"We Don't Play by Titles in the Staff; Everyone Does What's Needed," Says National Coach Vít Čapek

Earlier this month, the U16 national team held another training camp as part of their preparation for the upcoming home championship. Vít Čapek, who also serves as the head coach for the U18 team, discussed his dual role and his return to the younger squad.

"We Aim for the Team to Function Perfectly and Ensure the Best Support for the Players"

Coach, you’re currently involved with two youth national teams. In addition to being the head coach of the U18 team, you’re also an assistant coach for the U16 team. How did this come about?

After the World Championship in Žilina, we were offered to continue with the U18 team as the same coaching staff, and we gladly accepted. During the fall, I received an offer to join the U16 team as well, which intrigued me due to the chance to work with Michal (Koza) and Tomáš (Kroupa) again. Since the U18 team doesn’t have a major event this year, I decided to take the opportunity.

You’ve already achieved success with both teams—guiding the U16 team to a championship in Liberec last year and securing a bronze with the U18 team in Žilina this year. How does the work differ between these two groups?

The U18 players are more experienced, with many of them already playing in men’s Extraliga or the first league. They’re more seasoned and accustomed to higher-level hockeyball, which isn’t as common in the U16 group. Other than that, the work is quite similar.

The coaching staff remains largely unchanged, except for a new team manager with the U16 red team. How are responsibilities currently divided?

On paper, roles are assigned, but within our staff, we don’t really adhere strictly to titles. Everyone does what’s needed. We’re four coaches and four managers (laughs). Our goal is to ensure the team functions as effectively as possible and that the players receive the best support. We aim to operate as smoothly as we did in Liberec. Michal, Tomáš, and Kuba (Jakub Třináctý) are incredibly dedicated, have a great understanding of the players, and we’re all on the same page both hockeyball-wise and personally.

"Training Sessions Were Designed to Build on Each Other"

The U16 team recently held a training camp at the beginning of December, the second in preparation for the home championship. What was the focus of this camp?

We had 60 players and eight goalies, so it was quite demanding. The training sessions were designed to build on one another, focusing on slot shooting, net-front presence, and pressure near the crease. These drills transitioned into scenarios like 2-on-1 and 3-on-2, along with structured gameplay and mini-games. During these, we emphasized certain aspects we want to showcase at the championship.

We aim to play actively, both in the defensive and offensive zones. No waiting for the opponent's mistakes—we want to dictate the game’s tempo.

The championship is set for June next year. What’s next on the agenda to ensure preparations stay on track?

In January, we’ll hold another camp with a slightly trimmed roster, focusing mainly on our playing style. Special teams—power plays and penalty kills—will also be a priority. In February, we hope to participate in a tournament. We’re planning an Easter camp as well, followed by post-season preparations leading directly to the championship.

You have your first training session with the U18 team in mid-January. How do you balance responsibilities between the two teams, and what’s the biggest benefit of working with both?

The main advantage is that I can closely observe and get to know players born in 2009 who might join the U18 team. Since there’s no major event for the U18 team this year, it’s manageable. Everything comes down to teamwork within the staff, and both teams have excellent people on board.