I would like to return to the Czech Republic one day, Slovenian goalie Tomaz Trelc says

Tomas, you were playing in the Czech Republic for many years, how difficult was to learn the language?
It’s true that it was hard in the beginning, but the guys who were here before told me, it will only take a while because it’s very similar to Slovenian. Of course saying some more difficult sounds took me some time, but I handled it in the end.

How was your hockey career in the Czech Republic?
I began in Prerov with youngsters from where they brought me to Olomouc. However, there was a room for only one player from abroad and I went there with one Slovak so I had to go. Finally, I played for juniors in Ceske Budejovice.

What place did you enjoy the most?
I have the best memories for Prerov, where we had a great team. We were all friends, I had no problems with anyone and it didn’t feel like I’m in a different country at all.

Let’s focus on inline hockey. Where is the biggest difference for a goalie between ice hockey and inline hockey? Equipment maybe?
In the moves for sure. You can slide on the ice, but it doesn’t quite work that here. You have to stand most of the time. About that equipment, I personaly use everything from ice hockey including my helmet.

Last year, Slovenia relegated from the Elite division, but you were great this year so far. Do you think there is a big difference in the level of both divisons?
I wasn’t playing last year in the Elite division, but the guys were speaking about it. According to them there are some teams which play on a completely different level, e.g. USA, Sweden, Canada.. The biggest differnce is in the pace.

Who do you think is the closest to promote?
I suppose it will be between us and the Austrians in the end. We have the highest ambitions obviously, so I believe we’ll make it and we’ll return back.

You had a shutout in your first game here already against Croatia. How did you feel during that match?
The guys in defense helped me a lot. I was thinking about it and I wanted to keep that clean sheet. We played well that game in offense as well as in defense. Everything went just right.

How did you spend your free day?
We played some bowling with the guys and tried to rest a little. Just relax, nothing special. I took a walk around the arena, but I already played here some times, so I know it well.

Are you satisfied with the tournament?
I think it’s all right so far, at least I had no problems. Maybe the food might have been better, because there’s not much of it in our hotel. But about facilities and the background, I think it’s all okay.

Would like to come back to the Czech Republic one day?
Yes, for sure. However, I don’t have any offers so far, so I’m waiting for my agent. We’ll see what will happen.