Even though we were from different clubs, it just worked, Jiří Vaniš and Jaroslav Procházka remember

The experience was tremendous, we traveled over sea and won a medal.

Guys, in the U18 category, you are currently the most recent silver medalists. You managed to secure second place with the national team at the World Championship in St. John's in 2018. What was that experience like?

Jiří: The experience from that championship will probably stay with me for the rest of my life. It was my first major international event, and in Canada, to top it off. Moreover, as you mentioned, we managed to win a medal, so the experience was even greater.

Jaroslav: It was an great experience; we traveled over sea and won a medal. We enjoyed it a lot, and I will remember the team atmosphere for my entire life because it was fantastic.

You made it to the final, where you lost 1-3 against Canada. What do you remember most about the decisive match?

Jiří: Honestly, I barely remember this match at all. I only recall the excellent atmosphere and the final whistle.

Jaroslav: I remember my goal (laughs) and also the opening faceoff because I already heard a few spicy words from the Canadians there.

Jaroslav, you scored the only goal in the final when you tied the game 1-1 in the first period. Jiří Vaniš assisted on that goal. How did that crucial goal boost your confidence at that moment?

Jaroslav: It certainly gave us the impression that we could play with them even in the final. The Canadian goalkeeper wasn't completely confident, and we believed that we could score a few more goals. Unfortunately, Canada was flawless in other aspects, and we didn't get many chances.

Both of you finished in the top ten of the Canadian scoring in the World Championship. Did you quickly adapt to the unfamiliar environment?

Jiří: For me, I have to say that I got used to the polished concrete in Canada faster than I expected. Maybe it was also because we had some camps before the championship, and it simply clicked, just as it should.

Jaroslav: As Jirka said, it clicked just as it should. But I have to say that playing on the same line with Jiří and Filip Faltus was incredible. It felt like we complemented each other at the World Championship. Even though we were from different clubs, it just worked.

Vice World Champions U18 in 2018. From left to right: Martin Rakovský, Jaroslav Procházka, Jiří Vaniš, and Vít Kamenář. Photo source: Jiří Vaniš's personal archive.

We've been waiting for it a long time, and now hopefully everything will work out

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, you missed out on the U20 World Championship. Did it disappoint you that you had been preparing for a long time, and in the end, you couldn't participate in this event?

Jiří: It was really disappointing, especially when there were some hints throughout the year that it might happen, but in the end, it didn't. We had perhaps the strongest team that year, and we had our sights set on the highest goal.

Jaroslav: The worst part of it all was the uncertainty. You were looking forward to it and hoping, but unfortunately, you ended up disappointed.

Jiří, at that time, you were gaining experience in Switzerland, where the World Championship was supposed to take place. Were you more excited because it was supposed to be held in the country where you were living?

Jiří: I was really excited. I talked about it with my Swiss friends, and they said they would go there; it would be fun and other things. The same goes for my family. Switzerland is a reachable location, and it would have been great to have the whole family in the stands during the matches.

But now you're fighting for a nomination in the domestic championship, where the U23 category will also be introduced for the first time. How happy are you about this replacement?

Jiří: It's great. I think all of us in this category (especially the 2000 to 2002 age groups) deserve to play in the highest junior category at the World Championship. We've been waiting for it a long time, and now hopefully everything will work out.

Jaroslav: I'm extremely happy that this age group gets a chance to compete for medals because I believe in the success that we haven't had a chance to achieve so far.

You meet with many players who are also in the broader squads of national teams on the field. Do you follow other categories, and in your opinion, which category could be the strongest in the championship?

Jiří: Honestly, I don't follow the other categories much. Of course, I know the guys from U20, U18, and even U16 who play in Hostivař, but other than that, I don't really have an overview. I'll be cheering for everyone, and I think it would be really fantastic if every category managed to win medals. I believe our U23 selection is the strongest.

Jaroslav: To be honest, I don't follow the other categories much either. The only category where I know more players is the U20 category. I will definitely support every team of ours, but I think the strongest one is our U23 team.

Will Jiří Vaniš be celebrating another valuable world medal at the beginning of July? This time, he should be fighting in the jersey of the national team of players under 23! Photo source: Jiří Vaniš's personal archive.