Damian Slovak Invited to Slovakia U18 National Team Camp for Hlinka Gretzky Cup

The West Chester Wolves Academy is proud to announce that defenseman Damián Slovák has been invited to the Slovakia men’s national under-18 team camp ahead of the prestigious 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Slovák, a 6'2", 190-pound left-shot blueliner from Bratislava, Slovakia, spent the 2024-25 season anchoring the Wolves’ defense across multiple leagues, including the THF and NAT1HL. Known for his poise under pressure and elite hockey IQ, Slovák’s development in North America has clearly paid off with this national team nod.

“Damián had a great year of development with our U16 team last year and made huge strides both on and off the ice as a player and young man. He earned this opportunity and we are very proud of him for that ,” said Wolves NCDC Head Coach and General Manager R.C. Lyke. “He brings a calm presence to the ice and competes in all three zones. This is a well-deserved opportunity.”

Wolves Academy Coach Brennan Luckanish echoed that sentiment: “We brought Damián in because we believed in his upside—and he’s delivered. His commitment to development, both mentally and physically, has put him in a position to represent his country on one of the biggest U18 stages in the world.”

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is widely regarded as the first major international showcase of the season for NHL Draft-eligible players. Slovák’s invitation is a major milestone—not just for his career, but for the Wolves Academy program as well.