Slovak hockey player Šimon Nemec is not experiencing an ideal period in the overseas NHL. The 20-year-old defenseman watched the last two games of the New Jersey Devils only from the stands as a healthy substitute.
Photo: ČTK / AP / Frank Franklin II
Šimon Nemec in New Jersey Devils jersey.
With the return of injured running backs Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce, the No. 2 pick in the 2022 draft lost a spot in coach Sheldon Keef’s lineup.
“Devils” have lost four games in a row. Together, they conceded up to 21 goals during them. The team management is not yet satisfied with the results at the beginning of the season and changes in the staff are not excluded.
“I try to take the situation like a professional. It is not easy for me and it is a hard school for me. It’s something new and I’ve never experienced a similar situation in my life,” admitted the German in an interview for olympic.sk in the home hall of the Devils after the meeting with the NY Islanders (3:4 pp).
The bronze medalist from the Olympic Games in Beijing played nine duels in this year’s profiliga, in which he scored one assist, four penalty minutes and two negative points. He played an average of 16:07, while last year he was on the ice for almost 20 minutes per game.
Last season, New Jersey’s young running backs were getting a lot more space than expected as New Jersey struggled with injuries. “Yes, I’m not getting space like last season. I have to fight for it in the next few days. Unfortunately, I am not in the squad now,” said the German.
Before the start of the overseas season, the injury from the Olympic qualification in Bratislava did not add to the German’s mood. After all, he did not have to undergo any surgery and was able to participate in the Devils training camp from the first moment.
“The health problem from the Olympic qualification has nothing to do with my current situation. I will simply try to work my way back into the team and show that I really belong in it,” he added to olympic.sk.
Source: sportweb.pravda.sk
