ADAM SÝKORA QUICKLY BECAME A FAN-FAVORITE WITH WOLF PACK IN ROOKIE SEASON

Aug 29, 2024

HARTFORD, CT – The smile and the personality are unmistakable. When Adam Sýkora walks into a room, no matter what, the room gets a little brighter. The city of Hartford was a little brighter during the 2023-24 season as well, thanks to Sýkora’s presence. The young Slovak forward quickly became a favorite among the Wolf Pack’s fanbase, his trademark smile making him a player that became easy to root for on day one.

The day he truly cemented his status as a favorite in the market, however, was November 15^th, 2023. That was the morning, during the Wolf Pack’s ‘School Day Game’, where Sýkora scored his first career AHL goal. As morning turned to afternoon, the rookie forward was named the ‘First Star’ of the game. When he came out to throw a t-shirt to fans, a tradition at the XL Center, his relationship with the fanbase was cemented

Sýkora fired up the crowd, asking sections to make noise as he decided where to throw his t-shirt. It was something not often seen in North American sports. What it was, however, was Sýkora bringing a piece of home to the Connecticut capital.

“When I was back home (in Slovakia) I did the same with fans, I’m like the friendly guy,” Sýkora said when asked about that moment and his relationship with the fans. “I appreciate every fan who is cheering for me and was helping me and supporting me. I’m the guy who enjoys that so much and I like the crowd here. They are nice people here. From my childhood, my parents taught me to enjoy every moment and appreciate every fan.”

Those lessons from his parents were apparent all season long. Sýkora’s cheery attitude and smile helped keep things light in the Wolf Pack locker room during the grind of a 72-game AHL season.

While Sýkora made an impression off the ice, the real business was on the ice. The former second-round draft choice of the Rangers embarked on his rookie North American season and did not disappoint. It was a season he thought went well, but a season that also showed him what he believes he needs to improve on to get to that next level.

“I think it was a good season for me,” he remarked. “I know, maybe, I need to work on my shooting and that kind of stuff to score more goals because I got scoring chances but I love goals so I need to work on that in the summer.

“The season was very good for me, I improved a lot. I think, from the older guys on, I think we have a nice group of guys so it…