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The first and also the most recent winners of EYOWF were the young Russian hockey players, winning a total of no less than five gold medals from seven starts. The Finnish and Czech Ice Hockey players have also enjoyed the sweet taste of gold medal success. Although Swiss teenagers have worn the silver medal on their chests as many as four times, they have not yet managed to acquire a gold medal.

Apart from the local Czech representation, this year’s 8th EYOWF Ice Hockey tournament also features teams from Finland, Slovakia, Russia, Switzerland, and Latvia. We could endlessly speculate about the front-runners and tournament stars but why not ask the person who probably understands the distribution of Czech youth hockey potential the best?

Jiří Veber is the current coach of the Under-17 Czech Ice Hockey Team, with a very impressive hockey career of his own. In 1996 in Vienna he became the World Champion and in the following three years, as part of the Slovnaft Vsetín Ice Hockey Team, he won three championships in the Czech Top League. As the main coach he will also be leading the Czech team in Liberec. 

Do you think that Russia, the best team in history, will dominate this year’s tournament as well?
Of course, the Russians are a great ice hockey nation. They have an excellent team that often dominates not only Czech, but also global ice hockey. They will certainly be extremely strong but I do not believe they are the only candidates for gold.

Who do you estimate to be the most possible champions?
Even though the Russians are most likely to be number one, the Finnish and Swiss are bound to put up a fight for the gold medal as well. Naturally the Czech Republic will also do their best to succeed.

What position would you consider a success for the Czech team?
Let me be frank with you. We will take it one match at a time, giving our best every single game. Our goal is to play for the gold medals and win the tournament.

How important is the Youth Olympic Winter Festival tournament for the young hockey players, aside from the sports aspect?
There is no doubt that it is immensely important. Besides having a new experience they will get to meet the best young athletes from the whole of Europe. They will be under the constant supervision of foreign coaches and officials, which may have an impact on their future careers.

In the preliminary round the Czech Republic is competing with the Slovak team. Will the rivalry between these two countries spice up this match in any way?
You know, this year we have played them twice already and I think this match will not be too different from the others. It could be all the more interesting for the coaches, who used to play together, but otherwise it will not be of much consequence.

History of EYOWF Ice Hockey: