RUZICKA TO PLAY BIG ROLE FOR SLOVAKIA

Rangy centreman Adam Ruzicka is poised to be the centrepiece of Slovakia's bid to make some unexpected noise in a powerhouse Group A at the World Juniors.
The Slovaks are looking to improve on a disappointing eighth-place finish at the 2017 tournament held in Toronto/Montreal but with both of last year's finalists, Canada and the U.S., in their path, the road appears treacherous.
In goal, the Slovaks possess NCAA quality in St. Cloud standout David Hrenak - a 1.82 GAA and .947 save percentage in six starts - and up front they'll be counting on New Jersey Devils' draft choice Marian Studenic of the Hamilton Bulldogs.
But on a team that will likely struggle to produce offence, much of the onus will be dropped directly on the broad shoulders of 18-year-old Flames prospect Ruzicka.

After debuting in last year's WJC and wearing the captain's C at the Under-18 World Championship, his international pedigree is growing.
"I think that's the big thing, he's been there before,'' says Flames director of amateur scouting Tod Button. "Last year he was a little wide-eyed. He was still pretty good, though. I think his best stretch of play was with the national team.
"We're looking for him to be a factor this year. You want to see him be more consistent."

At 6-foot-4 and 215-lb., the Bratislava product has taken that "next step" hockey folk are always on about in his second season with the Ontario Hockey League's Sarnia Sting, compiling 39 points, including 20 goals, in 34 games.
After a season acclimatizing to North America and the style of hockey here, Ruzicka's more than fulfilling the potential the Flames saw when they drafted him in the fourth round, 108th overall last summer.
In that slot, six months later, he looks an absolute steal. The escalation in play has turned him into one of the organization's most intriguing prospects.
"In Sarnia, they've got a good team - a very offensive team - and that's helped him,'' says Button. "And, as I said before, he's been very consistent there.
"There aren't the big gaps where you don't notice him for six, seven shifts a period.
"You notice him every shift now."
As a 17-year-old, playing under the bright lights and on the big stage of the world juniors for the first time a year ago, Ruzicka scored one goal in five tournament games.
He, and his country, will be looking for more, much more, in Buffalo.