Ladislav Kohn grew up in a small town in communist Czechoslovakia.
An unexpected invitation turned into an opportunity to leave home and play hockey at school.
That turned into a spot on the national u18 team.
And that turned into a flight to Brandon, Manitoba, Canada to play for the Wheatkings, of the WHL.
Canada was a country Kohn had never been to. Brandon was a town he never heard of. The WHL was a league he knew nothing about.
And he never spoke a word of english.
But he was told he might be able to get drafted if he went.
So he did.
And the Calgary Flames selected him in the 7th Round of the 1994 Entry draft.
Ladislav went on to play over 180 games in the NHL with the Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, Anahiem Ducks, Atlanta Thrashers and the Detroit Red Wings.
Kohn had an impressive 18 year professional career.
Enjoy my conversation with Ladislav Kohn.