My own keys to the practice rink? That's in my contract

Now, I must concentrate on something entirely different. It's a whole new world for me. New city, new club, new teammates. In addition, it’s a different conference of the NHL. So even though you could say that I have seen a lot in my 40 years on earth and there are only a few things that could surprise me, I am still discovering something new. At least I won't get bored.

When it comes to first impressions, I don't have anything to complain about. I am living in a hotel near the training center and I am spending all my spare time training. I am not concentrating on anything else because I'm here for the hockey. Either I’m on the ice or I'm resting - I dont have the energy for anything else. I don’t do a lot of sightseeing, but I never did. I'm going to have enough time for that when I hang up my skates.

Therefore, I don't have much to write about regarding the city of Dallas. I could describe my hotel room to you, because that’s the place I know best, but it's nothing special. I am exaggerating a bit, but it's true that I haven't seen much of Texas during the few days I've been here.

I recall that it was the same at the beginning of my stay in Philadelphia. Training, eating, sleeping. Over and over again. I remember that the people from Sport (Deník Sport, the only Czech sports daily - translator's note) tried to persuade me to go see the famous Rocky Steps in Philadelphia, the ones that he used to run up during his workouts. They wanted a picture of me from there.

I had to admit that the idea itself was pretty good, but I ending up not going. I am not the right guy for these kinds of things. When I am in training, I need all my spare time for resting. As you might understand, training is no joking matter at my age.

I will do my best to help the team into the playoffs

To get back to talking about Dallas... I'm happy that I got the keys to the training center. After all, this was my main condition before I even signed the contract with the Stars! It was the most important article that really had to be in the contract.

I'm just kidding a bit again, which I was also doing during one of my first interviews with the American journalists. I pulled some random keys out of my pocket in front of them and claimed that they were the keys to the practice rink.

Are they really the right keys? I am trying to think how you would know if I am telling the truth. Maybe you should just try them for yourselves...

Now, on a more serious note; the schedule ahead of us is going to be extremely challenging. During the opening eleven days, we will play a total of seven games, four of them away. However, I expected that it was going to be crammed like that. Also, it's a lot of hours on the plane.

In that respect, it will be something completely different than in Philadelphia where the majority of our competitors were located much closer. However, I knew this when I signed with Dallas and I am ready. I went through a similar travelling schedule when I played in Russia and I managed to cope with that one too.

Regarding the team, I am getting to know my fellow players. Unfortunately, there's not much time to build proper chemistry on the ice. After a short training camp, we will go straight into the season. Therefore, I don't want to talk about our chances yet, it would be a bit premature.

Regardless, I will do my best to help the team into the playoffs. I'm glad that Dallas gave me a chance and now I feel that I have to return the favor.

Translated by Tomas Belonoznik and Caitlin Bonem