When my brother’s name was heard right after Slafkovski, I almost cried. I will tell you why I am better in Slovakia than in America – Extraliga – Hockey

However, the years pass and Adam Nemec builds his own career.

The younger brother of Šimon Nemec, the defenseman of the Slovak national team and the number two pick of the 2022 NHL draft, is one of the smart youngsters who are still only in their teens getting a place in the extra-league Nitra jersey.

For several seasons now, the reigning champion has been coining the theory that if the youngsters have what it takes, the best for their development is the senior competition.

“Nitra is famous for its work with young people. They do it really well in the club. We have everything we need to develop. I’m glad that I can be a part of it,” says the 17-year-old German junior, who scored his first goal in the top competition on Friday into the Nový Zámky net.

I work with my brother

The Nemcovci siblings grew up in Liptovský Mikuláš and were very close to hockey since childhood. Šimon, who is four years older than his brother, transformed over time into a defender, Adam remained a forward.

“When I was younger, I always looked up to him as a “big” brother. I admired him, he gave everything to his efforts. Šimon was always very goal-oriented. He was only 15 years old when he went to Nitra and they let him play for the men. It wasn’t easy for him, but he went after his goal. I tried to take this quality from him,” explains the young man.

The family sticks together, and that’s why Adam was not absent in Montreal at the 2022 NHL draft, which was written in capital letters in the history of Slovak hockey.

The home Canadiens did not choose the expected favorite Shana Wright from the first place, but reached for Juraj Slafkovski. His friend from the national team, Šimon Nemec, who became the choice of the New Jersey Devils, “went” right after him.

“Seeing my brother on stage was a great feeling, I almost had tears of emotion. None of us expected it, not even him. When I saw Wright disappointed that he didn’t start from first or second place, as a Slovak, it made me a little happy,” he admits with a smile.

In recent years, it is a common phenomenon that talented young people leave Slovakia for better conditions abroad. Either they choose the Scandinavian route and head to Finland or Sweden, or their choice is one of the overseas juniors.

However, the German junior is following in his brother’s footsteps. Also on his recommendation, he stayed at home and is gaining experience with senior hockey either in Nitra or in the first league Levice.

“At the moment, overseas or other foreign travel does not appeal to me. I have a great time here. Šimon also agreed that it is better for my development and that this way I can get used to the senior competition better. So far I am very satisfied in Nitra, we will see what the future will bring,” he says.

He greatly appreciates the solid minutes in the jersey of the reigning champion and the ever-increasing space on the ice.

“Not only me, but the other young guys take it with humility. We are happy for every single minute we get in Nitra. We work honestly in training, in matches we try to do what the coaches want from us,” he says.

A historical event

Friday’s match against Nový Zámky was special not only for him. In Nitra’s 4:0 win, four different 17-year-old teenagers scored. In addition to the German, there were also Ivan Berčík, Matúš Lisý and Tomáš Chrenko Jr.

It was a historical unique that has no parallel in the leading European competitions. While other extra-league clubs have a problem putting one or two juniors into the game, Nitra fielded six players under the age of 20 on Friday, and four of them also made a mark in terms of goalscoring.

“A wonderful evening for all of us and the whole team. We were happy for each other, we allowed each other goals. I believe that we will be seen in such a light more often,” the German praises himself.

The youngsters command respect across the extra league, and are treated as equals in the cabin as well. Until recently, Brett Ritchie was also sitting next to them, with 400 games in the NHL one of the most famous names that have been active in the Slovak competition in recent years.

“It was amazing to watch such a professional in action. Not only me, but also the other guys try to take as much as possible from more experienced teammates. Everyone is willing, they will help us, give us advice,” says the young forward.

Branislav Mezei also praises Nitra youth. Until last week, the captain of the “Corgons” started in the defensive pair with Matúš Lisý (he was injured on Friday), who is more than a quarter of a century younger than him.

Or otherwise – when Nemec et al. they were born in 2007, Mezei was 27 years old and had played 183 games in the NHL and started at three world championships.

“They are smart guys, they get an opportunity, they don’t just sit on the bench. They show that they can do it, and hand in hand with that, their self-confidence grows. They defend their position and when they do something extra, like in the match against Nový Zámky, it’s amazing to watch,” says the experienced defender.

Teenagers have responsibilities within the team – they collect pucks and hockey sticks after training, and clean the bus after field trips. But in other matters they are equal to others.

“Neither I nor the other guys take them as “ears”. They have been with us for a long time and that is why they are regular members of the team. Can they touch me? Of course, but only if they are not wrong,” laughs the 44-year-old Mezei.

Satisfied coach

Andrej Kmeč also acknowledges the work with the “basketball players” and their approach to hockey.

Nitra’s coach has an advantage over other colleagues in the league, that when the team is plagued by injuries, illnesses or the disciplinarian intervenes with punishments, he reaches out to the youth team.

“The German, Chrenko and the others have a ‘hockey spirit’ in them, they are not afraid to play with the puck. That’s why they know how to establish themselves even among the seniors. From the beginning of the season, the youngsters and I had a plan, and although we are now going beyond it, the season simply brought it that way. They show that when we have a problem, they can stand in and help,” says coach Nitra.

However, everything must be done in moderation. According to Kmeč, it is equally important that Nemec et al. they also played in the junior competition and also in the first league, where they will get more minutes and space in the power formations.

“We don’t plan to keep them only in the extra league. We don’t want them to lose their uniqueness, because then there would be a risk that they would become just average players in the fourth formation,” he explains.

He adds that the results of working with young players will be seen after the season.

“Regardless of whether you win or lose, the individual growth of young people is important not only for our club, but for all of Slovak hockey. Home players are missing, then we have to fill the holes with foreigners. We are happy that we create such conditions for the young guys in Nitra that they don’t think about going abroad and that they stay with us,” says Kmeč.

Criticism from the couch

However, hockey is not always just honey lick.

In addition to positives such as the first goal in the senior extra league or a three-point win against Slovan (prior to yesterday, Nitra managed to do this two years ago), the German junior must also get used to the other side of hockey glory.

Despite the fact that 17- or 18-year-old teenagers try their best in the demanding “male” competition, there are people who are able to vilify or even scold young people for their performance.

German teammate Tomáš Pobežal also experienced it. The skilful forward was among the top scorers in the extra league before going to the recent U20 World Cup.

However, the tournament in Ottawa did not work out for him individually, when he did not win points. Immediately, a wave of misplaced criticism and “hate” descended on him.

“The junior championship is a short tournament, it works for some, not for others. This does not change the fact that Tomáš is an excellent hockey player and at the age of 18 he performs brilliantly. He still has his whole career ahead of him,” says the “eighteenth” from Nitra.

It is logical that if a young hockey player learns in fights against more experienced opponents, he will also make mistakes. Adam Nemec also heard the criticism of “experts” from social networks.

“I caught something, but I try not to notice it. Most of the people who curse us in this way have never played hockey in their life, so they don’t even know what they are talking about,” he says.

Thanks to his performances, Nitra won four of the last five matches and jumped to third place in the extra league table. The next match will be played tomorrow on the ice of Nové Zámky.