Eurolanche

Invasion X: Interview with Michal

Michal Zdrazil, 31, comes from Chrudim, Czech Republic. He’s been an Avalanche fan since the team captured its first Stanley Cup in 1996. He joined Eurolanche in 2015. Michal works for the Czech Police Force and this will be his second trip to Denver, as he took part in the Eurolanche Invasion IX, the Fan Club’s most recent overseas trip.

Why did you choose to go to Colorado for the second year in row?

Last year’s Invasion was a great experience, from discovering new places in the vicinity of Denver, all the way to the trip to California. Despite 7 losses, it felt like heaven to be able to go to an NHL game. I really like the organization and how the trip was planned, even if there were some minor flaws here and there. As we were preparing to leave Denver, I told myself that I’d love to be back and that’s why I ultimately decided to join this year’s tenth Invasion.

How would you briefly sum up Invasion IX?

I’ve already mentioned several things from Invasion IX above. We were a great group, visited a lot of interesting places and cities, we’ve been to NHL games… It was awesome and a dream come true.

The Avs lost all seven games they played during Invasion IX and both of their games during the NHL Global Series, which you’ve attended as well. Do you believe that you’ll finally see Colorado win? Maybe as soon as the first game?

It’s really tough to say. It’s been a rollercoaster season for the Avalanche, but they have been in good form recently and are on the playoff bubble. The team’s roster went through a lot of changes this season and after seeing the Avs go 9 games without a win with me in the stands, I sure hope with all my heart that I’ll finally get to celebrate a win with fellow Avalanche fans. If it’ll be as soon as the first game, that’s hard to tell. Personally, I think the Canucks are a playable team and the Avalanche have been great at home this season, which is why I’ll be hoping for a win right in the first game we’ll attend. I really doubt that the Avs will have zero wins in the 16 games I will have been to after Invasion X.

Since this is your second Invasion in row, aren’t you worried that you’ll experience the same as last year?

I do expect to visit places I’ve already seen, but based on the schedule, I’ll see a lot of new things, both in terms of places and opposing teams. Trips to Chicago and Columbus are also part of the program, which means that I’ll visit new states and cities in the US, which I’m really looking forward to.

What are you looking forward to the most?

As I’ve already mentioned, aside from NHL games, I’m really looking forward to the trip to Chicago and its vicinity, as Chicago is the second city right after New York I’ve always wanted to visit. It goes without saying that I’m looking forward to the Invasion in general, to the entire program, to discovering and exploring new places, to NHL and NBA games and, last but not least, to possible meetings with Avs players.

Since you’ve already experienced what it’s like to take part in Invasion, what would you tell other fans that are considering taking part in one in the future? Is it worth it?

It’s a great opportunity for die-hard fans of Avalanche hockey to not only go to NHL games, but to explore Denver, its vicinity and other places in the US for a reasonable price and with great organization. After my experience last year, I can only recommend other fans to take part in an Invasion. Eurolanche makes it possible to meet Avalanche players, look behind the scenes of the club, meet great people and visit new places.

Basic information about the Eurolanche Invasion project, as well as information about the previous nine trips are available at Invasion.Eurolanche.com. If you’re considering taking part in a future Invasion and have any questions, please send them to us via eurolanche@eurolanche.com. Registration will be made available at a later date and every Fan Club member, who provided his email address in the signup form, will be notified via the provided email address.

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