Slovakia U20 player Matúš Válek skate cut at Nyköping five-nation tournament, Digi Mart USA News (Nyköping, Sweden): Disturbing scenes unfolded during the U20 five-nation tournament in Nyköping, Sweden, when Slovakia’s Matúš Válek was struck in the neck by a skate and taken urgently to hospital.
The incident occurred 15 minutes into Saturday’s game between Slovakia and Czechia at Stora Hallen in Nyköping. During a dump-in in the Slovak defensive zone, forward Matúš Válek was hit in the neck by an opposing player’s skate.
According to the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation, an unfortunate movement by the opponent caused a serious laceration. Thanks to quick action from medical staff and the Slovak national team’s coaching staff, he was quickly transported to hospital.
“The player is currently stable and out of danger,” the federation wrote on its website.
“Given the enormous shock to the entire team, the seriousness of the situation and the player’s health, which always comes first, both teams agreed to end the match early,” the federation stated.
The Slovak coaching staff said it is working with Swedish medical personnel and will support Válek during his hospital stay.
Sweden is also taking part in the five-nation tournament in Nyköping. Tonight at 6:00 p.m., the Junior Crowns are scheduled to face Finland in the same arena.
