On Faksa, Stransky, and getting the Texas Stars “Czeching line” back together

OK, quick afternoon post, because it’s Friday and this is worth digging up.

Earlier today in Czechia’s 6-3 win against France, Radek Faksa and Matej Stransky combined on a 2-on-0 shorthanded breakaway to give the Czechs a 4-3 lead.

For those who have read my work for a long, long time, or maybe have picked up my book I co-authored with Stephen Meserve, it might have brought back memories of the 2014 Calder Cup Championship team where Faksa and Stransky played together as rookies on the Texas Stars “Czeching line.”

It’s a pretty cool story, and I asked Faksa about the chance to play with Stransky last month when the Stars were in Columbus. For Faksa getting to re-united with his old friend was one of the added benefits of this Olympic experience and he and Stransky have dreamed of playing together for the national team on this stage for a long time.

Stransky has carved out a pretty good career for himself in Europe, he’s the captain of HC Davos in Switzerland and is one of the only non-NHLers on the Czech roster.

Robert Tiffin has a better in-depth piece yo should read here.

But because I can’t show the video of the goal from the Olympics, I did some digging through the Texas Stars YouTube channel to find a past AHL connection for Faksa and Stransky, who combined for this goal to help oust the Grand Rapids Griffins in the second round of the 2014 Calder Cup Playoffs.

Yes, that is my good friend and DLLS co-host Owen Newkirk on the call.

Anywho, call it a bonus Friday piece. Chat again soon.