Less than a month remains to the third round of CJHL U16, taking place in Hungarian Debrecen (16. - 18. February). We talked with András BARTÓK, the player of "home team" DHK, who become with 8 goals the best scorer of second round in Sanok...

Tell us something about your hockey beginnings. How did you get into hockey and where did you take your first hockey steps?

I started to play ice hockey in Debrecen, approxonetly ten years ago. My parents took me and my brother skating during the open skate time and one of the coaches saw me and invited me to attend a practice.

Do you still remember your first coaches? Can you highlight some of the trainers who have had a major impact on your hockey growth?

István György was my first coach, he trained me in U8 and in U10. He taught me all of the basics. He taught me how to handle myself on the ice and i during this time I fell in love with the sport.

József György was the other coach who has had a major impact on my skating career. He has coached me for 6 years, from U10 till now. He has dedicated lots of time to helping me become a better player. He has taught me how to score and assist. He has not just been my hockey couch though, he has also taught me life lessons. With his help I was able to develop my leadership skills and become captain of my team. He has helped show me the right path for my career.

Do you have a hockey idol or a favourite hockey team?

My favorite hockey team is the Pittsburgh Penguins because my two favorite players play for them. My favorite players are Sidney Crosby and Jevgenzij Malkin. They are my favorite players because I admire their game inteligence and professional abilities.

What would you like to achieve in hockey? Do you have a hockey dream?

My dream, like many others, is to become an NHL player. The goal that I am working to currently achieve is to play on a professional team at age 17.

If you didn’t played hockey, is there another sport you would have devoted yourself to?

I enjoy all sports. I love the feeling of playing with a team and having fun with friends. In my free time I play football and handball.

The Carpathian Junior Hockey League has its first two rounds behind it. What are your impressions from this competition?

When I previously played in the Carpathian Junior Hockey League (season 2016/17), I was excited that I could play against good opponents, at fast speeds and was able to improve my abilities.

In first round you didn´t play. In second round in Sanok you scored 8-times and during 3.round in Debrecen you will be awarded as "goals leader" of second round. What does it means to you.

I did my best, and with the help of the team, I was able to score those goals. This award represents not only my ablities but those who assisted me as well.

Your goals help to your team to got on third place in actual standings. Do you think that your team can get higher?

Yes, I believe that we have the ablities to. That if everyone plays their best it will reflect in our standings.

Third round of CJHL U16 will be in Debrecen. Do you think that your power will increase on "home" ice?

Yes because our parents and friends will be there to support us and cheer us on.

The season is slowly coming to the end. What would you like to achieve, what will satisfy you in the end of season?

I would like to be in the top three teams of the Hugarian league and stay in the top three of the CJHL.

Now, in the beginning of new year, what would you wish for your teammates but also your competitors in the CJHL?

I wish the best for everyone. I wish that no one gets injured, that they are able to play their best, and that we all continue to play for our love of hockey.

(the interview was provided in English and is published without changes)