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Peter Babak

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Peter Babak - Defenceman, SVK

It all began in August 6th 1963. On this day in Bratislava, the Capital of the Slovak Republic, in one of city's maternity hospitals Peter Babak was born. He was to go on to play an important part in the history of Slovak and world ball-hockey both as an excellent player and a successful coach. Here is it how it all happened….

He first came into contact with sport at the age of 3, but instead of wearing a hockey dress he was dressed in a judo kimono. Later on, when his older brother Roman took him to ice-hockey training, his future was decided. Peter wore the colors of the biggest Slovak club Slovan Bratislava for many years, going through all age categories with the nickname “Bebe”. While at the stadium he chased the puck on the ice. But at home in street in front of his block of flats he competed without mercy with his friends for the ball. But he wasn’t playing tennis or football, but a new sport that was coming into existence that nowadays we know as ball-hockey. Although on the streets of Slovakia thousands of boys spent their free time this way, we can confidently write the names of Peter and his high-school friend Ivan Vazan as being the fathers of Slovak ball-hockey. This was in the year 1979 and only four years later he witnessed the birth of the first official ball-hockey competition, which then quickly spread across the whole of Slovakia.

In the meantime, Peter continued to expand his hockey CV, becoming ranked among the most renowned goal scorers in the Slovak National Hockey League. In spite of the fact that in the season 1986/87 his team was quickly knocked-out from the playoffs, Peter had the best scoring records in the whole league. During next season he not only maintained the honor of being the best scorer, he also became the most productive player in the whole competition. But, after ten years of parallel activity in both the ice-hockey and ball-hockey arenas he finally and fully dedicated himself to the ball.

In 1991 he competed in ball-hockey for 1st time at an international level. Upon receiving an invitation of Ivan Vazan, the former Slovak ball-hockey player who lives in Canada, he attended a tournament in Oshawa with a group of other “pioneers” in Bratislava’s colors and brought back home from across the ocean priceless know-how. Peter used this experience to win the title of Czechoslovak Champion that same year. Although his team lost the initial final duel with the Czech champions 4:8, at the end they won 6:1 with help of two scores from Peter, and received a valuable international trophy. This was the official start of hugely successful run on club level within both domestic and internal tournaments. During the following seasons he help win the title of Slovak Champion seven times and also the wins in the European and World cups. His individual scoring ability joined with a strong sense of team play led him to became a leading player and also coach not only on club level but also in the representation of Slovakia.

Peter didn’t miss the first ever Championship of Europe in 1995, neither a year later the historical first World Championship. He added to his account the title of European champion that year and in the World Championship in 1998 he won a silver medal.

A year later he reached the summit of his ball-hockey career, as captain of the Slovak team he steered the team not only towards winning their first and only title of World Champions, but his “golden shoot” was the last one in the final shoot-out between the Slovaks and Canadians. To end his career in this way is a dream of millions of sportsmen and Peter had surely deserved it. He also won the title of best ball-hockey player of Slovakia for year 1999 in a public poll.

A year later at the European Championship in 2000 we can find him in the Slovakian team already in coach position and won with his team the silver medal. Peter managed to win the last type of precious metal in 2001 on the World Championship in Toronto where he said good bye to his coaching career with a bronze medal.

He achieved everything that can be achieved in ball-hockey and his name is indelibly written into the history of this sport in Slovakia and in the World. In his memorial year 1999 „Bebe” became the uncrowned king of Slovak ball-hockey. He continues to love this beautiful sport in the same way as he did years ago, when he started to dream his fabulous ball-hockey dream.

Interview

1. How did you find ball hockey or hockey balle?

I was one of thousands of boys from streets in front of his block of flats trying moves already seen on ice-hockey stadium or TV. For many years it was just spending our free time within group of friends until 1979, when first official competition was born. We played with tennis-ball, without any real equipment, but with great enthusiasm.

2. You were a great goal scorer, or ball handler, or goaltender (where applicable). How can young players improve on these skills.

To be the great one is a long way. They have to practise more than any others to work up their skills and offer everything for team success. Learning from experienced, playing always fair, with heart and respect to opponent.

3. What was the greatest World Championship game you played in, one that made a lasting memory on you?

It was in 1999, final game Slovakia vs Canada. For us with happy-end, winning our first and only title of World Champions. For 5000 fans on stadium 2 hours thriller, great fight of World’s best Canadian forwards against perfect Slovakian defence.

4. What was your favourite WC as far as location and atmosphere?

Toronto 2001. It was the last one for me, with memories for perfect organisation, cheerful people, great players and nice games.

5. Who are the best players you remember you had to play against?

Many of them are inducted to the ISBHF Hall of Fame, but I have to add George Gortsos to the list. He is well-known as a succesful coach, but we should not forget his respectful player career with many awards.

6. What were your feeling playing against your arch rivals like Slovakia, Czech and Canada. How did you feel before these games?

Czechs was our traditional rival playing in similar conditions. All matches was very balanced and it was important to play as a team to win. To play against Canada was a celebration of this sport for us. With all respect to their high-level ball-hockey.

7. What did the game of ball hockey do for you in your life as a person?

More than 30 years of loving this beautiful sport. Working hard with teammates for success is my way of life.

8. What would you tell a young player about trying to represent his country at ISBHF WC.

To represent his country is a privilege and honor.

9. What do you think the future of Hockeyballe or Ball Hockey is?

I share with many ball-hockey players the nice dream come true to see this wonderful game under Olympic rings.

President's note

George Gortsos
ISBHF president

This past weekend I had the honour of becoming the third President of the ISBHF. I believe that as a player and coach I have always strived to play ball hockey in a skilled and team way. Now I have a chance to work with all the great leaders of our sport throughout the World who love the game like we all do. I met some great people in Paris. And I would like to thank the representatives of all our member nations who voted me in on behalf of ball hockey players around the World. This is an honour I will handle with the honesty and hard work that made me a successful player and coach. I want to share the main keys that I will strive to work with my fellow board members to make this game better around the World.
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