Blümel right after signing: Terribly great! It also comes from the extra league Hokej.cz

After the World Cup, he is in one round, absorbing the most successful tournament of his career so far. But they don’t have to be happy with bronze, for Matěj Blümel, the beginning of June is probably the most beautiful time of his life. The newly 22-year-old Pardubice pupil signed a contract in the NHL.

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And three things are important for its future development – he won the contract with his honest work and successful performances at the World Cup. Second, it does not fly its head in the clouds. Third? He is already planning how he will work over the summer to fulfill his dream in the first team right away…

“Whether it’s the NHL or the AHL, I will take both as a step forward. That’s how I set it up – I want to keep improving, “he says determinedly and with joy in his eyes.

The contract in the NHL is a big milestone. So a dream come true?
It’s something I’ve been working on for so long, it’s awfully great… It’s hard for me to find words, after all, I’ve always wanted this. I’ve always wanted to experience such a moment, and when it’s suddenly here… I want to enjoy it as much as possible.

What were your thoughts when you learned that so many NHL clubs were interested in you?
It was nice to listen and see that the teams are interested. On the other hand, it was during the World Cup and I didn’t want to talk about it that much, I didn’t want to deal with it during the tournament. We waited for the championship to end.

The negotiations then proceeded quickly?
Agents Aleš Volek and Lukáš Hronek solved everything for me, maybe they just told me what kind of clubs they are, so that I have an overview. The rest went beyond me.

But you can definitely feel the fuss around you all of a sudden. What do you say about the growing interest of the media and fans?
It’s challenging, I haven’t stopped at the level of the week after my return. Whether it’s interviews, family events or photo shoots, signatures, storytelling… On the other hand, it’s nice, I can share experiences, I’m a lot with my family, it’s just great.

Signing a contract in the NHL, this is an unconventional celebration of its 22nd birthday…
I didn’t think about it that way. (Laughs) Maybe I’m just lucky to have a birthday at the turn of spring and summer and I can celebrate like this.

Has it ever been time to celebrate anything but world bronze?
Not yet, but I’ll definitely meet my friends. I haven’t been to them much lately. From the national team training, I only went home on weekends, so I only saw my girlfriend and the immediate family. Now it’s great that I have more time not only for them, but also for my friends.

Let’s go back to your contract. What are you most looking forward to overseas?
It’s the best league in the world, it’s every boy’s dream. Fighting for the NHL is a great opportunity. On the other hand, signing it all just begins. One stage ends and another begins, even more amazing. I wonder what the conditions will be like, how I will manage the transition. But I’m really looking forward to it.

And why did you choose the Dallas Stars?
It’s nice that it’s warm there. (smiling) The Dallas organization has a nice history, a lot of Czech guys I know played there. I know from their stories that it was great that they enjoyed it there. As I say, I’m really looking forward to trying it myself.

At the same time, it’s nice for you not to leave Pardubice in a bad way, is it?
They didn’t stop me from signing at all, they allowed us to negotiate with NHL clubs… I really appreciate it and thank them for that. And I also like the fact that even if he swears a bit at our extra league, it can be seen that it is also possible to sign a contract overseas from our competition. This year, it’s not just me, but Adam Klapka. For me, our extra league is not bad at all. I hope there will be more such stories in the future.

Interest in the NHL was already speculated during the tournament, but you did not reveal specific clubs to anyone.
Of course, I talked to my immediate surroundings, maybe I just hinted that Dallas was interested. I just didn’t want to shout it, there was nothing certain until the last moment, so I wanted to wait with it all. For example, Matěj Stránský and I discussed it on the repre, because he played the AHL in Texas for four years. So I asked what and how. But otherwise I dealt with the final selection with an agent. We chose what is best for me. And where is the best chance, to fulfill that dream called the NHL.

How close do you think this meta is?
Hard to evaluate, this is my first professional contract outside Pardubice. I can do my best to prepare for it now. I’m really looking forward to the new season, I have a huge motivation to make the first team. I’ll put everything into it in the summer and we’ll see how it goes at the campsite. I may succeed and play right away. Or not, I’ll go to the AHL and keep fighting.

Aren’t you afraid to start in the AHL?
At all, I’m not afraid. I’m ready for that in my head anyway. Whether it’s the NHL or the AHL, I’ll take both as a step forward. This is how I set it up – I want to keep improving. We’ll see.

Can two seasons in the junior USHL help you? You already know a little what to expect from the USA, you know a narrower course…
Definitely, even if I know English well. I will speak straight away and there will be no “oven” who cannot say a word and would rather have the Czechs themselves in the cabin. This experience can help me.

How do you like American culture and lifestyle overall?
I’ve always liked America, those two years have been great. On the other hand, I have always been looking forward to the Czech Republic in the summer. I like both countries, but of course hockey is better there, so the US is now a clear choice.

What do your friends say about your move across the ocean?
Most of them don’t know it now. Until it’s official, we only dealt with it with family and agents. I’m just glad it worked out that way. When we talk about it with my friends, we may agree that they will come to support me.

The same probably applies to the family, which you have mentioned several times, how important it is to you.
They are also happy, they have already left the decision to me. It is clear to them that I know what I want. They trust me and my agents, so they left it to us. And they are happy.

You’ve also talked about the heat in Dallas. That’s a nice signing bonus, isn’t it?
Its fine! (smiling) I was already in Dallas with the national team in 2017 and we really enjoyed it with the boys. We liked the city and the Stars training center. It was great, so hopefully I’ll have the same feelings now. Or even better. (Laughs)

Photo: Jakub Pláteník, Czech hockey

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