Written By Micheal Reeve
For the first time in Merritt Centennials’ franchise history, they can say a Cent is playing in the World Junior Hockey Championship. In fact, the Cents can claim the only BCHL player in the 2020 Tournament, all thanks to Daniel Tkac’s extraordinary play.
After a successful training camp, which had Tkac away from the club for most of December, the ‘Slovakian Superman’ has earned himself a spot on the Slovakian U20 National Team’s final roster.
Tkac played in three pre-tournament games, facing off against the Senior Slovakian National team, the Czech Republic and Russia.
Against the Senior team, Tkac registered a PP assist in a 9-5 loss. Tkac would again find the scoresheet versus the Czechs with yet another PP helper in a 4-2 loss. The Slovaks would wrap up their pre-tournament slate with a 9-1 drubbing at the hands of the Russians. Despite the lopsided scoreline, Tkac wasn’t on the ice for a single goal against.
The underdog Slovaks will be in Group A alongside Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, and Kazakhstan.
Schedule – (Pacific Time)
Vs Kazakhstan – December 27th, 6 am
Vs Finland – December 28th, 6 am
Vs Switzerland – December 30th, 10 am
Vs Sweden – December 31st, 6 am
