In Slovan Bratislava, they have great ambitions to advance their wards to the NHL draft. Last season, they probably had the most outstanding candidate in Roman Kukumberg. The young man made his way to the first team of the club, but unfortunately he did not get that much space in it. In the end, it wasn’t enough for the draft. After the season, the 18-year-old winger decided to change his place of work.
I was drafted only at the age of 24. I believe that the son has not lost his chance for the NHL yet, says ROMAN KUKUMBERG
He agreed with the Sarnia Sting junior team of the OHL, who had been very interested in him a year ago. “I wanted to try something new, abroad is never a bad choice, even in juniors. I would still like to fight for the draft from overseas. I could have left already last year when I was selected in the CHL import draft. I don’t regret staying. I am also grateful for the opportunity in A Slovan,” Roman Kukumberg was interviewed, who explained what appealed to him about the offer of the overseas junior club.
“First of all, I saw a lot of interest from the club. Sarnia is a nice city, they have a nice winter, everything was recommended to me by Alex Géci, who played for the club. I didn’t see one negative thing that kept me from going to try it. I am aware that the pressure will be greater on me as an import. I will try to score points and lead the team to a successful result.”
The skillful attacker had a hard time in Slovan Bratislava, when there was not always a place left for him in the lineup in the last year. “I tried to perform as well as I could. I was happy for any space in the first team. I was happy that I could also play in the playoffs.”
The junior representative could be individually satisfied, he was one of the few Slovan hockey players who did not disappoint in the quarter-final series with Michalovci. “It didn’t go well as a team. Being eliminated in the first round when you are a Slav is bad. However, I was satisfied with my performance, the goal helped me a lot.”
MAYBE HE WILL GET LUCKY IN A YEAR
Eight Slovak hockey players went through the draft to the NHL, but Kukumberg’s name did not fit into the seven rounds. “I communicated with several overseas clubs. I was hoping it would work. It didn’t work out for me, but I’m glad the other guys did. Maybe I’ll get lucky in a year.” you wished
The name with the surname of the young representative is well known. He inherited it from his father, who for years belonged to successful representatives. He played in four World Cups. “He’s still the biggest critic,” Roman Kukumberg first laughed when we mentioned his father, but immediately continued: “But I don’t take it badly. I am well aware that he wants to help me. He can explain things to me, after all, when I was younger, I still didn’t understand it that much.”
“Less mouthing,” Roman Kukumberg Sr. laughed back and continued: “He gradually understood that I did not wish him harm. Criticism moves. However, it is true that I praise less. He himself knows when he has done good things.”
Father and son also played against each other, when Kukumberg senior wore the jersey of the first league Trnava at the age of 43, and his offspring played for Modré Krídla Slovan. “You don’t think about things like that in the match itself. It was like any other, but it was special before the ice skating competition. Of course, the teasing came, we laughed. It was a good experience,” said the 18-year-old striker.
“Once upon a time, I didn’t even think that I would play against my son. It’s great. Too bad it didn’t work out in one jersey. He really wanted to win the bulls against me, but he has no chance,” continued the experienced hockey player in a good mood. Add your perspective on what the young striker should add. “It probably comes with age, but he could be more brash and confident on the ice. I don’t want to sound bad, but sometimes he is very responsible. He shouldn’t be afraid to take it upon himself. It’s not good to always literally listen to the coach.”
Roman Kukumberg and Roman Stantien before Slovan training
THE FIGHT FOR THE UNDER-20 WORLD CUP BEGINS
Kukumberg Sr. also returned to his son’s decision to go to an overseas junior team. “I believe that he hasn’t lost his chance to be drafted into the NHL yet. I passed the selection at the age of 24. He wants to go try it. It’s his decision and I won’t force him to do anything he doesn’t want to do. I myself well remember how difficult it was for me to make a decision when I received several offers. I leave things like that to him.”
The young striker is currently with the under-20 national team, which is awaiting a double match against Germany. The last two drafts turned out great for our hockey, which is why the fight for places in the team for the junior world championship at the turn of the year will certainly be difficult. “I’m happy to have received the invitation and I’m also looking forward to the guys we haven’t seen for a long time. I will try to play well and show my best,” added Roman Kukumberg the younger.
THEY ARE NOT FINISHED WITH MIKLÍK YET
Roman Kukumberg senior showed last season that he can still handle the first league level just fine. He and his friend Michel Miklík have been enjoying hockey for a long time in Trnava and they are not going to stop. The seasoned center is the aforementioned 43 years old, and the winger will celebrate his 41st birthday at the end of July. “There is interest from the club, we have an agreement, but I have not signed the contract yet. It also depends on Michel, because we want to continue playing together. We talked about the fact that when one, so does the other,” said Kukumberg with a smile, who had 66 points in 49 games last season, including the playoffs, Miklík added 69 in 49 meetings.
2023-07-25 06:15:00
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