Red Wings defenseman Filip Hronek registered a goal and an assist in the Czech Republic’s 3-1 win over Sweden at the Karjala Cup today. After the game, he spoke with Hokej.cz’s Adam Bagar regarding his performance, and here’s a rough translation of the interview:
“I hit it right,” Hronek says. By the end, he wasn’t as fresh anymore
Last week he practiced on the outdoor rink in Dobris. Now, after a long silence between games, he hopped on the ice for the Karjala Cup against the Swedes and did great. Defenseman Filip Hronek made a significant contribution to the winning premiere of coach Filip Pesan. He contributed two points to the victory of the Czech national team, which won 3-1 over the Swedes.
“It was something other than dryland training,” smiled the defnseman, who went into action for the first time since September 29th, when he helped HK Mountfield win with a goal and an assist to take a 6-1 decision away against Olomouc. “But it was pretty cool; I wasn’t that fresh by the end of the game,” he admits.
At Hartwall Arena, he shone with the same balance and continued his [strong play from] his last national team starts. At the World Championship in Bratislava, Filip Hronek was named the best defenseman of the Championship, and he was named to the All-Star Team for the tournament. Against the Swedes, he was also one of the key figures on the team.
He was in on both power play goals at the end of the first period. “We tried something in practice and I’m glad we managed to transfer it to the game. That’s how we got into the game, we had good movement and then pushed the Swedes,” says the just-turned 23-year-old quarterback, who wore an alternate captain’s “A” on his jersey.
Hronek opened the score with an elusive shot. “There was a signal coming from the bench, it was well-matched by us, almost with one touch. The Swedes didn’t count on me, but I hit the puck well,” says the fighting defenseman, who registered a secondary assist on the winning shot by Hynek Zohorn 104 seconds later.
The representatives played two of three periods very well, they already led 3-0, but in the third they quickly collected and then had to spend most of the period on defense. “They scored a goal, but nothing happened, we didn’t panic. Although they created some pressure, they had some chances, [goaltender] Patrik Bartosak caught everything,” says Hronek, praising the masked man.
The Czechs won 3-1, but they didn’t enjoy a thank-you note from the fans. The game was played in front of empty stands. “We noticed it at the end. How many times [the fans] help with the pace of the game, but the situation is like that. We play mainly for the people, but unfortunately, there’s no other option other than to get used to it and endure it.”
Everytime I see Hronek’s name, I think how quietly he has made the move to the NHL. I think he is our Number 1 DMan, plays the PP… Just seems to have the recipe to be even better. Being a DMan is a tough position to play. He has more to give as he gets experience. Being the number 1 DMan is not much with the Wings but hr is probably is the only one who won’t be traded. Does he have some Brothers we can borrow? Wings have some prospects who rice and fall until (if) they get some exp. I would take a few more Hronek’s
He isn’t necessarily a #1 defenseman in the NHL yet, but he’s certainly Detroit’s #1, and he’s got a sort of cockiness to him that I really like.
I’d take a couple more Hroneks myself 😛