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Miloš Roman, a Slovak forward who plays for Czech club Oceláři Třinec, is playing in his second Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup. On Tuesday he recorded two assists against Sweden. What he wants next is to win a game with his national team at this event for the first time.
Slovakia lost their second game of the tournament on Tuesday, 6-3 to Sweden. The difference was a stretch of time in the second period where the Swedes scored four straight goals.
“Fifty minutes we were tight, maybe better than our opponent, but for 10 minutes we failed to keep up with the Swedes and we conceded four goals,” forward Miloš Roman said afterward. “That was the key moment of the game. It is very difficult to describe those 10 minutes. First we gave up a quick goal and we were very frustrated about it. They (Swedes) then scored again and our game collapsed. After the second intermission we were able to respond, but it wasn´t enough.”
With two assists, Roman was Slovakia´s only multiple point getter of the game. About his own game he said, “I always try to perform my maximum, but in this case I can´t concentrate on my personal statistics. I would exchange my points for the victory in an instant.”
Performances like that in this tournament could help Roman´s career, as it attracts a lot of attention from scouts. It is extra special for Slovak and Czech players because they get a chance to wear their national colours on home ice.
“It is a great feeling for us, playing in front of our home fans in this tournament. As for the scouts sitting on stands, personally I don´t pay attention to them at all. I always concentrate on my game and I try to give my best.”
With one game to go, the Slovaks still have a chance to advance to the semi-finals, but they need to win and get help.
“Tomorrow we will play against Russia and our goal is victory in regulation time, because we want to go through to the semi-finals and without three points it is impossible. I really hope that we do it. We are definitely committed to doing everything for it.”
Even if it doesn´t get them into the semi-finals, a win over Russia would end Slovakia´s unfortunate losing streak at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup, which is now up to 29 games, dating back to 2009.
“We know about the losing streak that Slovakia has in this tournament, but we want to break it. We will give everything to tomorrow’s game.”
