Hrivík’s Hockey Journey: From Čadec to ostrava

• Early Career: Hrivík, a native of Čadec, began his hockey career in Žilina.
• North American Experience: He transitioned to North America during his junior years, eventually reaching the NHL.
• NHL Career: Between the 2015-2016 and 2017-2018 seasons, Hrivík played 24 NHL games for the New York Rangers and Calgary Flames, recording three assists.
• Recent Years: Since 2019,hrivík has played in the KHL and the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) with Leksands IF.
• International Play: Hrivík has represented Slovakia in four World Championships and the Beijing Olympics.

Coach Varaďa’s Perspective: Leadership and Skill

Vítkovice coach Václav Varaďa expressed enthusiasm about Hrivík’s addition to the team, emphasizing his experience and well-rounded skill set.

It is an experienced and complex attacker who performed stable performances at the international level, whether in the national team in Slovakia or in the Swedish Hockey League, where he was one of the cornerstones of the Leksands IF.
Václav Varaďa, Vítkovice Coach

Varaďa further highlighted Hrivík’s skating ability, hockey sense, and leadership qualities as key assets for the team.

Marek Hrivík is also a player with excellent movement and feeling for the game. We believe that his leadership skills, game intelligence, and the ability to be a difference player will be of great benefit for our team.
Václav Varaďa, Vítkovice Coach

Hrivík’s Motivation: The Allure of Vítkovice

Hrivík explained that the opportunity to play for Vítkovice, under the guidance of coach Václav Varaďa, was a significant factor in his decision.

I believe that the project, which is being built in Vítkovice under coach Václav Varaďa, has great potential, so I did not have to hesitate over his offer. From friends who operate in Ostrava or have only good references.
Marek Hrivík

The LED Ostrava hockey arena is familiar territory for the 33-year-old forward. He represented slovakia at the World Championship in Ostrava last year,recording four points (two goals,two assists) in seven games.

Vítkovice’s Offseason Moves: Building a competitive Roster

Hrivík is one of several new additions to Vítkovice’s roster. Other recent signings include:

• Ralfs Freibergs: A defenseman from hradec Králové.
• Vojtěch Budík: A 27-year-old defenseman.
• Patrik Brůna: A 20-year-old defenseman from Liberec.
• Krzysztof Maciaś: A 20-year-old Polish forward returning from overseas.
• František Řehák: A 25-year-old forward from the Swiss second league.

Hrivík’s Recent Season and Health

Last season,Hrivík’s performance with Leksands IF in the SHL was impacted by a knee injury,limiting him to 27 games (two goals,11 assists). This injury also kept him out of the Slovakian team preparing for the upcoming World Championship.

FAQ: Marek Hrivík to Vítkovice

Why did Marek Hrivík choose to play for Vítkovice?

He believes in the potential of the project being built in Vítkovice under coach Václav Varaďa.

What experience does hrivík bring to the team?

He has NHL, KHL, SHL, and international experience, including multiple World Championships and an Olympic appearance.

What are Vítkovice’s expectations for Hrivík?

They expect him to bring leadership,hockey sense,and the ability to be a difference-maker.