World Championships? Also a lot of experience

We wrote a lot about rookies and newcomers at the World championship in Beroun. However, there are plenty of those who have been part of the World championship for many years. It is tradition for them to come and represent their country every July. Along with few others, the most experienced are Czech Eva Holesova, Lisa Marie Giovanelli of Team USA and Kathy Devereux of Team Canada.

Eva Holesova (Czech Republic)

Eva Holesova is already at her 8th World Championship in in-line hockey and feels as big honour to represent her country. 27-years player born in Opava plays ice hockey as a forward for Slavia Prague. She skates on in-line just two months a year, but still belongs to the top scorers of her team.

This year in Beroun it is your 8th championship. Can you compare all the events you have been part of?
When we started to play in-line hockey in the Czech Republic, it was a big jump for us, because we had no experience with it. Canadian and American players usually concentrate just for in-line hockey, we are ice hockey players, who play in-line hockey just for two months a year and then we go to play at the World Championship. This year we are in the finals again and it is great feeling.

How did the game changed during the years?
Now teams use much more tactics, or at least our team. Earlier we preffered an ice hockey style, we chased the puck as the fools. Now we try to watch Teams USA and Canada, who are more experienced with in-line hockey and we learn from them. We chose the tactics and then it goes well. You could saw it in the semifinals. When we cover their players, they had no chance.

Which championship do you consider to be the most succesfful for you?
It is hard to tell. I am glad for every victory of the Czech Republic team. I do not judge my personal achievement.

Which championship did you like the most?
The best championship was in Pisek 2003 where we played in-line hockey for the first time and we immediately won the bronze medals. The second place belongs to Beroun. We are home here and it is an honor to play for our home country.

What do you think about the atmosphere here in Beroun?
It is great here. Eventually there are some fans here. When we played abroad, there were just few parents there, Now we have support from many people in the arena.

Lisa Marie Giovanelli (USA)

Another player experiencing the 8th championship in a row is Lisa Marie Giovanelli of Team USA. Her biggest success wa a gold medal in 2006, when she triumphed on her home land.

Eight years is a long time. Do you follow any changes over the years?
Yes, absolutely. In-line hockey gets better and better every year. It was proved also this year when the Czechs beat our team in the semifinals.

Which championship did you like the most?
I liked the most championship in Detroit 2006. That was my first gold medal. It is great to win at home.

Which championship was most attended?
It was probably the one which took place in France. They had always big crowds at the games.

What types of feeling do you have concerning in-line hockey?
It is great and nice to meet other teams and new players. We all are good buddies. Of course, when we are at the rink, it is little different. :-)

Do you like the organisation of the WC in Beroun?
It is really exceptional! We can come for free to the arena, it is very close to our hotel. People here are very friendly and our team host is fantastic. And what is more, Beroun is a very beatiful city. For us it is a great experience.

Kathy Devereaux (CAN)

30-year old forward Kathy Devereaux participates at her 8th World In-line Championship. She already have two gold medals from in-line hockey.

Can you compare the World championship you participated at?
I think that teams which come to the World championship vary a lot. They are always good and some players with a lot of experience.

Which championship have you liked the most?
I live by presence and this championship looks like it could be the best.

Where did you experience the highest attendance?
It was in France, the fans there were great.

How do like it here in Beroun?
I am having a great time here. People here are very kind and nice, they help us with everything. Also the accommodation and hospitality is great. It is very well organized tournament.

What is your most memorable moment from this tournament so far?
It was our play against France. We can build on it. We were down 0:3 and still managed to win 5:4 in overtime. This success can help us in the finals.