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The Slovakian under-20 hockey team will play its first match at the World Cup with a rejuvenated Finnish team. The duel awaits them in Moncton, Canada on Tuesday, December 27 at 17:00 CET.
The young Slovaks will try to take advantage of their opponent’s lack of experience, while not forgetting his qualities. Forward Filip Mešár, on the other hand, urged the Slovakian side not to be afraid to play in the opposition’s offensive zone, given their attacking quality.
The Finns played two preliminary games in the championship venue, but fell short against the United States and Canada. Even before the match against Slovakia, “Suomi” will play the opening duel of the championship on December 26 at 17:00 against Switzerland.
“I expect skating activities from the Finns. They will test us in attack. They will also be strong in attack. We must not forget their very high quality power plays from the previous championship. These will be the key things we need to prepare for.” realizes the head coach Ivan Fenes.
Finnish striker Joakim Kemell is expected to be the biggest threat to the Slovakian side in power plays. The highest drafted player on the Finnish roster also completed the past championship and was the second most productive player in the tournament with 12 points (4+8).
The Slovaks also met Finland at the postponed championship in August. At the unsuccessful WC, however, they lost to the later vice-champion with a score of 3:9. The northerners have only six players and a goalkeeper on their squad, who showed up for the tournament in August.
The overall average age of the Finnish roster has dropped by more than a year, which the Slovaks would like to take advantage of. The Finns also dared to appoint 16-year-old defender Aron Kiviharju, who could join the fight for the conscript post in 2024.
“I looked at their line-up and they have a lot of guys from 2004 or younger, even one from 2006. It could be to our advantage that the Finns have no experience in this type of tournament.” the attacker told TASR Philip Mesarwhich should be among the leaders of the Slovak offensive.
Despite their young age, the high level of hockey skill of the Finnish team cannot be denied. The “Twenties” last triumphed over Finland (2:1) in 2014 during a successful start to the tournament which ended with a bronze medal. “The Finns have an excellent team, like every year. They are excellent skaters and we will have to be careful in defence. We can’t be afraid to play with them in the zone, because we have excellent offensive strength. Even the special formations will be decisive”. added former striker Poprad.
Combativeness can be an important element in increasing the chances of success for young Slovaks. Even the attacker is aware of this Adam Sykorawhose style of play is characterized by energetic movement.
“We have to push on goal and shoot from every position. We know it hurts in these spaces, but there’s no other way to score goals. We have to deal with the pain, which is the only game we can show up and beat the Finns. Everyone They have great motivation and I think we will transfer that to the ice.” finished the third most selected Slovak in this year’s NHL draft.
