorský continues to impress, adding a goal and an assist to his already impressive tournament tally of three goals and three assists in four games. San Jose Sharks rookie Pavol Regenda also contributed with two goals and an assist, while Šimon Nemec has been a dynamic presence on the blue line.
Perhaps the most surprising story has been the performance of goaltender Samuel Hlavaj. After being demoted to the ECHL by the Minnesota Wild earlier this season due to struggles in the American Hockey League, Hlavaj has been a rock in net for Slovakia, posting a .932 save percentage in three starts.
Defending Bronze Medalists Aim Higher
Slovakia is not without recent Olympic success, having secured a bronze medal at the 2022 Beijing Games. However, this year’s tournament feels different. “I still kind of can’t believe we made it to the top four,” said Washington Capitals defenseman Martin Fehérváry. “Obviously, I believed in our group, but this tournament — NHL players, stars on the other teams — it seems a little bit unreal.”
The Slovaks’ victory over Germany was a total team effort against a German squad boasting considerable talent, including Leon Draisaitl, Tim Stützle, JJ Peterka, Moritz Seider, and Philipp Grubauer. Coach Vladimir Országh emphasized the importance of collective play, stating, “If we want to be successful, we can’t be about a couple guys. Our team is about 25 guys…they perform, they stick together.”
The team’s relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere is also contributing to their success. “Turns out, playing hockey with your friends is fun,” Dvorský added. Nemec echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strong bonds within the team: “We know each other and it’s more fun to play if you know the guys, if you grow up with them.”
What’s Next for Slovakia?
Slovakia will now face either the United States or the winner of the Switzerland-Finland matchup in the semifinals on Friday. Regardless of their opponent, they are guaranteed a medal game appearance. The Slovaks, once considered longshots, are now daring to dream of gold. “Yeah, for sure,” Nemec said. “If we’re in the semifinal, you have to think about that.”
The unexpected success of this young Slovak team has injected excitement into the tournament and proven that underdog stories are still possible. Their journey continues, and the hockey world will be watching to see how far this spirited squad can go.
What are your thoughts on Slovakia’s incredible run? Share your predictions for the semifinals in the comments below!
