“Somebody has to do the dirty work.” Hat-trick hero Murcko sends Rockets through, and his wallet will weep in the locker room

The Player of the Week in the RAHL3 hockey league is Matej Murcko of Rockets, who shone with a hat trick in the playoff quarterfinal game and played a major part in the 5:1 win over Hockey For All. Thanks in part to his three goals, Rockets took the series convincingly, 2:0 in games, and deservedly advanced to the semifinals. After his fine performance we talked with Matej about the game, the team's showing and what he expects from the battles ahead.

1. A hat trick in a single game. How would you rate your performance?

Matej: “I try to give 100% in every game. The team's performance and the team's success are my priority, and so far the pucks have been going in for the guys (thank God). This time it worked out for me – somebody has to do the dirty work. In the next games it could be someone else.”

2. A convincing 5:1 win over Hockey For All. How would you rate your performance as a team?

Matej: “The playoffs are a completely different competition, and that's how we approached the game. We were in a similar situation last year, when we didn't play our best after winning the first game and ended up going out in the quarterfinals. We knew we had to give 100% and stay focused no matter what the score was. I think that, apart from a few stretches of the game, we managed that. I have to give credit to all the guys for leaving everything out on the ice.”

3. ⁠You won the series comfortably, 2:0 in games, with a combined score of 10:1. Did you expect it to be this one-sided?

Matej: “The win is definitely nice, but the result doesn't reflect how the games actually went. HFA were a tough opponent; they play an organized game and know how to make the most of counterattacks. We knew that before the first game started, and it proved to be true. We made fewer mistakes and showed more quality at certain moments, and that was the difference. But I want to thank the HFA guys for playing fair.”

4. ⁠TJ Družstevník Petržalka awaits you in the semifinals. How will you prepare for this opponent?

Matej: “We're aware of their quality on both offense and defense, but we'll prepare responsibly, just like for any other game. We're not going to change anything.”

5. A hat trick usually “costs” something, too. Are you planning to treat your teammates in the locker room somehow?

Matej: “Oh, definitely. I still owe them from the first round of the playoffs, so my wallet is going to weep. There wasn't much of that during the regular season, so I'm happy to bring something.”

The quarterfinal series sent a clear message: Rockets are ready for the playoffs. Matej Murcko confirmed his form with a hat trick, but he also highlighted the strength of the whole team, which was decisive in advancing. The semifinal against TJ Družstevník Petržalka therefore promises an interesting matchup in which Rockets will want to confirm the form they have shown so far.