After the third match between SV Wiler-Ersigen and Unihockey Tigers Langnau (Wiler-Ersigen won the series after five matches) we had the opportunity to talk to Ales Zalesny, probably todays best striker from the Czech Republic. He was amongst the strongest players to lead Unihockey Tigers Langnau into the play-off final for the first time ever.

wfn: On Monday the fourth match of this playoff series is going to be played. What do you expect?
Ales Zalesny: I will be a new game beginning with 0-0. Our aim must be to play the way we did during the first period.

wfn: What aims do you have in your career?
Ales Zalesny: This season is a special one for me. I’ve been playing in Switzerland for five years (Ales Zalesny played for Unihockey Tigers Langnau’s local rival UHC Grünenmatt until spring 2008 / editor’s note). But this season is the first season that I can play in a final and not even in one final. We won the cupfinal against SV Wiler-Ersigen in March. Now I have the chance to win the final playoff series and the Swiss Champion Title. In addition to this I’m the top scorer of Swiss Mobiliar League (32 goals, 47 assists/editor’s note)This definitely is my best season ever.

Ales Zalesny, top scorer of Swiss Mobiliar League

wfn: What about the further future?
Ales Zalesny: There is an offer from Falun from Svenska Superligan and several offers from Czech Republic. I don’t know where I will play next season, yet. I won’t take part in the national team’s matches in April. I need a break. Maybe I will join the Czech Team again later.

wfn: Why does Unihockey Tigers Langnau play in Hasle-Rüegsau’s small icehockey arena while there is a larger one in Langnau?
Ales Zalesny: The atmosphere would not be good in Langnau if there are 2000 fans in an ice hockey arena built for 7000. The size of this arena is good. I enjoy the atmosphere. Another reason is maybe the costs.

Interview and photograph: Matthias Dudli