# Slovak Hockey Hall of Fame inductions and annual awards

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/slovak-hockey-hall-of-fame-inductions
> Updated: 2026-08-14T17:00:00.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3.

The Slovak Ice Hockey Federation (SZĽH) held its ‘Hokejista roka’ (Hockey Player of the Year) gala in Košice, celebrating major individual achievements and Hall of Fame inductions. 

Juraj Slafkovský was named Slovak Hockey Player of the Year for the fourth time, marking his third consecutive win. He was also recognized as the best Slovak forward following a season where he recorded 73 points in 82 NHL games for the Montreal Canadiens and performed strongly at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Other awards included Martin Fehérváry as best defenseman, Samuel Hlavaj as top goaltender, and Vladimír Országh as best coach.

The ceremony featured the induction of Craig Ramsay and Michal Handzuš into the Slovak Hockey Hall of Fame. Ramsay, who concluded an eight-year tenure as head coach of the Slovak national team, was credited with transforming the team’s mindset by instilling confidence and promoting an offensive style of play. 

Vladimír Országh, who served as an assistant under Ramsay before becoming head coach in 2025, noted that Ramsay taught players to believe they could defeat any opponent. Under Országh’s leadership, the national team achieved a fourth-place finish at the Milan Olympics and a ninth-place finish at the World Championships in Switzerland. Michal Handzuš was honored for his career as a Stanley Cup winner and multiple World Championship medalist.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-14: Craig Ramsay inducted into Slovak Ice Hockey Hall of Fame

Canadian coach Craig Ramsay has been inducted into the Slovak Ice Hockey Hall of Fame, recognized for transforming the national team's confidence and playing style during his eight-year tenure.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/craig-ramsay-inducted-into-slovak-ice-hockey-hall-of-fame

### 2026-08-12: Juraj Slafkovský wins Slovak Hockey Player of the Year for fourth time

Juraj Slafkovský won his fourth Slovak Hockey Player of the Year award in Košice, following a career-high NHL season. Craig Ramsay and Michal Handzuš were inducted into the Slovak Hockey Hall of Fame.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovak-hockey-player-of-the-year-gala-to-be-broadcast-from-koice

### 2026-07-27: Slovak Hockey Hall of Fame to Induct Craig Ramsay and Michal Handzuš in 2026

The Slovak Hockey Hall of Fame will add coach Craig Ramsay and forward Michal Handzuš in 2026, with an induction gala on Aug 13 in Košice, announced by SZĽH president Miroslav Šatan.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovak-hockey-hall-of-fame-to-induct-craig-ramsay-and-michal-handzu-in-2026

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Cite as: Slovak Hockey Hall of Fame inductions and annual awards. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/slovak-hockey-hall-of-fame-inductions