Translated Slovak article from Slaf’s press conference earlier today.

**Since your knee injury in January, you took a long break from hockey. How are you health-wise?**

Before I left Montreal, I skated. My knee was already feeling good and it was getting better. Now it’s 100%. I think I’ve got enough of a record from the previous years as well.

I didn’t go on the ice every day over the summer, but as the start of the new season approaches, I’ll gradually add some on-ice training.

I’m hoping that when training camp starts, it won’t show that I’ve missed eight or nine months. I haven’t had such a long break from hockey in my career. I missed it.

 

**What helped you during this difficult period?**

It helped that about ten of us got hurt at the same time. I wasn’t alone. I communicated a lot with my family and friends. Time flew by.

When I came to Slovakia, I could train again. I expected a better season from myself, but I’m only looking forward.

 

**What did you enjoy most at home this summer?**

Food, family and friends. I enjoyed being home. I was especially looking forward to the pierogi (Slovak food).

 

**Did you manage to go on a holiday?**

Yes, to Spain. It was a nice ten days.

 

**What did you focus on most in your preparation?**

I focused on all the details on my body to be well prepared. My coach dictated things to do to make me better. I trust him.

 

**Are you stronger than last year?**

Last year I did three pull-ups, now I’ll do six (laughs). I should be stronger. I can see it on my body. The tests also showed that I have lost weight somewhere and gained weight somewhere.

I feel better. I’ve been working on the little things. I wouldn’t have done a mountain stage in the Tour de France, but I would have done a flat stage.

 

**You have had training to increase lung capacity. What did it consist of?**

I went for a test with a bicycle and it came out that I have a worsened lung capacity. They explained to me that if I wanted to improve the first three steps on the ice, I had to have more volume.

I worked with a machine called the SpiroTiger. It’s a balloon with a little screen that I breathe into for a minute before training. There are different intervals and I gradually speed up or slow down.
By some miracle, I’ve managed to increase my lung capacity by fifteen to twenty percent in a month and a half. The trainer didn’t understand that. I continue doing it.

 

**Did it make you feel better?**

It’s hard to tell in the middle of summer preparation. I I think I will use it during the substitutions in game. Only then will I know if it helped me or not.

 

**You also trained with special glasses. How did it help you?**

I don’t know, I couldn’t even see the puck very well (laughs).

 

**Could that help with the hits to the head that you took last season?**

Everything flashed through the goggles . I don’t know if it helps (laughs). I have to keep my head up when I play, no glasses are going to help me.

 

**What is your next programme?**

On Tuesday I will fly to Montreal, where I will train. I don’t know yet if I will get some time off. I will find out on the spot. I will fight for a spot in the lineup.

 

**Are you in contact with the Montreal Canadiens management?**

Yes, especially with the skills coach who was in charge of me and the conditioning coach. The general manager texted me after graduation when he saw the pictures.
He got back to me once in a while. The last time I got a message from him, he told me to come to Montreal on August 1.

 

**How did you graduate?**

I am a model pupil. My grades were one, one, two, two (A, A, B, B). I pleased my parents. When my parents are happy, I’m happy.

 

**Have you learned French?**

We have some tutoring. Almost no one from my family speaks French. We really should start. I’m sure I’ll pick up some French in the next few years.

 

**In your rookie season, the Canadian fans were lenient on you. In your second season, there will be more pressure on you. Are you ready for that?**

I’m sure they’ll expect more from me. I’m already counting on that. But I believe I’m very well prepared and I can play hockey.

When the team didn’t do well, the fans took it harder. On the other hand, it’s nice when things are going well and everybody is cheering for us. I believe it will only go up and there will be less criticism.

 

**Have you set any goals that you would like to achieve?**

I have goals, but I’d like to keep them to myself. I’ll work on them in the meantime.

 

**What’s up with the rivalry in the Montreal Canadiens?**

We’re friends on the team, but everyone knows he’s going for a spot. The older players who have a secure spot on the roster will give the younger players one. It’s like that everywhere.

 

**Your friend and teammate Filip Mešár could also make the main team next season. How do you see it?**

I would be happy if it happened. He had a very good camp last year and was there for quite a long time. If he works on himself a little bit now, he has a chance.

 

**A year ago you were staying with family in Montreal. Will you be alone now?**

Yes. When Filip arrives, I’ll host him and see how we get on. I hope we’ll both stay together.

 

**What do you think about the fact that other Slovak hockey players succeeded in this year’s draft?**

It’s great. I’m glad that we have a lot of players drafted in the last years. It’s just the beginning for all of us and we have a long way to go.

 

**Are you happy that the coach of the Slovak national team Craig Ramsay stayed on the bench?**

It’s great that Craig stayed. If I’m available, I’ll be happy to come to the championship in the Czech Republic next year. I missed it.

[Source](https://sportnet.sme.sk/spravy/juraj-slafkovsky-rozhovor-priprava-leto-odchod-montreal-canadiens/)

by 420_Scope_It