Training Camp in Boskovice Approaching! “I'm Glad for the Chance to Measure Ourselves Internationally,” Says Václav Šlehofer

“At camps like this, you forget the aches or grudges from the regular season.”

Václav, you took part in the first national team training camp in June. What were your impressions?

This was the first time since I joined the senior national team in 2018 that there was a coaching change, so I definitely felt the difference. The new coaching staff introduced their plans and their approach to working with the team in detail.

I’ve had the opportunity to work with these coaches before during my time with Kert Park in Prague, so it wasn’t entirely unfamiliar.

We had a broader squad with a number of new faces, but our ball hockey community isn’t that big – you either know the players or have at least played against them. I think everything went as it should, and the camp met expectations.

That said, I’d like to ask manager Libis to arrange better parking next time – I spent more on parking than I do on three toy store visits with my son! (laughs)

You played scrimmage games against the U20 and U23 Czech teams, serving as team captain. Was that a familiar role for you from club level, or did it feel different on the national stage?

First, I want to congratulate both youth teams for their fantastic results – they once again made our sport proud.

Of course, I appreciate being named captain for both matches. But I don’t overrate it – I know more experienced players will join us later. I’m not afraid of taking a leadership role, though!

There was also a meeting with the extended squad. What was the team atmosphere like, and how did the newly forming team click together?

As I said, our ball hockey pond isn’t that big, so most of us know each other. Even the professional ice hockey players fit into the locker room quickly – they're just regular guys too. At camps like this, you forget the pain or grudges from the season and enjoy connecting with new people.

I had a hectic arrival due to post-work traffic, so I was quiet at first. The only one you could hear was the ever-young “grandpa” Lukáš Gerlich. (laughs) But soon everything got rolling and even the quietest guys warmed up.

“It’ll depend on us – how we approach this and how much competition we create.”

Next up is the August training camp in Boskovice. What do you expect from it, and how might it differ from the first one?

The head coach pays close attention to detail, and he’s a perfectionist. I expect we’ll focus on small things like positioning and creating automatic habits.

The core content won’t be drastically different – we’ll just have more time to absorb the information about how we should function on the field as a team.

The August camp will include friendly games against Slovakia. How important are those matches at this stage?

These tough games are a huge benefit. Whether it’s a friendly or a World Championship match, players always prefer real games over training.

In training, you’re not under pressure – but in games, you are. That’s why I always say: once you put on your game jersey, your mindset changes. These matches are priceless.

The World Championship will take place next year in the Czech Republic. Do you expect more competition for roster spots because of the home setting?

It’s hard to say this early. Our talent pool has many great players – it’ll depend on how we approach this and how much internal competition we create.

I’m in my prime athletic years, and the last time I played at a home world championship was in 2012 in Písek as part of the U16 team – so personally, I’m highly motivated.

Czech fans are historically the best – just look at the attendance at past championships. That’s another huge motivator for me. It makes me want to push harder, go the extra mile, and make the final roster so I can help the team finally win it all again!