"Baltų Ainiai" Kaunas

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We continue in introducing new teams in Carpathian Junior Hockey League. After first round we interviewed Benas Jakšys, coach of "Baltų Ainiai" Kaunas, Lithuania. For young Lithuanians it is the first season in CJHL and Kaunas is the first CJHL team from this Baltic country. After first round is his team on third place of Blue group, Eagles division.

"Baltų Ainai" Kaunas is one of the new teams in CJHL. Could you tell us something about your club?

In our hockey school we have teams of all age groups, it means U9, U11, U13, U15 and U18. This season we also have men's team that play in the Lithuanian men's championship. Our teams participate in Lithuanian and Latvian championships.

Probably each hockey fan knows the names like Darius Kasparaitis and Dainius Zubrus, former Lithuanian NHL players. But to be honest, we don´t know too much about hockey in Lithuania. Tell us something more about hockey in your country, especially about youth and junior hockey.

There are 5 teams participating in Lithuanian Men's Championship. Clubs with mens and junior teams are in the cities of Vilnius, Klaipeda, Kaunas and Elektrenai. Teams from these cities fighting for titles at the Lithuanian Championships and represent Lithuania in international tournaments.

What about your U16 national championship. How many teams are in Lithuania in this age category?

In Lithuania we have championship in U15 and U18 categories. In this age groups we have 5 teams. The best are from Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda. In Lithuania there is not too much teams because lot of prospect players are going to play abroad. Without having a strong championship with more teams it is quite difficult to form strong team, because it is hard to persude good players to stay in Lithuania.

How you got known about CJHL?

I am in contact with lot of coaches and I got information from them about this project.

Was your deciding about participation in Carpathian Junior Hockey League hard? What was the main reason of your decision to take part in this competition?

We decided to participate in this competition because of the interesting regulation, I mean tournament system. Important for us was also the fact, that teams from different countries are involved. Also the fact, that CJHL schedule does not interfere with our home competition, nor with our duties in Latvian championship, helped us to made positive decission.

We have first round behind us. Does the League and the participating teams, fulfill your expectations?

Yes. Organization, as well as participating teams. Everything was on really good level. I must say, that after the first round we left home satisfied.

Your team is on the third place after first round. Are you satisfy with this or you expected more?

I think, our results in first round were good. In Trebišov we missed some important players, so I hope that next time we will be even stronger. Our goal is to attack the top positions to compete in the final round for the CJHL champion. Being on third place after first round is good start for us.

I know, the end of the season is far away, but what will you be happy with at the end of the season?

As I told, we want to get to Final group, to have as much high-level games experience as possible. Being in the top five of Carpathian Junior Hockey League would be a good success.

Do you think that such an international competition can help young players in their hockey-related growth?

Playing only in the home championship is certainly not enough. So for sure, to play more international games is better for development of young players.

What's your wish to all players of CJHL for this season?

I'd like to wish everyone a good season, avoid injuries, and have as much good emotion as possible.