21.10.2017 - Matěj Mayer

Michalek: I will not look at my personal stats

Huge experiences including 810 games in the best league in the world came to the young Spartan defense. Defenseman ZBYNEK MICHALEK at the age of 34 for the first time in his career will play the Czech Extraliga in Spartan jersey. „I want to help the young players and show them the way to the future. I will do my best to make the team successful, this is the most important thing for me. And also there is a chance for me to get to the Olympics,“ says the native of Jidrichuv Hradec.

Why did you sign the contract with Sparta Prague?
I was contacted via my agent Michal Sivek and Pepa Machala that Sparta is looking for an experienced defender in his fairly young defense. I was looking for a team where I could play so the offer came at the right time. I´m glad for this offer, Sparta is one of the biggest Czech clubs. I think I will fit into the team thanks to my experiences and I can help them.

You played just three games in the Arizona NHL team in the year 2016/2017 and you thought about the end of your career. What finally decided for continue?
I´m not old enough to end. The family also plays a major role in decision making. Another reason to continue was that I just like hockey. And also there is a chance for me to get to the Olympics. I want to fight for this chance and do it all. It´s a huge motivation and it would be great. But I have nothing to guarantee, I have to perform a good performance in Sparta.

Have you considered other possibilities in Europe than Sparta?
If I can tell the truth, not much. I didn´t look around and when the Spartan offer came, I didn´t hesitate. The negotiations with Sparta were great. They were very interested and able to accomplish some of the requirements which I had. It meant a lot for me and I knew they really wanted me, so I didn´t look for anything else. I think it´s the best way for me.

You have not entered any competition in the current season. How did you keep fit?
When the NHL camp started, I went to the ice with boys. So I skated every day and I went to the gym of course. It was worse last month because the ice hockey isn´t so much popular sport in Phoenix, so the opportunity to go to the ice wasn´t so much. I miss trainings with the team of course. So I definitely need to train with my new teammates.

You´ve spent your entire senior career in North America. Now you are waiting for the first game in the Czech Extraliga at 34 years old. What do you expect from it?
If I can tell the truth, I don´t know what to expect. I have a lot of experiences from different competitions, but none from the Extraliga. I left Czech republic at the age of 17 and since then I haven´t played in the country. I´m curious how it will looks like.

What are your personal goals for the first engagement in the Czech Republic and what role do you expect in Sparta?
I´m more of a defensive type which defends well and has a good first pass. I want to help the young players and show them the way to the future. I want to pass on the experience I have collected during my career. I will not look at my personal stats. I will do my best to make the team successful, this is the most important thing for me.

You played over 800 matches during 14 seasons in the NHL. How do you rate them?
I have a great feeling about it and I´m very proud of what I have achieved. My career was like a dream. I was an outsider and I got into the best league of the world and stayed there for so long. I got into the NHL by my hard work, although I have never been drafted. I´m proud of it and I have memories for the rest of my life.

When do you join to the team Sparta?
I will arrive to the Prague on Monday and I will go to the first training on Tuesday. This is how it is planned.

Photo: zimbio.com, pinterest.com

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