Translations by Tomas Jandik
Pre-season interview with Petr Sykora ("Sport" daily) - 28-Jul-08
http://deniksport.blesk.cz/clanek/52886/sykora-vidim-se-ve-strakovi.html

Q: Wasn’t Martin Straka, due to his General Manager position, persuading you to sign with Pilsen?

A: I told 'Stracha' that I’d like to play in America for 3-4 more years and then I’d come back. I gave him a clear signal to keep himself in shape until then so that we can play together.

Q: And what did he say?

A: He said that in 3-4 years he probably won’t give a damn about playing. {laughing}

Q: What is actually your relationship with Martin Straka?

A: I like Martin very much and he’s been my role model for a long time. He is one of the first Pilseners to make it in the NHL and I always wanted to emulate him. I see myself in him a little. {smiles}. It’s great that now I can be with him in one locker room and practice. I still have a lot to learn from him; one could not refuse that.

Q: So you are getting ready to go back on ice. Is that so?

A: I started practicing only on July 1, which is the 4th week of the classic plan. It was because I was playing almost until the middle of June. That’s the reason I wanted to give it some time before I’d go back on ice. Last year I was in Beroun, but thanks to ‘Stracha’ being in Pilsen this year, I will be practicing here. In a week, two at most, I’ll join the guys on ice.

Q: So does it mean you feel good?

A: Yes, I’m healthy and I am already getting used to the regular workload. I’m just fat as a pig. {laughs}

Q: Let’s turn a page. Before Jaromir Jagr’s fate was sealed, there were speculations about him signing a contract with Pittsburgh. Did you pay attention to it?

A: I definitely followed that closely. I’m sorry that Jarda won’t be playing in the NHK, because it is still a top-caliber player. On the other hand I have to say I am glad he won’t be coming.

Q: Why? Wouldn’t you be interested in working with the famous countryman?

A: Yes, I would, but if he signed with us, I’d probably have to move out. {he smiles – in Pittsburgh, he lives in Jagr’s house}

Q: Do you know why Jagr’s deal with the Penguins has not worked out?

A: I did not see into that problem so deeply, we don’t even talk to each other on a regular basis. I think that ‘Dzhegr’ will be satisfied in Russia. The team will be relying on him, he will be a star there. That’s what fits him.

Q: Have you been following the Penguins?

A: I have been following everything regularly. Newly, we have Satan and some Russian on the roster. I think our team will be at least as strong and we have a real chance to repeat the last season’s success. Maybe even to add that one more winning series.

Q: Thanks to Satan signing you don’t have to be that disappointed about the loss of the productive Slovak Marian Hossa. Is that so?

A: I take it a little differently. For me, it’s better that Hossa left, because now I should get back on the first power-play unit again. That’s the best place how my productivity can help the team.

Tomas Jandik is the resident Czech on LetsGoPens.com and is a man who unifies all the goodies of the American dream - meaning, of course, being a Pitt graduate, a Razorback, and a Penguins fan.

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