In an interview this week with Martin Toth Vans of Sport.sk, Martin Fehervary, a second round pick (#46 overall) by the Washington Capitals in the 2018 NHL entry draft, spoke about participating in his second World Championship, and making his second trip to Washington for the Capitals development camp at the end of June. [The following is a translation of that interview].

One of the youngest players for Team Slovakia at the World Championship and one of the most talented hockey players of the past. Martin Fehérváry, 19, is already enjoying his second Senior World Championship. [You can find his annual review and forecast here.]

Even a year ago in Denmark, even this year in Košice, the young defender experienced unfortunate games. The Slovaks suffered losses in the last seconds from both the Germans and Canada and from the Czechs a year ago. Only ten seconds before the third period’s final siren, Martin Nečas equalized. What is it that Slovaks can’t do in the last seconds of games?

“Hard to say. It may be a mental thing … I don’t know at all. Maybe there’s only a lack of luck, but we can’t do it. We have to be prepared for the conclusions of the games. We have to be better at it, ” said the Bratislava native.

The Slovaks have shown well in recent years, yet they have only three points after four games and they do not have the chance to advance to the quarterfinal.

“It’s very frustrating. But we have to think positively, prepare for the next matches. We can’t do anything about it now, ” Fehérváry, who continues to believe in favor of fate, said,  “ we still believe that it will be good for us. Although it will be difficult. ”

Craig Ramsay’s player will already have a chance today to correct the spoiled mood of the fans. ” If we play responsibly in defense and spend a lot of time in their zone, we have the chance to succeed and show our offensive potential,” Fehérváry said before dueling with France.

INVITATION FROM WASHINGTON

In the world championships, players are not just behind the team, but also for themselves. By performing well, they can reach out to scouts of teams around the world who watch the World Championship every year.

“We’re still playing for the placement and for the fans. It’s a home tournament, many people support us. We want to play good hockey. In addition, every one of us can promote ourselves here. We must continue to do well, ” Fehérváry realized.

He does not play to sell himself to a better league, he has already done so. A year ago, the Washington Capitals chose him in the second round of the NHL draft. He is playing to catch even more of the last year’s Stanley Cup winner’s scouts and to eventually make the Capitals roster.

“They certainly follow these championships. For me, however, the camp and season will be paramount. The main camp will be very important, ” said the defender, who was wearing the Swedish HV 71 jersey last season.

One more visit to the US capital awaits him in front of the (Capitals) main (training) camp. “I was invited to development camp. It is sometimes at the end of June, I look forward to it, ” Fehérváry revealed, who will not enjoy too much time off after the championship.

Fighting to make the first team will be challenging. So far, Fehérvýry has chosen the European route. How would he do if he didn’t get the chance to play in the NHL? “We’ll see how we can agree. It depends mainly on how they want it.

By Martin Toth Vans