Bratislava (from our reporter) – Like a true modern defender, he wasn’t afraid to step forward, he started on the right wing, received a pass and hung in like an experienced cannoneer. “We played it through the left wing, we passed it, Ondra Kaše played it to me in the middle zone. I already knew that I was going to beat the quarterback. I got it on a platter. It was enough to aim and score a goal,” smiled the silver medalist from last year’s U20 championship.
The son of the famous back Jaroslav Špaček, Olympic champion and three-time world champion, called his dad home after the first meeting. “I was praised for my good performance. I didn’t think too much about it, I wanted to perform even better in the next match,” he said. And he succeeded.
Editing of Saturday’s match Slovakia–Czech RepublicVideo: Czech hockey
Not only with a goal, but also with a demonstrated game and a fearless performance. “I try to play well at the back and support the attack when possible. Probably every back likes it. Even as a defender, I like to score goals,” admitted the talent working on the farm of Minnesota, Iowa. “This year I didn’t score so much in the club, I’m even more pleased now that I managed to make it in the national team,” he continued.
He also got a chance in the power play, in which he made a mistake and offered the Slovaks a break. “The puck went over my stick, but the coaches told me that nothing was wrong. I continued on,” he recounted. It is with the implementation team that he knows well from the 20s championship in Halifax. “I have experience with the system, that helps me,” said Špaček.
And coach Radim Rulík also praised his performances. “I already said last year that if he is lucky with the organization, he will take a look at the NHL. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen, he played on a farm, but he is still a hockey player with huge potential. Even at such a young age, he has not only talent, but also a perfectly set head,” praised the coach.
Who will leave the hockey team before the next meeting? Radim Rulík admits that it is difficult to retire after winning matches Video: Sport.cz
Špaček solidly managed the transition to adult hockey. In Iowa, he gradually gained a place in the powerlifting and the weakening. “But acclimatization was not easy at all. Gradually I got used to a faster game and a different style. The end of the season was already good,” the native of Columbus described the end of the year, at the end of which came an unexpected invitation to the national team.
However, if he won a place for the upcoming Czech Hockey Games in Brno, and thus the domestic championship itself, the Pilsen native has no idea yet. “I feel the tension. But I think I played two good matches. Hopefully I can stay in the squad, that’s my goal. I’m just trying to play my best and we’ll see if it’s enough for the championship. It would be a dream come true for me,” concluded Špaček.
