Sports stats



QMJHL Charlottetown Islanders

U20 World Junior Showcase: Slovakia vs. Germany

November 25, 2024 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Charlottetown Islanders News Release


Hockey fans, the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown is the place to be on Thursday, December 12th, at 7 p.m., as Slovakia and Germany collide in a U20 World Junior Showcase game brimming with future NHL talent.

This matchup offers fans a rare chance to watch the next wave of international hockey stars in an intense pre-tournament battle. Both teams bring skill, speed, and determination as they aim to set the tone for the upcoming World Junior Championship-and maybe even a shot at a medal.

This is a great opportunity for players to make an early name for themselves and will be giving everything they've got to crack the World Junior final roster.

Rising Stars to Watch

-Luka Radivojevic (Defenseman, Slovakia, Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL)

The future of Slovak hockey shines brightly with Radivojevic, a player already generating buzz among Islanders fans. He turned heads as a 17-year-old at last year's U20 tournament and now he's looking even stronger. Showcasing his elite skating, puck-moving ability, and defensive reliability in the USHL with the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Radivojevic is a name you'll be hearing a lot, and Islanders fans can be sure to look forward to his debut on home ice next season! For now, this game is the perfect chance to see him dominate on the international stage in front of the Islander faithful.

-Tomáš Pobežal (Forward, Slovakia, HK Nitra)

Pobežal is a dynamic and versatile center who thrives under pressure. Known for his high hockey IQ, crisp passing, and relentless forechecking, he's a player who makes his teammates better. Despite being slightly undersized, his physicality and willingness to battle make him a standout. Pobežal has the potential to climb draft boards this season with his competitive edge and offensive skill set and is one to watch on game night.

-Andreas Straka (Center, Slovakia, Quebec Remparts, QMJHL)

A big-bodied, two-way forward, Straka is the kind of player who impacts the game in all zones. His physical play and ability to drive the puck create headaches for opponents, while his strong skating and playmaking add an offensive spark. Straka's versatility and compete level make him a player to watch as he develops into a top prospect. We've seen him before in Charlottetown when the Islanders took on the Remparts earlier this season and in the CHL's top 10 with an unbelievable Michigan-goal.

Germany's Standout Prospects

-Carlos Händel (Defenseman, Germany, Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL)

Germany's top prospect heading into the 2025 NHL Draft, Händel is an elite puck-moving defenseman with a complete game. He impressed at the international level last year, and his ability to control the pace of play makes him a leader on the German blue line. Fans of the Mooseheads and beyond will appreciate the skill and composure Händel brings to the game.

-Max Bleicher (Forward, Germany, Owen Sound Attack, OHL)

A rookie sensation in Germany's top league last year, Bleicher's combination of size, skill, and physicality has made him one of Germany's most promising young forwards. He's already shown he can excel against older competition, and his play in Charlottetown will be sure to draw NHL scouts' attention.

-David Lewandowski (Forward, Germany, Saskatoon Blades, WHL)

Lewandowski is a scoring machine who thrives on creating opportunities in the offensive zone. With a knack for finding the net and setting up his teammates, this 6'2" winger is poised to make a major impact for Germany. His ability to perform under pressure makes him a player fans won't want to miss.

Don't Miss the Action

This matchup of Slovakia and Germany is more than a game-it's a showcase of hockey's future. With players like Radivojevic, Pobežal, Händel, and Bleicher on the ice, fans in Charlottetown will witness the intensity and skill of world junior hockey up close. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for a great night out, don't miss this chance to see the stars of tomorrow "throw down in Charlottetown"!

Tickets are on sale now-secure yours and experience world-class hockey at the Eastlink Centre.

Check out the Charlottetown Islanders Statistics

• Discuss this story on the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League message board...

Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from November 25, 2024


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central