Before begining of CJHL season we spoke with coaches of all teams of Carpathian Junior Hockey League. Hereby we bring you interview with Tibor Tartaľ, coach of HK Mládež Michalovce.

What are your memories of your hockey beginnings? Who brought you to the hockey and where were your first hockey steps realised?
It was my father who brought me to hockey. My first hockey steps were made on frozen water pond Delňa in Prešov.

How was your hockey career developped? What do you consider to be your greatest hockey success?
During my senior career I was in Slovak first hockey league. I did not receive any title that is why my greatest hockey success was probably representation of Slovakia at World Winter Universiade in Italy in 2013. And also being a team captain in native Presov.

When did you start with the coaching? Did you plan to become a coach already during your active hockey career?
I played hockey and studied at FTVS UK in Bratislava, specialisation – coaching and thus, as a player and student at the same time I started also as an assistant of Tomáš Dostál in Ružinov, category U12 and of Jozef Pethö with U20. After my studies I played hockey in Topoľčany and I was a head coach of U12 and U10 for 3 years. Later I coached U12 in my native Prešov. Then in Russia, firstly as a head coach of U12 and then as a coach assistant in the Russian Junior Hockey League MHL B.

Do you have a coach-idol? What hockey style do you prefer?
My coach idols are Anatolij Tarasov, Dmitrij Kvartalnov and Marcel Ozimák. I prefer hockey that is actually played in the world, i.e. power and technical hockey in high speed.

The most beautiful moment in your coach career?
I am still a young, starting coach, so I believe the most beautiful coaching moment are still waiting for me. I believe that in my career I will use experience from Russia, MHL B and from hockey school of Sergej Sujarkov. I have learnt a lot there, from the coaches CSKA Moskva, Dinamo Moskva or Jaroslavľ.

What would you like to achieve as a coach? Do you have a coach dream?
A coach dream? I would like to become a coach in some of the important european leagues. I would like to lead a junior national team at the world championship. My dream is also having a hockey school of my own.

With what targets do you enter CJHL?
I enter the competition with the target to win so many mathes as possible and to be successful there.

Do you think that such international competition can help young players in their hockey development?
I am very curious and full of expectations. What this competition will bring can be evaluated only after the season. But I believe that each international match will give the players important playing practice and experience.

SHORT QUESTIONAIRE
The best player ever: Sergej Fiodorov
The best active player: Sidney Crosby
Your most favourite hockey team: Detroit Red Wings
Your most favourite sport (exc. hockey): tennis
Your most favourite sportsman: Michael Jordan

Source: team cjhl.eu.