Juraj Slafkovsky, the first overall pick in the 2022 NHL draft, has quickly risen to fame as a prominent hockey player from Slovakia. At just 18, he reflects on the challenges and differences of his public life in Montreal compared to his hometown. Slafkovsky aims to inspire young Slovaks to pursue hockey, despite the sport’s financial barriers. His celebrity status, however, poses challenges for his family, who face unwanted attention and scrutiny.
Juraj Slafkovsky: A Rising Star in the Hockey World
VANCOUVER | Being the first overall pick of the Canadiens is a life-altering experience. At just 18 years old, Juraj Slafkovsky, a young hockey talent, is thrust into the public eye. This is especially significant for someone from Slovakia, a nation of 5.5 million where hockey reigns supreme.
In June 2022, Slafkovsky made history as the first Slovak to be selected first overall in the NHL draft. His fame skyrocketed after he contributed to his country’s bronze medal win in the Olympics just months prior.
“It was an incredible experience,” Slafkovsky shared in an interview during the Canadiens’ visit to Vancouver. “One day, my sister and I visited a mall, and everyone in the store stopped to take pictures with me. It was surreal,” he recalled, still trying to come to terms with the sudden fame.
Life in Slovakia vs. Montreal
While one might assume that the recognition in Montreal mirrors that of his hometown, Slafkovsky insists the experience is quite different. “Montreal is a bigger city with diverse nationalities. People recognize me, but I can still go about my day without being constantly approached,” he explained.
Interestingly, he finds Canadiens fans to be more courteous compared to those back home. “I don’t mean to sound rude, but people in Montreal are generally more polite. In restaurants, for example, I’m not interrupted while I eat,” he noted, recalling a time when he was interrupted mid-sushi by a fan eager for a photo.
Over the past three years, Slafkovsky has learned to navigate his newfound fame more effectively. “You have to know when you want to socialize and when you need your space. Initially, I didn’t manage that well, which affected my mood,” he admitted. “Now, if it gets overwhelming, I take a break and relax in my car.”
Boosting Slovak Hockey
The 2022 NHL draft was a milestone for Slovak hockey, with Slafkovsky being followed by Simon Nemec and Filip Mesar as top picks. Slafkovsky hopes his success inspires more young players to take up the sport. “I get messages from youth who are starting to play hockey, and I hope that number continues to grow,” he said. “However, hockey can be expensive in Slovakia, and that’s a hurdle for many families.”
Slafkovsky’s popularity extends beyond the rink; in Slovakia, he is compared to the most prominent celebrities. “He is not just the leading hockey player; he is the most recognized athlete in the country,” stated Martin Turcin, a Slovak journalist. “After the Beijing Olympics, where he excelled, he could have even run for president and garnered votes!”
Despite the excitement, the fame brings challenges, especially for his family. “It’s tough to see my parents being photographed and their lives scrutinized. They didn’t choose this spotlight,” he remarked, acknowledging the complexities of fame.