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Slovakia unexpectedly had to travel to Brno to face Czechia in the battle for fifth place, after losing to Germany and the USA in the group stage of the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Goal difference – which was better for the Czechs – determined the venue of the placement game between the two host nations of this year’s tournament.
Slovak left winger Ozogány, born in 2009, proved his worth by becoming the team’s top scorer. He scored three goals in the group stage and added another against the Czechs. “I think I played well,” he said, summarising the last week of national team hockey, “but as a team, we need to improve and stop giving away so many penalties.”
Slovakia started their last game of the tournament poorly, conceding a goal to Czechia already in the second minute and struggling to create chances afterward.
“We knew the Czechs were strong and had a good powerplay, but we just had too many penalties. That was the key to this game,” he said, admitting the Czech defence proved tough to break
“Our coach told us to shoot more and go to the net, but that didn’t work against Czechia,” noted Ozogány, who scoredSlovakia’s only goal in the gameduring a powerplay.
“The coach said we might get chances to shoot through their defensive block. I saw one and scored,” said the 16-year-old, replaying the moment. Tomek restored Czechia’s two-goal lead before the second period ended but Slovakia failed torespondand ended the tournament sixth.
With nearly a week of high-pace junior hockey behind him, Ozogány took the moment to describe his playing style and the role he played in the team. “I’m more of a shooter, I love scoring. I’m strong on the puck and try to create chances for my teammates,” he said.
Ozogány ended by thanking the fans, especially in Trenčín, for their strong support.“They were amazing, pushing us forward every day. At the World Championship in Slovakia later this year, it’ll be even better,” he ended with excitement.