Krzysztof Macias was selected by the Raiders in the first round of the 2023 CHL Import Draft. (Mark Peterson/Prince Albert Raiders)

By Nolan Kowal

European flavour

Raiders import picks Macias, Kubiesa adjusting to life in PA

Sep 2, 2023 | 3:26 PM

Among the many prospects Prince Alberts Raiders fans are watching at training camp are the team’s two import draft picks: Krzysztof Macias and Matej Kubiesa.

Both forwards are on the ice this weekend at the Art Hauser Centre.

For the Polish-born Macias, it’s his first time in North America.

“The transition has been really good, actually. I like it here, we have good guys, good teammates that are really helping me to adjust and help (me) feel at home,” said Macias. “So far I love it…I have a good billet family, I have good friends there so I’m just enjoying it.”

On the ice, Macias said he’s already noticed some changes compared to the style of play he was accustomed to in Europe.

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“It’s pretty fast here, and a smaller ice rink so you have to have your head up all the time,” he said. “But I had just a few practices with the guys, so I didn’t see that many differences now, but I’m sure as time goes on I will see more and more differences.”

Macias, who played all of last season in Czechia, also said he’s excited about the opportunity to play in Hockeytown North.

“I love that I went to this team because they have pretty good ambitions, good coaching staff, good people there. And I’m sure we’ll do good this season…we’re dangerous.”

Meanwhile, Kubiesa had been to Canada once previously, for a national tournament in Vancouver. He said he’s settling into his new surroundings.

“It feels good…the boys are pretty amazing. It feels good to be here and I’m happy.”

“I think we’re going to have a tight team,” he continued. “We believe in each other, we trust each other, and I hope we’re going to have a solid run this year.”

Matej Kubiesa at Raiders training camp. (Nolan Kowal/paNOW Staff)

Raiders Head Coach Jeff Truitt said he’s been impressed with what he’s seen from the two prospects so far.

“Very respectful young men…they’ve integrated themselves very well with our team,” Truitt said. “Their English is bang on, it’s like you got two more North American kids here because you don’t have that language barrier.”

“They’re right in tune with everything, they’re excited to be here, they want the challenge of playing against the best people that they can play against, so they chose to come here, we drafted them, and they haven’t disappointed at all. Two young tremendous guys.”

Macias and Kubiesa are also becoming friends off the ice.

“We met for the first time a week before getting to Canada,” Macias said. “He’s a good guy…he’s younger than me so he has a lot of time in front of him. He’s a good player too so I’m excited to look at him and to see how he develops in this beautiful city and team.”

Macias also admitted it’s a little bit easier to communicate with Kubiesa.

“I speak Czech fluently so it’s easier for me to speak Czech than English, but I’m practicing my English and it will only get better now,” he said.

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Nolan.Kowal@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @NolanKowal