Czech Hockey Team Faces Swiss Challenge After long Journey
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Šimon Zajíček Ready to Shine for the Czech National Team
Young Czech goalkeeper Šimon Zajíček is set to take the reins in goal for the national team, replacing Marek Kořenář. The 23-year-old, who has impressed with two consecutive shutouts in the Czech Extraliga, is eager to showcase his skills on the international stage.
“Of course, I would like to keep a clean sheet for as long as possible, but here I mainly want to give the best possible performance,” Zajíček stated. “I felt good from the beginning of the season and I’m glad it lasted this long.I hope it will also apply to the national team.”
This will be Zajíček’s second appearance for the Czech national team. His debut came during the Swedish Games in February,where he faced a formidable Finnish team,conceding four goals in the match. Despite the loss, Zajíček gained valuable experience and realized the increased pace and skill level of international hockey.
“Compared to the Extraliga, it’s faster, with much more accurate shooters,” he noted. “At least one level higher. But it’s still the same – I have to catch the puck.”
## Czechs Gear Up for Swiss Showdown After Grueling Travel
**Q:** The Czech hockey team faces a challenging matchup against Switzerland after a long journey. Can you tell us about their travel schedule and how it might affect their performance?
**A:** The team had a demanding travel schedule, involving a training session in Pardubice, followed by a flight from Prague to Geneva and then a further journey to Bern, where they are staying. This involved a lot of travel and potential fatigue. They’ve had to adapt their training, with some players resting and others participating in a morning session before the game.
**Q:** Assistant coach Jiří Kalous mentioned they had faced a similar situation before. Can you tell us more about that?
**A:** Yes, Kalous said the team encountered a similar travel schedule during the Karjala tournament. This experience might have prepared them to handle the challenges of this particular journey.
**Q:** Despite the travel challenges, the Czechs are coming off a victory against Finland. How confident are they facing Switzerland,who lost their opening game?
**A:** While the Czechs are coming off a win,they acknowledge that Switzerland will be a tough opponent. Kalous points out that Switzerland typically plays an active style and will be motivated playing on home soil. The Czech team expects a challenging game similar to their match against Finland.
**Q:** Looking ahead, who will be guarding the Czech net?
**A:** Young goalkeeper Šimon Zajíček will be starting for the Czechs. He has had remarkable performances with two consecutive shutouts in the Czech Extraliga and is eager to showcase his skills on the international stage.
**Q:** This will be Zajíček’s second appearance for the Czech national team.
**A:** That’s right, he made his debut in February during the Swedish Games against Finland. While they lost that match, it provided him valuable experience playing at the international level. He recognizes the higher pace and skill level of international hockey compared to the Czech Extraliga.
