Photo credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The Slovak national team saw its Olympic run come to an end just shy of the podium following a loss to Finland.
Forward Juraj Slafkovsky did not hide his deep disappointment with the team’s final result.
As reported by journalist Arpon Basu, the young player stated that in his view, finishing fourth is the same as finishing last, since the team leaves without a medal.
“I think being fourth and being last is the same thing. We don’t get the medal, so it sucks.” – Juraj Slafkovsky
“I enjoyed the tournament…apart from the last two days. I expected a lot more: from myself, both today and yesterday, and from the team as well.
We have to learn from this experience, and we’ll see where we are in four years.”
– Juraj Slafkovsky after Slovakia’s bronze medal loss vs Finland
A post relaying his postgame comments indicates that the Slovak enjoyed the tournament overall, except for the final two days of competition.
He showed self-criticism by mentioning that he expected much more from his own performances, as well as from those of his team, in those decisive matchups.
He added that the group will need to learn from this experience to see where it stands four years from now.
A formative international experience for the forward
Despite the bitter collective outcome, Slafkovsky’s individual performance remains very positive.
Journalist Eric Engels provided a factual summary of his performances, noting that the Montreal Canadiens representative finished the tournament with an excellent total of four goals and four assists in just six games.
Beyond the offensive statistics, Engels pointed out that the Slovak dominated several shifts on the ice against some of the best players in the world.
The analyst also specified that the forward helped lead his national team much further than observers had initially anticipated.
In conclusion, Engels expressed confidence that this Olympic participation will be beneficial, stating that Slafkovsky will return to the Canadiens’ environment as a better hockey player.
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Juraj Slafkovsky delivers heartbreaking statement after Slovakia’s bronze-medal loss
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