Cernak praises Slovakia’s young stars as Dvorsky powers team into Olympic semifinal
cernak’s praise of a tightly knit Slovak squad came as Dalibor Dvorsky’s scoring surge helped lift Slovakia into the Olympic semifinals, setting up a Friday matchup with the United States at Santaguilia Arena at 3: 10 p. m. ET.
Dvorsky proving he belongs on the big stage
The 20-year-old St. Louis Blues rookie has been a revelation in Milan, producing six points (three goals, three assists) in four games — the most points by an NHL rookie in an Olympic tournament involving NHL players, surpassing previous totals of five. Dvorsky has three goals for Slovakia during the team’s run to the semifinals and has mixed physical play with finishing instinct on the scoresheet.
His club resume, as noted here, includes 15 NHL points (nine goals, six assists) in 47 games, 21 goals in 61 AHL games last season with Springfield, and a 45-goal season in 52 OHL games for Sudbury two seasons ago. Dvorsky has emphasized a two-way role, saying he tries to shoot often while also setting up teammates and focusing on team performance.
Cernak: 'In every single game we’re playing like a team'
Erik Cernak captured the mood in the locker room with a simple line: "In every single game we’re playing like a team. Like a family. " The comment underlined Slovakia’s unexpected surge through the tournament and framed the semifinal against the U. S. as a collective achievement rather than the work of a single star.
The Slovaks have arrived in the last four with balanced contributions. Juraj Slafkovský has seven points in four games and remains a primary offensive threat, while Šimon Nemec is anchoring Slovakia’s top defensive pair and averaging close to 22 minutes of ice time per game. Slovakia advanced past Germany with a 6-2 quarterfinal win and carried momentum from an earlier group-stage victory over Finland.
Young core that dreamt of this moment
The trio of Slafkovský, Nemec and Dvorsky have been central to Slovakia’s run. The three grew up playing together in youth tournaments and now are steering their country into a guaranteed medal game. Slafkovský, the 2022 No. 1 NHL draft pick, and Nemec, a top draft pick who turned 22 during the tournament, join Dvorsky among the youngest leaders in Milan.
Observers have noted that Slovakia’s depth — scoring across lines rather than relying on one unit — helped them dispatch opponents who on paper had more star power. In the quarterfinals, it was not only Slafkovský who produced; other forwards and defenders stepped up to secure the 6-2 victory over Germany.
Slovakia now prepares for the semifinal against Team USA at Santaguilia Arena on Friday at 3: 10 p. m. ET. Recovery and line preparations are expected to continue in practice sessions before puck drop, with the winner advancing to the Olympic gold-medal game and the loser moving to the bronze-medal contest.
