Team Canada are the odds-on favorites to win the Olympic hockey tournament. In their first game, they will face Team Czechia, who know exactly what they’re up against. Czech tough guy Radko Gudas has a warning for the Canadians.
Most of the pre-tournament attention has been on Team USA and Team Canada. With Canada’s roster packed with superstars like Sidney Crosby, Cale Makar, Connor McDavid, and Nathan MacKinnon, that comes as no surprise.
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Team Czechia are ready
Team Czechia, however, is far from lacking in talent, boasting stars such as David Pastrnak, Martin Necas, Filip Hronek, Tomas Hertl, and Radko Gudas, the heavy-hitting captain of the Anaheim Ducks.
As they head into the tournament opener, the Czech players know it will be a tough challenge—but one they are eager to face.
“They have a great team, you know, maybe one of the best in history. It’s exciting to have them as the first team we play against. Crosby, especially, is a legend. We are definitely excited,” goaltender Karel Vejmelka told TSN.
Radko Gudas sends warning
Gudas, meanwhile, offered a humorous take on the matchup while sending a warning to the Canadians.
“They’re all great players, so it’s going to be a big challenge for us. We have to work our butts off pretty much the whole game. We’ve got to make sure we don’t give them too much space or time. It’s going to be the hardest game of our careers, I would say, for everybody. Maybe we’ll catch them sleeping a little with the time zones,” Gudas jokingly told TSN.
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