Eight Slovak Players Selected in NHL Draft, Goljer Picked Highest at 49th Overall

Eight Slovak players were selected in this year's NHL Draft, with defenseman or forward Goljer earning the highest pick among his compatriots, taken 49th overall. The NHL Draft is the annual event through which North America's National Hockey League clubs select eligible young players from around the world to join their organizations. Goljer had been rated as the top Slovak prospect in pre-draft rankings, making his selection in the second round a strong result for Slovak ice hockey. Ice hockey is Slovakia's most popular sport and a significant source of national pride, with the country regularly producing talent that reaches the highest levels of professional hockey.