Slovak Sniper leaves a message: "Fans, we are sorry. You have been awesome!"

Your feelings after the last game?
We played the last match for each other but mainly for the fans. They were absolutely awesome. Frankly, we didn’t expect them to be so supporting. We’re sorry we ended so early and didn’t achieve any success.

Pavol Demitra announced his representation retirement today. You were among the teammates that were his best friends. Where did you most enjoy playing with him?
We played together a lot and we enjoyed it every time whether it was in Minnesota, Dukla Trenčín during the lock-out or in the Slovak representation team. I can’t pick up single place or occasion.

Will you miss him?
On the ice certainly. But I’m sure we will skate together during some trainings and by the way I’m his neighbor so I will definitely be with him quite often.

What comes to your mind as first when you hear “Demitra“?
His head :)

What was happening in the dressing room after the match and the ceremony?
We’ve got some presidents visiting us. The head of the state and the head of Slovak Ice Hockey Union.

A few words about your last season?
The season was like it was. I did not anticipate it to go like that but now it’s over, we have to sit down and think about it, re-evaluate it, have some rest and get ready for the next one.

What was the reason why you did not score as many goals this season as you tallied the year before?
There were many factors. As I’ve said the season hadn’t been as we had expected. But those things just happen and you have to be psychically strong and get over it.

Do you sometimes call to remembrance the time you were leaving Minnesota and think about why you had chosen New York Rangers and not any other club?
No, not a single time.

Which player would you like to center your offensive line?
It’s hard to say. There are plenty of good centers on the players market and it depends only on the management who they acquire.   

Who are your closest teammates?
We have a bunch of good guys there and together we create great group. Whether you take Vinny Prospal or any other buddy we’re just a good group.

Did your hear rumors about changing the form of the World Championship? Some people say it might be more interesting if it was held once every two or maybe even four years.
I haven’t heard about that but I’d say it might make the tournament more attractive for the players. But we as players can’t do much about it. The Championship takes place annually and that’s the way that it is for now.

Next season is going to start in Europe again. You will meet Anaheim in Stockholm but before that you will play in Prague against Sparta. Are looking forward to it?
Certainly yes. I think it will have positive effect on the hockey itself. It is good for the league, the fans and I’m looking forward to it.

What are your plans for the summer?
Get out somewhere for the holiday, have a rest. And then prepare for the next season.

You have built an ice rink in your hometown and the business has spread recently. Do you intend any other expansion of your business activities in the future?
The stadium expanded; there was some accommodation added and also new gym, rehabilitation area and restaurant. The representation was staying there during the prechamp practice. I’m glad about how it’s business going but in fact I haven’t been at home for a long time and haven’t seen it yet. I’m curious about how does it look like.

Do you know if the other guys will invest that amount of money to Slovak junior hockey some day?
Oh, I don’t know. I’m sure about one thing – the level of Slovak hockey is not increasing but alarmingly decreasing. I hope that somebody else would also do something about it.

 

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