The National Team Has Always Been the Ultimate Goal, Says U23 Assistant Coach Michal Dědič

I Had to Accept the Offer with Excitement and Great Respect

As the 2025 Junior World Championship in Hradec Králové approaches, the national team staff has undergone some changes. One of the new faces is Michal Dědič, who will serve as assistant coach to head coach Jiří Mašík.

"Jiří Mašík approached me with the offer to join the coaching staff, and I must say I was quite surprised but also very honored. I have always believed that representing the national team is an opportunity that cannot be refused, so I had to accept the offer with excitement and great respect," says Michal Dědič, who, after retiring from his playing career, has been coaching CROSSDOCK Extraliga team Kladno this season. Although newly appointed as assistant coach, Dědič is no stranger to the national stage. As a player, he achieved multiple successes, including a U20 world championship title and a gold medal from the senior championship in 2009.

"The national team has always been the ultimate goal for me, and I’m grateful to continue being a part of it. I believe we will work well together as a coaching team and complement each other effectively," says the world champion. "I also believe that together with the players, we will function as one unit, and everyone will give their best to build on the successes of previous years," Dědič states. The U23 team will be aiming to defend its championship title from the 2023 World Championship in Liberec, where this age category was introduced for the first time.

Two years later, the young Czech squad will once again compete at home, facing high expectations from fans and the ball hockey community. "This is undoubtedly a huge challenge for us. On the other hand, I love challenges, and in international ball hockey, there is no greater challenge than competing at a home World Championship," admits the experienced player-turned-coach, who has played in numerous international matches.

"We definitely have enough skilled players. Our goal is to select the right mix and ensure the team functions as a strong unit both on and off the rink," Dědič asserts. Up until last year, he was still competing alongside many of these young players in the Extraliga.

We Have a Good Overview of the Players and Believe We Will Select the Right Ones

The coaching staff is now fully focused on preparations, with the first major task being the initial team selection. "In the near future, we need to finalize the roster for the first training camp, which will take place before the start of the spring season. At this camp, we want to evaluate all invited players thoroughly, assess their readiness, and see how they handle an intense training schedule," explains Dědič.

"Given the tight schedule of the spring season, our next camp will take place after the Extraliga playoffs. That’s when we will shift our focus to tactical aspects and begin narrowing down the roster," he adds. Currently, the coaching team is carefully evaluating player selections. "We are already working hard on the initial roster. Time is limited, but we have a good overview of the players and believe we will make the right choices. However, not being selected in the first nomination does not mean a player is out of contention. We will be closely monitoring performances throughout the spring season," emphasizes the U23 assistant coach, highlighting that performance in the second half of the season will play a crucial role.

"Our selection is not just about point production. Every player should have a specific role in the national team. Not everyone can be on the first line, not everyone can play on the power play. Players must adapt to the team's needs and be willing to sacrifice for the common goal. If someone doesn’t accept their role, they can’t be part of the team," Dědič clarifies. While team cohesion is critical, individual preparation is equally important for a World Championship.

"Another crucial factor is physical conditioning. International ball hockey, especially on the large rink we’ll be playing on in Hradec Králové, is extremely demanding. If a player is not 100% physically prepared, they will struggle. We will strongly encourage players to keep improving their fitness levels—not just to 100%, but to 120%," warns Dědič. He emphasizes the importance of endurance, given the intensive tournament schedule, where players often have to compete every day—or even twice within 24 hours.

"Those who have experienced a World Championship before know how physically exhausting it is, considering the high intensity and packed schedule. There is very little time for recovery. We trust that all players are responsible and will approach their preparation with the right mindset," concludes the U23 national team assistant coach.