Q and A with Ultra-Skilled Czech Forward Tomáš Hertl
As a big fan of Jaromir Jagr growing up, I’ve always been intrigued by all the skilled players that seems to come out of the Czech Republic and find their way to the NHL. This season, two more high-end talents have made their way into the scouting spotlight, and are among the Top 30 on numerous lists of draft eligble skaters for 2012. Those being the Kitchener Rangers Radek Faksa, and Tomáš Hertl of HC Slavia Praha. For scouts who caught the aforementioned Hertl at the World Junior Championships a few weeks back, they had to be impressed by what he brought to the Czech lineup that played with a ton of emotion, passion and as Brian Burke would say…pugnacity. In fact, the 18-year-old embodied all three of those traits while scoring 3 goals and 5 points in 6 tournament games en route to being named Top 3 player on his team. The 6-foot, 187-pound centre is very strong on the puck, has good wheels, excellent vison and hockey sense, is very energetic and works very hard each shift, and has a decent set of hands to boot. Hertl has been outstanding in the Czech league thus far playing against men, with 9 goals and 18 points in 27 games for his Slavia Praha club, and last season amassed 41 points on 14 goals and 27 assists in 33 games for their U20 squad. I had the pleasure of catching up with the ultra-skilled Czech forward, for a quick Q and A.
Who has been your biggest help and influence in developing your game so far?
Tomáš: The biggest influence on me were certainly my parents who have supported me all the way through my hockey career, as well as my agent and personal coach.
You are such an exceptional talent, what do you see being your best attributes as a hockey player?
Tomáš: I think my technique, foresight and thinking, keeping the puck and my ability to dish the puck to my teammates.
Is there an NHLer you style your game after?
Tomáš: If I had to pick, I guess I would have to say Evgeni Malkin.
What is the highlight of your career so far?
Tomáš: So far it is being able to play in the top Czech league against men with HC Slavia Prague, and winning the Czech U18 Championship in 2009/10.
You’ve racked up a ton of goals with your club teams in Slavia Praha, and while playing for the Czech’s internationally, do you have one that stands out as your biggest?
Tomáš: For me every goal I have scored is important for my hlavneě team, but I think that the best goal I’ve scored was at this year’s World Junior Championships against the U.S.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjwQBG060uE
You are playing in the top Czech League this season amongst men, and played 1 game there last season. What do you remember most from your first game in the league?
Tomáš: So much, I remember the atmosphere and how great it was, and the best thing of all was my brother playing on the same line. It was the first time we ever played together.
In your opinion, who is the best player you have ever played with and against?
Tomáš: The best player I played with is my role model Evgeni Malkin, and the best player I played against is Martin Straka.
With 2012 being your NHL Draft year, have you felt any added pressure to perfrom this season?
Tomáš: No extra pressure, I’m just happy I’m in the draft discussion, otherwise I would have been very disappointed.
I know it is a huge honor to be selected, but if you could pick the NHL team that drafts you, who would you choose?
Tomáš: From childhood my favorite team is the Pittsburgh Penguins. But, I will be glad to just be in the NHL someday, and I will play my best for whomever selects me.
What is the first thing you’d buy after signing your first pro contract?
Tomáš: So far I have not thought beyond the draft, because to sign with a team is still far way, but I definitely would like a new car.
A lot of players like to talk trash on the ice, what is the funniest chirp you’ve heard while playing?
Tomáš: It is a difficult question, but when our team was winning a lot a girl fan chirped me, but it was a nice and I didn’t know what to say.
What do you like to do in your downtime from hockey?
Tomáš: I like hanging out with my friends in the summer and playing tennis, otherwise I like going to the cinema or a cafe.
What should scouts like about Tomáš Hertl the person?
Tomáš: I am very ambitious and I will never give up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UYYZfyn2Qw
January 25th, 2012
I’m glad you’re back! Always fun to read you!
Richard
January 25th, 2012
I agree with Richard, glad your back! Your articles and information are such a joy to read. I hope everything is going well for you with the Indiana organization. Question – I recall a report you did on Grayson Downing as a young under the radar player that caught your eye. Who might that type of player be this year? Also any insight on Fargo’s Bryn Chyzyk, He is coming on strong and wonder what your take is on him. Thanks again for all your great work.
- Chris
January 26th, 2012
Great Q&A interview. Well written as always. Informative and articulate.
I too am a fan of the skilled Czech hockey players and the strong hockey culture that exists within Czech Republic.
When Logan had the opportunity to play in Czech Republic in 2010 as part of the (96-born) Canadian AAA Explorers european trip, it was an incredible experience.
The CDN Explorers team played several games in Bilina, home of HC Draci Bilina (CZE HC liga 2), against opponents from nearby HC Rakovic and HC Benzina Litvinov. These are the teams and locales from which NHL greats like Jaromir Jagr, Jiri Slegr, Robert Lang, Robert Reichel and Thomas Kaberle have come from. We could sense the rich hockey history and pride that was in the arena and with these teams.
Several side trips to City of Prague (Praha), medieval Cesky Krumlov and spa city of Karlovy Vary, only added to our magical experience of the Czech Republic.
And doing all this with your best hockey team-mates… How good is that?!
\Henry Wilsenack
\Logan Wilsenack