Czech hockey players celebrate a goal in the Swedish net
Vesa Moilanen, ČTK / AP
You have to be happy, right?
I have great feelings. The team stomped, supported each other, played as one team. From goalkeeper to last player. We deserved to win. Our entry into the match meant that we handled it right. We didn’t look from right to left, we didn’t look for excuses and it was obvious. From the second third the Swedes added, the game leveled off. They were more dominant on the puck and for a while we had problems with the lock in our defensive zone. The goal of the Swedes was shuffled in a 1: 3 match, but with the dedication and brave performance of even the young players we were able to win. But overall, we did very well.
Do you agree that the turning point in the match was your two transformed power play at the end of the first period?
That decided. Both days, when we trained in Helsinki, we worked on the game in special formations. My colleagues did a very good job – Martin Straka during the power training, Jarda Špaček during the weakening.
Czech hockey players rejoice at the goal against Sweden.
Vesa Moilanen, ČTK / AP
And the players showed it on the ice in the match, you turned two out of three power playouts, you defended all three weaknesses …
That’s how I would always imagine power-ups (laughs). On the other hand, I have to say that it’s nice to work with players who inspire the coaches themselves. They said something to themselves about powerlifting, consulted with us during training and then turned them into a match. This is how I would imagine the approach of players who want to help the team.
Pešán’s premiere at number one! The Czechs stepped on the Swedes at the beginning of the season
It seemed that you were surprised by the Swedes with a very active game at the beginning of the match …
That’s exactly what happened. Our very good and strong game on the reel was the reason that some situations led to fouls on us and we soon changed the power play. We wanted to have a reel and play on it, we did at least half a match. The Swedes have a team of players of their highest competition and they definitely do not have a bad and inexperienced team.
How did you like the performance of goalkeeper Bartošák, who returned to the national team for the first time since last year’s World Cup and caught nineteen Swedish shots?
Patrik was the cornerstone of victory, without question. He had some very difficult procedures there. I like his approach to training, his interest in communicating not only with coaches, but also with defenders about what is happening on the ice. He is a very active goalkeeper even outside the match, which is exactly the type with which the coach does well.
Goalkeeper of the Czech national hockey team Patrik Bartošák in action during the match with Sweden at the Karjala Cup.
Vesa Moilanen, ČTK / AP
And the performance of the debuting youngsters in the attack of Michael Špaček with Jan Myšák, who even scored an assistance with the third goal?
They played a great match. They were confident, fierce in the fights. Honza Myšák managed the situation before the third goal very well and with great tactics. All the young boys handled it well, but sometimes they take unnecessary risks with the disc. That’s because they are young and want to play with him. This does not change the fact that they are important members of the team.
How did you enjoy your premiere on the adult national team change? Were you nervous before the match?
I was a little nervous, but that’s how I have it before every match. The boys made it easier for me with their approach to the match, just as the created environment with my fellow coaches helped me. I didn’t even have to deal with an extremely difficult decision-making situation. Just the perfect return to matches.
Swedish hockey player Daniel Zaar in a duel with the Czech national team Filip Hronek during the Karjala Cup match.
Vesa Moilanen, ČTK / AP
Even to the atmosphere of the match in front of the empty stands of Hartwall Arena, when almost every word was heard, did you quickly get used to it?
It’s unusual, but when you watch football or tennis, for example, you can hear every word of the participants. The thing is very unusual, but at least it is important to know which players on the ice communicate well. And maybe it’s good for them to be more focused on communication because they feel he can help them.
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