Chicago Blackhawks

Pictured is a joint photo after Marián Hossa’s farewell match – Goodbye Game 81 Source: TASR/Radovan Stoklasa

TRENČÍN – Marián Hossa’s hockey farewell is behind us and we are left with only memories of it, as well as the rich career of the Slovak legend.

Former Slovak representative Michal Handzuš was also part of the star lineup. He and his host from Trenčín experienced the best moments of his career. In the 2012/2013 season, after being traded from San Jose, he found himself on the Chicago roster, where he was supposed to help the team to another Stanley Cup in the playoffs.

He succeeded, and at the end of his career in the NHL, he enjoyed the biggest hockey trophy. He then played one more season with the Blackhawks, together with Hoss, in which they reached the semi-finals of the playoffs together. In it, they lost to the eventual winner Los Angeles Kings.

VIDEO: Hossa after the farewell match: I hope the audience will remember this match for a long time

After this year, Handzuš returned to his native Banská Bystrica, where he crowned his career with a championship in the Tipos extraliga. In addition to the club level, he also met Hoss in the most valuable jersey and both belong to the extremely successful generation of our hockey players.

After the farewell match, Handzuš also appeared in front of the journalists present, where he answered all questions in a good mood.

You were one of 32 players to make the all-star lineup. What do you say about Marián Hossa’s farewell match, how did you enjoy it?

“It was great that Hossič organized it. We had matches here where we played Czechs against Slovaks, but now we had foreign stars here. Hats off to them for coming here and the spectators could see them.

We as players enjoyed it mainly because we met again after a long time. For us, these are unforgettable moments. Seeing each other like this on the ice, and off it, was something perfect.”

You played together with the legendary 81 in Chicago for almost two seasons, in the first season you won the Stanley Cup after being traded from San Jose. What are your memories of Marián Hossa?

“We won the Stanley Cup together and that’s something I’ll never forget in my life. Of course, apart from that, he was an exceptional player and a good person. He’s modest, humble and you feel good around him.

The fact that so many spectators and so many great foreign players came shows what kind of person Marian is. The hockey player is excellent, everyone knows that… But he is such a good person that everyone wanted to be here with him.”

Photo gallery (2) Marián Hossa and Michal Handzuš won the Stanley Cup together in 2013 Source: SITA

Apparently, you met old acquaintances after a long time. How did you play with names like Toews, Keith or Oduya, with whom you enjoyed winning the hockey grail in the “Windy City”?

“For me, it was amazing, not only on the ice, but also off the ice, that we shot, talked and enjoyed together until the night. Besides, we had people here that the fans don’t know and don’t perceive. The custodians also came from Chicago and masseurs who take care of us players in the cabin.

Marián wanted to honor them and invite them here, because they are the people who create a good environment for us, but no one knows about them. I am very glad that they were here with us and that I could talk with them too.”

What did you reminisce about with your former star teammates?

“Everything. From where we are now, what we’re doing, to the memories of what we’ve experienced together. It can’t be summed up quickly.”

Were you looking forward to seeing someone special?

“No, I didn’t have anyone special. I was equally looking forward to all the boys who came.”

After the end of their career, players often become part of national associations or clubs, and Hossa would be an extraordinary reinforcement for Slovak hockey. Do you think he could join SZľH?

“It would be great for Slovak hockey if he went for it. But as we know, he has his own life and he has the right to decide how to proceed.”

What is the 2013 Stanley Cup winner up to now?

“I dedicate myself to the youth and children in Banská Bystrica. I try to improve their environment so that they can be good players and great people.”

Will you continue to play hockey or do you have other plans in the future?

“I’m here for now and I’ll see where it takes me.”

Your generation of hockey players is among the most successful in our history. In recent times, however, Slovakia can enjoy the considerable success of our hockey youngsters. Would you be able to compare your generation with the current one that is growing up?

“When I have to compare myself with them, they are much more skilled. (laughs) Our generation had many good players and also stars of the highest quality. Peter Bondra, Marián Hossa, Zdeno Chára… I won’t go on because I would miss half of them anyway. But they are all world-class players who were among the best in the NHL.

Unfortunately, this generation does not have such names. But I believe that the guys who have experienced success in the draft in recent years are turning out a new generation that will dominate the best league in the world. I hope they succeed.”

Author: © Zoznam/Martin Turčin VIDEO: TASR/Radovan Stoklasa Source: Sports shoes

2023-08-22 07:46:15
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