Vítkovice coach Václav Varaďa welcomed the election of 34 -year -old Hrivik. “The guys we entrusted to the team at the end of last season did a lot of work. But together with Aleš Krejoška we felt that it was necessary to make some intervention,” said Vítkovice coach and manager.
“I perceive Mark as a big leader and an experienced player. He is a boy dressed in quality European competitions and I feel it will help younger players. If I were a player and came to the team Marek with his history, he would be one of the candidates in my election. Varaďa.
A native of Zilina Slovakia, Hrivík knows what the work of the captain involves, with the captain’s C -chest, for example, led the Slovak national team to bronze medals at the Beijing Olympics. “It will be important to pull together. We have experienced and young players in the team, but the bunch is great.
Vítkovice did not define the goals for the new season. Varaďa summed up the ambition simply – to win every match and be an unpopular opponent. “But we will not fir the opponents for it at night in front of the hotel,” Hrivík joked.
“We want no one to be played against us. So that no one is looking forward to Ostrava. It will be a reward for us if the opponents say that it will be difficult to get some points before the match.” He continued.
For the Slovak representative, Wednesday’s start on the ice of Karlovy Vary will be the premiere in the Czech Extraliga. He recognizes teammates and coach Varaďa. “Players who know him from the previous joint work have been poured about him. Some of his straightness do not fit, they like to do the hockey in their own way and then there may be collisions. But it should suit me.
“I wanted to change the environment after six years, get a new impulse and move a little closer to home. I’m from Žilina, it’s really a bit home now and it’s very nice to have a home season and be with my family and friends,” Hrivík explained.
