Tampere (from our newsletter) – His teammate Max Comtois, the only Canadian who was at last year’s gold in Riga, also came to the World Cup. Already in the group in Tampere, Simon will face a duel with Vinni Lettieri, who represents the USA. “We talked about the championship together, but there was no hacking in the style that whoever did better would be the king of the cabin,” says Simon, who will wait to see if a qualifying offer comes from the Ducks, to which he moved from Pittsburgh in late March.
–
Otherwise, he may become an unprotected free agent in July. “The agent’s task is to probe the current market position. But I would not resist continuing the engagement in Anaheim at all. I was immediately given a significant space on the ice, there was a good group in the cabin, I thought it was all right, “reveals Simon, who also liked the local weather.” The clouds are only there a few days a year, otherwise it’s constantly sunny, “he says.
–
Training of the Czech national hockey team before the start of the World Cup in Tampere.Photo: Michal Kamaryt, CTK
In Pittsburgh, he launched an attack with the stellar Crosby. “There were no signs of an exchange before, she came surprisingly. But the Penguins cared a lot about Rakell, I was just part of the trade, “says the player, who played 268 games in the overseas league.
–
He also wore a Calgary jersey in the two of these teams. “I probably left the biggest piece of the hockey heart in Pittsburgh, I still keep in touch with a lot of people from the Penguins. I appreciate the good relationships I have established there, “adds Simon, who is at the World Championships for the third time in her career.
–
The ice in Tampere has improved
–
“So far, the tournament atmosphere in Tampere hasn’t given me much relief, we probably arrived early on Wednesday and the work here was just finishing. Every day, the right feeling from the championship is getting closer, “he suggests, looking at the quality of the ice in the Nokia Arena.” I think it’s a little better, more slippery and not so much snow. Or maybe it’s by getting a little used to it, too, “says Simon.
–
“The hall is otherwise very nice, big, so we’ll see how many people come to see. Perhaps some Czech fans will arrive in good numbers for Saturday’s match with the British, “Simon hopes, who experienced an almost homely atmosphere at previous championships in Prague and Bratislava.
–
Nokia Arena in Tampere hosts this year’s World Cup.Photo: Michal Kamaryt, CTK
“Support from the auditorium will definitely play a role, but the hall itself looks really nice. When Colorado and Columbus join here, it will be a dignified environment for the NHL game, “recalls the overseas league duel scheduled for early November in Tampere.
–
Third participation in the championship
–
Simon was at the championships in fourth places from Prague 2015 and Bratislava 2019, this year he finally believes in the medal success of the Czech Republic. “Representation is the most for me. I have a national high in my heart, I take it as a reward and I look forward to every match, “says Simon, whose advantage is versatility. He can play both the middle forward and the wing.
–
This year he got a place in the line-up next to the Extský pair Stránský and Špaček. “Both boys hear a lot about each other. I try to be adaptable on the ice, I have completely changed my role several times, but with Matěj and Michael we got used to each other quite quickly, “explains Simon, a native of Prague.
–
The system practiced by Finnish coach Jalonen seems optimal to him. “It simply came to our notice then. As I have been playing overseas for several years, English in the cabin is completely natural to me. There are no problems with communication, “explains Simon.
–
The Czech hockey players flew to the World Cup. I would like to have some more success, wishes the captainVideo: Sport.cz
At the premiere of Benjamin
–
At the premiere of the championship seven years ago, he was a surprise nomination and team benjamin. “I was still very young, but the boys took me in very well and made it much easier for me. I really could only play there, without much burden of responsibility, “he recalls.
–
In Bratislava, he formed the most striking Czech formation with Frolík and Voráček, the solid performance was missing only the medal point. “It simply came to our notice then. And that is now, which is why I expect the best possible performance to help the team, “says Simon.
–
| EXTRA IMPACT on Sport.cz |
| Before and after the matches of the Czech team and also during the breaks between the thirds, the hockey studio of the Sport.cz editorial board will broadcast live. Do not miss excerpts, observations directly from Finland, opinions of well-known experts and other interesting things on our website. |
–
He has more or less positive memories. He just has the feeling that in both tournaments the semi-final defeats with Canada took the Czech team a little wind out of the sails. “There are some lessons to be learned, so hopefully we will help this year,” Simon hopes.
—
