UPDATE: Just hours after being traded to the Des Moines Buccaneers, Alan Lendak showcased his skills, keeping Slovakia competitive in their World Junior Championship (WJC) opener against Sweden this afternoon. The 19-year-old goalie stopped 29 of 32 shots in a narrow 3-2 loss, earning the title of Slovakia’s Player of the Game.
Lendak’s journey took a sharp turn on December 22, 2023, as he prepared for a pivotal match against Czechia. Unknown to him, the Fargo Force had finalized a trade, sending him to Des Moines. “Nobody wanted to tell me I got traded,” Lendak reflected. “The GM from Fargo called me the next morning and said, ‘Hey, we traded you.’”
In his last game with Fargo, Lendak was flawless, stopping all 17 shots he faced against Czechia. On Christmas Eve, he received a warm welcome from the Buccaneers, setting the stage for his immediate impact in the WJC.
Despite Slovakia’s loss, Lendak’s performance was hailed by Coach Peter Fruhauf, who stated, “He did an outstanding job… the right decision.” Lendak’s ability to rise to the occasion is crucial as Slovakia seeks to advance in the tournament.
Lendak’s transition from Fargo to Des Moines comes at a critical time. He had been performing well in the USHL, posting a 2.45 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage over 11 starts. In contrast, the Buccaneers struggled with goaltending, making Lendak’s addition vital.
“I’m excited,” Lendak said. “I’m focusing on the World Juniors right now. Des Moines is a great spot, and I will care about the USHL after the tournament.”
This marks Lendak’s second WJC appearance, significantly improved from his previous year’s performance, where he faced challenges as a backup. “Last year, I was just trying to follow my partner and enjoy the game,” he admitted.
As Lendak prepares for Slovakia’s next match, he faces logistical challenges regarding his belongings still in Fargo. “Oh, I don’t know,” he laughed when asked about his next steps post-tournament.
With fans eager to see how Lendak will influence Slovakia’s campaign, all eyes are on the emerging star as he continues to make headlines in this year’s World Junior Championship. Stay tuned for further updates on Lendak and Slovakia’s progress in the tournament.
