Patrik Koch: Fans help us the most during matches like this

ADDED: 22.10.2018

The calm before the storm! You can say that about yesterday's match between HC Košice and DVTK Jegesmedvék Miskolc. 

After the 1st period, dressing rooms were entered with score 1:1. In the middle period, our players failed to score any goal even though they were even more active than in the 1st period.  The 3rd period was full of successful actions, especially in power plays. In the 56th minute, the visitors didn't use the chance to score a power play goal. After that, the Steelers conceded a goal (Vas) and the whole stadium was shouting “draw”! The score finally changed in the 58th minute, Suja deflected Pulli's shot and tied the score. Dávid Šoltés overcame opponent's goalie only 32 seconds before the end of the game. The empty net goal (Petr Kafka) yielded the final 4:2 score. The Steelers showed us that pugnacity and team character won once again. How did our guys feel after this heroic performance?  “The emotions are high. We were losing only few minutes before the end of the match, but then we managed to score and win the match, says defense man Patrik Koch, with whom we have talked after the match. 

Paťo, did you expect the match to be that hard?
“We prepare conscientiously for every match and we try not to underestimate our opponents.  From the beginning of the game, we weren't so successful and we had to play harder. We worked hard and it paid off.”

Did you feel any pressure or stress after the 1st conceding goal?
“We remained calm and tried to do what we did during training. We weren't stressed, we knew we had to sustain the game.”

The power plays were not so effective, what was the problem?
“I didn't play in power plays but guys were great. Maybe we lacked the luck because guys are always prepared for a match.”

In the 2nd period when the score was 1:1, there was a free space in front of the net and you were asking for a puck. Did you see it as an opportunity to score a goal and to take a lead?
“We try to communicate as much as possible during matches. I tried to hint that I wanted to move the puck to the other side of the ice rink since no one was there but he eventually dealt with this situation.”

It was your 4th match, alongside preparatory ones.  Did you know ahead what tactic to use?
“We also try to prepare for every match by watching videos. We have played against Miskolc in the past but they try to change things. We have tried to prepare as much as possible, like we always do. We weren't always successful but we fought for the victory.”

At the end of the match, it was obvious that you wouldn't give up so easily. What hypes you up the most?
“Anything. We scored a goal and tied a score, it hyped us so much that we eventually won. Also, I want to thank our fans because they can hype us.”

Do you ever perceive the atmosphere in stadium?
“Of course I do. Today, for example, the atmosphere was exhilarating, fans helped us a lot, you can feel it during matches on home ice. Honestly, we can thank them by winning. Carry on, it helps us greatly.”

With all these games, training and regeneration, do you ever have time to enjoy your personal life?
“It's really difficult, I don't have a lot of free time during season. I must adapt everything to hockey and to be 100% prepared for training and matches.  If I have at least one day off, I usually go on some trip and so on. Everything is possible, if it's planned right.”

How would you rate your own performance?
“It's hard to say, I think it may be better. There is always dissatisfaction. I'm glad that the trainer gives me space. I really appreciate it and thank him for it.”

What happened in the 3rd period after the foul when you stayed laying on the ice?
“It was nothing serious, I got hit by a hockey stick but I only got my lip busted.”

This was Stanislav Škorvánek's second match in this season. He seemed more confident that in the last match against Liptovský Mikuláš. How do you rate his performance?
“I think that his performance was great, he was a huge support for our team and he didn't make any mistakes. I think he was wonderful, along with Haby. In my opinion, they're both amazing goalies and they prove it in every match.”

The next derby will take place on Friday, will you have ample time for regeneration and training?
“We prepare for derby as much as for every other match. There will be enough time for regeneration, we will come to Poprad with clear head and will be 100% prepared for the game.”

What tactic will you use in the duel against Poprad?
“There probably won’t be any changes but the aim is clear - to come back to Košice as winners.”

The match between HC Košice and HK Poprad will take place on Friday in Poprad and then we will play on Sunday on home ice - against Banká Bystrica.  The Steelers occupy the 2nd position with as many points as HKM Zvolen. Come and support our guys on Sunday and help them to win! The match will start at 16:00.

KE Media Team (žov, hal)