David Nátny after MSJ: We drove not only the Slovak but also the Canadian fans crazy
The world championship for under-20 players is in the past for Slovakia. Ivan Feneš’s men played a high-quality tournament, where they won the hearts of (not only) Slovak fans. Defender Dávid Nátny summarized the performance of our national team.
You played a fantastic quarter-final, how do you feel now?
It was very difficult at the beginning, especially right after the match, because we realized what we could have done, but unfortunately we didn’t do it. However, with distance, the more positive feelings prevail, because we are beginning to realize that even when we were eliminated, we had the big Canada on our bucket list and we could have made a pilgrimage to the time tournament already in the quarterfinals. I think we left everything on the ice and we have nothing to be ashamed of.
You caused a stir in Slovakia, but also in Canada, how do you get fans from the cradle of hockey to come to you?
We already talked about it with the guys, people applauded us right after the match and now, when we walk down the street in Slovak things, they honk at us here and there, or shout at us and tell us that they have never seen such a match before. that it was an incredible match and that we played well. I think that this can also be a signal for us that we left everything in that match and that was enough for the people, that’s why they applaud and praise us. That is a very good feeling, at least for me personally.
After the goal at 3-3 Scotiabank Center went quiet, what was going through your head?
So what was playing in my head. (laughs) I was incredibly happy and especially then I saw the faces of the fans and Canadian players that they were starting to worry about the result and that Canada was no longer the self-confident one. It’s a shame that we couldn’t manage that match. But I would like to mention that yes, the hall was silent, but the whole group of our friends who supported us in the tournament and went to every match could be heard. They deserve a big thank you for that.
Isn’t the third period against Switzerland regrettable after such a match?
I would say yes, but it should probably be that way. Now it’s just one thing and there’s no need to argue about what would have happened if… We played an incredible game against Canada and we can be so confident that we can be proud of how we they fought back even though we felt we could have won more in this tournament.
Maxim Štrbák is one of the biggest draft hopes, how did you work with him?
So we played together in Štrby for the fourth big tournament and I think we are doing quite well. Maxim is more of an offensive defender and I’m a defensive defender, so we complement each other well. And as I already mentioned, I think we’re doing quite well together.
Who do you favor for gold in the tournament?
That’s a tough question because both Canada and America have their strengths. The Czechs are also playing very well in the tournament so far, so it will be very interesting and I dare not say who can win the gold at this year’s championship. I’ll let myself be suprised.
What are your goals until the end of the current season?
My goals… The personal one will settle again in the Prešov lineup, have at least as much ice-time as before, and our team will make it to the playoffs.