Ode to the Iron Eagles

[Mutti 188]

A new season is up and running. For me, it is about new beginnings:
It's the VHL, my first season, my chance to prove myself at the most prestigious level of hockey there is. And it is truly an honour that I can do so with a team from my homeland of Czech Republic. I am really excited to see how things go in the league of the leagues. This article, however, is not dedicated to the VHL, but rather to a league and a team that we won't see in action anymore, at least for some time:

Västerås Iron Eagles of the VHLE.

 

 

When I was drafted by this Swedish team, I was very excited. I was about to play with my mates from Houston, which was thrilling news. And the location was very pleasant, too. Everything from the city itself, the strong core, the logo, the promises of high quality hangouts after games.. Everything was set-up perfectly. The first seasons I also got to share the net with an amazing colleague of mine, Jorgen Lovstrom, who practically schooled me every game and showed me what it takes to be THE goalie. And I cannot stress enough how much fun we had in the town. There, I could show my mates what it takes to be a Czech person. Often times, we would get kind of unleashed, but certainly, surely, never would we ever get in trouble with the law (to my parole officer: I will finish cleaning the streets this week, I promise).

 

The team was perfect. I enjoyed every single season wearing the Eagles sweater, even though I had a rough time at on point due to personal demons of sorts. But even then, my teammates stood beside me. Everyone had my back and when I got my stuff together, the comeback was so, so sweet. It is truly a shame we were never able to make that one last step, which would be bringing home the cup. Yet, in the very last season of the VHLE, we managed to make history in the most amazing way.

 

What we've achieved was recording the most wins as a goaltender in Iron Eagles' history. When I learned about that, I was blown away. And I purposely say 'we achieved', because.. If it weren't for every single teammate I've ever played alongside, I wouldn't get even close to this crazy statistic. I was and still am a proud member of Västerås Iron Eagles. To all of you who had to tolerate my crazy self on and outside of the rink, I can't thank you enough. And thank you management for giving me this amazing opportunity. You are all the most tremendous and wonderful people.

 

I will miss playing in Sweden. It was a wild ride and I wish it never stopped. But, we can look forward to an amazing future. VHL is calling, let's answer. My teammates now playing there, I'll see you once you're in Prague.

 

Iron Eagles, it has been the best and biggest pleasure of mine. I'll see you again, when the VHLE is, hopefully, back up and running. 

 

Untill then..
Fly high, Eagles. Fly high.

 

- Ondrej 

 

529 words capped for week ending 10/20/24