A Sheffield welcome awaits new Czech Steeler

Steelers' new centreman Josef Mikyska is going through a crash course on all things English.
By Bob Westerdale
Published 30th Mar 2021, 09:52 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Czech forward has little prior knowledge of his new team, the city, the club or his team-mates.

He arrives in Sheffield from Czech side HC Vitkovice and is more familiar with life and sport in his home country, Germany and Slovakia, where he has also played.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Actually, I have never played against British opponents and what is more I had never been in England," said Mikyska.

"I do remember Team Sheffield from the Champions Hockey League. I know Josef Hrabal played for Steelers last year.

"Personally I only know Marek Troncinsky and Marek Pinc, guys who used to play in Liberec. But of course the names of Pavel Kantor or Tomas Duba are familiar to me.

"After Vitkovice were eliminated from the play offs my agent contacted me and told me about this opportunity. Nobody wants to finish so early so it was interesting for me to prolong the season and try something new" he said.

"I don’t know much about the EIHL," the skater added.

Josef Mikyska.Josef Mikyska.
Josef Mikyska.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I'm also aware that the Great Britain national team is playing in the elite division of the World Championships.

"I’m so excited about coming to Sheffield and looking forward to meeting all the people in the club and getting to know the city. Definitely it’s going to be a great experience."

Mikyska has played 51 games in league and play offs this season, so should be ready for the Elite Series tournament which starts on Saturday, when Steelers take on Nottingham Panthers.

"There is not much time for preparation so I hope everything will settle and we will play good," said the forward.

New faces at Steelers' training on Monday Pic by Dean WoolleyNew faces at Steelers' training on Monday Pic by Dean Woolley
New faces at Steelers' training on Monday Pic by Dean Woolley
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Of course we will do our best to win as many games as possible and be successful.

"If there will be an opportunity to stay (in Sheffield) I will definitely think about that. But right now I just want to concentrate for the April series and we will see what is going to happen.

"I'm still only 26 so I hope I will stay healthy and there are still many years of hockey in front of me. I have to keep working hard and I would love to play in one of the top leagues and win a title there."

Related topics:Sheffield