Tipos extraliga: The best scorer of HC Nové Zámky Robby Jackson: The Slovak league is among the top 10 in the world
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American striker Robby Jackson is one of the stars of the Slovak extra league, and in individual statistics this season he occupies the leading ranks. The native of California is already wearing the clothes from Nové Zámky for the second season, which he is helping to stay in the first half of the tables with a great performance.
He is enjoying his engagement in Europe to the full and his hockey skills are pleasing not only the fans of the Nová Zámok “bulls”, but also the spectators in other cities of Slovakia. Already 25-year-old center in an interview for SPORT.sk he evaluated the level of our league, announced whether coach Majoross has to “cool down” in the cabin or interesting private things.
I hope the fans know how much I appreciate them, they are amazing.
Robby Jackson
forward of HC Nové Zámky
He knew he wanted to play hockey in Europe, and when he received an offer from Nové Zámky, he didn’t refuse, even though he didn’t know much about our league. After talking with the management and the coach, he signed the contract and bought a plane ticket. He is now playing in Nové Zámky for the second year, working in the south of Slovakia and enjoying it. How did you get used to the country, the league or the fans during that time?
“Hockey is hockey almost everywhere you go. I have played in many cities in the US, on top of all the differences is language. Now I use translator a lot. It’s not what people think,” clarifies the cheerful striker who has endeared himself to the home fans.
“It’s a completely different environment at the stadium, but I like it. I hope the fans know how much I appreciate them, they are amazing. They are a great support for us, they always give us energy, we want us to feel as good as they give us. Whenever I have the opportunity to thank them, I want them to know how much I appreciate and enjoy them.”
He played overseas in the AHL (San Antonio Rampage/Utica Comets) and ECHL (Tulsa Oilers), but comparing the level with the Slovak league is difficult. “There are only three major leagues in America – NHL, AHL, ECHL – compared to Europe, where there are 10-15 high-quality leagues. Who is it compared to, but I would definitely include Slovakia in the top ten.
Here you will find great young hockey players such as Nitrania Nemec or Sýkora, who were drafted from leading places this year. We see the quality of young talents that Slovakia can produce in this league,” said Robby Jackson, adding: “We are talking about a very solid and complete league. There is a high level of hockey, speed and skill.”
ROCKET LAUNCH
Last season, Nové Zámky finished in 11th place, which did not guarantee them a place in the playoffs, but they did not even have to expect a rescue. Although the performance was not bad under the leadership of coach Majoross last year, the team did not manage to collect the necessary points. But they entered the next year in a good way and after the first rounds they were a pleasant surprise of the competition.
“Several factors came together here. The core of the team from last year remained and guys with experience came to us. We are building on the dynamics of the previous season, which we had especially in the second half. It’s challenging because you want to do well and show that everything is perfect and going in the right direction, but it can also be trying to figure out so much. You have to find a balance in it. Personally, I think that we are also trying to build on what we are doing well so far,” explains the 25-year-old center.
According to Robby Jackson, one should not forget that the mental side is also important in sports and that he knows what he is talking about. He has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and television broadcasting.
COACH, SLOW DOWN
Hungarian coach Gergely Majoross took over the team in January 2021 and managed to get Novozámčans to the playoffs, in which they eliminated Košice. The next season was not so successful, but the management put their trust in him and they agreed to extend the contract. The cooperation with the 43-year-old former national team is also praised by the best scorer at the time.
“He is the best. He is first of all a great person and secondly a wonderful coach. He diverts when to work, so he has a bit of luck so that it has an effect and on top of that, of course, a wealth of hockey knowledge. All this makes him a perfect coach and his door is always open for everyone.
You can talk to him about hockey or about personal things. He treats everyone fairly, he wants to do everything to help the team and of course we joke around and joke around.” says Robby Jackson.
In addition to preparing for the game, the coach also makes sure that his players take a break from hockey, and during their free time he advises them to go visit their families or stay in bed all day. “After a day off or a rep break, he comes back even more excited and tells us what he’s been thinking about. Then we have to stop him and tell him to take it slow (laughs). He wants to do everything in his power to help this team and the club.” adds.
People who regularly go to the Novi Zámok stadium could notice a nice moment after every match. So Robby Jackson, Ben Johnson and other players who want to add steal a minute for themselves, kneel down and say a silent prayer. The American attacker found out when this “ritual” began.
“I’ve seen Ben do it already during preliminaries. It is the strength to do it and the courage to do it yourself. He is religious, but I wanted him to feel our support. It’s an amazing thing, I think after the game, how lucky we are to play hockey and do what we love.
Wins or losses, good or bad matches, speaking for myself, I want to take a step back from it, because after a match you can be emotionally drained, in a good or bad way, and it’s good to take a moment to breathe and say thank you,” finished.
Photo gallery
Praying after a match with Ben Johnson has become a ritual.
Source: Stefan Macsadi – photo
GIFTS HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR A MONTH
Slovak players are lucky to be able to run to their families on Christmas Eve and spend a peaceful day with their loved ones. Foreign hockey players cannot afford it, because the traditional “Štefanské kolo” is already being played on December 26. How will you spend Christmas American striker?
“We will probably be at Ben’s. We will prepare a good meal, watch Christmas movies and maybe even have hot chocolate. It is hard. I had my parents here about a month ago, and they also brought me gifts then. I’m still under the tree and I’m trying not to unwrap them until Christmas,” he laughs and adds that his favorite Christmas movie is Elf with Will Ferrell.
Do you remember your first presents under the tree as a child? “It probably wasn’t the first one, but I remember the San Jose Shars dress, the gloves, the little hockey stick, and I think there were also slippers with the Cookie Monster character on them. I was maybe 2 years old. When I was about 3, I got roller skates, which I used to ride around the house and play with a tennis ball. Thanks to that, I started playing hockey.”
ROBBY’S STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
The weak points are my height and I should have played more on the wing because I’m not very good at throw-ins. Among the strengths, I would probably say high work ethic, self-confidence and experience. I also understood what it takes to be successful. With Ben (Johnson) and Austin (Farley), we have a similar mindset when we come on the ice, we want to play fast, hard and get pucks back when we lose them. That’s why we achieved such success this year.