Original subtitles

INSPIRED BY REAL EVENTS

In a military rescue mission, Doug Jones lost both his legs.

However, he turned his handicap into a strength.

He's currently a seven-time world champion and Olympic champion.

This Doug Jones story and the success of USA para ice hockey

are in sharp contrast to what we and Czech para ice hockey are experiencing.

That wasn't a success. That was a total fiasco.

If Bob Krulich's watching this, he has something to think about.

-See? -What are you doing?

Bob, stop it. Don't switch the channel.

Slow down! You know you shouldn't.

Last call!

-Come on! -Stop!

-Stop! -Oh, fuck!

Are you okay?

Forget about it!

-Show him! -Forget it!

-Let's go! -Wait.

-Let's go. -Wait.

-Hey, fuck off or I'll call the police. -Who are you gonna call?

Careful, he's got a knife!

No!

-So, we'll do Instagram… -Patrik is calling you.

Dad, I should be there already. We start in an hour. Everyone's looking for me.

Can you tell me what's going on?

Bob, stop!

Don't be stupid!

-I'm sorry. -Fuck off!

I'm out of the band because of you!

Satisfied?

It can't go on like this, Petr.

I can't be with you anymore.

It's just…

It's not you anymore.

And I don't know how else to help you.

Sorry, but I have to…

Ladies and gentlemen.

Give a warm welcome to our former captain, Radim Musil!

As always, whether in the game or in life, he stood strong!

And I hope to see him again on the field, refereeing matches and smiling.

KNEE PROSTHESIS VOUCHER, 800,000 CZK

We want to help you.

It's neither your fault nor mine, what happened.

Why do you still blame yourself?

We're discussing how your relationship is being influenced

by Patrik getting an unexpected spinal cord infection.

And what did we resolve? Apart from it being my fault?

Nobody is saying that.

-How many times have we been here? -Four.

-Why? -Because Mrs. Králová isn't listening.

I am listening to you very well.

-But you're not here at all. -Jesus, you don't see me?

I can't do this anymore.

You won't just lose your son. You'll lose me too.

I'm very sorry.

Where are you going?

If you restore your relationship with your son,

you can also restore your marriage.

It probably won't be so easy, but…

How about trying to get him excited about something?

Did he do anything in the past? A sport?

He wanted to play ice hockey.

You can't give up on them.

In a military rescue mission, Doug Jones lost both his legs.

Through strength of will, he's turned his handicap into a strength

and became the captain of the USA para ice hockey team.

He's currently a seven-time world champion and an Olympic champion.

Doug Jones proved that nothing's impossible.

What are you doing here?

I just had an idea, but I didn't want to disturb you.

Are you going to tell me what it is?

Or shall we have a staring contest?

I was thinking that since you were small, you liked hockey…

You could try para ice hockey.

Great.

So now that I'm crippled, I can play hockey?

No, I…

I'd rather you slide me down a hill on that sled straight into the river.

-I just thought… -What'd you think?

I'll believe you're doing this for me?

It's always been bullshit after bullshit!

You'll never change. Okay?

Fine for me.

But don't come to me with this nonsense.

Floor two.

-Hello, Petr. -Hello, Sára.

-Petr? Can I have a minute? -Not now, Sára.

-Just that… -Not now, Sára.

Pavel!

Can someone call Pavel for me?

Pavel!

Pavel!

-Pavel! -I'm here.

-What do you know about para ice hockey? -About what?

-You don't know it? -I don't.

Sleds on ice. Ring a bell?

-Huh? Do some research. -Petr.

-What's got into you again? -What do you mean?

Clients have been waiting for 20 minutes in the meeting room.

Why aren't you there with them? Did you run out of travel stories?

-I haven't been anywhere in two years. -Well, I meant theirs.

-Hello. -Hello.

THE PARA ICE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Are you looking for someone?

Hello.

Yes.

I'm looking for… this guy.

A 20 year older version is down by the river.

Thanks.

Robert Krulich?

Yes.

-Hello. -Coach of national para ice hockey team?

-Who are you? -I might have a player for you.

He might just need a little push. Some individual care.

I don't do individual care. Try someone else.

How much?

-Excuse me? -You heard well.

-So? -It's not about the money.

Every time they say it's not about money, it's about money.

I'll give you some advice. Put him in a club somewhere.

-To yours, right? -I coach the national team, not a club.

And that no longer exists.

Maybe we could both somehow help each other out, huh?

Alright, sir.

If you enjoy reviving corpses,

have an extra six million in your pocket for annual operations,

can find a new leader and motivation, then…

-Then? -Then we can chat about it.

And try introducing yourself next time.

It's a state-of-the-art technology.

As soon as the battery reaches a critical level,

the prosthesis starts to vibrate and emits a sound.

-Like what? -Like when a semi is backing up.

Then what?

Nothing. You just plug it in.

You want to sell all your stocks?

Can I ask what you need the money for?

Maybe we could resolve it with a loan.

Who's that?

Him?

A colleague.

An athlete. Former athlete.

-Hello. How can I help you? -I hear you used to play floorball.

Excuse me?

-Do you do any parasports right now? -Yes.

I'm a champion in filling out retirement savings forms. Interested?

Would you be interested in para ice hockey?

I'm sorry. You're here in the bank, so…

If you didn't come for our services, I'll ask you to let the next in line in.

-I'm serious. -So am I.

Be so kind and let the next person go ahead.

You won't get away from me so easily.

If you change your mind, here's my business card.

Goodbye.

Through strength of will, he turned his handicap into a strength

and became the captain of the USA para ice hockey team.

He's currently a seven-time world champion and an Olympic champion.

Doug Jones proved that nothing's impossible.

It's just here on the other side of the bay. On the right.

-You know how to drive a boat? -Me?

If I don't know how, I've got papers that say I do.

The choke.

Hello?

Is anyone here?

Can I speak to you?

Can you hear me?

My name's Fišer. Petr Fišer.

I'm the owner of an advertising agency that makes 400 million annually,

so I secured the financing.

And while doing so, I came across a young prospect.

He used to play floorball. Now he's in a wheelchair.

He could be your leader.

As for motivation, you'll have to secure it yourself somehow, but…

-What did he play? -I just told you… Floorball.

What position?

-Uh, mid-field… -Forward?

-Yeah. -I'll call him sometime.

Look, Coach. You've got 24 hours to think about it,

then I'll find different management for the team.

Because in contrast to you, I have the motivation.

Petr?

There's a stranger at the gate.

Welcome to Ostrava.

Twenty-three hours, seventeen minutes.

-Well? -I'd be interested.

That's great. Would you like a coffee?

-After the five-hour drive, I would. -This way.

Nice spot.

It's my wife's work.

Japanese maple. It grows slow and often in the shade.

In the East it's a symbol of patience. Everything has its time.

Let's put it down on paper.

-What's our goal? -World championship. In Sweden.

-What do we need? -A team.

-That's players. -Not just that. Let's start with Guma.

What's that?

-You mean who. -What?

That's the captain. If he comes back, everyone will.

-Where do we find him? -In Bratislava.

-Goodbye. -Sure. Goodbye.

Give me your money, you prick!

Coach! Fuck. You fucker.

One minute. What are you doing here?

-And Radim. -Really?

Even without aiming, you hit the bullseye.

He has a sports degree and was the MVP in the floorball league.

He has potential.

-Does it hurt yet? -Yea. Ouch. A bit…

That's good. Your helmet must be fastened, because they'll slaughter you out there.

He should attend a proper camp, but I'll train him myself.

-You said you don't do that. -For the national team I do.

Okay…

Left.

And Jára Kalous. He's the heart. Without him, there's no chance.

-Is he also a player? -No, my assistant and custodian in one.

Enjoy your meal.

Do you have a permit?

-Well, I don't. -I'm shutting you down.

This is crazy. Hey! Hi! Guys!

-A doctor? -We've got one. Luďa Puška.

-One of the best surgeons. -How much does he charge?

He's retired.

Don't you want to do something worthwhile again?

-On one condition. -What's that?

-Who is this? -I have no idea, sweetheart.

For international matches, we need two strings of five and two goalies.

And we'll still be about half the size of the Americans and Canadians.

The problem is we don't know where to find them.

-Hey, how about this? -What?

-But he's healthy! -Oh.

What's wrong? Lean on your elbows and push off hard.

And that one?

He's Slovak.

-And that one there? -That's…

Wait.

You're okay.

Okay? Let's go.

-The players' salaries are also included. -That's obvious, isn't it?

No, it's not. Until now, they haven't been paid. That was one reason why they quit.

They couldn't support their family.

By the way, who are our sponsors?

Me… just me…

For now.

Shit.

Nice. Great.

On the left.

-Okay. You sent it to everyone, right? -Yeah.

-And who called back? -Nobody.

Shit.

Okay. Perfect. Now to the back.

Come on. Faster. Around the goal and do it one more time.

Championship? Here?

Okay.

Okay. It's crazy.

So what do you think, Captain?

Coach. I've already made up my mind.

Besides, what would I tell Monica?

That the championship might be held in Czechia instead of Sweden.

That could be quite an interesting end to your career.

A few months' break and you're getting yourself a belly.

-Good thing you're in the goal. -Screw you.

Well, I finally can.

-They gave me legs! -After two fucking years.

-So why ride in the wheelchair? -I haven't learned how to use it yet.

-I have time until summer. -Why till summer?

Monica said she'd only marry me if I can walk her from the altar.

Nice.

-Poor Monika. -Fuck off.

-Hello. -Hey!

-Are you looking for someone? -Yeah, I'm here to see Coach Krulich.

He told me to report to the team, so here I am.

Yeah, Krulich. He's next to the changing room with the cripples.

We're just figure skaters here.

Radim, have a seat. There's plenty of room here.

So, gentlemen, take off your legs. Time to work.

Be prepared for lots of changes. Here you have individual plans.

That means things you will do off training, off the ice.

We're getting ready for the world championship in May in Sweden.

-Yes! -Our goal is a medal.

Put that attitude out of your mind.

I believe that we can do it, and you have to believe it too.

We've got a few newbies among us. You know the boys from the league

and this is Radim Musil. I'd be glad if you accepted each other

-and this is… this is… -It's who?

The guy paying for the whole thing. It's all thanks to him.

Get warmed up. In 20 minutes, I want to see you on the line

and we'll start the old-fashioned way… with brakes.

-Luďa, anything to add? -I've got one more addition. Come here.

Okay.

-Very nice, Doctor. -This is my daughter, you numbskulls.

Introduce yourselves. This is Klárka, these are the players.

-Hey. -Hi.

I'll be here to help my dad as your physical therapist.

When something hurts, don't be shy and anytime…

-Mazel hurts. His heart is broken, right? -Shut up. Mazel hasn't got a heart.

Enough with the romance, fellas. Get going, okay?

-Right? -Yes, of course. Thanks.

Thanks.

That'll cost you 500 CZK. Get out there!

Hey kid, you know where you'll get if you keep going at that angle?

You'll get fucked, that's where.

Shit, they picked him up off the street somewhere.

Practice isn't a guarantee of perfection.

Only perfect practice leads to that.

Feeding time!

What club do you play for?

-For ours. -For ours?

I mean, for this one.

Yeah, but this isn't a club. This is the national team.

-I know it's the nat... -Alright. That's enough for me.

Fuck me…

This one is completely useless.

Maybe I'm not the most qualified, but you look like you're riding to your grandma's.

-Tell Kalous you need a new seat. -Okay, thanks.

Let's go! Come on.

Yes!

-Good defense, Radim. -I'll show you good defense, buddy.

Guma, have you gone mad or what?

Radim?

Are you alright?

Come on.

-Here. -We'll get you off the ice, okay?

Guma, are you crazy or what?

What? I was just finishing the play, wasn't I?

You won't finish like that on anyone, clear? And never on a beginner.

Don't be a jerk, Guma. Are you the captain?

Yes, I am! And I won't allow people like him to reap the rewards we've been working

-our asses off since the beginning. -What rewards? Remember who fucked up!

And remember why, you fuck!

We were a joke for everyone and players like that won't change it.

-Dad, come on. -Give him to me.

You aren't going to do anything?

Let's get back to practice. Let's go! Come on.

Bob, how'd you start with para ice hockey?

I've been trying to get it out of Petr, but he isn't able to say anything.

I myself don't know.

After my time in Asia, I was the fitness coach for the Kelowna Rockets juniors.

Every Thursday we shared the ice with the para ice hockey players.

They made such an impression, I started going to their practices and games.

-To get inspired. -How to coach.

No, how to enjoy life.

I found something there I thought I'd nearly forgotten.

A genuine sport and also the stories…

of the guys.

-No, thanks. -What's it like?

Being on the bench of a team that's winning 92:0?

-That really happened? -Yes, in 1998.

-It's no wonder you ran off to America. -To Canada.

Kelowna Rockets. A Canadian team.

Why did you end your hockey career so early?

It stopped making me happy.

Sorry, it seems I invited you to an interrogation.

No, it's fine.

Come on in.

-You also can't sleep? -Sometimes several nights.

You're good at that.

I'm thinking about what you told my mom at the table.

Do you think you can show my dad the way too?

I don't know.

Should I?

When I woke up that morning, I found out I couldn't move my legs.

That I'm probably not going on any stupid camp.

He didn't believe me.

He yelled at me that he's investing in me and I don't appreciate it

and I'm just pretending.

He grabbed me and pulled me out of bed.

I fell on the ground.

And when he discovered the truth, he kept downplaying it.

He acted as if some signal had dropped and just needed some fine-tuning.

-What happened actually? -Spinal cord infection.

And the cause? Autoimmune? Psychological?

Nobody knows.

Everyone deals with the shock in their own way.

My dad dealt with it by running away from me.

He left me there.

I… may I?

I experienced something similar.

I basically never knew my mother. My father lived in Canada.

He sent me some presents for Christmas and that's where it ended.

My grandma and grandpa raised me. They were great. Tried their best,

but I was mad at my whole life.

Thanks to my father's emigration, they didn't let me out.

Always compared me to him. I was Krulich junior.

Let's see if I was as good as him.

So I started to chase away the unfairness with alcohol.

I was the most penalized player in the league, changing one club after another.

And when they kicked me off the worst team, I knew that was the end.

And…

that's when my father died.

Just when we had been making some contact.

I'm sorry.

It's alright.

I don't regret anything.

I had to live through it.

Today, I do what fulfills me.

Goodnight.

I'd give your dad one more chance. I think he's trying.

Bob?

You don't interest him at all.

He's a complete fake.

He's just doing it so Mom won't divorce him.

Goodnight.

-What are you doing? -For the goalies. To keep them alert.

Vápno will be excited.

Radim.

-What about him? -He's missing.

-Should I call him? -No, let him be.

-Bob, time isn't our friend. -Let him be.

Okay, fine.

Hi.

You gave up?

I'm more crippled than before.

What'd you expect? That it would all go super easy?

Everyone there makes fun of me.

Most of all the captain. He did this.

And you quit after the first punch? You?

-You wouldn't come anyway. -But you aren't doing it for me.

-And what if I am? -Then wake up!

-Hello. -Hey!

How'd it go? Good?

You've got a visitor there.

Over the two months, you've done a lot of work.

-You thought I just gave up, didn't you? -You wouldn't be the first.

It is important that you figured it yourself.

We need a left defenseman.

Guma can handle everything, can't he?

-One-nil for you. And now seriously. -Okay, why didn't you stand up for me?

Taking you onto the national team is crazy.

And nearly everyone thinks so.

But it is my responsibility and I believe in you.

If I'd stood up for you, I'd have denied it.

-You came to persuade me? -No.

The decision is yours. I just came to tell you the team needs you.

-Even Guma? -Even Guma.

Every team needs strong personalities. You two are that. You're both different.

With Guma it's more complicated.

He basically grew up on the street.

He should've gone to prison.

But while drunk, he jumped onto a moving train and fell under it.

The court, due to that, granted him a pardon.

Now after two years, he's finally got legs, so he's learning to walk

and getting his high school diploma. He's with a great girl. She chose him.

He's making the most of his second chance.

Linda Pelcová. Do you want her number?

-I've never coached girls. -Oh.

How often do you try to convince disabled people to play for the national team?

There's a first time for everything, isn't it?

Two-nil.

Jára, could you adjust my sledge a bit more?

I've been waiting for you.

-Hey. -Hey.

Come on!

Shit. What's going on here?

Thanks.

Again!

-It's yours. -Nice battle!

Keep going!

Now change the line.

What is it?

Feeling sentimental?

-I'm going after the puck. Let's go. -Get ready. Let's do it.

Go get them!

Who's that?

-It's Linda. -Is that allowed?

Yeah, in para ice hockey it is.

Give me your crutches.

-You okay? -Hm.

Let's start one step with your left and then we'll do the right

and carefully put weight on it, okay?

Good?

-What? -Your first step. The worst is over.

Come on.

-One more. Last one. Okay? -One more, okay.

-Stanley is a passionate fisherman. -That's clear.

-They've already asked if I have a rod. -Bob, beer?

No thanks.

-Come dance. -No.

No, wait. Don't be crazy guys. Wait, wait.

-Okay? -Wait, you're… crazy.

What is it?

-My leg. -What?

It's out of battery.

Careful. There's a speech.

Dear friends. On behalf of myself and the whole team,

I'd like to wish you a nice Christmas. Rest. Charge your batteries.

Because next year, we're going to have a lot of work.

-We've got the world championship. -That's news.

And not just any!

Sweden has given up hosting,

so I'm happy to announce that next year in May,

our big wish will be granted

because the world championship of para ice hockey

will take place in the Czech Republic for the first time in history!

I knew it!

Yes!

Who gave you the right to decide this without me?

Years of slogging through shit up to your knees.

This isn't about you at all.

How is it not fucking about me? I'm funding it all. I get nothing back.

What would you like from it?

A smug, childless guy like yourself will never understand.

Don't you know what it means to organize such an event in five months?

The guys will have logos from their helmets to their asses.

It's a completely different level! Or do you think I'll just print more money?

Tomorrow, you pick up the phone, put your tail between your legs and backtrack.

Fucking backtrack! Or I'm leaving.

Patrik was right.

-What did you say? -He said this moment would come.

That you'd pack up.

Don't put his name in your mouth again, motherfucker. You understand?

-Get your hands off me. -Or what?

-It's gonna hurt. -Oh, please.

Let me go, you asshole! Let go!

You don't know how to fight like a man, huh?

-Ouch! Let go! -Let him go. You'll break his arm.

Fucker!

-What's going on? -Why didn't you tell me?

Because for you, one plus one equals two. But it can sometimes be three or four.

-Or minus four! -Calm down.

Let's go. Come on.

I'm sorry.

Now I'd have a beer.

-Weren't you supposed to come tomorrow? -Yeah, our plans changed a bit.

Dad got in a fight.

Dad?

Yeah, and he lost.

And if he hadn't broken my fingers, I'd have had him.

-Who? -Bob.

-You wanted to beat up the coach? -Yeah.

-Like little boys in kindergarten. -What did he do?

He signed up to host the world championship.

You mean here?

-In the Czech Republic. -But he didn't tell me.

It's okay. I'm done with Bob. With para ice hockey as well.

Sure. And would you have done this even if I were on the team?

Patrik?

Come to bed.

He got me wrong.

-You got up early. -I didn't.

By the way, did you order some new jerseys for the guys?

What jerseys?

You finally won't look like vagabonds.

You guys are the national team, aren't you?

-Who are you? -It's Bára Veisová.

She'll be in charge of the whole championship.

-Holy shit. -Or you thought I'd manage it all myself?

Everything okay?

Everything's okay.

Your hand thing really pissed me off.

Sorry.

With the current cash flow, we can manage two or three months.

We'll help us with what we have in the company.

Petr, I've included that.

-You know you could lose everything? -Yeah.

-You're risking so much. -That's what I always do.

In Kellowna, they called it the Kayak Method.

An ideal exercise for keeping balance and strengthening your torso.

A beautiful stressful situation. Nobody will pull you out of the water.

And do it with a smile! What is it, Mazel? Something wrong?

-No, Coach. Everything's great. -Let's go!

Negotiations with the Sports Association could be key.

-They can bring us back to life. -Or bury us.

How's a girl like you end up with para ice hockey players?

-My father didn't give me a choice. -Oh.

Plus, a girl like me sometimes has to go outside her comfort zone.

-Start over. Something new. -And what led you to that?

-Hey, focus, okay? -Hey, then just answer me.

Okay. I left my husband and quit his clinic. Happy?

-Now right, okay? -Good. Come on.

Come on.

Yeah.

Oh, no.

Now, this is important, make arcs from the center to the boards.

To close them out. The one with the puck mustn't come into the center.

Under no conditions. Is that clear?

We play until we hear the whistle. Oh, and score goals! Like in games.

Let's go.

What is it?

What are you all staring at, fuckers? This is practice, isn't it?

Are you joking?

-Sledge hockey, and here? -Why not?

Not more than 1,500 people have ever come to a sledge hockey game.

And that was in Canada.

-At the world championship in… -In 2014.

In a hockey country.

So why for God's sake do you want a hall for 10,000 people?

-Nine-thousand people. -I'm rounding up.

If we do it in a small hall, what message do we give to sponsors?

That it's a small event, a small sport, and I need it to be big.

Ostrava is a sports city, isn't it? I wouldn't underestimate the locals.

But this isn't tennis or soccer. It's sledge hockey.

Para ice hockey.

I like your courage. I really do.

But remember I warned you.

Such life stories.

You understand me now.

How about Patrik?

Let's go.

The magic phrase that can change it all is "I want."

I want to score a goal.

When you say I should score a goal, it's weak. When "I have to," you're all tense.

But "I want" will liberate you. And it's powerful.

You have to get that into your head.

-Is something wrong? -Actually yes.

The world championship will be in Ostrava in an arena for 10,000 people.

Mr. Fišer, I'm afraid it won't go through.

We currently have a tight budget from commitments made by the previous

management and we're glad to be handling that at the moment.

What about a sponsorship?

One stamp on letterhead.

That wouldn't kill you and it would really help us.

Unfortunately, for the same reasons, we can't imagine that.

I'm sorry, gentlemen, but I wish you good luck.

FINANCIAL NEEDS AND THE BUDGET

I'll tell you what you can't imagine.

That within the span of a second, your life totally changes.

Someone hits you and you wake up without legs.

You're depressed. You lose your job. Your relationships fall apart.

And everyone looks at you like you're a worthless cripple. Like a loser.

Despite all complications, you try to find something that'll bring you back to life.

You try a sport.

You hope it will give you self-confidence and at least some dignity.

But then such a situation can occur like when we flew to a tournament in Toronto.

And in Frankfurt, we realized they didn't load three wheelchairs in Prague.

All of a sudden you need to move the whole crew with bags somewhere

for ten hours and look for spare wheelchairs which don't exist.

So, you go to a shop and borrow a shopping cart

to at least take them to the toilet.

An international attraction for the whole airport.

Oh, and when you think everything is going well, they tell you

neither the plane nor the staff are ready for so many wheelchairs.

It's not that easy to have 15 legless men on board.

No money for a hotel. So you take a nap at the airport.

You spend nearly two days there. What's the issue?

This is what they deal with all the time. Fuck!

The guys are just ordinary people that have dreams.

They want to represent their country just like you two did. Like Pastrňák does.

Playing at the world championship in front of your fans is the top.

They'll do everything for it. They'll breathe for each other.

But your support and respect can bring them to a whole new level.

It can change their lives.

At least think about it, God damn it.

If you don't want to be a moving target for the American captain, Doug Jones,

you have to switch the speed of your game thinking.

So, we'll play three on three, on a narrower rink.

We'll change the line every minute. Let's go.

Let's go!

Let's go, let's go!

Good!

Good!

Radim can do it!

-You know them? -Yeah.

-Send them away. -But…

Come on. Let's do it again.

Better listen to him. Bob hates these stares.

Again.

Don't slack off!

-Good. -Line change.

In the morning, I got an email with the sponsorship from the Sports Association.

I'm proud of you.

-I wasn't expecting you here. -I know.

Thanks.

I had to do it. Everyone would have.

I had to defend her.

And I'd do it again of course.

It was just a feeling that I realized very well.

And then I somehow guessed that it's the end.

That there won't be anything more and I can't do anything about it.

In contrast to the doctors who brought me back to life twice.

They resuscitated me twice.

All of a sudden, I saw it.

They told me I had blood poisoning.

In the place my right leg should've been, there was nothing.

I just didn't have it. At first, I didn't understand it.

You can't believe it. But that's how it is.

Then of course come the questions.

Why did it all happen? Why me? What could I have done better?

They sometimes come back,

but there was a period when they literally consumed me.

So much so that not even my relationship with my girlfriend could survive it.

But in a way, I owe her everything. If it weren't for Adéla, I wouldn't be here.

My coach kept telling me: Guma, dude. This is your last step to a championship.

And he was right. But this time I'm taking that step up.

I expected that para ice hockey wouldn't be just fun. But it wasn't fun at all.

I remember at the beginning, they told me,

"Come on, Radim. Push off with your hands. Keep your balance. Work hard!"

And then when I finally got the hang of it,

all of a sudden, a puck came flying at me and I was lying on the ground again.

This team's made up of extraordinary people who, despite the obstacles,

are not afraid to chase their dreams.

I guess I've changed a bit since then. But this is the national team

and I want to be a professional athlete at the highest level.

Bob, shouldn't the change in the team be more extensive?

I guess the championship will prove that.

You need to understand that I can't draft players.

I have to work with the individuals that I have.

But I don't consider that a drawback. My task or our task

is to go into battle as one man.

Will you leak to us how you plan to do that?

I'll say it generally. Patience. Courage.

Both will surely be needed against a team like USA.

Radim, how do you feel now in your new role? You're new to the team.

I feel great. It's important the coach puts together a great team.

We work hard and we're looking forward to our first real start.

-How much? -Thirty percent. In cash.

Don't worry. Nobody is gonna pay attention to a cripple sport for long.

-As soon as I set it up, it'll go off. -How much time do I have?

-For what? -To think about it.

None. If you miss your chance, the money will end up with rugby players.

You're joking. You're not going to do it, are you?

I'm funding the poster campaign with my family savings.

And the worst is yet to come.

How many people do we need to at least break even?

-Three thousand. -That's it? That's nonsense, isn't it?

-For each game. -Fuck.

Time! Time. We just started it late.

What's the current deficit?

7.1 million.

At this speed, our well will dry up in two weeks.

This project is like a hydra.

You cut off two heads and it grows three.

-Petr. -What?

Don't do anything you'll regret, okay?

So, it's decided.

Congratulations, Guma.

Thanks.

To have the C

would surely be the greatest thing to happen in my life.

And there haven't been many of them. But…

But not this time, fellas, and lady.

-What are you blabbering about? -Shut your mouth.

The real captain is sitting here.

I can't be your captain when there's such a stud among us.

So, I'm voting for Radim. If anyone deserves it, it's him.

Raise your mitts, you idiots.

-Radim, do you accept? -Wow…

Look, you know that even without the C, I'd give my life for you all on the ice.

But if you really want,

I'd be glad to be your captain.

Wonderful. So, we have a new captain.

So wipe your tears and get out on the ice. There's a surprise out there for you.

I don't like surprises. Let's go practice.

Come on.

Where have you all been, fellas and lady?

-Hello. -Hello. Coach.

I'm Bob.

In the locker room I said I don't like surprises, but this is unreal. Thanks.

-Shall we do a little five on five? -Great.

We'll get you all on a sledge…

I'm just joking.

-If you want to warm up with them… -Let's do it.

Goal. Hurray!

Nice.

That was the signal.

Come on!

Good job in New York.

In Jersey.

I played in New Jersey.

For 21 years.

Haven't we come by car?

It's a pity to spend the last night before the tournament like this.

-I'm bringing you all some snacks. -That's nice of you. You didn't have to.

They'll be gone in no time once served in the locker room.

Thank you.

And what about you two? Does the team know yet?

Nobody knows. Not even my dad. For now, it's best that way.

As soon as we get in the car for ten days, we'll be teammates.

Yes?

It'll be best to give the money to rugby players, okay?

Goodbye.

Buy tickets yourself, idiot.

Come on.

-Hi. -Hi.

You look exhausted.

Here you have them.

Nice guy.

As long as you're not playing against him.

-Shouldn't there be more journalists? -Yes, it's kept me busy since morning.

The bastards…

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our first press conference of the championship.

I'd like to welcome the coach of Team USA, Brian Sullivan, and captain Doug Jones.

And also part of our Team Czech Republic.

Now allow me to pass the mic to the lead organizer for the opening speech,

-Mr. Petr Fišer. -Thank you.

I'd like to warmly welcome you all here. I'm glad that Czechia was successful

in organizing our first ever para ice hockey world championship.

I believe we'll all enjoy this extraordinary tournament.

Thanks, Petr. It's time for your questions.

Will you tell us about the Czech team? Should they be seen as real underdogs?

No.

I believe that if the guys give their all, it will catch fire and start to burn.

So, they shouldn't be considered as real underdogs.

SEPSIS CHILDREN'S CEREBRAL PALSY (CP)

At the beginning of our preparation, I told you our goal was a medal.

A medal is here.

You're here.

You've got it stored away inside you all those years.

Thanks to the preparation, you've got here.

And I want you to be all the way there.

That you play like equals with everyone. We want to win every game.

When you leave the locker room, keep that in mind.

You have to hold it inside yourselves.

Everyone has to know that there's something different about you all.

Cool head, hot heart, balls in place.

Let's do it!

Lower the banner above the seventh row. So, the empty seats aren't visible.

The cameras are aiming there.

-Look, I have to go. Do it. -There you go.

-Hello. -Hello.

-Wish you all luck. Fingers crossed. -Thanks.

In the end it won't be completely empty. That's a relief, isn't it?

-Well, I expected a bit more. -But it could be far worse.

Excuse me. Yes?

-Can you hear me? -I can't right now…

-Did you see it? -What?

Go outside! Shit, go!

What are we gonna do? The game starts in 15 minutes.

We don't have a chance to seat them all.

Guma!

And they said nobody would come watch para ice hockey.

Welcome to the world championship in para ice hockey. We've got our first match.

Para ice hockey stood on the periphery of social interest,

but that's not the case anymore. Not today,

when there's an electric atmosphere here in the arena in Ostrava.

Come on. Let's go, let's go.

Come on, fellas, let's do it!

The game starts. That's when Italians are strongest.

As usual, they start hard from the first second.

Let's go!

Line change!

Let's go! Let's go guys!

Our starting five are still holding strong in front of the goal.

Hold the middle line and careful of counter-attacks.

The Italians go on the offensive. Rosa got a pass.

He pushes it forward. This doesn't look good.

Antonioli scores a goal! A perfect shot, I must admit.

Czech Republic losing 1:0. This was a tough start of the game.

Doesn't matter. Radim, doesn't matter.

That's it. Come on, guys!

Kostřánek. Playing with the puck, he passes through the Italians.

We're pressuring again. The Italian goalie is on alert.

He shoots! Just wide.

This pass will make it through!

Come on! Shoot it! Goal!

Lukáš Kostřánek got past the Italian defense and it's tied.

During the break, we've moved outside the arena

because we've got information about a very extraordinary happening.

Fans are coming back and paying for the rest of the tickets.

I've seen a lot in hockey, but this is an extraordinarily strong moment.

The first five switch out. Two minutes to the end and it's still not clear.

The fight between Czechia and Italy remains undecided at 1:1.

Let's go!

Kostřánek is on another breakaway. He passes to Kopecký.

Goal! Milan Kopecký scores!

That'll be hard to answer!

Goal!

Coach Bob Krulich had a lucky hand with the last line change and Milan Kopecký

now raises the mood of our bench.

Czechia enters the tournament with a 2:1-victory.

Hey Czechs! You don't do this!

Hey idiots! There are certain rules here. Not you nor anyone will fuck with them!

-Do I make myself clear enough? -You can't let so many people in here!

First, you can't make sure nothing happens to anyone.

Also, you're exceeding the capacity. People are sitting on the stairs,

-blocking the emergency exits! -No, not like this!

Come to your fucking senses!

Or we'll shut the whole thing down and it's curtains.

Ten thousand people applauding a bunch of guys without legs.

Congratulations.

What are you looking at? I had to do some acting.

You know how annoying he can be?

So…

We'll be opening the stadium an hour earlier before your games.

-And I'll add more people at the entrance. -Thanks.

Oh, and before I forget…

-The team asked for some gym items for… -For a warm-up.

For a warm-up. They have almost nothing there.

No problem.

Mazel, you only worked with your arms. Focus on your upper body.

-Hey fellas. How's it going? -Hey!

Novotný wins the faceoff, but again:

unlocking the Swedish lock today won't be easy.

Pass it here.

Blue-yellow classic. One battle after another.

What are the refs examining? I'm afraid Kostřánek stuck his feet in the goal area.

Kostřánek couldn't have stuck his feet in the goal area.

That's true.

Musil finds his way into the Swedish zone. Puck deflected. Pelcová shoots!

Goal!

This is a rose among thorns.

Linda Pelcová is proving herself well in this men's sport.

Fuck! We can't play like this with these syrup-heads.

Attack them. Strongly!

One moment.

Let's go!

Goal!

We've been waiting for this since entering the world stage.

Czech para ice hockey gains a most prized victory!

A sensation has been born in Ostrava. Czechia-Canada: 1:0.

Team USA under Coach Brian Sullivan handled the group stage with ease.

Doug Jones leads the tournament in points, but Radim Musil is surprisingly in second.

Our coach often says when you get a second chance,

you have to grab hold of it.

I think over there I got my second chance.

And am I part of the second chance?

I hope so.

But as friends. I'm with Klára.

What is it?

I helped you to the point you don't need me?

-You snake! -No.

Captain?

Your taxi to Ostrava awaits.

Para hockey fever in Czechia is rising.

Our team enters a sold-out quarterfinal against Slovakia.

You could cut the tension in the arena with a knife.

Let's hope today will end with a victory, but it won't be easy at all.

Today is the day of truth. Quarterfinal is here. It decides success and failure.

You could've shot that!

Cramps and nervousness are hampering the Czech team. Korman subbing in.

Martin Joppa is stretching.

He gets it in a good position and scores.

Slovakia leads 1:0. Michal Vápenka had no chance against that shot.

Line change!

Push them from the center out to the boards. Don't let them get there.

Radim Musil ties it up!

Radim Musil ties it at 1:1!

That was a tricky situation but it turned out okay and Radim Musil saved it again.

It's as if this guy had rockets on his sledge.

He's everywhere. The most mobile on the team.

Yes, Radim Musil is playing a great game.

Yes!

The Czechs are really on fire today. Now it's true! Czechia will be playing

in the medal round of the para ice hockey world championship!

It's unbelievable what Coach Krulich's team has achieved!

Coach, you've just achieved a historic success.

More importantly, here in front of home fans. What does that mean for you?

The next step in our journey. A very important step.

Next up in the semifinals, you'll be playing one of the big favorites, Norway.

How will your team prepare for that?

Norstuga and Mortervagner score easily in a power play.

At the beginning of the third period, it's Norway two-nil.

Mirek. Fuck it. You've got a fever. You'll pass out!

-Mirek's done today! -Mirek was done a long time ago.

-But Guma is just getting started! -What a patient you are. Awful…

Coach, put me in.

-The Angry Chihuahua Tactic. -Forget it, guys. They'll kick you out.

-This isn't our league, okay? -Coach?

If you start slobbering out there, don't come to me, buddy, got it?

-First line change! -Alright, Doc. Now watch this.

Come on Norway, I'm gonna make rotten sardines out of you. Come on!

Do the same. Without barking.

What are you doing here?

When it's this clear, you can see the tallest peak of the Beskids.

-When did you want to tell me? -About a hundred times already.

Fuck, Petr.

Seventeen years. From the desk in the baby stroller room to this.

-I know. -And you didn't even make an effort

-to tell me you were selling the company. -My share.

-Doesn't matter. -You would've talked me out of it.

Of course I would've. What are you going to do now?

I don't know. Something meaningful. Maybe this.

You idiot.

You could've told me earlier.

The team is gonna need a manager.

I need a vacation.

A long one.

It's in! Yeah!

Norwegians are trying to answer.

Varnes ready to pass to Pedersen again but the shot goes well wide.

And now Miroslav Nejedlý's here, escaping the Norwegian defense.

Goal!

-We're there! -This goal puts Czechia into the finals!

SENSATION! NHL FANS FOLLOW PARA HOCKEY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

-Ouch! I can't feel my legs. -Sorry. Habit.

Fuck, is this really necessary? It seems stupid to me.

Coach said everyone, so everyone.

I hope nothing happens to him.

Hey! Hey, what are you doing?

That's just great. Really.

-Okay, and now pick me up. -Now it seems like I don't know how.

Mazel!

Good!

Good job!

I'm waiting here offsides. Come on guys!

Leave me alone. Touch me and you don't get water.

Let's go! You okay? Wait.

-Pass it here! -Wait. Watch out for your hands.

I'm coming. Attack!

-Where are you? -A nice warm-up.

Girl fight.

Great!

How are you supposed to get up?

Guys, you can't be laying down.

You asleep?

This puck sent us to the finals.

The team wanted me to give it to you.

If you're listening to me, I'd be glad if you were there with me tomorrow.

Goodnight.

-Are we all here? -No, Mazel's missing.

-Where is he? -He's been shitting since morning.

-Still? -I'm coming.

Yesterday I read that during the breaks, NHL audiences are watching

what's going on here in Ostrava.

That there's a better atmosphere here than they have there,

and that nearly all games are sold out.

And that Czech para ice hockey is in the finals.

Everyone here now in this locker room is part of a historic moment.

Not only for Czech para ice hockey but for all para athletes out there.

You have every right to be proud of yourselves.

Thanks, Coach!

No matter how this game ends, but I believe it's gonna end well,

we already have one champion here with us. Petr.

This wouldn't have happened without you.

Thanks for everything.

Wow, thank you! Thanks.

Thanks a lot, I… Look, thank you for opening my eyes,

and considering what's happening outside,

not only to me.

Thank you. I have to go do something.

Thanks.

Coach, is that everything?

-Yes. -I must finish something.

Hurry, so you don't shit yourself.

Czechia!

-Who's got strength? -Czechia!

-One team one heart? -Czechia!

I guess I underestimated you a bit. Congratulations.

You're not the only one.

Enjoy the finals.

Petr?

Petr, I've got someone here.

Thank you.

Dad?

-Can you get me closer to the ice? -I can get you wherever you want.

He's only got 12 players. Uncle Sully wants to start off fair.

Let's go!

Goal!

-They don't know this feeling! -Rotate faster.

This is a historic moment.

Ostrava is in shock. The first time in this tournament Team USA is losing.

For us a completely unknown situation. Nobody has led against the Americans.

And when Radim Musil scores a goal, the Ostrava audience has to celebrate.

Let's keep it up. Let's go!

Come on, guys, let's go.

Czechia!

You're playing great. They're scoring goals.

Do you want some energy? Look around you.

From this moment, we're playing for them, is that clear?

-So let's go. -Come on!

A beautiful moment.

The president of the Sports Association has to kneel to congratulate the players.

It occurred to me that this ritual might catch on.

Good job, Coach.

-Congratulations. -Thank you.

Hey, is that allowed?

It's not.

I'll kill him.

Once we finish celebrating.

THE EVENTS IN OSTRAVA IN 2019

CHANGED THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE PUBLIC TO PARASPORTS.

THE RECORD ATTENDANCE HAS YET TO BE BROKEN.

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.

Subtitle translation by: Zach Barnes