"Brick Wall Zamazal" Shines at World Cup of University Hockey
Cârta, Romania ~ Paul Smith's College freshman goaltender Kevin Zamazal (Opava, Czechia) recently competed in the World Cup of University Hockey for the Czech Republic against some of the best non-NCAA hockey players in the world.
The World Cup of University Hockey is a relatively new competition, held to increase the visibility of university sports in Europe and transform local sports culture to mimic that of the United States and Canada. Sports diplomancy and professionalism are also major factors, as eight teams from around the globe have been invited to the event. The presence of the United States, Canada, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and the host Romania is meant to "Offer a quality sporting event and experience for the interested public, and to provide an opportunity for the participating athletes to meet and socialize with each other," writes Janka Dankova on the EUHL's website.
Non-NCAA players from the above countries are competing from April 14-19, with the championship occuring between the United States and Canada later today (April 19th). The partnership between the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) and the European University Hockey Association (EUHA) is behind the competition, and the organizers hope the event continues to promote university hockey in the future.
When asked about representing Paul Smith's College and the Czech Republic, Zamazal noted that "It means a lot and it is a great honor to represent Czech Republic and Paul Smith's College at such a prestigiuos internatoinal event."
One of Zamazal's coach's, Milan Vodicka, commented that "It's and amazing experience for him. I had a little chat with the head coach today, and it looks like Kevin will be our number 2 (goalie)."
Playing in relief of the starter, Zamazal put up impressive numbers during the tournament. In the three games he played, he posted a 1.25 goals against average and a .953% save percentage, leading the entire tournament in the latter category and finishing second behind only the USA starting goalie in the former. In the Czech Republic's final game against Hungary, Zamazal started and had 32 saves in a 2-1 overtime victory.
"I'm just happy I could help the team as best I could," remarked Zamazal after the win.
"Kevin is an absolute machine on the ice and a fierce competitior," said Paul Smith's College Men's Hockey head coach Casey Gerrish. "He pushes everyone around him to play at a higher level and it doesn't surprise me that he did so well in Europe. This kid has a long and illustrious career ahead of him and we're ecstatic to see him dominate for the Czech Republic University Hockey Team."
For more information, please follow the links below. And congratulations to Kevin Zamazal for representing Paul Smith's College and the Czech Republic with integrity, pride, and whole lot of character.
The stats leaders link for the World Cup of University Hockey can be found here: Leaders – Team (wcouh.org)
The main tournament page can be found here: Team – Hockey (wcouh.org)
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