Sam Chrenka, a freshman on the Fredonia State men's hockey team, will be be taking a break from the team in January -- but for a good reason.
The freshman forward has been selected to represent his home country of the Czech Republic in the World University Games held in Turino, Italy, in mid January.
"Throughout the summer, one of the coaches from the Czech College League contacted me," said Chrenka. "They wanted to make a selection team of all college players from the Czech Republic to play against Cornell University. I was selected for that matchup, and it was a great experience and fun to play against one of the top NCAA D1 teams with guys from my country."
Following that contest, one of the main coaches for the University Games was watching and contacted Chrenka, asking if he would be interested in playing at the World University Games in Italy.
"I didn't hesitate a second," said Chrenka. "I'm super excited. It has always been an honor to wear my country colors, and so far, I had only a few chances to experience this, so I'm thrilled to have that opportunity again."
Ten men's teams will take part in the FISU World University Winter Games 2025: Canada, the Czech Republic, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, Ukraine and the United States. The matches will be played in Torino, Italy from Jan. 13-23. It will not be just hockey. Six municipalities will host 11 sports over the course of 11 days of competition.
As far as missing time from the Blue Devil hockey team, that will not be an issue.
