In a remarkable debut for Slovakia at the IIHF World Junior Championship, Alan Lendak, the 19-year-old goaltender, showcased his skills just days after being traded from the Fargo Force to the Des Moines Buccaneers. On December 22, 2023, while preparing for a crucial pre-tournament game against Czechia in Bemidji, Lendak learned of his trade shortly before the match commenced.
Despite the unexpected news, Lendak delivered an impressive performance, stopping all 17 shots he faced against Czechia. The following day, he received a warm welcome from the Buccaneers on Christmas Eve, setting the stage for his participation in the World Junior Championship.
Strong Performance Against Sweden
On December 26, Lendak took to the ice at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul for Slovakia’s opening match against Sweden. He faced a total of 32 shots, successfully turning aside 29 of them, earning the Player of the Game honor despite Slovakia’s narrow 3-2 defeat. Sweden’s Ivar Stenberg scored the decisive goal with just under four minutes remaining in regulation.
“It was a great game. Tough luck, obviously,” Lendak remarked. “We have a game tomorrow, so we have to get prepared for that.”
Slovakia’s head coach, Peter Fruhauf, praised Lendak’s capabilities, stating, “You prepare for your opponent. You go with the goalie who has the best capabilities to save the day, which he did. It was an outstanding job from him and the right decision.” This endorsement highlights Lendak’s growing reputation within the team.
Transitioning to Des Moines
Prior to the trade, Lendak had a solid season with the Fargo Force, sporting a 2.45 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage over 11 starts. However, the Buccaneers have struggled in goal this season, with none of their current goaltenders holding save percentages above .900. Lendak’s transition to Des Moines is seen as a significant opportunity, as the team currently sits in sixth place in the USHL standings.
“I was kind of surprised … but now I’m excited,” Lendak expressed regarding the trade. “I’m obviously focusing on the World Juniors. I don’t really care if I got traded or something right now. I will care after the tournament.” His enthusiasm reflects a strong commitment to his national team during this critical moment.
Lendak’s journey in hockey has been notable. He previously played junior hockey in Slovakia but sought opportunities abroad to further his development. “The USHL is a hard league, one of the best leagues in the world. I’m super happy to play there,” he stated, emphasizing the competitive nature of the league.
Reflecting on Past Experiences
This year marks Lendak’s second appearance in the World Junior Championship, following a challenging debut in Ottawa last year where he recorded a 6.10 goals-against average and a .767 save percentage in two games. “Last year, I was the backup. I kind of tried to follow my partner and what he was doing,” he recalled, indicating that he is now more prepared for the rigors of international competition.
As Lendak focuses on the tournament, he is also contemplating logistics for his move to Des Moines after the championship concludes. “Oh, I don’t know,” he laughed when asked about his belongings in Fargo. “I’ll care about it after World Juniors.” This light-hearted response underscores his commitment to the immediate challenges ahead as he represents Slovakia on the international stage.
With his recent performance and the support from his coaches and teammates, Alan Lendak is not only an essential part of Slovakia’s hopes at the World Junior Championship but also an emerging talent in the USHL, poised for a bright future in hockey.
