Normunds Sejeis Latvian ice hockey player, defender and coach Date of Birth: 12.02.1968 Country: Latvia

1. Early Career and Transition to Riga
2. The Creation of HC Lev Prague
3. Transfer Policy and Player Acquisition
4. Importance of Local Players
5. Challenges and Patience in Minsk
6. Building a Team over Time
7. Ambitions for HC Lev Prague

Early Career and Transition to Riga

Normunds Sējējs, a Latvian hockey player, defenseman, and coach, made a significant career move in recent years, leaving the comfort of Riga for the challenges of Prague. Before joining HC Lev Prague, Sējējs spent four years with Dinamo Riga, where he played a crucial role in establishing the club.

The Creation of HC Lev Prague

Faced with the opportunity to create a new club in Prague, Sējējs saw it as a chance to step out of his comfort zone. In an interview, he expressed his desire for a new challenge and the belief that he could contribute to the development of HC Lev Prague.

Transfer Policy and Player Acquisition

Sējējs's unique talent for acquiring players with limited financial resources has been instrumental in the success of his teams. He believes that a cohesive team operates like a well-oiled machine, with each player fulfilling a specific role. Finding the right players who fit the team's dynamic is essential for him.

Importance of Local Players

Sējējs emphasizes the significance of local players in attracting fans and fostering a sense of community within the team. He believes that players from the home country have an added motivation to perform well, not only for financial reasons but also for the pride and loyalty they feel towards their hometown.

Challenges and Patience in Minsk

Commenting on the approach of HC Dinamo Minsk, Sējējs advises the team to exercise patience in building a strong foundation. He believes that setting overly ambitious goals without a solid team core can be counterproductive. Emphasizing the importance of time, Sējējs encourages Minsk to develop a plan that gradually progresses towards their long-term goals.

Building a Team over Time

Sējējs maintains that establishing a cohesive and successful team takes time and dedication. He believes that the core of a team should be built over several seasons, allowing players to adapt to their roles, build chemistry, and develop a winning mentality.

Ambitions for HC Lev Prague

While acknowledging the difficulty of winning the Gagarin Cup in their first season, Sējējs sets a goal of qualifying for the playoffs. He believes that the current roster has the potential to compete at a high level, and that the team's dedication and patience will lead to success in the years to come.