Eurolanche

Invasion IV: Interview with members

David Puchovsky, 21, the founder and the director of Eurolanche, focuses on Slovak and English articles. He coordinates the organization. David has become fan of Colorado Avalanche just few months before their second Stanley Cup. He visited Denver two times; in 2008/09 and in 2010. He studies journalism and works for the big news website in Slovakia.

Norbert Gruber, 28, lives in the capital of Austria, Vienna. After quit playing hockey with the age of 18 because of university and job reasons, he studied economics at university since then. He is an Avalanche fan since the team moved from Quebec to Denver in 1995. He thought, maybe that would be a good choice: having a favorite team in the NHL from day 1 of existence in Denver. So he started to cheer for the Avalanche. And well, 16 years are gone since this first Cup, and I am still a die-hard-fan of the Avs. And I will ever be! Norbert have visited Denver two times.

Matej Klucho, 22, lives in Liberec, Czech Republic where he also studies. He is a student of the Tech University. He is a professional player of floorball and also coach in the youth league. He has been in Colorado one time, so he is probably looking forward on the trip most from the whole team.

You will visit Denver soon, how do you feel?

David: I have mixed feelings. I am getting more nervous from day to day. There is a lot work around. You could not imagine. Everything has to be planned in the every detail, angle. Order some products for marketing issue, pay for it, get finances… But of course I am very happy and looking forward. Really, really happy.

Norbert: After being in Denver two times in the years 2009 and 2010, I am counting the days towards my third Invasion. After being not able to fly to Denver in the last season, it took about two years to finally book the flights the Denver again. Although the season is not very successful so far for the Avs, I can't wait to walk into Pepsi Center again for nearly two years now.

Matej: My feelings are nice, of course. I am going to Denver for the second time, so I know what is waiting for me. I am looking forward on games, players, new people and mostly on memories on which I have never forgot.

What are your expectations? What should be better than in the previous trips?

David: We are moving forward and learning from mistakes from year to year. It will be definitely better event than in the past thanks to new acknowledges about organization and other things. I hope this event will raise popularity of the fanclub and get more members. I will know concrete summaries and rating after coming home.

Norbert: I am expecting a very similar program and similar highlights in Denver like in Invasion I and II. Seeing the Avs games but also practices from the Avs and getting some photos with the players will be definitely the highlight of this trip again. But also visiting the beautiful city and seeing an NFL game for the first time will be great too!

Matej: I have big expectations. We plan to visit six home-games of the Avs and one game of the NFL. On the next are interviews, practices, players. Incredible things. Not many fans have even the chance to think about it. The length of the trip and number of games are reasons why this trip should be better. I will also meet personally David for the first time finally.

What are you most looking forward?

David: For all. You will be maybe surprise, but I really looking forward for the whole atmosphere. Be in the city, eat American food, shopping… It was very good last time and I guess it will be better this year.

Norbert: Definitely the games from the Avs at Pepsi Center. The chance to see the burgundy and blue team in front of my eyes on the rink!

Matej: It is hard to point on one concrete thing. I am looking forward on everything. Mostly, games and meeting with players. I hope I will able to get autographs from opponent´s players too.

How long are you preparing for the trip? Is it hard?

David: I promised this trip one year ago. There was personal meeting with members and discussion about it in February. The date was set in the summer and also we had started to check air tickets. Be closer to the date of the departure, more duties. It is extremely hard to set up everything and did not forget on anything. It is long-time process or preparation. Not days, weeks, but months.

Norbert: I started preparing for this trip at the end of October. Most work has to be done of course with all the flights and hotel booking. But as soon as the bookings are done, all I have to do is to pack my suitcase and waiting for the flight to Denver. So besides the organizing of the flights and the hotel, every work and organization is done with happiness.

Matej: We want to have everything ready and planned. Preparations starting before the season when we choose the date and find air tickets. Of course, game tickets issue is also important part of it. There are also communication with the team, accommodation and more things. Now, the hardest part are marketing and administration things. But it is worth of it!

What would you like to leave to all fans which will read about Invasion at the Eurolanche website?

David: I wish you all will check our diaries and everything about it. I hope you will inspire by our trip and joins us in the future. Nothing is impossible.

Norbert: I will try to bring the fans the experience to their homes with my words. Although it is never the same like being in Denver on its own, I try to let the fans at home share my experience and try to motivate them to join as at the next Invasion.

Matej: Keep your fingers crossed! We would like to represent the whole fanclub and want to get the most souvenirs and experiences. Also we will try to make interviews with players and other interesting persons.

Will you want to visit Denver again sometimes between the period of years 2013 and 2014?

David: If will be everything OK like in the present, I will for sure.

Norbert: Definitely YES! No doubt about it! But first, its time to enjoy Invasion IV before talking about the next one.

Matej: It is hard to say. It depends on the school and floorball. It is great timing for this year, in spite of Christmas days. There is also financial issue. Money will probably have the final decision.