You start at home and, on top of that, as the top scorer of the previous World Cup. Do you ever think about it again?
“No. What was, was. Last championship and season. I will of course try to do everything possible to help the team. If I was the top scorer last year, that’s gone.”
This will be your fifth championship and the fourth you will play in. What is the difference between the young Dominik Kubalík from 2016 and the current matador?
“I wouldn’t say I’m a matador. I think I’m still the young guy.” (smiles)
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Will the Czech hockey players win a medal at the 2024 WC at home?
However, the last championship doesn’t even flash in your mind before the start? Have you already thrown away a season in the NHL where you struggled?
“I try not to think about it. You can’t really live on what happened, whether it’s the positive things like the individual championship or the last season. I’m glad that it’s behind me, I hope that the old, maybe still young Dominik will be back.” (laughs)
You will also play different hockey than last year. How do you get used to the change when you have to switch from Kari Jalonen to Radi Rulík?
“It’s different with every coach. There have already been a few changes regarding the toolbox. One simply has to switch, start integrating into the system as quickly as possible. Similar to the season. We all have to somehow align ourselves and get off to a good start on Friday.”
It looks like you could play with David Tomášek and Ondřej Palát. Could you please?
“I think yes. Both excellent players. Tomas had an excellent season, Palič is a great forward in the NHL. Very underrated for me. I really enjoy watching him and I’m happy to play with them. I hope it works out.”
Training looked pretty brisk. Is it good for the first time?
“Certainly. I’m glad you don’t get into it many times. At the same time, the body needs to move as quickly as possible to switch on. I think we needed this. We can focus on other things.”
Have you imagined what it will be like when the O2 Arena is packed on Friday?
“At all. One cannot even imagine that. I played some matches here for Plzeň, two with the midfielder. The atmosphere will definitely be specific, something that someone is not quite used to. But I think everyone is looking forward to it and it will be great.”
Do you feel like playing at home?
“Actually, not yet. But everything is so new, for the first time. A person is always ready to fly somewhere, ride buses. Now I took the car, set off and knew I had a piece of it. A lot of family members will come to see, which is certainly special. I am very glad to be here.’
The end of the preparation did not go well at all. Do you feel more pressure because of that?
“I would not say. The pressure has always been and always will be. It will probably be known in the first match, but this is not the first time we are playing in the tournament and I believe that we will all be able to handle it. We will prepare, we will go one day at a time. The first is over, all the boys are excited. I believe it will be fine.”
How do you like the facilities and the adjacent hotel?
“Whenever one arrives somewhere, one has certain expectations. What does the cabin look like, will there be a lot of space or not and so on. But here we knew that the facilities were great, the hotel was fantastic. So nothing to complain about. Everything great so far.’
How do you feel about getting off to a strong start against Finland?
“No match here will be easy. All teams bring their best here, Prague is a big attraction for everyone. And just fine. We recently played with the Finns, I believe that we will prepare for them, and we will have a much better match than in Brno. Everyone was really looking forward to it, we are glad that we are finally here and that it has already started. I look forward to tomorrow. It will be a little better again, we will prepare for the first game.”
