New Jersey Devils forward Ondrej Palat grew up three and a half hours away from Prague, Czechia.
In 2011, he left his country to come to North America to begin his professional hockey career with the Norfolk Admirals, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate.
On Sept. 29, the Frydek-Mistek native returned to his home country ahead of the Devils’ participation in the 2024 NHL Global Series at O2 Arena in Prague.
“We’re starting our season here in his homeland,” head coach Sheldon Keefe said of Palat. “Just the preparations for this, I bounced ideas off him and talked through (things). He’s been sort of the host here of players and staff and directing us to go to different places. He’s tremendous.”
Oct 20, 2022; Elmont, New York, USA; New Jersey Devils left wing Ondrej Palat (18) reacts to scoring a goal against the New York Islanders during the third period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Palat spoke about starting the season in Czechia before the team’s travel to Europe.
“I was always thinking it would be cool to play an NHL game in (the) Czech Republic, where my family can see me, my friends, and just to get that feeling of playing an NHL game in Prague,” he said.
The 33-year-old revealed he purchased approximately 20 tickets per game for his family.
“I think it is a great opportunity for European players to play in front of their family and friends,” Tomas Tatar said. “We are very happy that the event is happening here in Czechia. They love hockey. It is a great event.”
For the players there will be a difference in the crowds from Europe compared to the fans in North America.
“Everybody wants to have fun,” Palat said of hockey games in Europe. “A lot of jumping and screaming, so it is a little different (than the NHL), but I think everybody will enjoy it.”
Palat and the Devils will open the 2024-25 season on Friday against the Buffalo Sabres at 1:00 P.M., EST. Fans can watch the game on MSGSN, NHLN, MSG-B, SN.
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