After a stellar performance in Slovakia’s tournament opener yesterday, Calgary Flames prospect Sam Honzek was at it again in Slovakia’s win over Switzerland.
For those who don’t know, Sam Honzek was the Flames’ first round selection in the 2023 NHL Draft, taken 16th overall. Standing at 6’3″ an 181 lbs, Honzek fits the bill as a big, skilled player that the Flames were targeting in the draft. He missed most of this year’s season due to injury, but returned to play the last five games for the CHL’s Vancouver Giants, scoring three goals and seven point before joining Slovakia for the World Juniors.
Honzek was named captain of the Giants this season, and is wearing an “A” for Slovakia, too.
Another game winner for Honzek
Slovakia’s second game of the tournament was much more tightly checked than its first. This game featured just one goal against a goalie, scored by none other than Honzek. Here’s the clip of the goal, Honzek driving the net and putting home a rebound after a nice play by Peter Repcik.
This goal would serve as the game winning marker, as the only subsequent goals for either team were two empty netters by Slovakia in the final minutes of the game.
According to the official game sheet, Honzek took 26 shifts in this game, the most among Slovak forwards. He also fired five shots on goal, the most out of all players in the game on either side. Once again, Honzek made a noticeable impact for Slovakia, and was a key member of their forward corps all game long.
Honzek among the tournament leaders
After his goal, Honzek now sits second in tournament scoring with two goals and one assist in three games played. He also has a +4 rating which is good for second overall in the tournament, trailing only teammate Repcik who is +5.
Slovakia is now 2-0 in the tournament and in first place in Pool B. Their next game is on December 29th against Norway, and then they’ll wrap up the qualifying round with a game against the United States on December 31st. With two wins and a +7 goal differential, Slovakia is a lock to advance to the quarterfinals.
Hopefully Honzek can continue making an impact for Slovakia.
