WJC - CZE/SVK Final Cuts & Top 3 Selections

[Press Reporter]

 After coming up short last year in the Gold Medal Game and winning Silver, Czech Rep./Slovakia are setting themselves up for success during the 2023 World Junior Championship in Russia. There was plenty of talent to choose from with battles coming down to the last day of camp with newcomers and returnees. 

With a strong 2023 Draft class & nominations from NHL GMs, there were difficult decisions to be made.  


FINAL CUTS:

Iasi Scorpions GM - C/RW Jakub Lauko TWF 70 (22) - CZE

After failing to make the 2022 WCJ team, Lauko came into camp with a surprisingly underwhelming performance. With the 4th line C position up for grabs, Lauko failed to go above and beyond to prove he could be relied on in a shut down situation. Maybe next year Lauko will come into camp with the right mindset and work ethic, its all up to him.


redmark91 - LW Jaromir Pytlik TWF 69 (20) - CZE

Pytlik was a pivotal part of the teams success last year, centring their 3rd line and proving to be responsible in both ends of the ice. It was a shocker to see him beat out by younger prospects that were hungry for the honour of playing for CZE/SVK this year. The management team wishes Pytlik luck in his development and will be keeping a close eye on him, yet this year was not the year. 


Burnaby Billionaires GM - RW Maxim Cajkovic SNP 71 (21) - SVK 

It was very unexpected to the management team to see Cajkovic battling for the last spot on their squad this camp. Last WJC, Cajkovic was productive and had the coaches trust enough to play him during high pressure situations. This WJC, Cajkovic will be watching the team compete from home after being unable to prove he was worth ice time in the teams hunt for Gold. 


Sokolina Hussars GM - G Jan Bednar HYB 65 (20) - CZE

Since MIN GM is in charge of CZE/SVK this year, it was a bombshell to see him pass over one of his coveted goalie prospects in Bednar. After a strong offseason and accelerated development, Bednar was almost a sure lock to make the team this year. However, management seems to be set on sending the most competitive team regardless of the players connections. Its almost certain Bednar will be the starter in the future for CZE/SVK in WJC. 


- RW Alex Ciernik - PLY - 5'10 172lbs (L) (SVK) - Södertälje SK (SHL) (72,73,74)

Ciernik is entering the 2023 Draft as one of the top 15 prospects and has been paying well in the SHL for Södertälje SK this year. It was believed Ciernik was going to get a top role on this years CZE/SVK team, however there seemed to be a flaw in his game during camp. Management had a sit down with Ciernak and discussed how he could work on his game to further develop and become a long time NHL player. We may not see Ciernak until next year, but he is sure to be a productive player for whatever team decides to draft him. 



TOP 3 SELECTIONS:


Red Deer Rebels GM - RD Simon Nemec TWD 78 (18) - SVK

Since being drafted 5th overall last year, Nemec is set to Captain team CZE/SVK to Gold this tournament. Management was ecstatic to see his development after carrying heavy minutes for their team last WJC. It is believed he will be a top performer in the tournament and most likely the teams MVP. 


Canes435 - G Lukas Dostal HYB 77 (22) - CZE

Dostal is set to become the starter for CZE/SVK. Intense battles during camp proved Dostal is worthy for the pressure and minutes to carry the team to Gold. With heavy competition behind him, the leash will be short but management believes he will succeed. 


jaygint - LD Tomas Hamara TWD 77 (18) - CZE

Hamara had a stellar performance last WJC and somehow GMs missed it as he fell to 19th in last years draft. Over performing last year has set new expectation for Hamara to anchor the top pairing alongside Nemec. Management believes their top pairing will be the best in this years tournament, only time will tell. 



Stay tuned for the full CZE/SVK Team Announcement in the coming days...