Eurolanche

Roman Will: Main training camp

During the last few days, we brought you an exclusive diary of Roman Will who participated at rookie camp that lasted for three days and ended on Tuesday. On Wednesday, guys had a day-off and they enjoyed great barbecue dinner with all the players and employees of Colorado Avalanche. “I am very satisfied with American cuisine. I like burgers but I cannot eat a lot of them. But the food is great here,” said Will for Eurolanche and then he continued with the most important thing – main training camp.

At two-day training camp, we could see not only rookies but also players from the first Avs team. They all divided into four teams and after short training they played against each other. “I played two matches and I allowed one goal in each of them which was pretty good. Everything was quite intense. Even Patrick Roy joined us and cheered and that made it even more vivid,” described his first NHL training camp Will. The camp was focused on defence as well because it is generally considered to be the weakest part of the team.

Daniel Briere, Max Talbot, Alex Tanguay and Gabriel Landeskog. These four players were, according to Will, impossible to overlook and they gave him hard time with their excellent play. But there was another player. “The guy I saw the most on the ice was MacKinnon. He is an incredible player. He is strong, he has a great shot, skates well and fights really hard. I remember him from junior league but I get a whole different look at him here. It is pleasure to watch him. There are many great players but it´s just unbelievable what Nathan can do at his age” said Will whose routine was same during the main camp as it had been during the rookie camp – trainings and matches were followed by lunch, relax at hotel and dinner.

Young goalie from Czech Republic quickly escalated from his home league to stars of the NHL and of course he realises that. “There was a difference but I was not nervous after a while because I know that I have only limited amount of time to show what is inside of me,” said Will adding that leaders were really visible on the ice. “Landeskog is a natural leader, Iginla makes jokes all the time...nobody is conceited. Veterans don´t even have to talk to us but they communicate like ordinary people,” confirmed Will.

On Sunday, official game between players of Colorado Avalanche called Burgundy/White Game is scheduled. Thousands of fans are expected to come and Will should be in the net for at least one period. After the match the decision if Roman will get a chance in a preseason game will be made. “I am looking forward to the Sunday game. It will be great to wear a team jersey. And then, we will see what happens. I appreciate every minute I spend here,” concludes Will, who experienced first requests for autographs.

And a bonus in conclusion: What are the expectations in the locker room? “Patrick Roy claims he wants to win a few Stanley Cups starting with the first one this season,” cited Will.

Author of the interview: David Puchovsky

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