Last month, 19-year-old Matúš Trnka earned the USPHL Premier West Region Player of the Week award for the Ontario Jr Reign. Trnka spoke with Hockey Hype Australia about what the award means to him, and his experiences in North America.
Trnka was a key part of Australia’s U20 Men’s team that won gold at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Division III World Championships. Over four games played, Trnka led the competition in Goals Against Average (GAA) with 1.00, and was second in save percentage with .955.
Trnka saved his best performance for the team’s biggest moment – the gold medal game against Israel – turning aside 32 of 33 shots. Australia went on to win 4-1, and the coaching staff named Trnka player of the game.
This year was Trnka’s rookie season in the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) for the Adelaide Adrenaline, and he quickly earned the starter’s job.
Two performances in particular stand out – a 30-save shutout against the Brisbane Lightning, and a 26 save performance to defeat the eventual Goodall Cup Champion Melbourne Mustangs 5-2.
When the opportunity to play in North America for the Ontario Jr Reign presented itself, Trnka seized it with both hands, and winning the award validates the decision.
“It feels great winning an award like that as there are so many other great goalies and players in this division that could have got it,” Trnka revealed.
“It gives me a bit of an affirmation that I’m on the right path and gives me motivation to get another one.”
For Trnka, playing at a higher level and having increased on-ice training opportunities has been pivotal to his growth as a player.
“The USPHL has had a big positive impact on my development this season as I am on the ice almost every day whether it’s a game or a training,” Trnka noted.
Trnka isn’t the only goaltender on the team enjoying early success – teammate Josh Henson has won two USPHL Premier West Region Player of the Week awards. The two netminders are pushing each other to new heights.
The two goaltenders have similar stat lines – Henson owns a lower GAA (2.13 compared to Trnka’s 2.39), while Trnka leads in save percentage (.925 to Henson’s .923) and has two shutouts while Henson has one.
For Trnka, the opportunity to travel to different places for hockey has been incredible.
“There has been a lot of pretty cool places we go to play in such as, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas,” he said. “The coolest place we’ve been this season so far is for sure Lake Tahoe.”
Trnka has enjoyed great success against the Lake Tahoe Lakers, picking up two victories in back-to-back contests – a 25 save shutout in the first game, and then Trnka saved 35 of 36 shots faced the following day.
“I’m keeping it simple – no big goals,” Trnka told Hockey Hype Australia when asked what he’d like to achieve personally this season in the USPHL. “Just aiming to get better every day.
“Of course, finishing the USPHL season in the top 10 goalies and snagging that championship is on the radar, but right now, it’s about the daily grind.”
Ice Hockey Australia recently announced the U20 Men’s roster that will compete in Belgrade, Serbia, at the IIHF Division II-B World Championships in January 2024.
It was no surprise to fans of the national team that Trnka made the roster, and Trnka is excited about the opportunity to represent his country.
“We’ve got a fresh and young team this year,” Trnka enthused. “The mission is clear: grab another gold medal and move up the division. Let’s see where this journey takes us.”
Playing overseas in North America isn’t cheap, and Trnka worked three different jobs while playing in the AIHL to help fund his trip. Additionally, players representing Australia at international tournaments have to pay their way to compete.
If you are able to help, the Australian Sports Foundation allows you to make tax deductible donations to players and teams. If you would like to support Matúš with his costs associated with playing in North America and representing Australia, click here.
“I would just like to say that I really appreciate everyone that’s supported my journey by donating to my fundraising page,” Trnka mentioned.
“I’d like all the ice hockey fans in Australia to tune in to our U20 national team games as I’m sure we’ll provide you guys with some quality matchups against other countries.” Trnka concluded.
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