today 16:27
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Before the weekend matches at the German Cup tournament in Krefeld, Marek Valach and Jakub Minárik from Dukla Trenčín joined the Slovak national hockey team.
The official website of the Slovak Ice Hockey Association (SZĽH) informs about it. The reason for the extraordinary addition to the team is the quarantine of four players – Filip Krivošík and Jozef Baláž had a positive coronavirus test, their roommates Samuel Buček and Michal Ivan cannot play either.
On Thursday, the Slovaks competed against the Swiss with only three offensive formations, yet they won smoothly 7: 1. A duel against Russia’s Olympic team awaits coach Craig Ramsay on Saturday night, and they will play against the Germans on Sunday afternoon. Krivošík and Baláž can no longer play, Buček and Ivan can intervene in the game in case of repeated negative tests during the weekend.
“We had to deal with the situation operatively. We called in two players from Dukla Trenčín, Marek Valach and Jakub Minárik. I think it will be adequate substitutes to represent two players who cannot play for the covid,” informed the assistant general manager of the selection of the Slovak Republic Oto Haščák and added about the pair Buček – Ivan: “They tested us all today with antigen tests. We are negative and I believe it will stay that way tomorrow and Sunday and that both will be able to start.”
Minárik and Valach completed a training unit with the Slovak team on Friday. “I didn’t expect it, but I’m glad and grateful to be here, even though it was so fast. The training was very good, similar to the one we have at Dukla. So it was nothing new to me.” said Marek Valach according to HockeySlovakia.sk.
“Yesterday the coach called us to do PCR tests quickly, pack our things and fly to the guys. I didn’t have any other plans. I should have had a free Saturday, but I think this will be better. I want to contribute good skating, play hard and be dangerous at the gate, “ revealed Jakub Minárik.
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