Slovakia's Team to Watch at the 2025 World Junior Championships – Hockey Writers – World Junior Hockey Championships

The Slovakian team hasn't won a medal at the WJC level for a while, but this year, they will be fielding an interesting lineup, highlighted by St. Louis Blues hopeful Dalibor Dvorsky. Who are the Slovakian players to watch at this year's tournament?

Dalibor Dvorsky (F)

Dalibor Dvorský, a 19-year-old center, has been a standout player for the Springfield Thunderbirds in the American Hockey League this season. He leads the team with 11 goals and 20 points in 27 games, and tops the charts in power play goals (4) and shots on goal (63). Internationally, Dvorský has a rich history representing Slovakia. He has participated in multiple IIHF World Junior Championships, including the 2024 tournament where he scored six points (three goals, three assists) in five games.

Related: Guide to the 2025 World Junior Championship

His consistent goalscoring and leadership make him a key player to watch at the WJC, where he is expected to play a key role in Slovakia's charge. Dvorsky was drafted 10th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. Considering how well he plays, a call-up to the NHL is possible after the tournament.

Miroslav Satan Jr (F)

Miroslav Šatan Jr., the 18-year-old son of the famous Slovakian striker Miroslav Šatan, is making great strides in his career. At 6-foot-7 and an impressive 190 pounds, he is a physical presence on the ice. This season, Šatan Jr. was a key player for the Sioux Falls Stampede in the United States Hockey League. In 24 games, he has five goals and 12 assists.

Internationally, Šatan Jr. he has represented Slovakia in various junior competitions. At the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship, he scored four points (2 goals, 2 assists) in seven games, showing his ability to perform under pressure. His performance was crucial in Slovakia reaching the quarterfinals.

His size and reach make him a formidable presence in offensive and defensive situations. Šatan Jr. he is expected to play an important role in Team Slovakia in this year's tournament. His experience, combined with his recent form, positions him as a player to watch, capable of influencing games and leading his team deep into the competition, even if he doesn't have the skills of Dalibor Dvorsky.

Maxim Strbak (D)

In the 2023-2024 season, Štrbák joined Michigan State University in the NCAA, where he played in 32 games, recording two goals and seven assists, along with 17 penalty minutes and a plus-7 rating. This year, the Buffalo Sabers draftee has nine points in 16 games. Internationally, Štrbák has always been present in Slovakia. He has participated in three IIHF World Junior Championships: 2021-2022 in Edmonton, 2022-2023 in Nova Scotia, and 2023-2024 in Sweden. Notably, he was named as one of Slovakia's top three players for the 2024 tournament.

Štrbák is known for his dynamic skating skills and classic playmaking skills. His high level of competitiveness and ability in transition make him successful in both offensive and defensive situations, and his presence will be key for the Slovaks on the blue line.

A Potentially Surprise Team

The Slovaks may surprise in this tournament. On paper, they don't look like the team to beat, but historically, Team Slovakia has been able to wreak havoc as an underdog. Players like Dalibor Dvorsky or Maxim Strbak can play at a very high level and lead the team in very stressful situations like the playoffs.

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