Matúš Válek released from hospital after serious neck injury

Seventeen-year-old Slovak hockey player Matúš Válek has been discharged from a hospital in Nyköping, Sweden, to continue his recovery at home. Válek, an attacker for HC Dynamo Pardubice, underwent surgery following a severe injury sustained during an Under-20 tournament match between Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

The incident occurred in the 15th minute of the game when Czech player Viktor Šámal accidentally struck Válek in the neck with a skate blade during a face-off. The severity of the injury led to the immediate medical intervention of the Slovak national team staff and the premature termination of the match.

The Slovak Ice Hockey Federation confirmed that Válek is stable and no longer in life-threatening condition. The player has expressed his gratitude to fans for their support while requesting privacy for himself and his family during his recuperation.