Vojtech Cihar: Say it, don’t spray it

When current Calgary Flames captain Mikael Backlund first stepped onto the Kelowna Rockets ice in January 2009, he had just finished representing Sweden at the World Juniors and was trying to find his place in a new league mid-season. Few could have predicted how quickly he would make an impact. Now, nearly 15 years later, another international player is following a similar path.

Vojtech Cihar, fresh off the World Juniors, joined Kelowna mid-season after being acquired along with Shane Smith from the Lethbridge Hurricanes in November. He is a 2nd round NHL Draft pick of the Los Angeles Kings from last summer, and in his first game with the Rockets, he had two assists in a 5-2 win.

“I thought I would stay in the Czech Republic all season,” Cihar told RocketFAN. “But I needed a change. Kelowna is the best team for me now.”

Cihar is used to playing against men, not just juniors, in the Czech League.

“It was really tough at first. Scoring points was hard. But I learned a lot, and it helped me get ready for this,” he said.

Despite not practicing with the Rockets before this week, he has already contributed five assists in three games. Even without practice time, he quickly found chemistry with his linemates, including Shane Smith and fellow Czech Tomas Poletin.

“Smitty is a really good guy and player. Tomas is a really good two way winger. I’m happy I can play with them,” Cihar said.

His ability to step into a new lineup and contribute immediately shows his hockey sense and adaptability.

Cihar’s confidence also comes from international experience. He was a standout at the World Junior Hockey Championship, finishing among the top scorers and earning MVP honors.

“At the start of the season, I couldn’t imagine I would be in the top 10 in points. But I was the MVP. It was really good for me and my confidence,” he said. “In the Czech League it’s more about defending and strategy. Here it’s more fun, and I like that.”

Draft day was another unforgettable moment.

“I was at the draft in Los Angeles with my family. When I heard my name, I just cried. I couldn’t imagine being drafted by a team like LA,” Cihar said.

Being selected in the 2nd round validated years of hard work and talent.

His transition to the WHL has been about adjusting to a faster, more offensive style of play.

“In Czech it’s more defense. Here it’s more offense. I want to get better at scoring,” he said.

Early signs are promising. Even with jet lag from travel, he is already helping the Rockets generate offense.

Cihar is also learning about life in Kelowna.

“I know about the Memorial Cup. I just heard it’s the best tournament here. About Kelowna, Tomas told me it’s a really nice city. And there are so many Czech guys on the team, which is good for me,” he said.

His curiosity and humility show that he is ready to embrace a new country, a new league, and a new culture.

And then there is the name. It has been mispronounced more times than he can count.

“A lot of people say it wrong. I get it. It’s hard for you guys. But this is fine,” he chuckled.

For Kelowna fans the message is simple. Don’t worry about pronouncing the name correctly. Focus on what is happening on the ice. Vojtech Cihar (Voy-tech Chee-hosh) is fast, skilled, smart, and already making things happen for the Rockets.

“I hope scoring will come naturally. It is a new city, a new team, but we will see. Hopefully it will,” Cihar said with a smile.