“We miss him so much”

PRAGUE, Czech Republic – Martin Pospisil was impressed, to say the least.

Unfortunately, he also had to leave.

Pospisil, Slovakia's breakout star at the 2024 IIHF World Championship in Prague, suffered an upper-body injury in Tuesday's final qualifying game against Sweden, leaving both the team and the tournament.

“It's heartbreaking for all of us because he's a special kid,” Slovakia coach Craig Ramsey said.

“He does everything you ask him to do. He just gives you 100%. And he's very personable. He just helps everyone around him play better. He's doing everything… powerplay, PK, we use him to start games and set the tone.

“He's such a boy.”

Pospisil crashed heavily into the end boards midway through the first period against Sweden, which had no effect on the knockouts of both sides, who each qualified for the quarter-finals.

Despite sliding under his own power, Pospisil did not return to the game.

He will not return to the tournament, instead going home to recuperate.

Slovakia captain Tomas Tatar said it was difficult to watch.

“Especially in such a meaningless game,” Tatar said. “It wasn't pretty. I hope it's nothing serious, just a minor injury and he'll be fine. It's always hard to see a teammate go down.

“I wish him all the best and obviously we will miss him very much.”