The preparation in the O2 Universum hall was also watched by Pavel Gross and Patrik Augusta, who help the Czech team as observers. But there was no media raid, it’s just that times change. When Mario Lemieux arrived almost forty years ago, all he had to do was ask him at the booth for a few answers in person. There was a rumor around Connor Bedard that the interview would only be possible with the permission of the IIHF’s marketing partner. There was no need. The Canadians did it themselves. The biggest talent after Connor McDavid seemed pleasant, just a decent guy. He successively spoke for four television stations, the daily Sport and nhl.com.
Have you ever visited the Czech Republic for the first time?
“Yes. We flew in with the team on Thursday and they already had enough to look around. Prague is a wonderful city. Hopefully we’ll get to know her more. But we are mainly here for another reason.”
Will it be a different experience for you than what you are used to?
“First of all, I always try to play my game. I want to be useful for the team not only in attack and productivity, but also to play responsibly. We have tough opponents, we have to treat everyone equally. That is our primary goal.”
You already have gold from the 18-year-old world championships, you won twice in the 20s, but this will be your first adult championship. You are looking forward?
“Certainly. It will be different. But our goal is always the same. We want gold. We can’t even have another one. We want to win.”
You can meet Petr Mrázek in the group. Can you advise teammates how to overcome him, where to shoot him?
“I really hope to score him. He was incredible in Chicago, he did a lot of great work. He was our MVP in almost every game. We were lucky to have him. He is a tremendously talented goalkeeper. It is not easy to overcome him. But I believe I will send him a piece there if we were to face each other.”
Do you know how to age him, where to shoot?
“Overcoming him is just terribly difficult. But I hope I can do it.” (smiles)
There have already been reports of bets with other Blackhawks teammates that you would score him.
“We will discuss this together. We will see. It sure would be nice, but I’m not thinking about it yet. We only play together in the last match of the base group, which is still a long way off.”
You had your training in Vienna and Budapest. How did you enjoy it there?
“Also beautiful cities where I haven’t been before. We played against Austria and Hungary. I was happy to learn something different. A real experience.”
Did you think of the stay as a team building?
“Certainly, our team was put together gradually and as we went along. We look around, get to know each other, get used to each other. We’ve only been together a short time. But I believe that everything will work out.”
You were one of the leaders in the junior selections, what is it like to start with older and more experienced players?
“It’s good when I can get on board with guys like that, see how they behave on the ice, on the bench, in the cabin and off. And playing against one of the best hockey players in the world also enriches a person. It’s like the NHL. I think it will do me good.”
In the first training session, you jumped on the ice with Nick Paul and Michael Bunting. It seemed like you wouldn’t have to play in the center. Will it be a change?
“I don’t think I will jump on the center. But everywhere I’ve played at international level, I’ve started with guys who could play anywhere. You need players who don’t mind switching positions. We rotate in different ways, it’s a matter of getting used to playing anywhere.”
What about bigger ice?
“I played some matches on it. But I was already fifteen, so I don’t really remember all the differences. We’ll see how I do here. I believe I will get used to it quickly.”
