Bondra is a name forever linked with World Championship glory in Slovakia.
It’s been 16 years since Peter Bondra scored his gold medal goal for the Slovaks, clinching their win against Russia and put his country on top of the world for the first time.
He played NHL hockey for Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators, scoring more than 500 goals at that level.
This weekend Peter’s son, David, will be at Ice Arena Wales playing for HK Poprad against Elite League champions Cardiff Bay.
David, 25, played for Slovakia in all seven of their World Championship matches in Copenhagen this year and is a key player for Poprad, who take on Devils this Saturday and Sunday in Cardiff Bay.
He was born in Annapolis, Maryland, USA, played four seasons NCAA hockey with Michigan State, but there was never a question that his heart was in Slovakia.
“I go home every summer, my whole family lives there and I’ve played there for the past three seasons so it’s such an honour to wear my nations crest.”
His father was a World champion, twice an Olympian, netted more then 500 NHL goals and was twice winner of the Rocket Richard Trophy which is awarded to the top goalscorer at that level.
“Maybe those goalscoring genes skipped a generation – maybe my kids will be goalscorers if they decide to play hockey,” says David, who wears his father’s number 12 shirt for Slovakia.
“My dad was a certain player and I’m a different type. I’m a hard worker, I’ll be the first guy in the corner, taking the hits, making the plays. That’s my style, that’s what got me here, so I’m going to stick with that.
“I always hear about having big shoes to fill, but I don’t look at it that way. I’m David, he’s Peter. What he accomplished was great, but if I could be just 25 per cent as good as he was, I’d be ecstatic.”
David was born in August 1992 – he celebrates his 26th birthday this month – when Peter was establishing himself as a key player for Washington Capitals.
“It’s funny, I was in eighth grade when dad retired and up until that point I really didn’t see him as a great hockey player,” he says.
“He was just my dad. When I was born he was already playing in the NHL. He woke up and went to work at the rink. That was normal for me, I didn’t know any different. When he stopped playing and I got a little bit older I realised that he really did accomplish something and he was a great player.”
Peter and his wife, Luba, arrived in Copenhagen in time to see Slovakia defeat Austria 4-2 for their first World Championship win earlier this year.
David had offers from a number of clubs for 2018-19, but has stayed with Poprad, saying: “It is best for my career to stay in Poprad.
“I have the opportunity to play in quality team and in a home environment. It was not a difficult decision. When I saw an interest in staying in Poprad and that other high-quality players such as Patrik Svitana are with the club it’s obvious I am not alone in feeling positive.”
Devils are less than a fortnight away from their opening Champions League fixture, at home against Red Bull Salzburg, and these fixtures against Poprad are crucial in the build-up.
Head coach Andrew Lord has yet to announce his final import signing on defence, but that will happen pretty soon now.
It is a new player to British hockey and the club have refused to say anything about another signing, but it is inconceivable they would go into a crucial season with only five dedicated D-men.
Josh Batch and Craig Moore played on defence in pre-season fixtures against Nottingham Panthers, but that won’t happen long-term.
Devils have had injury problems, but Lord has confirmed they are not serious.
Matthew Myers has yet to play, but is making excellent progress following knee injury sustained in training. He has been skating and could play this weekend, but Lord may opt not to risk Myers because he is so valuable to the team.
Joey Martin has been skating this week and seems likely to play against Poprad, while Justin Faryna has made good progress after being struck by a puck against Panthers.
Devils continue their preparation for the Champions Hockey League when they play this weekend’s double-head against HK Poprad with the puck dropping on Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 6pm.
Tickets for both matches are available ONLINE HERE, call 0800 0842 666 or book in person at the Arena reception right up until face-off either day.
Pre-season tickets, including those for the Poprad matches, are £2 cheaper than the normal ticket prices for 2018-19.
Cardiff Devils early fixtures and results list, including pre-season matches and Champions League group fixtures.
August
Saturday 11: Nottingham Panthers 5, Cardiff Devils 5
Sunday 12: Cardiff Devils 3, Nottingham Panthers 6 (Panthers won 11-8 on aggregate)
Saturday 18: Cardiff Devils v HK Poprad (7pm, pre-season)
Sunday 19: Cardiff Devils v HK Poprad (6pm, pre-season)
Saturday 25: Cardiff Devils v Coventry Blaze (7pm, pre-season)
Sunday 26: Coventry Blaze v Cardiff Devils (5.15pm, pre-season)
Thursday 30: Cardiff Devils v Red Bull Salzburg (7.30pm, Champions League)