May Chongwiboon – LRHS News
(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL)- There are many LRHS students that take part in sports, both as a part of the school or off campus. However, two LRHS students moved to Florida just to play their sport.
Junior David and sophomore Dominik Tmej are originally from the Czech Republic, but moved to Florida to play hockey. David moved to Florida four years ago, and Dominik moved here three years ago.
David has been playing hockey for 15 years, and Dominik has been playing for 12. They both play for the Gulf Coast Flames and the Manatee Admirals. David is a right wing, and Dominik is a goalie.
They don’t plan on moving back to the Czech Republic, and want to attend an American college for hockey. David’s favorite professional player is Chicago Blackhawks’ right wing Patrick Kane. Dominik’s favorite player is Carey Price, goalie for the Montreal Canadiens.
They love everything about the sport except losing.
“My favorite part about playing hockey would be being able to meet and play with my teammates,” said Dominik.
Dominik tried out for the Czech Republic National Hockey team, and is awaiting results.
David said Florida is very different from the Czech Republic.
“Besides the language and the weather, hockey is played different here,” he said, “and the people there aren’t as nice as the people here.”
David is still adjusting to being so far from the land he called home for so long. What he misses most is his “friends, relationships and the snow.”