The management of the Slovak hockey team has published the six substitutes that will travel to the Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Among the defenders, Marek Ďaloga, Samuel Kňažko and Dávid Mudrák made the list. The trio of strikers Lukáš Cingel, Marko Daňo and Kristián Pospíšil will also participate in the training process.
The management of the national team originally intended to add a goalkeeper to the substitutes’ lineup, as at the time of publication of the nomination it was not clear whether the arrivals of goalkeepers Samuel Hlavaj from the AHL, or Adam Gajan from the American university competition NCAA, would be able to be matched before the start of the national team match.
“We are delighted that both goalkeepers will be joining us before the flight to Milan. We have been in talks with their clubs and we thank them for their hospitality along the way.
Before the departure, the coaches will have a complete trio of goalkeepers at their disposal, therefore it was not necessary to take a substitute,” general manager Miroslav Šatan revealed to the official website of the Slovak Ice Hockey Association (SZĽH).
At the same time, he explained why they decided on the mentioned six players: “Even in the case of the selection of substitutes, we had set criteria. The aspects of quality, experience and of course the current form or possible contribution to the team were decided.
We are taking six substitutes to Milan who will train with the team. In case someone gets injured, they will be ready to fully jump into the tournament.
After the arrival of the players from the NHL, which is scheduled for the morning of February 8, they will have to make room for them in the Olympic village and they will return home.”
Slovakia must finalize the roster for the hockey tournament no later than the day of the first day of play, i.e. February 11.
Until then, he can nominate a substitute for the injured player. After the roster is closed, it will no longer be possible.
