Maxim Cajkovic, a 3rd round draft pick (89th overall) of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2019, is speaking out for the first time since being kicked out of Slovakia's World Junior Hockey camp following an incident involving a teammate. When Cajkovic was initially released about a week ago, he and the team had very little to say except that Cajkovic was involved in a "serious violation of sport and human value".
It was later revealed through various reports that Cajkovic had levelled teammate Samuel Krajc with a hit considered questionable during a split-squad game. Krajc had suffered a concussion and is unable to participate in the upcoming World Juniors because of the injury. There were rumours that Cajkovic had hit another teammate with a similar, questionable hit before that. That person was not inured, but Cajkovic had been warned not to do it again.
"Due to the fact that I was contacted by many journalists and the media, I've decided to comment on the recent event," said Cajkovic in an interview with Hokej Portal, while stressing he would not be commenting on it again. "I'm sorry about what happened. I'm very sorry for Sam's injury and the fact that he and I won't go to the World Junior tournament. I am a player who goes into every match and duel with enormous commitment, and it was the same in this practise match. I have replayed the moment a hundred times in my head, and even though there was no attempt at a making a dangerous hit, I should have eased up a little or went with another option."
Cajkovic went on to apologize for his actions, calling it a learning experience.
"I have apologized to Samuel and even had a chance to talk to management with the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation," he continued. "I apologize for my on-ice behaviour, and I really mean it," he continued. "Being excluded from the World Junior Tournament is a very sensitive matter for me and it is a great lesson for me in the future."
This was Cajkovic's final opportunity to play in the WJC. The 19-year-old played last year, notching two assists in five games. He was expected to get a much bigger role this year.
