Adam Brodicki returns to the SHL after the adventure
Linkoping. Jaromir Jagr rules Kladno with an iron fist.
That’s what new Adam Brodeke gained at Växjö last season.
-He really loves the club and does everything for it. For better or worse, the 28-year-old laughs.
It’s sad to lose, but it’s a lot of fun to play hockey again.
This is how Adam Brodecky feels when Sportbladet meets him after the Vaxjo Lakers lost 3-2 away to Linköping. Having started the season without a club, the 28-year-old’s phone rang just over a week ago.
– My base was in Gothenburg, where I trained with NHL and SHL players who played in Europe. I just kept going there,” Adam Brodicki says.
He has now returned to Vaxjo, where he played two seasons between 2016 and 2018, on a short-term contract.
– Firstly, it’s very fun to be back in Vaxio. I’m just trying to contribute positive energy and have fun out there. It will get better and better.
You have signed a short-term contract. What does it mean?
– Växjö has had many injuries so it is a contract for a certain period. We’ll see if it lasts longer or turns into something else. I’m just taking one day at a time and trying to do the best I can.
He played with Jagger in the Czech Republic
Last season, award-winning striker Trey Kronauer played in the Czech Premier League. Not in any club, but the club Reteri Kladno owned by Jaromir Jagr. The legend himself played 26 times last year, despite turning 51 in February.
This sounds like an adventure?
– Well, maybe that’s why I jumped at it. Because it was Jager’s club and he was going to play. It was an adventure, one might say. There was a lot going on on and off the ice.
How much influence does he have at the club?
He rules it with an iron fist, as they say. He really loves the club and does everything for it. For better or for worse. He’s a really great hockey player and person. It was great to be around him.
Trains at Night: “Lucky You’re Not Young”
The stories surrounding jājīr rituals in Kladno are many. He warms up with weights on his feet, and even harasses his teammates at night (!).
– Yes, he likes to train at night. I was in some of the sessions, but the younger players were training with him at night as well. This was something he had done throughout his career, so of course he wanted others to do it as well.
What argument does he have for training at night?
– Yes, I do not know. It seemed to have worked in his favor. Maybe he wanted others to do the same. Lucky for you, you’re not young and need to be there all the time.
Adam Brodecky smiles when he talks about Jagr, and when asked how the five-time NHL winner can play at an elite level at the age of 51, the answer comes at lightning speed:
– Because he dedicated his life to hockey. It’s the only thing he does and focuses on. “I’ve never seen anyone give as much to hockey as he does,” Brodecki says, explaining that the icon is surrounded by great interest throughout the Czech Republic.
– truly. Even in away matches when he was supposed to play. There were sold-out stadiums and hundreds of people standing outside the locker room after games wanting autographs. He is truly a huge sports star in this country.
“In every training – he will probably play”
I played with him, how is he doing today?
– He may not have the same speed, but he has a very good sense of the game and comes with a lot of detail. I got the puck exactly when I wanted it in the right positions. It’s absolutely fantastic to see a 51-year-old player walking around and playing at the level he is doing. It was an adventure.
A few days ago, Jaromir Jagr hinted at lacing up his boots again.
– Yes, he joins and practices every training, so when he feels ready, he says: “Now I will play.” And then he plays, so he’ll probably play.
You’re not all that different from Jagger himself on the ice with your bangs?
– exactly. I’ve chosen to have long hair for a while now. We’ll see if I keep it or not.
Växjö meets Luleå at home on Saturday evening. Adam Brodecki then makes his fourth match for Växjö this season.