today 13:13
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Slovak hockey players will start qualifying for the 2022 Olympic Games on Thursday against Austria.
Assistant head coach Ján Pardavý stated that Marek Hrivík, Peter Cehlárik and Tomáš Jurčo will play in the elite formation, Adam Ružička, Róbert Lantoši and Kristián Pospíšil will play in the second attack. The implementation team prepared the team not only for the position of the favorite, but also for pressure from Slovak fans.
Slovaks will fight for participation in the sixth Olympic Games in Bratislava, in addition to Austria, but also with Poland and Belarus. “We had two trainings a day, we rehearsed some things, especially the guys who weren’t in Riga. It’s different than in preparation for the World Championships, just because it’s in August, it’s an important event for everyone. I believe that we will be ready from the first minute, “ said Cehlárik, who was declared the best striker at the last world championship.
Cehlárik played in Riga in the attack together with Hrivík and Lantoš, in Bratislava Lantoši will be replaced by 28-year-old Jurčo. “It will be about simplicity and support. Tomas is strong on the puck, I believe we will play responsibly. We did well in training, I hope we will confirm it in matches,” added Cehlárik.
Only the winner from the qualifying D-group will advance to Beijing, so in the competition of the other teams, coaches Craig Ramsay’s trustees will not be able to afford any hesitation. “We have a good paper team, we should be able to handle it,” declared Jurčo.
Jurčo spent the previous season in the NHL and AHL, he is currently without a club. He took the offer to represent now. He should also introduce himself in the first power play formation. “The layout is quite nice, it could work. Apart from the three of us from the attack, there is Christián Jaroš, who as a right-hander should be ready for a shot from the first,” said Jurčo.
The Slovaks also met Austria in preparation for the World Cup, coach Ramsay complained about the opponent’s excessive toughness after the matches. “They will play aggressively, but I don’t think it’s just like in preparation against us. We expect aggressive nationwide movement and forcing from them. They will defend the middle zone, we have to react to it.” said Pardavý.
Striker Miloš Kelemen could also get into the game, who also gained confidence in the World Cup and paid off with a goal. Now there is another motivation ahead of him: “I’m glad I’m here, we met a good game. I see guys playing in the NHL, and now we’re in the cabin together. We all have some positions in the team, I’ll try to pass 100 percent. Olympics are a great motivator, everyone he wants to play there. ”
The 22-year-old hockey player is also looking forward to the atmosphere, the winter stadium in Bratislava should be filled to 75 percent of the total capacity. However, he was only looking for tickets for his family and girlfriend. In connection with the spectators, coach Pardavý stated: “Our players need to be prepared to put some pressure on them, which is even greater at home. We are preparing the team to know that there is a lot going on. I believe we will use good energy.”
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