By Cassandra Federico, Special to the Times Review
The Revelstoke Grizzlies reached far away to fill the assistant coach position this year. Rostislav Příhonský, a friend of coach Ryan Parent, was brought over from the Czech Republic to help the guide the team.
Příhonský sat down with the Times Review, and a translator, to talk about his time in Revelstoke.
He has a lot of experience in coaching and managing different hockey teams and clubs back home. His main reasons for coming to Revelstoke were to help out his friend Parent with coaching his new team, and to learn English.
He described his experience with the Grizzlies and what it was like coaching these players, in comparison to the players in Czech Republic.
"The players here are very keen to learn. They are always asking for feedback, and I am always happy to give them advice," he said. "This is different from the players back home because there they are used to being told what to do, and they don't often ask for help."
Příhonský talked about the improvement he's seen in the team over the season.
"I have seen a lot of improvement, even though it doesn't always reflect in the scores," he said.
He shared what his plans are for after the season is done.
"I plan on staying around for about two more weeks. I'd like to enjoy Revelstoke, and the surrounding areas, and go skiing. I may even catch a hockey game out of town," he said. "I also may possibly make arrangements to come back next season."
Since he's been here, he has spent some of his free time volunteering to help coach minor hockey, and women's hockey.
Grizzly player Jeff Bochon shared some comments about Rostislav, and what its been like having him as a coach this season.
"I've learned a lot from him, and he's good at telling players what they can improve on," Bochon said. "He also has a great hockey mind, and his English has gotten a lot better over the season."
Outside of coaching, Příhonský has enjoyed the scenery in Revelstoke. He loves getting to go outside and seeing the mountains everyday.
"I'm always taking photos of the mountains, and posting them on Facebook, so my friends can see where I live," he said