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Slovakia's Olympic Winter Games Roster Unveiled
08 Jan 2026
Chapter 1: What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
From the Daily News Now Network, this is San Jose Sharks News Today. Subscribe to keep up with every headline, every game. Slovakia just unveiled its roster for the Olympic Winter Games in Milano-Cortina in 2026. The team is headlined by Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slavkovski and New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemecq.
They won bronze at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, and this marks the first time NHL players from Slovakia will compete since 2014. Earlier this week, officials announced the full lineup with 14 forwards, eight defensemen and three goalies. Slovakia lands in Group B and opens against Finland on February 11th, followed by Italy on February 13th and Sweden on February 14th.
The tournament has all 12 teams playing three preliminary games, with group winners and the top second-place team advancing straight to the quarterfinals.
Chapter 2: What are the highlights of Slovakia's Olympic Winter Games roster?
Fans are buzzing about the young stars leading the charge. Slavkovski, the number one pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, earned tournament MVP honors as a 17-year-old in Beijing. Veteran Thomas Tatar, now with the Swiss team, is expected to serve as captain and bring leadership. The defense looks like the team's biggest strength.
Teva Bay's Eric Cernak and Washington's Martin Fairbury are NHL mainstays, while Nemec, the No. 2 pick from 2022, adds promise after his own Beijing bronze.
Experienced guys like Martin Marincin round out a solid blue line. With no NHL goalies on the roster, Samuel Havage from the AHL's Iowa team steps up as the top netminder. Coach Vladimir Orzhov hopes the mix of NHL talent and European League players gels for another medal run, building on that 2022 success. This episode is supported by our sponsor.
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