The fire department arrived on the scene when Juraj Slafkovsky was training too enthusiastically as a teenager – this is how he became a super promise coveted by NHL clubs in Finland

– I thought that especially Montreal would book a North American player first. It’s a great job for “Juri” that he came first, Vidman, who woke up for the occasion, tells Urheilu.

– Of course I’m happy for the boy. It was great to see a player’s goal and dream come true.

18-year-old Slafkovsky is the first first-team pick from the Finnish team and the SM league. Slafkovsky played the previous three seasons in TPS, most of the last one in the representative team.

Vidman coached Slafkovsky at TPS in the under-20 team. The young man arrived in Turku when he was only 15 years old together with his compatriots By Samuel Knazko with. Slafkovsky started in B-juniors, but quickly rose to Vidman’s coaching after one season.

Vidman was a spiritual support and security for Slafkovsky and Knazko over the years. He drove the duo to the ice rink and sometimes to the airport at night, acted as an interpreter when necessary and made sure with the club that the players had food at home and that everything was fine.

– After all, hours have been spent with him. Watched videos, practiced, sometimes went to the airport at night to pick up or take to national team events. Sometimes there is a bit of looking back, says Vidman.

The coach describes that when Slafkovsky enters the room, it usually hurts and happens.

– He is very happy and outgoing. You could say that adhd, there is something on your mind all the time. There will never be a dull moment like that, says Vidman.

– Even though Knazko has been here with him, of course Slafkovsky has a long way to go home. Those moments must have been difficult for him too, when he feels that nothing will come of it. Otherwise, he is a very positive, cheerful and energetic guy.

The story continues after the pictures.

Energy and enthusiasm have sometimes been seen in training as well. Slafkovsky has, for example, gotten a few fire trucks to Turkuhalli’s yard.

– When one morning he had to take his shoes off to throw the ball into the rink, the puck was in the hallway and in the fire alarm. Next, the fire trucks came to Turkuhalli’s yard and we wondered why they were here. All kinds of things happen and hurt when there is enthusiasm and fun.

Vidman has been able to witness Slafkovsky’s spiritual growth very closely. Physically, the attacker has also received help from many people, although the 193-centimeter-tall and 104-kilogram winger has benefited from his frame.

– Last summer, he took a big step in terms of physics. The boy became a man, which he noticed this year, says Vidman.

The physicality also confused Vidman, because because of the big arm it was difficult to assess how tough a player Slafkovsky can develop.

– He was a really big and dominating player in the old days, so it was difficult to compare how good he can become, Vidman begins.

– The game sometimes became like a little boy’s game. Compared to the others, he was physically superior, so playing became a bit of a joke.

When the youngster made it to the spring 2021 World Championships and did well, Vidman’s eyes opened.

– When he was suddenly and coldly knocked into the World Cup, he was able to play there as well. Then I thought that now a tough player is coming.

Slafkovsky went scoreless in his first World Cup, but this spring he had three goals and six assists in eight games.

At the Olympics, the goal streak was even tougher, as the Slovakian led his team to Olympic bronze with seven goals. He won the Olympic goal exchange and was selected as the tournament’s most valuable player.

In the SM league, the powers did not accumulate as tightly. In 31 regular season games, the Slovakian finished with 5+5 points and 2+5=7 in 18 playoff games.

Vidman sees that Slafkovsky did not get the same role in TPS as in the national team. In the Slovakian team, he played with the best players, for example in the spring World Cup, and got to start every match.

– When he gets to the national team, it feels like his eyes sparkle, and his flame burns ten times more. I expected that he would have been a little more effective (in TPS) at the end of the season.

Vidman is watching with interest how Slafkovsky survives the puck-crazy city of Montreal. The Canadiens supporters are very passionate and the media also reports the events without any sensitivity.

When you combine this with the pressures brought by the number one reservation, the youngster has a lot on his shoulders.

– Everyone knows how strong the media and public pressure is there. Now everyone is waiting and all eyes are on him.

– It doesn’t depend on self-confidence, but for young players, especially Montreal is certainly not the easiest place to start. Especially now that he’s the number one pick. The media follows every turn. It will be interesting how he can handle it.