[3][4] The NHL decided not to allow all players to participate in 1988, 1992 or 1994, because doing so would force the league to halt play during the Olympics.
An agreement was reached in 1995 that allowed NHL players to compete in the Olympics, starting with the 1998 Games in Nagano, Japan.
[6] Today, however, Slovakia is considered one of the "Big Seven" hockey nations, and is a regular contender for a medal at international tournaments.
Marián Hossa leads Slovak Olympians in goals (12) and points (25), while Pavol Demitra has 14 assists, more than any other player.
[21] Peter Budaj and Rastislav Staňa were named to the team at the 2010 tournament, but did not play any games.