It was a disappointing World Juniors for team Slovakia Republic last season. They put high expectations on themselves but ultimately fell short finishing outside the top 6. Last season's team was led by the two Filip's, who will be returning this season. Both Filip Chytil and Filip Zadina will try to lead their squads to a better finish this time around.

It was a rough start to camps last season. These two nations have been playing on the same side for a few years now but it wasn't until last season when Czechoslovakian General Manager Eric Ferraro brought these two nations together. After an exchange of local cuisine and a team meet and greet it was then when the two nations saw each other as brothers. Both nations still don't communicate well with each other, but understand the language of hockey. Last years tournament saw 13 Czech players and 5 Slovakian players suit up for the team. This season we see one less Slovakian player as the total is 14 Czech players and 4 Slovakian players. Despite the dip in Slovakian numbers, team representative Adam Ruzicka says there is enough Slovakian talent on the roster to make their nation of 5000 people proud.

Up front, the team looks to have even more firepower then they did last tournament. Despite the whole second line graduating, the team still has it's top 4 players in Chytil, Zadina, Necas and Ruzicka. All players have an extra year of experience under their belt and are much better players for it. This year introduces a new young talent in Martin Kaut, who is expected to play on the second line. Another newcomer is Jachym Kondelik, who has really come into his own the last season. The two of them form a second line with Adam Ruzicka.

The one weakness on this team remains it's defense. Last years tournament saw the top defensive pairing of Libor Hajek and Ondrej Vala graduate. This has left a big gap as last years second pairing will fill in as the top pairing. Both Filip Kral and Radim Salda will do their best to lead from the back end.

In goal, the team also lost it's two goaltenders from last year in David Hrenak from Slovakia, and Milan Kloucek from Czech Republic. Starting in goal will be Jakub Skarek, who is a solid young goaltender and every bit as good as his counterparts from last year. Skarek does have some World Junior experience as he was the third goaltender on last years team.

Overall, the team thinks it has an outside chance at a medal, but it will be every bit as tight as it was last tournament. Here are the expected lineups..