David Kämpf discusses Toronto exit and return to Czech Republic for World Cup

He landed in Prague on Wednesday, and the next day he took over the management of coach Radim Rulík. And Friday? Short change and push into overalls against Finland. Defensive center David Kämpf came fresh after two years of busy travel to the World Cup. With a small difference – unlike the competition in Tampere, this time his equipment bags didn’t go anywhere.

“It was good this year, nothing was missed. But there was no big problem with the last time either, then they brought it to me,” laughed Kämpf, remembering what happened last year.

Have you taken in the Boston eliminations yet?
It’s a big disappointment, it’s still in my head. Expectations are high from us in Toronto, we always want to succeed. The series was very even, two quality teams met. It was the details that mattered – in the end it was one shot in the seventh game. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out anymore. All that remains is to prepare for next year.

Do you feel that this may be the end of current Toronto? There is talk of whether the management will cut the star around Auston Matthews…
In Toronto, it’s always addressed, especially by the media. I really don’t know what’s going to happen. Guys are under contracts so you can’t trade them anywhere.

Do you feel a little more secure when there is some non-transferability clause in your contract?
There are only ten teams, so you never know. The business of the NHL is so big that you can be traded any day…

But the exit interviews may not have been pleasant…
I wouldn’t even say it. It is the way it is. We lost, we had a last meeting and we got the information about it. We want to be better next year, we have to start working hard from the summer.

Can you tell what kind of pressure a guy like Mitch Marner is dealing with in Toronto? After the seventh duel, the fans did not leave him a dry thread.
I can’t speak for him, but the pressure is probably great, especially on the top stars. I can’t put myself in his shoes, but he sure feels it.

You will now also be heavily scrutinized at the home tournament…
Each player takes it and gives it in a different way. I think I have learned to live with it. I don’t admit it at all, I try to perform as well as possible. Then I can calmly look in the mirror and be at peace.

Were you happy with the phone call from general manager Petr Nedvěd?
Of course it creates an atmosphere, it’s a little different in the national team. One has the opportunity to play for something and look forward to something.

Did you agree beforehand?
There was already some contact during the season. I thought the phone could come and we would agree whether they were interested or not.

What about your feelings from the first training session?
It wasn’t all bad. I only flew to the Czech Republic yesterday, the journey was rather difficult. One is always tired afterwards. But I skated and I feel good. I’m glad to be home.

You jump into the tournament with straight legs – right away against Finland on Friday. Is it suitable for you?
It is better. You will get more into it than waiting two or three days. The game will help me, hopefully I will improve day by day.

The post from the coaching staff is made especially for you, isn’t it? A center with safeguarding responsibilities, with an emphasis on impairment and bullying…
Every player who comes here has the same role as in the club. I don’t think anything will change.

You circled around Ondra Kaše a lot in training. You probably have something to talk about, don’t you?
Clearly. We know each other, we are good friends. I am happy that I can play with him again in the same team. We succeeded in Toronto, before that in Chomutov. I watched him all season in Litvínov, he played great hockey. He was in good health, good for him.

What do you expect from a collaboration with Daniel Voženílk and Matěj Stranský?
The boys are strong and skate. I think we could have a good time. We will do the best we can. We want to play actively, that can suit me. Hope it works.

Do you already have family tickets for some games?
I haven’t figured it out yet, it’s my first day here. I know I might get some for the first game.

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