Lukas, where can we reach you right now, and how are you spending your summer?
Lukas Klok: “I’m currently in my hometown of Šilheřovice (in German: Schillersdorf). It’s a small town near Ostrava, where I was born. We usually spend our summers here, enjoying time with family and friends. We don’t have much time for that during the season—so we enjoy it even more.”
So you're not alone…
Klok: “No, things are actually really busy right now and pretty tough (laughs). My wife and I became parents to a little boy for the second time two and a half weeks ago. And our youngest son will turn two at the end of July. He’ll take his first steps on the ice wearing a Red Bulls jersey (laughs). So the four of us are coming to Munich.”
What do you know about your new home?
Klok: “I’ve actually never been there before and don’t know much about it yet. But I’ve heard that Munich is supposed to be a beautiful city. We’re really looking forward to exploring it all.”
But you've probably heard of Oktoberfest. You'll get to experience it this fall - we promise…
Klok: “Of course, the whole world knows about it (laughs). Some friends from Bern have already texted me to say that Oktoberfest is a huge party. I’m really looking forward to seeing how it all goes.”
As a father of two young boys, you probably don't have much time for other things. What else do you like to do in your free time?
Klok: “I’m interested in a lot of sports. I also like to play tennis in the summer or go fishing. But it’s true: I don’t really have much free time left - I’m pretty busy (laughs).”
Let's talk about sports, and first of all, your move to the Red Bulls. How did that go?
Klok: “Red Bull München is a big-name club and one of the top teams in Europe. Every year, the Red Bulls aim to win the championship. That was the main reason I signed with Munich. I also had a few other offers, for example from Switzerland. But the chances of winning the title weren’t as good there.”
Before you signed, did you talk to Dominik Kahun or Brady Ferguson about the Red Bulls? After all, you've played with both of them before in Switzerland and Sweden.
Klok: “Yes, I spoke with Dominik beforehand. He played a big role in my decision. The conversations with Neville Rautert (Managing Director of Sports at EHC Red Bull München), Head Coach Oliver David, and Christian Winkler (Managing Director of Sports at Red Bull Ice Hockey) were also very positive. He told me a lot about the entire organization in Munich and Salzburg. After that, I was highly motivated and really wanted to become part of the Red Bulls.”
