The New Jersey Devils season has concluded and the next set of games some players will be playing in is the IIHF Men's World Championship.
The New Jersey Devils season has concluded and the next set of games some players will be playing in is the IIHF Men's World Championship.
The IIHF Men’s World Championship will take place in Prague and Ostrava with the first games of the group stage starting on May 10. The tournament will wrap up with the medal round on May 26 in Prague. According to the Devils site, the following players have confirmed they’re playing in the tournament:
Simon Nemec (Slovakia). Luke Hughes (U.S.A). Tomas Nosek (Czechia) is attending the National Team Selection Camp. Ondrej Palat (Czechia) is attending the National Team Selection Camp. Nico Hischier (Switzerland) is in discussion with his National Team at this time, but not confirmed yet. Jonas Siegenthaler (Switzerland) is in discussion with his National Team.
Nosek and Palat will have the opportunity to represent their country at home. A privilege and an honour they aren't taking lightly.
Nosek shared about potentially playing in Men's Worlds and the significance of the tournament happening in his home country: "I’ve never been to Worlds, I’ve always made the playoffs in my pro career even if it’s in Czechia or the U.S. So this is kind of a new thing for me and I never really had the chance to go. And it’s in Prague so for us it’s a big deal back home. I’m looking forward to it. It would mean a lot to be honest … my friends and family can see me playing after almost 10 years so it’s nice.”
Nosek has never played for Czechia at the World Championships. His season was hampered by injuries and if given a chance to play at this tournament, he can show teams why they should sign the pending UFA.
Palat had a bit of an underwhelming season for the Devils. He played in 71 games but scored just 11 goals and 31 points. The veteran forward was brought in for more than just his play on the ice. He's a two-time Stanley Cup winner and a proven leader but the Devils are likely looking for a bit more from a player being paid $6M a year. The 33-year-old has represented Czechia at the World Championship once before.
Palat on his plans for Worlds and the off-season: “I will go to Worlds if I make the Czech team, I will meet them at the end of the month. I’ll take a couple weeks off (after) and then get back to training.”
Hughes' play at the 2022 World Championship showed the Devils just how close he was to joining the team. He played his sophomore year at the University of Michigan after the tournament before joining the Devils in their playoff run.
Hughes shared about the opportunity to play for Team USA at Men's Worlds. “Really excited. Anytime you can represent your country is an honor. I think that’s really exciting to go and try to win.”
Nemec will be representing Slovakia for the third time at this stage. It will be Hischier's fifth time if he does decide to go. If Siegethaler agrees to play it will be his fourth consecutive year.
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