I have experienced and played approximately 1,000 games at the highest level, I am playing hockey professionally for 22 years, I was the leader of all youth national teams and I was at the World Cup under 18 years as team captain. With the year 1984 with year older players, I was at the World Cup under 20 years old. I started playing hockey in Karlovy Vary, where my parents introduced me to it. Mainly my father taught me hockey, he was my coach until the age of 12. He taught me
discipline, dedication, team spirit and, above all, to enjoy hockey and exercise. In Karlovy Vary, I also had my first peek into the A-team and played my first matches at the age of 15. At the age of 17, I became the youngest player of the Czech national A-team.
Subsequently, I was drafted in Nashville in the 2nd round at 36th place by the Dallas Stars.
With gradual steps, diligence and love for hockey, I got to the highest level in the NHL, where I played my first game at the age of twenty in the Dallas Stars jersey. It was an unforgettable experience.
Then I went through the best European leagues - such as the Russian KHL, the Finnish SM Liiga, the Swiss NLA and also the Czech Extraliga.
On my way, I went through many difficulties and had to overcome many situations.
I learned how to train correctly and efficiently, breathe and regenerate correctly, be mentally resilient and learn to work with the pressure that is exerted on the player's performance more and more.
I decided to establish an Academy for the education and development of players in all areas. To pass on my experience to the players, so that one day they can experience and fully enjoy this wonderful sport, ice hockey, which I love, just like me.
Hockey has also brought me many friends throughout the hockey world.
I know how to get you to that highest level.
My motto is "How to become the best of your self"
Vojtěch Polák