After the Slovak association described its criticism as thoughtless, Juraj Slafkovsky decided, in good French, to close the door.
“I’ve decided not to talk about it anymore,” he said after the Montreal Canadiens’ morning practice Monday before their clash with the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Bell Centre. You won’t be able to pull the worms out of me.
“I think I’ve said enough.”
In an interview with Arpon BasuSlafkovsky particularly complained about nepotism within the Slovak association when selecting certain teams. Hockey Slovakia brushed aside these criticisms, viewing them as irresponsible comments from a young player.
“Next time we’ll talk [les officiels de la fédération et moi]it will take place behind closed doors,” said the imposing striker, who won bronze with Slovakia at the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing, the year of his repechage.
Good start for his friend Mesar
Slafkovsky rediscovers his characteristic joie de vivre and clownish side when it comes to the big departure of his good friend and compatriot Filip Mesar to the American League.
Several fans had already announced their retirement because of the Canadiens’ first-round pick. Mesar now has four points in two games with the Laval Rocket this season.
“I’m not surprised at all. “I always knew he was an excellent player,” assured Slafkovsky. When we get to North America, we just need time to get used to the little ice.”
Is Mesar the type of player who can put his skills to better use in the pros, surrounded by players with a better understanding of the game?
“Mesar played against men [l’année de son repêchage] and overnight he faced junior players again. Now he has to translate his game back into a professional league,” Slafkovsky noted, meaning Mesar has faced a lot of turmoil in recent years.
For obvious reasons, Slafkovsky wants Mesar to keep racking up points.
“If he continues down this path, he’ll be sitting here somewhere,” he recalled, pointing to empty boxes in the locker room.
However, don’t think that Slafkovsky is closely watching American League games.
“Oh no, I don’t watch games like that!” he said without hesitation, eliciting laughter. Just the highlights!”
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