“Experienced Slovakian Striker Libor Hudáček Talks Leadership and Preparation for World Championships”

I came to make it easier for young people and to pass on experience to them, says the oldest striker LIBOR HUDÁČEK

Hudáček jumped into the game after a one-week break and one training session. “After such a break, one needs to get into it. I rubbed it off, I was sweating. I am satisfied with that. I was pleased that we won, even though we messed up. Winning is important for the mood and psyche of the team. Every game won means self-confidence. Even though the Austrians equalized at 3:3, the boys and I kept telling each other that we are better and we have to confirm it with a victory.” said the experienced striker.

From the World Championships, he has silver in his collection from 2012 from Helsinki, and last year he was in the bronze team at the Winter Olympics in Beijing. Overall, he is clearly the most experienced of the skaters on Craig Ramsay’s team. He is heading for his seventh career world championship. He played 44 matches at the World Cup, scoring 8 goals and scoring 21 points.

LOTS OF VIDEOS

At the end of the preparation before the world championship, things were nervous on the ice from our players’ side. It also stemmed from the fact that several young players did not have certain places and were waiting for the final elimination of the trio of hockey players. “For some, these are their first matches, they are still gaining experience. It is only good that they are experiencing it. I’ve been through it myself,” said Hudacek.

The current selection should rely mainly on the offensive. “We created many chances in the last match as well. I know that the guys were in a similar situation in other matches as well. Sometimes we have to cut back and play less beauty. I’m not worried about the attack, I’m more worried about the defense. We have younger players in defense and more inexperienced players in goal. We need to analyze it more and put emphasis on it. At the World Cup, there will be experienced teams full of seasoned players who will punish every mistake.”

Libor Hudáček realizes that there were too many mistakes. “I think we’re going to watch a lot of video and talk about it. After all, it was just a preparation, we will fine-tune everything for the World Championships. The coaches saw who, what and how he managed and drew consequences from it. I think it will change in a positive direction,” he thought.

HE PREFERS TO PLAY CENTER

The native of Spišská Nová Ves went through several phases in the national team. He started as a winger, in recent years he has been playing center. Even in the last preparatory duel, he skated in the absence of the duo Marek Hrivík – Peter Cehlárik as a middle forward in the elite formation. “We haven’t discussed with the coaches yet where they are counting on me. I always prefer centers, but it’s up to them. I will play whatever they choose. I don’t really care, but I’d rather be in the middle of the attack.”

The experienced striker smiled when we reminded him that he is the oldest in the team preparing for the World Cup. He was always known as the entertainer of the cabin and the player who makes the team feel good. Now he will also have more tasks to lock down the team.

“I’ve talked a lot in the booth in the past as well. We are here to take leadership and pass on experience to younger people. Just as I collected them ten or eleven years ago, they must collect them too. I believe that we elders will make it easier for them,” added Libor Hudáček.