Here's a very rough translation of Filip Hronek's interview with Hockej.cz's Vaclav Jachim:

Last week, he flew to the United States with the desire to succeed in the draft, and Filip Hronek still didn't know whether he would be picked in the second, third or fourth round. "Mainly I wanted to hear that some team took me. I knew well that the selection doesn't mean much," he says. During the draft acution in the hockey rink at the First Niagara Center he didn't have to wait long, as the quarterback of Hradek Moutnfield was picked 53rd overall by Detroit.

The famous team is famous for the fact that their hopes are high. Players must be patient, but those who last get their chance. Hudler, Kindl, Nestrasil and Nosek are proof. "Obviously I'm happy that such a famous team chose me. Since I can't give specific wishes and didn't have high expectations, nor was I too tight. But of course you're nervous during the draft. But I took it coolly," he admits.

Before the event he held one last interview with the representatives of Toronto, he went to dinner together with his parents and the agent that represents him. "It was very nice, we stayed at Niagara Falls, and from the room I could see them beautifully. I must say that we had a lot of fun. Especially the draft--to be picked in the second round by Detroit, I'm very happy, he repeats.

When the late 30's were selected he didn't expect to hear his name. "The first round was a great show, but the following Saturday had a good atmosphere, too," he report. When representatives of the Red Wings announced that they were taking the Czech quarterback 53rd overall, Filip hugged his parents, thanked his agents, Allan Walsh, Michal Sivko and Vladimir Vujtkov, and went to Detroit's table. "I shook hands with members of the organization, followed by a photo shoot for the NHL and interviews. Later I went to dinner with the team, where we talked about other teams," he says.

Discussions were held in English, of course. "MI understood most things, and if I needed help, my agents helped me with the translation. The team has a scout, Vladimir Havluj, who I've known for a long time. I also spoke with Jiri Fischer, who's in charge of Detroit's young players. He welcomed me to the organization and congratulated me," he says. The first impressions have been sorted out, but he doesn't know what the draft will mean for his immediate future. "It will resolve itself. I can't answer that," he responds.

Hronek has a contract with Hradec Kralove, where last season he played 40 games i the Tipsport Extraliga. Overseas teams after the draft are often the chosen option for young recruits, who move into overseas environments and quickly master the local style of hockey. "Detroit chose me on Saturday, and we'll see how everything turns out. I just know that on July 5th I'm going to their draft camp. So far I've just graduated from NHL teams' interviews, tests and the draft and at the camp I'll see my teammates for the first time. There will be younger guys, guys who are 25 years old, so I'm looking forward," he says.

The second round and second position after Cech's NHL draft in 2016, after Libor Hajek, is an excellent calling card for Filip and the whole club of Hradec. "When I came to practice today, everyone congratulated me." Hronek headed home on Sunday, but he's feeling the time shift. "We did well. We left in the evening, I was home on Sunday at 4:30 in the afternoon. I managed to speak with Hradec players and went to bed, and now everything is fine," he smiles.

When he hears the question as to what the draft weekend meant for him, he responds rationally. "It's the same with other players. I appreciate the draft, I didn't have a specific team, but Detroit was one of those that I guessed a bit ahead of time. I reasoned according to the interviews, and the interest of the scouts. I'm glad it worked out. however, this is only the first step. I know that the Red Wings work with players to prepare them for the NHL. Everybody has their chance to fight for spots. The draft means opening the door to the NHL, but the main tasks are still ahead of me," he concludes.