Ahead of the League 1 2018-19 season starting tomorrow we spoke with Pavol Halaska, team manager of newcomers, the Lumberjacks. Below are his thoughts on the season ahead.

How did new team come about? How has preparations for the new season been?

Our team came about as some of our players, also our long term friends wanted to start to play inline hockey again because their situation in personal life is allowing them to do so finally. Others weren't happy anymore to play for their former teams and expressed themselves. So a few of us got together and the idea was born to start something new (we call it "brotherhood") at the end of the last season. Then we started meeting each other and we were attracting more and more players because they seemed to like our vision. After some issues during the offseason we were able to bring it together, brand it together and here we are LUMBERJACKS. Preparation for our initial and probably most important season included various hockey games, sessions and also our own training specific to our needs and style we want to play. So far, everything looks positive and we are looking forward to start to play as fresh team in the League.

Who do you think will be the teams to beat in League 1?

Well, our biggest rival is out the the league unfortunate so there may be less of a motivation and competition. But we are certain that there is a lot of very good teams in League 1 and we are sure the league will not be short of proper competition and rivalry!

What is your target as a team this season?

As every other club we also would love to win the cup but our own real and reachable goal would be to advance to playoffs. Anything above will be just better tasting icing on the cake.

Thanks for taking the time Pavol, all the best tomorrow and the rest of the year!