Miner is tuning the core of the defense, announced important signings. And for two years straight!

Martin Rohan | Photo: Jakub Knap, hcsokolov.cz

Defenders Martin Rohan and František Klejna in the Chance league continue at the same address, they have agreed on new two-year contracts with Sokolov. The club informed about it on its website.

A few days ago, the West Bohemian club announced the retention of offensive supports Tomáš Vracovský and Vojtěch Tomeček. Now he also revealed what the defensive axis of the team will look like…

“Just like the attackers, we had priority players in the defense, who we wanted to continue to be part of and a fundamental part of our organization,” comments coach and sports manager Tomáš Mariška.

“As with forwards, we had priority players in defense that we wanted.”

Both fullbacks are united by exemplary dedication – both Rohan and Klejna are among the top ten in the statistics of blocked shots this year. The first-named was then the most exploited defender of Baník.

The thirty-three-year-old protégé of the club directed younger teammates around him, he can apply, among other things, experience from almost four hundred extra-league starts. In the recently ended season, he helped Karlovy Vary in nine matches, the floor below which he met (and will meet) his older brother Tomáš.

“Martin has proven to be an above-standard defender for the 1st league and, when needed, a very valid player in the extra league. In addition, he is a player from the region whom I have known for a long time,” Mariška appreciates.

The other fighters in the manchaft can look up to his professional habits. “It’s a privilege for me to be able to play at home, at my parent club,” says Rohan. “After a not-so-successful season, we have a lot to fix…”

Klejna (24) also built a stable position in the team hierarchy from 2021. “Franta played a very good season this year, I think probably the best during his time in Baník,” says Mariška for the website hcsokolov.cz.

“Until he suffered a serious injury, he was one of the key defenders. We believe that his performance will continue to improve and will help us in the next two seasons even more than this year,” adds the coach of West Bohemia.

The hard-working fullback was missing for more than a month at a key stage of the year. Despite the lingering discomfort, he returned to action and showed the spirit of a fighter. At his age, his best hockey years are still ahead of him.

“First of all, I am very happy that we have reached an agreement and I will be able to continue in Sokolov for the next two seasons. In addition, my wife trains here at the club, so there was nothing to think about,” reports the former youth representative.