Martí Casas: “It's very difficult to find another place where hockey is experienced like in Reus.”

Reus Deportiu has won the Copa del Rey again, nineteen years later. On March 9th, at the Joan Ortoll Pavilion in Calafell, they defeated Lleida (4-5) in the final, in a match in which 29-year-old Martí Casas from Mataró scored all five goals, completing a record-breaking championship and confirming his status as one of the greatest roller hockey players of the moment.

How do you do this, scoring five goals in a Copa del Rey final?

— There's no secret to it. These things, when they happen, happen. It's not something anyone can imagine happening because it's unusual. It's about taking advantage of the sweet spot we forwards have. It was my turn this time. As the days go by, I realize more and more how difficult that final was. Both teams deserved to win it.

And he set a new scoring record in a Copa del Rey: nine goals. And in just two matches.

— I've had a few scoring streaks in my life, but this time, because of the timing, it's even more special. I'm a player who tends to take advantage of the moments, and when I'm in a moment of confidence, I like to take advantage of it. I always try to help the team, and if I've been able to do that with my goals these days, even better. Always contribute.

How did Reus Deportiu get to the Cup?

— With many doubts. This season's start means we're playing two games a week with a fairly short roster, and it takes its toll on us physically. Not because we're not ready, but because roller hockey is a contact sport, and we were all very physically challenged. But the week before, we took a mini-vacation that was very good for us, to be with our families, to have a good time, and to relax. reset Mentally. We did very well not looking too far ahead. This has been one of the keys in this Cup. From now on, I'll approach all competitions like this, because I think it's a mistake sometimes to want to think too far ahead. It takes you a bit off your focus.

The Cup was played in Calafell, which in this case has special significance.

— Yes. It's a court I really like. Everyone can agree that it's great to play in such a great atmosphere. It's true that we would have liked to avoid Calafell in the quarterfinals. With the great atmosphere that was created in that match, it was a huge physical and emotional drain that other teams didn't have to endure. It's a court that brings back many good memories, and it's always nice to reunite with people I get along with very well.

And then came the celebration. Crazy.

— Nothing I haven't heard from anyone, but experiencing them is very different. Everyone says there's nothing like winning a title with Reus, but when it happens, you realize the significance hockey has in the city, which goes beyond the sporting aspect. What moves me most is running into people on the street during the celebration telling me how proud my father would be if he saw this Reus team, because he had passed on his love to him and now he's no longer here. These family stories with hockey make it special. It's very difficult to find another place where hockey is experienced like this.

When you started playing hockey in Mataró, did you see Reus as a place you could play one day?

— When you're a kid, you look up to winning teams, and when I was little, I remember watching Reus win a Champions League title, with Pedro Gil and Jordi Garcia. I used to come to this rink in the youth categories, with four parents sitting in the stands, and I used to think about what it would be like to play in front of a packed rink. When you're a kid, you dream of playing for a team like that. Then I had the opportunity to be coached by a Reus legend like Vadillo, and it struck me that, fifteen years after I played, he still had a Reus sticker on his car. What a feeling that must have been! This club has something that sets it apart from the others.

You've played in Italy. What's hockey like there?

— It's a more uncontrolled, crazier, more passionate type of hockey. I don't regret choosing this path one bit. It made me grow a lot as a player and, above all, as a person. There, you realize the pressure to win. I came from a time at Vic where I reached finals and didn't win, and with Noia, neither. And with the best team in Italy, I won the first titles of my career.

Why did you decide to return to Catalonia and sign for Calafell?

— There was a problem at the club where I played in Italy, and I found myself sidelined mid-season. My partner was pregnant, I was recovering from an injury, and I think returning close to home, with my family, was the best decision I've ever made. It was a chance to start over and enjoy hockey.

And two summers ago he accepted the offer from Reus Deportiu.

— I had a very good season and had several offers. I was excited to win a title, and Reus was a good place to continue growing as a player and continue enjoying the sport. It was one of the offers that caught my attention the most, especially on a sporting level, but also emotionally.

Do you feel the weight of the red and black history?

— When you walk into the locker room, there's a wall with all the titles Reus has won, and you realize where you are. It's one of the most successful clubs in the history of hockey, and the big difference is that Reus Deportiu is a hockey club, where hockey is the cornerstone. And that sets it apart from other clubs. The jersey has a lot of history and weight. I remember a former player saying that one year at Reus is like two or three elsewhere. You take this pressure naturally and even end up enjoying it, and you push yourself even harder.

He became a father three years ago. How has this affected him as an elite athlete?

— It changes your life completely; it makes you a different person. It's a blessing, because since Julia was born, I've won a European Championship, a World Cup, and now the Cup. When she was born, the night before I was playing in the CERS Cup final with Calafell. With her, everything was good news. She's helped me stay calm and keep my feet on the ground.

You're now 29. Do you still have a lot to contribute to hockey?

— I don't think I've yet reached the most mature stage of my career as a player in this sport. I've been dedicated to it and taking care of myself for many years. We're seeing players who are over 40 reaching an incredible level. I feel strong physically and, above all, mentally, which is what allows me to handle everything perfectly.

Even though it's far away, do you see yourself on the bench training?

— I've thought about it. I really like the tactical aspect, but I don't feel good about watching games from the sidelines. I'm a hockey fanatic, I analyze games myself, I really like watching videos, but all the calm I can have on the rink in tense moments, I have a hard time maintaining off it. When I watch my team's game from the sidelines, I don't have a good time. If I want to be a coach, I'll have to work hard. There's still a long way to go.