US U-20 coach Bill Brasko and captain Roman Rennebeck: A week full of competitive and challenging ball hockey matches ahead

Interview with Bill Brasko - Head Coach of U20 USA

How challenging was it for you and your colleagues to put together the final roster for the 2023 World Junior Championship in Liberec?
It was very difficult to assemble the team after the cancellation of the tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, we were able to acquire some of the best players because they were very enthusiastic about returning to the world stage.

How did you select the right players for your team? Did you look for players who meet certain skills, where the team will focus on playing specific styles? Or do you rely on the individual abilities of your players?
Skill was obviously an important factor in team selection. We also looked for hockey IQ, work rate, and a bunch of other things.

How is your team's preparation going so far? What are you focusing on? Is it about tactics or building your players' sports abilities, such as speed and endurance? What are your team's strengths?
I feel that our preparation is going well. We had a camp over Christmas and will have a few more soon. In addition, most of the boys are constantly playing U19 and men's tournaments in our category A. We focus on structure and systems. Cardio and strength training are a must. We also try to build some chemistry among the guys. I feel that our team spirit will be our greatest strength. I have been in this age group for years and I see these young guys developing their playing styles and taking it to the next level.

There will be no easy opponents at the tournament. What do you expect from the other participants?
We expect the tournament to be at a level we have not seen before. It will be tough against the Czechs at home. Slovakia and Canada always have good teams!

What are your ambitions for the tournament? Would you like to win a medal? What are you willing to sacrifice for a medal?
Our expectation is to win, we want to come home with a medal. Each player on the team will have to sacrifice and play for each other. Personal accolades will be put aside, everything will be about team success.

Interview with Roman Rennebeck - Captain of USA U20

How is your team shaping up for the upcoming 2023 Junior World Championships in Liberec? Are you excited?
I am extremely excited, ever since the tournament was announced, we have been on edge. Our team consists of a lot of guys from Pittsburgh and New Jersey and a few guys from Boston. We haven't played together much, but it didn't take long for us to gel.

The coaches have entrusted you with the role of team captain. Are you nervous about your team role? What are your team's goals?
Being a captain obviously means a lot, and I am lucky to be in this role. At this stage, it's easy to be nervous, but the knowledge of the trust my teammates and coaches have in me outweighs the nerves because, at the end of the day, the goal will always be to win gold.

How are you looking forward to the interstate matches in Liberec? What do you expect from them? Which opponent do you want to compete against the most?
I expect a week full of tough hockey matches. This is a tournament where there will be no easy games, so we have to be prepared to be at our best under all circumstances. I think most of the guys want to beat the Czech Republic the most. The Czechs are the reason we left Zlin in 2018 without a medal. And we know that with them as the host country, the arena will be packed, so definitely circle that game on your calendar.

What are you primarily focusing on in tournament preparation?
Mainly cardio and playing as much ball hockey as possible. In addition, consistent gym visits are also on the program, but I think at this stage, having strong cardio is more important.

What can we expect from your team? What will be the specifics of your game? Aggressive ball hockey? Or more tactics, relying on players to adhere to the system your coaches have implemented?
Our team is made up of players who play many different styles of play in their clubs, which is good for us. It allows us to add a mix of systems to our game that can change every match.