A newcomer takes the league by storm

RAHL 2 welcomed a fresh newcomer in the new season, the Trnava Beast team. The most recent RAHL3 winner moved up a league and, after last year’s triumph, showed right in the first round that their ambitions do not end with simply taking part. They beat the experienced HK Petržalka B team 4:2, with Šimon Rezbárik, making his debut in the competition, leaving a major mark. In his first RAHL game he scored two goals, added one assist and deservedly became Player of the Round. In the interview he talked about his arrival in the league, his impressions of the team and his ambitions for the season.

1. Your first game in RAHL2 and right away 2 goals and an assist. Did you expect a debut like this, or did it surprise even you?

Šimon: “In my first game I wanted to show myself in a good light in front of my teammates so they’d take me to play again. I told myself that if I scored one or two goals in the first game, that would be nice. And it worked out.”

2. A win against HK Petržalka is a pretty decent start to the season. What do you think made the difference in seeing the game through to a successful finish? Did you know who you were facing in your first game?

Šimon: “I think we defended responsibly and we were efficient on offense. Our goalie also put in a very good performance. On the other hand, our game wasn’t ideal. We need to get to know each other better on the ice as a team, and I believe our performances will improve with every game. I didn’t know the opponent at all before the game, and I didn’t specifically study them either. I went into the game thinking we’re going out to win, and I didn’t care who lined up against us.”

3. How did you enjoy your first contact with the league – its pace, level and organization?

Šimon: “The league looks very well organized and it has its quality. I could see that the guys know how to play hockey. The pace suited me; I think it was appropriate for the first game of the season.”

4. Did you feel nervous before the game? Do you have any pregame rituals?

Šimon: “I’m always nervous before a game. I guess that’s because I want to win and I do care how the game turns out. I don’t have any pregame rituals. In the locker room I check my gear to make sure I haven’t forgotten my skates, I do a light warm-up so I don’t tire myself out, and off we go to the game.”

5. What would you like to achieve with your team this season? Do you already have any personal or team goals?

Šimon: “I want to fit into the team as well as I can and help it in what I hope will be a successful season. Last season the guys lifted the cup over their heads in RAHL3; I’d love to do it again with them in RAHL2.”

In his first outing in a Trnava Beast jersey, Šimon Rezbárik won not only the trust of his teammates but also the attention of the whole league. His performance had a decisive impact on the win over Petržalka, and for his production (2+1) he took home the Player of the Round award. On top of that he gets a €20 voucher from Wild Thing Karaoke and professional car services from LMTAuto.sk, courtesy of the league’s partners. Trnava confirmed that after a successful season in RAHL3 it is ready to take on the higher competition too. And who knows, maybe a year from now we will see them skating in RAHL1, thanks in part to Šimon’s performances.