With Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan, the Slovaks have formally certified for the 2026 Olympic Video games in Milan, Italy, capping off an ideal 3-and-0 run throughout qualification. New Jersey Devils skaters Simon Nemec and Tomas Tatar performed a big position for them all through the match. Nevertheless, Nemec didn’t play in Sunday’s contest as a consequence of an upper-body damage sustained in opposition to Hungary. He’ll head again to New Jersey for additional assessments.
Nemec performed totally on Slovakia’s second pairing, but in addition manned their prime powerplay unit. He picked up one level (an help) in two video games. Tatar captained the squad and performed completely on the highest line and powerplay unit. He scored a aim for his solely level in three video games, as effectively.
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Right here’s how the match shook out for the Slovaks:
8/29 – 2-1 Win vs. Austria
8/30 – 7-3 Win vs. Hungary
9/1 – 3-1 Win vs. Kazakhstan
Slovakia now joins the next international locations who’ve already certified: Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy (host), Finland, Denmark, Germany, Czechia, and america. Russia isn’t formally confirmed, because the nation is quickly banned from collaborating in Worldwide Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) occasions. If Russia remains to be barred from competitors then, the “finest second place group” from qualification will take their place, that means certainly one of Kazakhstan, Norway, or France can be chosen based mostly on a large number of things.
The next international locations additionally participated in qualification rounds, however obtained eradicated: Estonia, Netherlands, Serbia, Iceland, Spain, Croatia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Turkey, South Africa, Thailand, Chinese language Taipei, Hungary, Nice Britain, Korea, Lithuania, Romania, Poland, Japan, China, Ukraine and Slovenia.
Nemec (barring medical replace) and Tatar are slated to hitch Devils’ coaching camp on Sept. 18. The Devils will probably announce the outcomes of Nemec’s medical testing as soon as they’re accomplished. If wholesome, each are anticipated to be an integral a part of the 2026 Slovak Olympic squad in Milan.
