By Avery Williamson
For serious hockey players, playing in the NCAA is a dream. After representing Slovakia at the World Junior Championships, Pavol Funtek began to share this dream. That’s why, at the age of 19, he packed his bags and moved to the United States.
Pavol is a freshman defenseman from Bratislava, Slovakia. Growing up in this European capital city, hockey has been an integral part of Pavol’s life since he was just four years old.
“The rink was a five-minute walk from my house, so I pretty much grew up around the ice,” he said. “I was either watching my brother or skating myself.”
Pavol also played soccer as a child, but when he was 10, his coach told him he had to choose between the two sports. “Since my older brother and cousin were both playing hockey, that’s what I picked,” he said.
After his standout performance at the World Junior Championships, Pavol said, “a lot of opportunities opened up.” One of the American assistant coaches for Team Slovakia told him about college hockey in the United States.
“I didn’t really know much about it before that,” said Pavol. “But ever since then, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.”
Pavol spent two years in the USHL, one season for the Youngstown Phantoms in 2022-23 and another with the Minot Minotaurs in 2023-24, before joining the Seawolves. After making the move, Pavol was initially surprised by the small talk.
“It’s not really a thing back home,” he said. “It’s kind of weird when random people start telling you their life stories about their kids and stuff and you’re just like, ‘what’s going on?’”
As for his pre-game routine, Pavol said he isn’t too strict about what he does. “I don’t have any big routines or rituals,” he said. “I’m not really crazy about those things, just in case something doesn’t work out and then I’m worried I’m not going to play as well.”
What he does stick to, however, is a consistent warm-up, a pre-game meal of pasta and chicken, and a nap about 90 minutes before heading to the rink.
For those back home considering making the move, Pavol encourages them to keep an open mind. “Just because you don’t like one place–like Ohio–you can always go to the next state and it’s a totally different culture.”
UP NEXT
Fans can watch Pavol in action on January 31 as the Seawolves take on in-state rivals Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks. Anchorage fans are encouraged to attend the official watch party at Las Margaritas, 541 W. Dimond Blvd.