Matej Stefka: The St. Johns Hero

Matej, let's start from the beginning. The Czech team under 20 was formed fo quite some time before the tournament. How did it look from your perspective? Were you a strong team?
I think we were a very strong team from the first camps and the quality of all players was palpable. All the boys were enthusiastic and eager for victory. Given that we didn't even make it to the final in Bratislava or Sheffield, the motivation was even greater. The prospect of Slovaks playing the final with Canada again was unacceptable to me personally. At the same time, I would like to add that we were also very good friends, which may have been crucial. I would not like to overlook the coaching staff either. From the beginning, we aimed to be as strong as possible.

You went all the way for the gold medals. Was this your goal from the beginning? How much does this medal mean to you and your teammates?
This is actually an interesting question. Before the World Championship, there was a slogan on the internet "Journey to the Top." After Sheffield, we only perceived gold as a positive outcome. Maybe the coaches sensed this and instilled in us that "Journey to the Top" does not necessarily mean the path to gold, but the path to the best possible result. Maybe they were trying to reduce the pressure we were creating on ourselves. Nevertheless, I have to say that nothing other than victory made sense to me. Why else would I play ball hockey and go to the World Championship? We Czechs often like to say that we go for something else. But that is just hiding and hypocritically not accepting the role of favorites that we have at every event. It was important for me not to shirk that responsibility. I think we accepted the role of favorites and were prepared to bear it even with a potential failure.

How specific was it to play overseas, especially in the birthplace of hockey? How much were you looking forward to this top tournament with the team?
I realize now, retrospectively, where we were and in what environment we played the tournament. It is fortunate that I did not realize it then because I could not fully imagine how strong Canada would be at home. It probably helped me personally not to be afraid of anything and to play relaxed. The fact is that matches at the World Championship often bring out the best in players. And Canada at home was really, really strong. Every player would want to have confidence.

In the group stage, you beat America and Great Britain at the beginning but lost 2:3 to Canada. What did the match with the home team reveal to you before the play-off round?
In the group match, Canada was better than us in every aspect of the game. However, we had a chance to win that match, which was very important for us. Goalkeeper "Míša" Novak held us up in the game. Ultimately, what was decisive was that we didn't convert our chances. It was really surprising for us to meet their speed so early, even though we were preparing for it. But then we beat the strong Slovaks 3-7 and advanced to the finals, where we faced Canada again.

How was the match from your perspective?
Every team has a game like that occasionally. At the beginning of the match, everything went into their goal, and it ended up in a way that the balls were ending up uncatchable in the corners of the goal. After that, the Slovaks, playing under a blanket, was much worse than us. We controlled the game. We were also able to play smartly. Overall, we were a mature team in every way. That's not usual at the junior level. That was also reflected in the game against Canada.

The final was special. Personally, I wanted to avoid being too motivated or too scared. I told myself that I was going to enjoy the game as if it were a game behind the house. We watched their game. We didn't let them get into speed, and we cleverly used our strengths, which were game thinking, teamwork, and strength on the ball. Both teams gradually lost strength. The game was starting to get emotional. During the last period and overtime, it was very nervous and it was all about everything. Everyone on the field gave tactically the best of themselves. When there was a small chance to attack, we tried it. We even scored a goal that would have secured us the title. The referee controversially leaned towards the home team and did not count the goal. Our mental strength was important. We didn't allow ourselves to fail. Despite the disallowed goal, everyone knew how it would end.

You always led, but the decision had to be made in overtime, where you played with an extra player. You got the puck and shot it from the right circle. How big was the euphoria?Since I was a little boy shooting with a pâté cover taped to my shirt as a fan of Hamé Zlín, I imagined playing such a game. Even years later, during a ball hockey game in Polička, I was thinking about playing overtime in the final of the World Juniors. When it was actually happening, I didn't even register it. The concentration is too great. After that goal we scored in overtime, I had one of the strongest feelings I've ever had in sports in my life. I remember that moment. It was wonderful for me. At that moment, the world stopped. I had a feeling of childlike joy. Seeing, even in retrospect on video, how everyone had this huge and sincere joy shows what kind of team we were.

Czech players in Liberec will now try something similar. Are you currently following the Czech junior teams? What do you think about their chances at the 2023 World Juniors in Liberec?
Yes, I'm following them. My dad coaches them, and I'm always interested in ball hockey. I think we have great talents. The guys who will go to Liberec to play for the Czech Republic are excellent ball hockey players. As a sport, we are constantly improving and producing excellent athletes.

What would you like to say to the players as the scorer of the winning goal in 2018 that secured the gold medals for the Czech Republic? What can the team do to achieve a gold medal at such an event?
As the scorer of the winning goal in 2018 that secured the gold medal for the Czech Republic, I would like to say that it was a team effort from all the players, coaches, and masseurs that brought home the gold. I would like to encourage the guys to enjoy the home championship and express my support for them. I am rooting for them, and I am sure that the big games will remain in their memories. Whatever the outcome, it is the reason why we play ball hockey.