VANCOUVER | Being the first pick for the Montreal Canadiens has transformed the life of Juraj Slafkovsky. At just 20 years old, this young hockey player, still on the brink of adulthood, now finds himself under the spotlight of significant attention. This fame is magnified as he hails from Slovakia, a nation of 5.5 million where hockey reigns supreme.
Since being selected first overall during the June 2022 NHL draft, Slafkovsky's celebrity status, fueled by his role in securing a bronze medal for Slovakia at the 2022 Winter Olympics, has skyrocketed. Reflecting on his fame during the Canadiens’ recent visit to Vancouver, Slafkovsky recounted, "It was completely crazy. One day, my sister and I went to the mall, and everyone stopped to take photos with me. It was like: wow..." His expression of disbelief encapsulates the whirlwind of recognition he has faced since then.
Slovakia's hockey community has seen unprecedented success with Slafkovsky leading the charge. The 2022 draft was particularly fruitful for the country, with fellow Slovak Simon Nemec going second overall and Filip Mesar at the 26th slot. Slafkovsky hopes his fame inspires more youth to take up hockey—currently, Slovakia boasts 11,728 players, including 9,288 juniors, according to the International Ice Hockey Federation. He conveyed, "Every now and then, I receive messages from kids who have started playing hockey. I hope there will be more and more." Nevertheless, he acknowledged the financial barriers many families face when considering hockey as their children’s sport of choice.
Despite his success, the reality of celebrity weighs heavily on Slafkovsky. He is constantly approached by fans seeking photos and autographs, often even during mealtimes—a stark difference from his experiences raising fans’ expectations back home versus the burgeoning hockey scene he encounters across the Atlantic. “Montreal is not the same. It’s bigger and there are so many different nationalities. People who are from Montreal and Quebec recognize me, but I go unnoticed by many others," he stated. This creates both relief and frustration, as the constant attention can often be overwhelming.
Slafkovsky expressed his belief, somewhat humorously, noting how people are more inclined to invade his personal space back home. "I feel like people here are more polite. At restaurants, nobody bothers you when you’re trying to eat. At home, I once tried to enjoy some sushi outdoors when someone approached me saying, ‘You have to take a picture with me because you’re my son’s idol.’" Experiences like these underline the more intense scrutiny he faces living as a local icon versus playing for the Canadiens.
With his popularity also come the challenges of media intrusion. The media coverage of his life off the ice has surged—a concern Slafkovsky has felt acutely, especially when it affects his family. The spotlight bears down on his parents too, with photographers seeking their images or details of their private lives, which he finds disheartening. “This kind of thing is somewhat annoying. After all, what do my parents have to do with it?” he remarked, highlighting the intrusion brought on by fame.
Yet, beyond the challenges, Slafkovsky’s rapport with his fans reflects positively. Within his home country, he is regarded as the most beloved athlete, reaching superstar status akin to movie and music icons. “After the Beijing Olympics, where he scored seven goals and was named the tournament's most valuable player, he could have run for president,” noted Martin Turcin, journalist for Sportnet, emphasizing Slafkovsky’s cultural significance.
Among his peers, such as Dalibor Dvorsky—who became the tenth pick overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2023 draft—there is palpable respect and admiration. Dvorsky understands the frenzy surrounding Slafkovsky, stating, “Juraj is obviously very, very popular. He's fantastic on the ice with his size and vision.” Dvorsky himself is making waves, having scored 39 points this season with the Springfield Thunderbirds and showcasing his talents at the World Junior Championships.
Dvorsky humorously noted the visible impact Slafkovsky has on young Slovaks aspiring to wear Canadiens jerseys. “I don’t know; I’m more often in Slovakia during the summer, and it’s too hot to wear hockey jerseys during this time of year,” he joked. Yet his light-hearted demeanor does not disguise the pride many feel behind Slafkovsky's achievements.
With Slafkovsky and Dvorsky both rising stars, there’s hope for Slovak hockey to expand and grow, creating pathways for future generations of players. Slafkovsky's transition from local hero to international talent symbolizes not just personal success but pride for his country, potentially inspiring widespread hope across the nation’s youth.
For Juraj Slafkovsky, the future holds both promise and pressure as he balances the demands of fame with the joy of playing the sport he loves. Surrounded by adoration and high expectations, he remains grounded by his roots, always aiming to reflect honor back to Slovakia through his passion for hockey. The prospect of encouraging the next generation of players remains at the forefront of his ambitions.