(Prague, CZE) - It is with great happiness and joy that I, the acting head of Czechia, under the power granted to me by the IIHF, announce a roster addition. As we start to gear up for the next season, Czechia had many things to address. One of those holes... was in goal. Thankfully Five-Hole Sieve was willing to join us. We are ecstatic to have this newest addition!

Background information:

Hailing from Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, coming in at a solid 200 lbs, and standing at the oak tree height of six foot, three inches, we have the one, the only Five-hole Sieve! We were lucky enough to sit down with Five-hole to find out more information about them.

With all the World to pick, why did you pick Czechia?

FHS: You know, Luke reached out to me and was the first and only person to do so. I think I've flown under the radar a bit as a goalie, but I like to play with a chip on my shoulder. I loved the pitch from Czechia, the young core being developed, and obviously the veterans here to show us the way. The chance for immediate playing time was also key to my decision, and I simply can't wait to take the ice!

How are you getting along with your new teammates?

FHS: The squad and locker room atmosphere is outstanding. Everybody has been extremely welcoming, even though I've often been on the opposition side of most of them during my career. We know we all play under the same jersey during international play now, and we'll save the friendly rivalries for league games.

Do you think others would like the atmosphere of the locker room?

FHS: As I said before, the locker room is absolutely top notch, and there is lots of hype. In most locker rooms, you have one or two people really running the hype train, but it's a large and vocal squad in Czechia and one any players looking to transfer should definitely consider being part of!

Do you prefer
Tatarák s topinkami  or
Bramboračka s bramboráky ?

((for those who do not know: Tatarák s topinkami is basically a steak tartare served with a side of toast. Typically the toast is considered whole grain. The great thing about this version of steak tartare is that all of the usual seasonings or toppings, such as minced onions, yellow or stone ground mustard, Worcestershire sauce, ground sweet peppers, and seasonings are placed around the tartare patty. The patty is covered with an egg. You can then choose to mix the tartare with all or some or none of the spices, depending on what you would like. It is a highly enjoyable dish, and loved by anyone who eats tartare. Very Flashy.)

Now Bramboračka s bramboráky is like the ying to Tatarak's yang. This is a soup, that is extremely hearty with a great amount of mushrooms, root veggies, and onions. Traditionally this would be served in a bread bowl, and a popular addition would be smoked meats such as brisket or even chicken. On top is a fried potato pancake that is spiced and adds an amazing texture element to the soup dish. It is seriously good eats, more of a hearty, less flashy dish.)

FHS: Oh man, what a tough question! Tatarák s topinkami is something that, although I'm not a big fan, I do relate too. Raw beef is something that's eaten in my 2nd home of Wisconsin, so this dish brings fond memories of my past. However, I think I need to go with Bramboračka s bramboráky, as nothing beats a great potato soup with fresh ingredients!

Any final thoughts going into the IIHF off season? Any hopes for your new team?

FHS: I just want to thank the management of Czechia for bringing me in and giving me a chance to be a key part of this team moving forward. I absolutely love what we have going, and we keep adding outstanding folks to the team as well. We'll be hoping to bring home a medal in the coming seasons! Pojďme na ně, Česká republika!

Stats:

Last Season, Five-Hole Sieve appeared in 55 games with the Knights. Those 55 appearances ended with 19 wins, 31 losses and 4 overtime losses. Five-Hole pulled a 3.71 GAA and a .892 save percentage. The Knights relied on Five-Hole heavily. Five-hole now enters his third season with the Knights, and the team has grown heavily. Five-hole expects to have a breakout season this year, with a great defensive core helping anchor the goalie.


As with all of our additions, if they do not have a home here in Prague, we accommodate any and all stays in the great Four Seasons Hotel of Prague. This beautiful hotel features over 300 rooms, with all different themes for all different walks of life. The Hotel has 3 different restaurants on site with a rotating menu that is updated every season!


This is just one of the many great players we have brought into the locker-room over the past few days. Czechia has improved greatly with the addition of Five-Hole Sieve. We would like to thank the Kelowna Knights for assisting Five-Hole in his training efforts and most of all thank Five-Hole himself for giving us the chance.

Be on the lookout for more articles about the newest additions to Czechia!   

(940 words, Split to @G2019)