1-on-1 With Patrik Koch

Tucson Roadrunners defenseman Patrik Koch joined Adrian Denny, Kim Cota-Robles and Arizona Daily Star’s Brett Fera this week on Roadrunners Happy Hour. Catch Happy Hour every Tuesday at 5 p.m. on Fox Sports 1450 AM and the Roadrunners Happy Hour Podcast on the iHeartRadio app. For the complete episode, and to find out how much his boys love the playground, download below.

Listen to “Family Time With Patrick Koch” on Spreaker.

Q: You played junior hockey here in the US and then went back home to play professionally, how did you end up back with the Coyotes? Was it something that you had to think about for a while before making the decision?

Throughout the last season in Europe, they reached out to me a few times. When the opportunity came, I didn’t even think for one second and I’m very grateful for it. Coming over here to the US and to play hockey, it was a dream since I was a little boy, so as I told you, I didn’t think for one second, and I’m very grateful for it.

Q: Milos Kelemen is also from Slovakia. Has it been nice to be able to play with a fellow countryman? Has he helped you get used to living in Tucson at all?

We knew each other when I came here, we played together on the national team. So, of course, it’s a good feeling to have somebody you knew before. But we have a great group. We all are very good friends, I would say, in hockey and outside of hockey, we all are good with each other.

Q: What have you learned this year from our coaches? Steve and John Slaney both spent some time in Europe and Zack played in the AHL for a while. Have you seen or heard anything that you’re going to take with you?

I believe a person can learn every day in hockey and outside of hockey.  So, I try to learn something every day. Those guys are very wise and everything they say has a good meaning. So, we learn a lot every day and we work together every day on the ice, off the ice, and every day we learn something new.

Q: Is there anything about the US culture that really stands out? Or something you weren’t expecting?

The only thing I can see that is different is like everything is so big here and the space everywhere you go. You just feel like you have a lot of space around you. I actually like it because of the kids and everything. That’s the only thing I would say I can feel a little bit, but otherwise we are all people, everybody is nice to us. It’s the same here and in Europe. So, I wouldn’t say there are any big differences.

Q: Have you had any visitors this year?

Yes, yes, we did. My family was shocked by the cacti and everything, it’s something we don’t see at home. It’s very nice. Now It’s wintertime, so they all like to come here and warm up a little bit.

Q: Did you have any favorite NHL teams growing up, or any favorite players that you watched?

 I did. I Wouldn’t say I had a favorite team, but I liked a bunch of players. For sure I have to say Zdeno Chara from Boston. He was one, not only because of the way he played on the ice, but also by his personality and what he went through in his life. I have say him.