by Grace Kut | AHL On The Beat
From honing his craft in Czechia to commanding the blue line in North America, defenseman Marek Alscher discovered his place within the Charlotte Checkers’ lineup after signing a three-year, entry-level take care of the Florida Panthers in March 2023.
Alscher’s path to Charlotte started abroad in his residence nation and in Finland earlier than coming to North America to play with the Western Hockey League’s Portland Winterhawks.
“They stated there was most likely no tougher schedule than in Portland since you are available round 9 a.m. and depart the rink round 3 or 4 p.m.,” Alscher stated. “It’s all conferences, health club, some faculty lessons, then on the ice for 2 hours, typically three.”
Alscher credit the Winterhawks for being a constructing block in his profession, permitting him to develop as an individual and participant.
“I feel that was actually vital for me as a result of now it’s simpler for me to show professional and to have the ability to play the schedule we’ve now,” he stated.
As Alscher seems again on his path, he notes the day he was initially drafted by the Florida Panthers in 2022 as a third-round choose.
“It felt like a standard day, after which on the finish, as a result of I feel it was round 7 p.m., it was me and my dad watching,” Alscher stated. “At first I received a textual content saying, ‘Congratulations,’ however the dwell stream was delayed, so I used to be like, ‘For what?’
“Then I noticed that Florida picked me and it was clearly large.”
The adjustment to the skilled stage recreation isn’t any simple activity. Checkers assistant coach Bobby Sanguinetti famous what makes a rookie participant like Alscher stand out within the lineup.
“I’d say the most important factor for a younger participant is to have the power to absorb the data that we’re giving after which to use it,” Sanguinetti stated. “It takes time studying the method all year long, however there’s the velocity that he’s been capable of regulate to that.”
With the primary half of the season underneath his belt, Alscher notes the nice dynamic the Charlotte workforce has.
“I feel it’s been superior,” Alscher stated. “I don’t suppose there’s a single man that’s out of the group. We’re all speaking collectively and all have good connections. I feel that’s a very powerful half. All of us have enjoyable in observe, and we’ve enjoyable in video games.”
As for the most important problem within the Queen Metropolis, Alscher factors to having to struggle to make the lineup each single recreation. To ease the transition, veteran gamers serve an enormous function.
“I feel they’re making it simpler for me, and once I want something, any assist, you recognize there’s both (Zac) Dalpe or Megs (Jaycob Megna) or anybody from the vets which are ready or that wish to assist me,” Alscher stated.
Sanguinetti is aware of how important of a job veteran gamers can have on the younger skaters, appearing as an extension of the teaching workers.
“We do our greatest to get them in the appropriate spots and conditions and assist there, however simply so far as the educational and the expansion, you want an excellent group of veterans to assist lead that,” Sanguinetti stated. “They’ve accomplished a extremely good job with serving to these guys.”
Up to now Alscher has loved Charlotte, spending his free time along with his associates and teammates, and profiting from the various facilities town presents – such because the Charlotte Hornets, the native NBA workforce.
“I used to be right here two years in the past after our season led to juniors, and I used to be actually excited to come back right here and dwell right here as a result of I actually prefer it,” Alscher stated. “I just like the basketball workforce… we’ve been 5 – 6 video games with (Oliver) Okuliar. I additionally just like the climate.”
Whereas adjusting to the independence maturity brings, the 20-year-old Alscher has nothing however rave critiques for the workforce and town.
“It’s been superior,” Alscher stated. “It’s my first yr turning professional, so you might be simply making an attempt to get used to paying lease and residing by yourself. For me it’s enjoyable, and the workforce has been welcoming to me. They gave me a heat welcome and it’s been simple.”
Trying forward, Alscher has his eyes set on one objective, above simply himself however as a workforce.
“We’re trying to win the Cup, for certain,” he stated. “That’s the one objective we’ve.”
