Petr Sykora: "I'm expecting to qualify for the Finals with HC Davos."

With Petr Sykora, the HC Davos not only has a first class center-forward in its ranks when he is called up to play their first two Spengler Cup games against Dynamo Moscow (26th December) and Team Canada (27the December), respectively. 

Rather he will act also as their ace in the hole for the game coming up on Sunday against the Energy Karlovy Vary: the man from the Czech Replublic knows most of the Energy Karlovy Vary players personally.

 Practically no player on the HC Davos knows the Czech Extraliga as well as Petr Sykora since he played for 11 seasons with the HC Pardubice.  Given that history, he is very pleased to see the Energy Karlovy Vary team at the Spengler Cup.  "This game will certainly be very special for me.  I know the majority of the Energy players personally," explained the center-forward.  "That should give me the advantage of being able to give my team mates some good hints about what to expect during the game."  While the team from Karlsbad greatly respects Sykora's talents, they caution that HC Davos is well advised to prepare itself for Energy's outstanding center-forwards Petr Kumstat and Vaclav Skuhravy. 

The Goal: to qualify for the Finals

Sykora is very much looking forward to the challenge of playing some of the top teams from Europe at the Spengler Cup.  "For me it is very hard to read these teams.  Aside from the Karlovy Vary, I have not played against any of them."  Nevertheless, his goals are still high.  "I have every expectation to make it to the finals with HC Davos, and I believe this goal to be not too far fetched."  The vibrant and unique atmosphere that pervades the tournament will also be a highlight for Sykora. 

Successful Scorer

After a season with the Milwaukee Admirals in the North American Hockey League, and a short excursion into the NHL for the Washington Capitals, HC Davos represents the third non-Czech team that the 30 year old Sykora has played for.  He has settled into his Davos situation very happily.  "Davos and the surrounding region is gorgeous.  And the challenging style of play in Switzerland with very fast games suits me perfectly."   Sykora believes that the level of play in Switzerland does measure up to that of the Czech Extraliga.  Signing Sykora also proved beneficial for Davos since he is currently the third highest scorer in the league with 26 points.