Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Juraj Slafkovsky isn’t just 'popular' in Slovakia: He’s a mega-celebrity

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated 5/10/24

In Montreal, we love Juraj Slafkovsky.

His infectious smile, good humor and charisma make him a popular figure in town, especially after the season he’s just had.

Slaf is famous in Montreal, but in Slovakia, it’s even more intense. Like, really more intense.

Slovak journalist Štefan Bugan shared a text from a Czech journalist… And in the text in question, Darina Vymetalikova admits she’s surprised at how popular Slaf is in her country.

She calls him a “mega” celebrity… Because journalists there adore him and want to talk to him all the time, unlike other players.

She argues that even David Pastrnak isn’t as famous in his home country of the Czech Republic, even though he’s one of the best players on the planet.

That’s saying a lot:

Not even David Pastrnak has such a position in the Czech Republic. Maybe Jagr did. – Darina Vymetalikova

https://t.co/CklHLJuTGr

– Štefan Bugan (@StefanBugan) May 10, 2024

It mustn’t go to his head… But Juraj Slafkovsky doesn’t have a personality like that.

He’s humble and very mature for his age. And that’s a good thing.

Slaf was in action today as Slovakia took on Germany at the World Championship.

The Canadian finished the game with two assists, a +2 rating and six shots on goal in just over 20 minutes of play…

And his love of referees made him the talk of the town once again.

It’s crazy how passionately he plays, honestly. He’ll have to learn to calm down, though, because he won’t be able to fart at referees all the time when he’s angry.

It’s worth noting that his performance earned him the Slovakian Player of the Match award… But he didn’t look too happy about it.

We know he hates to lose, and it shows:

Juraj Slafkovsky looked absolutely thrilled & ecstatic to be named Slovakia’s player of the game in a loss to Germany today pic.twitter.com/yNJan7Gljg

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) May 10, 2024

In gusts

– Hum…

Interesting question asked by Tony and Georges this lunchtime. pic.twitter.com/TgGYnjIUd4

– BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) May 10, 2024

– Who will draft him?

How did Cole Eiserman go from possible top pick to 8th prospect among forwards? Sportlogiq and a few hockey men weigh in.https://t.co/O69jBeG1rg

– Jonathan Bernier (@JBernierJDM) May 9, 2024

– Sounds promising.

Matthew Tkachuk and David Pastrnak will both look to lead their teams to a 2-1 series lead when the @FlaPanthers visit the @NHLBruins for Game 3 at 7 p.m. ET on @NHL_On_TNT (truTV), @SportsonMax, @Sportsnet, @TVASports, CBC. #StanleyCup#NHLStats: https://t.co/UHZYmS3GLk pic.twitter.com/70J72aFvRa

– NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 10, 2024

– How impressive.

How rare is the feat #NYR are trying to accomplish on Saturday night with a sweep over #CauseChaos?

Since 1987, when the #StanleyCup playoffs expanded to four rounds of best-of-seven, no #NHL team has ever opened a playoff run with back-to-back sweeps to go a perfect 8-0….

– Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) May 10, 2024

This article first appeared on Dose.ca and was syndicated with permission.

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