If I feel pressure? Of course, we are world champions, says Jaromir Jagr

What do you think about atmosphere at the world championship? Do you enjoy it?

We knew that the world championship will be played in Slovakia and it is almost the same, like it is at home in the Czech Republic. It does not matter if it is played in Prague or Bratislava. The atmosphere at our games is marvellous, very unique and will always be this way.

Do you feel pressure at the tournament?

There is always pressure. Even we players make pressure at ourselves. Do not forget we are world champions, everyone wants to beat us.

The Czechs started the championship well, they beat Latvia and Denmark. However, you still have no goals and no assists, in spite of having a great Czech hockey games just before the championship.

So far there has not been any need to earn points. I will start when it is needed. I did not come to gather individual trophies. That is way behind me.

Before the game against Denmark, you got a new center - Tomas Plekanec, who plays for Montreal Canadiens, but was raised in Kladno as you are.

It was our first game ever when we played together. I hope it is going to get better and better.


Photo: Roman Kucera

What do you think about the performance of Slovakia? They do not have a good starting position for the Qualifying round...

I follow all the results, not just Slovakia. The situation is just the way I supposed before the championship. I knew every game will be tough even for the favorites. I know that Germany beat Slovakia. It is not such a big surprise, because Germany is a dark horse for me.

Slovakian players complained about the quality of ice. How do you feel about that?

It is always important, if you play well or not. If you play bad, then the ice quality is also bad. If you play well, then it is good.

Would you give us any comments on Czech performance in the first two games of the championship (vs. Latvia 4:2, vs. Denmark 6:0)?

It was very important that we scored the first goal. It helped us a lot. The previous game against Latvia was not easy, because our opponent played very well. Latvians are great hockey players, many of them play in Riga and they are together for the whole season. Against Denmark it was a bit easier.

 

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