The two main Czech team stars, who will be the center of attention during Saturday’s Hockey Day in Karviná during the mass viewing of the Boston Bruins’ duel with the New York Rangers, share similar favorite hockey memories. Both David Pastrňák and Filip Chitilremembers the victory of the Czech national team in the IIHF World Championship from their childhood.

Although everyone has a different favorite win. They are separated by five years.

While 23-year-old Chytil best remembers the national team’s win in the championship in Vienna in 2005, Pastrňák, who is three years his senior, prefers to think about the title in Germany in 2010.

My favorite moment was when we beat Canada in the 2005 World Cup final in Austria. I am six years old and it is gold. There are stars from the NHL and this is the first gold for the Czech national team that I got. remember,” he explained. He was caught.

“For me, maybe the 2010 World Championships, the last gold medal,” said Pastrňák. “I still remember watching it on TV and supporting the players so much. Even better I have the honor to play for those players too.”

[Více k tématu: 2023 Den hokeje v Česku]

Both the Rangers center and the Bruins forward returned to their favorite hockey moments from their youth while recording an invite to Hockey Day, which will premiere in Europe in Karviná on Saturday, March 4. On that occasion, they also talked about what they miss from their home country in America.

“Food, family, mother, all the stuff that goes with it. Czech beer, but most importantly food, family and friends,” Pastrňák calculated. And Chytil also added a steak made from a pet rabbit, which her mother made for her since she was little.

Hockey Day in Karviná will primarily be a celebration of Czech hockey at all levels. As well as the NHL, the Czech Ice Hockey Association, clubs from the Moravia-Silesia region and Nova television are involved in it. This will include exhibition matches of veterans including former NHL players, performances by singers from Karvina high school or local dance associations, online training seminars for young coaches, skills training with tests used in the NHL Scouting Combine, NHL Global Fan Zone fan tour, DJs, quizzes, cooking shows, Bruins vs. Rangers (from 19.00 CET)…

And also the youth team tournament. The focus on youth is an important element of the whole event. And compatriots from the NHL have their message for the little hockey players.

“It’s really important, only for the kids. Because from what I know, when we train with the little ones in the summer, it’s a lot of video games and the phone, and I love every time a kid starts playing hockey,” said Dominik Kubalik, Detroit Red Wings forward. “I want young people to enjoy it. It’s very cool and very valuable. Above all, for them to have fun and enjoy it,” he added.

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Other players speak the same way. Including Pastrňák, who is from Havířov, a town not far from Karviná.

“Enjoy hockey. It’s a wonderful sport, you will find many friends for life. You must enjoy it. Of course, work hard every day and listen to the coaches. Most importantly, you must love it and enjoy every second because it is a very special and I was lucky to play him,” said the Bruins power forward.

“Have fun with the hockey, give it your all, but most of all enjoy it,” agreed Chytil. “Want to win, hungry to win games and when you do, want to go somewhere and want to be the best at what you do.”