LEGENDS CLUB: Pavel Bohacik

[Team Manager] Ross Noga calling me to come out and play a game for the team. He was quite persistent (thanks).

2) Can you write a bit to us about what it was like being the first captain of a club, looking back 20 years later? Does it mean a lot to you?

Bottsy (Coach John Botterill) called me to a private meeting before a team training. He told me that I was selected to be the Captain of the team. Janet Oddy, one of the club directors, quickly sowed a C on my jumper as we were taking a team photo that night as well. 

During the first few games (especially the home games) I felt a bit nervous. We played a quite physical game, so I had to talk to the referees a lot. Personally, it was a great honour, we won back to back championships. I was lucky enough to win the best defenceman in those 2 years as well, so great memories. Lifting the Goodall cups were amazing experiences.

3) What kind of player were you in terms of style and what you brought to the team?

Stay at home defenceman, with a physical aspect to the game. The program described me as player with a blistering shot and good speed on the ice. I never had talent for any fancy moves so tried to play simple. Get the puck and pass it on.

4) What was different about the AIHL when it first started in 2000 vs. what it is now? Is there anything the "new" AIHL you think can learn?

A lot of responsibility from the players back then. The Oddy and Thilthorpe families invested in the team. This allowed us to travel and play interstate games without having to pay for it out of our own pockets. Most players were sponsored. 

The game all around the world has become a lot quicker. It was a different era, I have not been involved with the team since 2003.

5) You won five Goodall Cups for South Australia (2 with the Avalanche) is there anyone in particular that stands out the most?

A lot of people come into mind. Bottsy, Vladi Mihal, Arto Malste, Glen Foll, Spooly Campbell, Oddys, Lawson brothers and Eric Lien. If you want one name only then it’ll have to be Bottsy.

6) I am a believer that everybody brings something to the table that makes this sport better in this country. Coming from Czech Republic, what did you leave behind that left hockey is in a better place than when you came?

Hard work, do not take anything for granted, respect yourself, your team and the opposition. European players can be as tough and physical as North American.

7) Do you have any interest in ever being involved in a more major way in the Ice Hockey community?

Yes, however I do spend a lot of time away during the season.

CAREER STATS

LAYER STATISTICS

S	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	TP	PIM	+/-		POST	GP	G	A	TP	PIM	+/-
1991-92	Australia	WC C	5	0	0	0	2		|
1992-93	Australia	WC C	5	0	0	0	4	-12	|
1993-94	Australia	WC C2	5	1	0	1	0		|
1997-98	Australia	WC D	5	1	1	2	0		|
1998-99	Adelaide Avalanche	AIHL	15	3	15	18	14		|
	Australia	WC D	4	0	0	0	2	5	|
1999-00	Adelaide Avalanche	AIHL	15	1	13	14	6		|
2000-01	Adelaide Avalanche	AIHL	16	4	6	10	12		|
2001-02	Adelaide Avalanche	AIHL	4	0	0	0	4		|