“We didn’t want to leave room for any speculation, there is no reason to hide anything from the public,” reveals the general secretary of the Czech Ice Hockey Association, Jan Černý. “As soon as the nomination is ready, we will introduce it to the players first. In order for them to know, on the contrary, I encourage the fans and the media to be patient. There will be another month for them to start the lineup from the other side,” says coach Radim Rulík, who is returning from an overseas trip on Christmas Day, after which he should have a clear idea of the lineup for the Olympic tournament
After a twelve-year hiatus, NHL players will also appear on it. It is there that goalkeeper Dostál, defender Gudas and forwards Pastrňák, Nečas, Palát and Zacha, who were already certain to participate in the Olympics, because according to the agreement with the IOC, they figured in the previously announced six players.
It can be assumed that most of the players in the Czech nomination will be from the NHL. This will apply 100% to the goalkeepers, but in defense, the help of hockey players working in another competition will also be needed. European legionnaires will probably also be attacked.
In defense, it can be assumed that Rulík will select players so that in each pair there is one who holds the stick on the left and the other on the right. And it also mixes it up so that defenders who have offensive appetites and those who are more able to hold back sit next to each other.
In the attack, players who fulfill a vital role in overseas clubs are confident, but it can be assumed that extraleague fighters like Červenka, maybe even Sedlák, Kaše or Flek will get a place in the team.
While the European part of the selection awaits a short training session on the Karlovy Vary ice before the flight to Milan, the players from the NHL will arrive later directly at the venue of the Olympic tournament. “The selected players will receive all the necessary materials, as we have it ready for the Olympics. Then there will be a minimum of time for us to benefit from the joint preparation. It is necessary for the boys to know our plan in advance,” explains Rulík.
The national team will have three training sessions together in Milan before starting their first group game against Canada on February 12. A day later they play against France, then on February 15th against Switzerland, and after the day off, the elimination part will immediately follow.
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