Erik Hrna was the man of the our in the Trinec dressing room after recording a hat-trick in a must-win game against KalPa. Most of all, though, the 27-year-old centre is happy to see his team on to the next round in the CHL.
by Daniel Jezek
TRINEC – The last game in Group L was a big one. Ocelari and KalPa faced each other in a direct battle for second place and a spot in the playoffs. Trinec came through with a huge performance and destroyed KalPa 6–0. In the game, Erik Hrna scored three times for his first hat-trick in the Champions Hockey League.
Three goals, one assist – a pretty good game for the Trinec forward. Ocelari demolished the club from Kuopio, especially in the second period, on the power play. Three power-play goals secured Trinec second place in Group L to send the 2011 Czech champions into the CHL's Round of 32.
Hrna was obviously very satisfied with his own, and especially his team's, performance. Once the goals started going in, KalPa had no chance in this game. Trinec scored six times, while Peter Hamerlik remained unbeaten. “I hope that this victory will raise our morale for the upcoming games,” Hrna said after the game.
Huge win in your last group game. What were the main reasons for this victory?
“It was a great game by us, especially the second period. Last season we had trouble on the power play, but today it was something else. Three goals – we could say that helped us to advance. I hope that this victory will raise our morale for the upcoming games. Before the game we knew that we have to win in regulation time. We did it, we're happy with ourselves.”
A hat-trick in the CHL – will that cost you much for club’s treasury?
“The guys haven't said anything so far. Hopefully it won’t be a huge amount. Maybe I’ll be able to convince them and not pay anything.”
It was quite an intense game – a lot of penalties, two majors . . .
“I didn’t see either of them, but it only happened twice the whole game. Honestly, I don’t know if it was clean hit on David Nosek or if it was tripping. Later in the game, Michael Foltyn got a game misconduct as well. He was shouting from the bench that it wasn't a penalty. I can't judge it.”
Next time you play in the CHL you will wear the Cramo Top Scorer jersey. What does that mean to you?
“It doesn't matter who has the jersey. We have just shown a great team effort. It's good for us that we were able to kill some penalties – that will help us in future games.”
Hamerlik played a great game too in goal.
“Peter was awesome the whole game! We let KalPa have some chances at the end of the game – there were some shots on goal. He remained unbeaten even despite that, and that's very good for him. He is feeling more and more confident. I hope that he can be even better in the next games he plays.”
The first goal of the game, scored by Nosek, was a bit curious. What was his reaction?
“After the first period I told him that was the best goal of his career (laughing) . . . but lucky goals like that happen in hockey. To be honest, I’ve never seen anything like that in my life. Maybe on the internet, but not in an actual game. It was first meant as a pass to Jakub Klepis, but in the end the puck slipped into the net. That goal helped us a lot – after that we played great.”
You have advanced to next stage. Which team do you want to play against?
“It doesn't matter who we be play, where will we play, or when will we play. Last year we didn't get through the group stage, so it’s going to be something new for all of us. But if we will play the same as we did against Kalpa, we have a good chance to advance even further.”