2026 World Juniors: Top standouts from Germany vs. Slovakia

After nearly pulling off an upset against Sweden, Slovakia scored its first goal of the tournament after beating Germany 4-1 on Saturday.

The Germans are now 0-2 and are the favorite to reach the relegation round in Group A.

2026 NHL Draft prospect Tomas Chrenko scored all three goals for the Slovaks, with two coming on the man advantage. Dustin Willhoft would use his speed to make it 3-1 late in the game, but it proved to be a little bit too late as Adam Belusko sealed the deal with the empty-netter. Detroit Red Wings prospect Michal Pradel, meanwhile, made 34 saves for the victory.

Here’s a look at the top performers from Saturday’s bout:

Germany

#1 Linus Vieillard, G: That was an excellent game for Vieillard, who was basically the only reason this game wasn’t worse for Germany. He was tracking pucks well through traffic, and held his own on the penalty kill. He was great at 5-on-5 too, giving the Slovaks little to shoot at. Even though it’s been a tough tournament for Germany, both goalies have played well so far.

#22 Timo Kose, RW: Kose has had a pair of good games for the Germans. He was best in the second period, when his four-shot effort helped give the Germans a bit of life. Kose has a good shot, and he’s willing to shoot from anywhere. Germany will just need more from the rest of the scoring group if they’re going to have a chance.

Slovakia

#1 Michal Pradel, G (Detroit Red Wings): Pradel only needed to make three saves in the first period – but he had to be lights out the rest of the way. The Germans kept pressuring him in the final two periods but he kept everything in check. The Slovaks don’t have a deep team, but if Pradel can hold his own, they’ll be in good shape. Pradel, in my opinion, is one of the most underrated goalies in this tournament.

#26 Luka Radivojevic, D: After missing Slovakia’s opening game due to illness, Radivojevic re-joined the lineup and gave the Slovaks an immediate boost. He controlled the pace of play from the point, using his high-end mobility to create scoring opportunities. He wasn’t awarded an assist on the opening goal, but he was the one who made it happen after avoiding a pair of attacking Germans before getting the puck towards the net. Radivojevic did get an assist on the third Slovak goal, however. Overall, he is Slovakia’s most crucial blueliner by a mile.

#15 Andreas Strakka, LW: Strakka was on Slovakia’s fourth line, but he didn’t play like he was. He made a great play to help set up the 2-0 goal, and had a couple of quality looks in the first frame himself. Strakka is great on the power play, and he loves to generate scoring chances. He’s not the most rounded player by any means, but he gives it his all when the puck is on his stick.

#21 Adam Nemec, LW (2026 NHL Draft): Nemec had a pair of assists on Slovakia’s first two goals. His chemistry with Chrenko – a fellow draft prospect – was undeniable. Nemec makes smart, quick passes and he has the raw strength to battle hard in front of the net. This was a much more noticeable effort from him today.

#29 Tomas Chrenko, C (2026 NHL Draft): All Chrenko does is impress internationally. He scored twice on the power play and once at 5-on-5 to complete a hat-trick before the end of the second period. Chrenko shines when you give him open ice, and while his 200-foot game needs work, his offensive zone awareness is as good as you’ll find on a team like the Slovaks.