The twenties trained for the first time in the main hall: Petrovský also appeared on the ice after quarantine – Športky.sk

RED DEER – Slovak hockey players under the age of 20 trained for the first time on Monday in the Peavey Mart Center, the main hall in Red Deere and the venue of the basic B-group of the upcoming Junior World Championships. As part of the training, they also played a model match, with Servác Petrovský appearing on the ice for the first time after the quarantine.

The 17-year-old striker has completed the past six days in self-isolation. The reason was contact with a positive teammate at the Owen Sound Attack club before joining the Slovak “twenties” camp in Red Deere. Although Petrovsky had only negative PCR test results, according to the decision of the authorities of the Canadian province of Ontario, in which he was in contact with the positive, he had to remain in quarantine longer than the others.

Only after five negative PCR tests from December 15 and one negative antigen test on Monday morning did the organizers release him from isolation. “I was finally able to join the team. I’ve had enough in my room,” stated for hockeyslovakia.sk Petrovsky. “It was frustrating. I tried to think positive, do some exercise in the room. In addition, I watched several NHL games, I also watched Netflix. I didn’t have more options.”

Skillfully 27 players started training preparations for the junior championship on December 18 after three days in isolation. At the beginning of their first stay on the ice, their legs were heavier and they ran longer. On Monday, Petrovsky had to overcome a deficit of up to six days without ice: “It was difficult. The first steps were difficult. Also because I had to take an antigen test in the morning and wait for the result. I didn’t even have time to warm up properly. Over time, I felt better and I believe it will be even better tomorrow.”

The Slovaks were originally scheduled to complete the first preparatory match against Finland on Monday. However, two days ago, the organizing committee of the championship, together with the relevant authorities and federations, proceeded to tighten up anti-pandemic measures, which included a reduction in the number of preparatory duels. Instead of at least two, each team should play at least one before the sharp start of the World Cup. Slovaks could jump in on the afternoon of December 23, Canadian time. The opponent’s name is still waiting for confirmation, the hockeyslovakia.sk website informed.

• The author: © List
• Source: TASR