The Athletic continues to provide live coverage of thrilling matchups in the men’s hockey semifinals at the 2026 Winter Olympics, featuring Canada against Finland and the United States squaring off with Slovakia.
As the world tunes in, the Slovak team, bolstered by a roster of young talents, has captured the spotlight. Among them are Juraj Slafkovský, Dalibor Dvorský, and Šimon Nemec—three players who began their hockey journeys in the picturesque town of Bolzano, Italy. This town, located in the stunning Dolomites, is celebrated each spring for hosting the World Selects Invitational hockey tournament, where youth players from around the globe come to showcase their skills.
In 2016, at ages 11 and 12, Slafkovský and Dvorský represented Slovakia at the tournament, marking the beginning of their ascent. Their path continued as they competed in the prestigious International Pee-Wee hockey tournament in Quebec City a year later, quickly becoming symbols of Slovakia’s future in hockey. Their potential has not gone unnoticed; Slafkovský was selected first overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2022 NHL Draft, with Nemec going second to the New Jersey Devils, and Dvorský securing a top-10 pick with the St. Louis Blues in 2023.
Now, as they approach their semifinal against the United States, this trio stands as a formidable force, despite being categorized as underdogs. Their journey has been remarkable, especially for Slafkovský, who earned the title of MVP at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, leading Slovakia to its first Olympic hockey medal—a bronze.
As they prepare to take the ice, Slafkovský reflected on the significance of this moment. “The Olympics and also to play for your country is the first thing that you’re dreaming about,” he shared. The trio, still young at 21, 22, and 20 years old, is not just fulfilling a childhood ambition; they are laying the foundation for Slovakia’s future in ice hockey.
Entering the semifinals, Slafkovský ranks fifth in tournament scoring with seven points, while Dvorský follows closely with six. Nemec, serving on the top defensive pairing, is averaging nearly 22 minutes of ice time per game. Washington Capitals defenseman Martin Fehérváry praised their performances, stating that this next generation of players is on a trajectory to become prominent names in the NHL.
Amid the pressures of expectation, Slafkovský has thrived, demonstrating remarkable growth and skill in his gameplay. Dvorský noted the immense pressure weighs on Slafkovský, yet he continues to rise to the occasion impressively.
The camaraderie among the three players enhances their performance and enriches the Olympic experience. “For sure, we were dreaming about it when we were small,” Slafkovský reminisced. “So far, it’s happening, so I’m just enjoying it.”
As Slovakia heads into the semifinals, there’s a collective sense of pride in their accomplishments—teamwork forms the cornerstone of their success. Regardless of the outcome in the upcoming games, Slovakia has firmly established itself as a competitive player on the international stage, and the future looks bright, fueled by the dreams these young athletes once shared. This journey not only honors their past but also inspires the next generation of Slovak hockey players.