The fans of the Tipsport League will now have some time to relax from the hockey league. Only two players of the original five-member group of nominated Košice players took part at the representation meeting. The fullback Vojtech Zeleňák, as well as productive forwards Michal Chovan and Marcel Haščák will have to wait for their next chance for health reasons. Our Club will still have its representation in the form of two players - Andrej Košarišťan and Patrik Koch. It was with these two players that we spoke with briefly about the representation before their departure.

It was just at the last year 's German Cup where the Košice goalie Andrej Košarišťan had his debut in the most valuable jersey, when he got his first chance in the net in the last match of the tournament against the home German team. He did not release any opponent's shot behind his back and with a valuable shutout right in the debut match for the representation he was one of the main pillars of important victory which meant the final third place. Also this time the invitation to this tournament pleased the favorite player of the Košice fans. “Feelings are always great, I was happy, I will be glad to represent! I was also a little surprised and from this point of view I have to train myself even more and prepare myself well for that week which will be very challenging. However, I will do my best and I look forward to the boys,” he revealed before leaving.

Also Patrik Koch, the team-mate of Andrej will travel to Krefeld. “Of course, super feelings! Every player is always pleased to be able to represent his country, it is a great honor. I was very happy after the announcement of the nomination and I look forward to it.” After his regular appearances in the youth representation selections, the young defender also made his debut in the senior national jersey, when he was at the end of the last year nominated to the Swiss Cup. At that time, he had apparently no idea what a beautiful story it would be. Over time, he developed into a pillar of Košice defense and he also continued in the national team, which resulted in the final nomination for the home World Cup. The 22-years old player was not lost even there, on the contrary. Thanks to his defensive activities and quality start, he became an important member of the national team. When asked whether he would also like to repeat it in this season, he did not hesitate for a moment. “I definitely want to! I am going there with the aim of playing to the fullest, comply with the system and be a valid backward player.”

Andrej Košarišťan will present himself at the Tournament as the currently best Slovak goalkeeper in the competition. The number one goal-keeper of Steelers has the most minutes played on his account and, along with other two goal-keepers, he also has three clean accounts, which ranks them first in this regard. However, it will be necessary to follow up on the quality performances from the club jersey also in the Slovak national team. “I want to do my best and show myself in good light. I believe that we will win something and will please people or everyone around. You need to enjoy it and do it with pleasure,” 25-year old goal-keeper revealed his ambitions and expectations.

Canadian coach Craig Ramsay remained in the position of head coach of the Slovak national team. A large number of fans were pleased to hear it and it is no secret that it was also similar in case of these two Steelers. “Craig Ramsay is a very experienced coach, he has a lot to offer and pass on, so I think that it is very good for the Slovak hockey that he remains in his position. I am glad that he has been convinced as it was very uncertain. But he probably realized that he still wanted to pass something on here and do a good job here,” Andrej Košarišťan expressed his opinion on this subject. Patrik Koch also agreed with him. “I was pleased that Craig Ramsay remained in the position of head coach. I think he is a super coach who brought a lot to the Slovak hockey, so I am definitely glad that he stayed here”.

Like the right teammates, Koch and Košarišťan also think of other nominated club colleagues who have been unfortunately eliminated due to health problems. Vojtech Zeleňák is not included in the Košice Formation since the match in Nitra when he did not finish due to unpleasant action of Judd Blackwater. “I feel very sorry for Zeli (Vojtech Zeleňák - editorial note) – he came short of his expectations last year and also this year, so that is a great pity from his point of view. I believe he will be successful next time and that he will finally get there,” said Andrej Košarišťan as regards his team-mate. “We are there along with Paťo Koch, it is a pity that other boys will not go there for health reasons”.  After the last domestic match with Nitra, unfortunately, even the most productive player of the League, Michal Chovan, will not travel. He places himself in the absolute forefront along with Marcel Haščák, who, in addition, also is the best shooter of the competition. The above-mentioned Haščák is the third player who also will not be included in the national nomination this year. “I am certainly pleased that also Košo goes there. I am sorry that the others will not participate. But most of us boys who go there know each other,” said Patrik Koch.

We hope that the above hockey-players make use of break for healing their injuries and their time in a jersey with the double cross on the chest is yet to come. We wish Patrik Koch and Andrej Košarišťan good luck and successful performance in Krefeld!

The tournament starts already today with the match Slovakia - Swiss, it is broadcast by RTVS at 4:15 PM. 

HC Košice Media Team (bob)