The third athlete to have positively responded to my request as an amateur journalist is Martin Joppa.
Slovaks are tough players. We have seen them in reduced numbers during certain international competitions, but they still delivered on their commitment. That commands respect. Like the Czechs, they are quite reserved, but courteous and respectful.
I encountered Martin a few times during the Olomouc tournament. And it was one of the most memorable « encounters » I have ever experienced. He delivered a hit with a violence and efficiency I had never known before. There was no pain on my side, which means it was a perfect check. It was the second time I managed to get the puck out through the right wing, and he made it clear that I should no longer go that way 😀
I am honored that he took the time to respond to me; he is a major European player and he is involved in the development of para ice hockey in Europe.
Can you introduce yourself? Your name, age, and whether you have a job in addition to playing para ice hockey?
My name is Martin Joppa, I’m 28 years old and I’m the captain of the Slovak Para ice hockey team. I work as a social worker with disabled people at the Slovak Paralympic Committee. Hockey is just my hobby.
How long have you been playing? What is your sports history ? in club and national team?
I started playing para ice hockey in 2010, so it is 16 years already. I played hockey before an accident I had in 2005, so para ice hockey was love at first sight. In 2016 I started to play for SHK Lapp Zlin in the Czech league where we won the Czech league 5 times. Last season I moved to Soho Kohouti Olomouc, and we won the league for the first time in 21 years for the club. My first World Championship was the B-pool in 2013; we finished 5th. In 2015 and 2017, we finished in 3rd place, and then in 2019 we finally moved up to the A-pool after finishing 2nd at the B-pool championship. Our first A-pool tournament was not successful, and we got relegated back to the B-pool. Now we played at two consecutive A-pool tournaments with a 6th place finish. We played at the 2022 Beijing Paralympics, and soon we will play again at the Paralympics in Milano Cortina.
What position do you play? What do you enjoy about it? And what do you hope to contribute to your team through this role?
I started as a winger for the last 4-5 years, I have played as a center. I love playing with the puck, so I’m trying to be creative. The center is a conductor of the game, and that is what I enjoy most about my position. In recent years, I have worked with our coach on my defensive play; I believe that I’m helping my team in defense as well.
Do you have a favorite technique or a type of movement or action that you prefer?
I love to slow down the game in the offensive zone. When all backchecking players fly around me down to the zone and i have enough time to make a play.
Conversely, is there a handling skill or technique that you would like to see improved?
Definitely my left hand play, it is really important to use both of your hands to be a good player with the puck. Timing your movement is also helpful, so I’m trying to improve that too.
Can you tell us about your equipment?
I use a ballistic sledge, but I hope it is my last season on that sledge and I will try something new next year. I do have a special seat, but it is more than 12 years old, so I need to change it. I think I have a pretty wide space between my blades; it improved my stability and speed. I use 3/8 inch sharpness. I play with a warrior stick at full length and I have spikes upright to the stick.
I was lucky with my sledge, and I have had a good sledge from day one. I played for many years with a narrow space between the blades, which was definitely a mistake. I also played with short sticks; it was difficult to gain speed and control the puck with them. Now I have changed them for much longer sticks, and it feels much better.
How are you approaching these Paralympic Games? What are your personal goals? How do you feel about this unique competition?
Well, it is the biggest tournament you can play at as a para ice hockey player. For our team it is a success just to be there. I really want to fight for the 5th place, but anything except the last one will be a success. It is satisfaction for me and my family to play at this event, even more now because it is close to Slovakia so they can come to cheer for me.
Can you tell us about your daily routine during this preparation period? Any ice time, gym sessions, or other activities to help you perform well at the Games? Meditation …?
During the season I’m on ice at least three times a week and I have 2-3 gym sessions in a week. Basically, I spend 2-3 hours a day on preparations. During the off season, there are more gym sessions and running in a wheelchair. I love mountains, so I’m on hikes with my family as much as I can.
Can you tell us about the teams you’ll be facing? Which ones have a style of play or tactics that appeal to you? Any players in particular?
We have Canada and Czechia at the start. These are in the top three in the world, so it will be great practice for our defensive game. Then we are facing Japan in the group stage. We have played some great games with them, but we always lost it at the end. I believe we will do better this time. All the teams we will face for placement, such as Japan, Germany, Italy, or China, are great teams. We played good close games with them, so I’m looking forward to these games. We always have fun playing each other. My favorite player to watch and play with is my club teammate Martin Zizlavsky from Czechia. He knows the game; he is fast and strong on the puck.
Do you have a mantra or a phrase you say to yourself that helps you feel good?
I do not. I love being at the arena, so I always feel good around the ice.
What can we wish you for these Games besides a gold medal?
Just to have fun, for us, hobby players, it is a pleasure to play in the top league with the best players.
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