Cabbage soup, carp and magical moments spend within the family. That’s what the hockey players of the A-team of HC Košice are looking forward to. They will spread into each corner of Slovakia and the Czech Republic. They can finally enjoy Christmas atmosphere despite the fact, that just yesterday they had a training in Košice.

After demanding program of previous days, our players will now have space for a little regeneration, however, they can’t drop out of pace. There is a great eastern derby waiting for us that will take place on December 26, in Poprad. We asked the players, how they were about to enjoy the holidays.

Marek Hovorka, striker of Košice: “I always look forward to Christmas, as it’s an opportunity to meet my whole family. This year is not an exception, so we will definitely enjoy all the traditions. The carp, potato salad and cabbage soup is a necessity! Of course, everything with reason.”

Vladislav Habal, goalkeeper of Košice: This year, Christmas will be special for me, as my daughter was born and this will be her first holiday. Therefore, all of the attention will focus to her. We will forget about hockey at least for a while during our traditional Christmas dinner composed of potato salad with steak. I am really glad that I bought all the presents in advance and now, I don’t have to struggle along crowded shopping centers.”

Christián Michalčin, defender of Košice: “For me, Christmas is one of the most beautiful parts of the year. It’s an opportunity to meet the whole family. I am really looking forward to our traditional dinner, but of course everything in a reasonable amount. After dinner, I’ll finally look under the Christmas tree! I am really curious about what is waiting for me there.”

Peter Boltun, striker of HC Košice: “I’m not really keen on the Christmas “hustle and bustle” so I bought presents quite long time ago. I confess, I didn’t use to deal with Christmas that much. But when I come to think of it, I realize, it’s already here and I am glad to meet my family again. As every year, we will have traditional dinner, conversations and we will enjoy the time spent together. After all, we have to catch up on things, I don’t have time for during the hockey season.”

Peter Kafka, striker of HC Košice: “I’ve been looking forward to Christmas for quite a long time. I’m glad to get back home for holidays, even if I live the furthest among the guys.  At least for a while we will be able not to think about hockey and gain strength that we need for the following challenging hockey season. I bought presents 2 months ago, but if I find some time, I might add something.”

Stanislav Škovránek, goalkeeper of Košice: “To be honest, I don’t put my mind to Christmas that much, but in spite of this, I bought presents in advance. Besides, I will meet my family, relax for a while and then get back to the ice rink. Soon we will perform in a difficult match against Poprad, and I hope it will result according to our expectations.

Tomáš Hričina, striker of Košice: “Our whole family is really keen on Christmas. We have a 10-month old son, who will feel the Christmas ambiance as well as we do. We will visit our family and of course have traditional dinner. I’m looking forward to the presents as well as a 2-week pause from hockey. “

Dávid Šoltés, striker of Košice: “Taking into account the high rate of matches and demanding trainings, I didn’t manage to buy many presents. Therefore, I will have to catch up on few things. As all the other players, I would love to spend Christmas surrounded by my closest relatives, sitting by the Christmas tree and watching typical Christmas stories.

HC Košice wishes Merry Christmas spent within the families to all the fans!