Tatran Střešovice made history in the previous edition of the Champions Cup by becoming the first Czech team to win the event. Now they will start their journey in the 2025 Champions Cup quarterfinals. But nothing will come for free for the defending champions and according to goalkeeper Tomáš Jurco, it will be even more challenging this year when trying to win another title.
Tatran Střešovice are coming to the Champions Cup as defending Champions. The team had a great past season as they won three different titles – Czech Superleague, Czech Cup and the Champions Cup. Tatran obviously have a very talented roster of players. Marek Beneš and Tomáš Hanák gathered most points during the regular season (54) followed by Matěj Havlas with 52 points. Captain Beneš was also the most efficient player in the play-offs with 33 points and 18 goals. In addition to these players, Martin Kisugite, Jonáš Kreysa, Milan Melis and Tomáš Jurco were all part of the Czech national team in the past Men’s Euro Floorball Tour in Winterthur, Switzerland so Tatran have a big part to play in the Czech national team squad.
Tomáš Jurco joined Tatran Střešovice in 2017/2018 and made his first appearance in the Czech Superleague few years later. Jurco is an U19 World Champion from 2021 in Brno and now he is part of the Men’s national team squad. The latest Euro Floorball Tour was a great event for Jurco in goal and another Euro Floorball Tour is waiting in October as well as the Men’s World Floorball Championships in Malmö this December. But first there will be the Champions Cup quarterfinals against SV Wiler-Ersigen.
Tatran Střešovice are the defending Champions Cup champions. What did this experience give you last season as you and your team made it all the way to the final and became the first Czech team to claim the title?
— The experience from last year brought us enormous self-confidence and confidence in our own abilities. As the first Czech team to win the title, we showed that we can compete with the best in the world. This strengthened us both on the pitch and in mental preparation. I think the years of hard work have paid off. Another thing is that we have a very great team spirit and when the team pulls together, even what seemed to be impossible can be achieved.
What are your expectations for Champions Cup 2025?
— I expect the tournament to be even more challenging than last year. Teams will be better prepared and motivated to beat us as we are now in the role of defending champions. But I believe that if we manage to repeat our game and commitment from the last season, we have a great chance to succeed again. Every game will be a challenge, but we have the experience and the team quality to deal with it.
You’ll meet SV Wiler-Ersigen in the quarter-finals. How would you describe your opponent?
— Wiler-Ersigen is a very strong team with great players. It is a well organized opponent who knows how to take advantage of the slightest mistake. It will certainly not be an easy match, but I believe that if we prepare well for them, we have a big chance to beat them.
Which player(s) will make a difference in the quarter-finals and help you reach the semi-finals?
— We have a really great team overall and everyone has a role in the team, so it is really difficult to predict who will decide this doublematch, because it could be anyone.
Tatran Střešovice in the Champions Cup quarter-finals
Sunday 22nd September at 18:00 SV Wiler-Ersigen v Tatran Střešovice in Sporthalle Grossmatt
Friday 27th September at 19:00 Tatran Střešovice v SV Wiler-Ersigen in Sportovní Centrum Repy
