A special bond: NHL forward reflects on playing hockey with his Slovak great-grandmother
Alex Tuch has a tattoo of the Slovak double cross on three hills on his back.
In the bustling heart of Prague, amidst the fervour of the NHL season opener, Alex Tuch found himself awash in a sea of Slovak flags. As he donned the iconic blue and gold of the Buffalo Sabres, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement, particularly for Slovak fans rallying around Slovak talents Šimon Nemec and Tomáš Tatar. Yet, for Tuch, a deeper connection tugged at his heartstrings—memories of his great-grandmother, affectionately known as “GiGi.”
Born to American parents, Tuch carries within him the rich heritage of his Slovak roots. His great-grandparents, Jozef Macháč and Štefánia Macháčková, migrated from Holíč to America in search of a better life during a turbulent era for many Slovaks.
“They came over during a difficult time, like so many others,” Tuch reflected in a moment of nostalgia. His voice trembled when he spoke of GiGi, who had passed away 18 years ago but left an indelible mark on his life. “She died when I was 10. I remember her always playing hockey with me using little sticks whenever she watched me. We had a really special bond.”
Tuch’s tribute to his heritage is beautifully inked on his back—a tattoo depicting the Slovak double cross on three mountains, flanked by two lions, and beneath it, the name “GiGi”. The surrounding inscription reads, “The strength of a family is in its loyalty to each other.” “I think she would be proud of this piece,” he shared.
His family continues to honour their Slovak traditions, especially during the festive season.
“My mum and grandma bake Christmas pastries from Slovakia. I don’t know their names, but they taste amazing,” he beamed, cherishing the flavours of his ancestry.
Though this visit to Europe didn’t allow for a trip to Slovakia, Tuch has vowed to make that pilgrimage soon.
“I wish we had more free time. I’d love to see Bratislava and other towns,” he mused, longing to connect with the land of his forebears. “I love this region of Europe, especially thinking about my family history.”
Despite the disappointment of leaving Prague without a win—Buffalo lost both games, suffering defeats of 3-1 and 4-1—Tuch embraced the experience. He was a key player on the ice, contributing an assist while facing the inevitable challenges of the game, including a scuffle that showcased his commitment to his teammates.
“It’s important to stand up for each other,” he asserted.
In the end, Tuch’s journey in Prague was more than just a series of games; it was a chance to bond with his team and reflect on the legacy of “GiGi”.
“I enjoyed the trip with the team. It was a shame we couldn’t get a win, but spending time together is always good. It brings us closer,” he concluded, embodying the spirit of loyalty that runs deep in his family.
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