Wjc 2023

MONCTON, New Brunswick – Adam Gajan wasn't supposed to be here. When Team Slovakia announced their preliminary roster for the 2023 IIHF World Junior ...

"He knows a lot of what’s happened, the opportunity to come here and play here is what started this whirlwind," said Mignone. Slovakia is in the best position they've been in to medal since 2015 when they won bronze on the back of a largely unknown goalie named Denis Godla. Though he could have left Chippewa for a full-time opportunity in the USHL, he decided he wanted to stay. The name was Adam Gajan and the video "enthralled" Mignone. From unknown the week before, to one of the most hotly pursued recruits on the NCAA goalie recruiting trail is quite a turn. "It was 9:28 of a GoPro behind the net. But it was actually the World Juniors that inspired his current career path and desire to explore playing college hockey in the United States. With Slovakia having a chance to win the group for the first time ever in Saturday's game against Switzerland, Gajan gave his best effort, but ultimately was out-dueled in an epic 10-round shootout. “I was confident,” said Gajan about his mindset going into the biggest game of his life to that point. He was busy with a new opportunity in his first season in the United States as he had just been acquired from the NAHL's Chippewa Steel via loan by the Green Bay Gamblers in the USHL. Mesar always news his lifelong friend and fellow Poprad native had the ability, he just needed someone to give him a chance. Not after never playing a game for the Slovakia national team in a major, or even minor international tournament.