Even if it was hard to hear, it wasn’t hard to understand.

When Pittsburgh Penguins forward Radim Zohorna scored a goal in his first career NHL game, a 4-0 home victory against the Buffalo Sabres on March 25, 2021, his verbiage in explaining the moment was limited.

Not just because the soft-spoken Czech knew only a few words of English at the time, but because postgame interviews at the time were being conducted through squawky videoconferences due to NHL rules imposed during the pandemic.

“I don’t have words,” Zohorna said that night while seated between a camera and a Penguins backdrop in a mostly vacant room. “It’s why I play hockey. It’s what I want to be.

“I have no words.”

It was an impersonal and antiseptic way for Zohorna to explain his jubilation. But his emotions were vividly clear through the grin he fought a losing battle to stifle.

He was living his dream.

Last season, that dream was disrupted by reality.

Just over one year ago — Oct. 3, 2022 — Zohorna was expected to enter his third season with the Penguins but was whisked away to Western Canada when the Calgary Flames claimed him off waivers.

What followed was 13 transactions involving him being shuffled between the Flames’ NHL roster and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers.

There might have been more moves between the Flames and Wranglers, but on Jan. 13, he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs. With that franchise, he finished the season with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.

In total, Zohorna played in 10 NHL contests last season, scoring one goal. Meanwhile, he suited up for 51 AHL games and posted 34 points (12 goals, 22 assists).

“It was kind of weird,” Zohorna said of the frequent movement last season. “And probably the worst season of my life. It was a tough, tough year. It’s passed, and now I’m here.”

This past offseason, Zohorna, 27, returned to Pittsburgh and re-signed with the Penguins, agreeing to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000.

“I wanted to (come) back,” Zohorna said. “I had a feeling I’ll be back this season. And I am. I was happy when Kyle called me. They wanted me. So I was really happy.”

There’s been plenty to be happy about with Zohorna’s preseason. In four games, he is tied for the team lead in scoring with three points (one goal, two assists).

During a 2-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings at PPG Paints Arena Wednesday, Zohorna served as the team’s top center in a lineup that primarily featured reserve players. Logging 17 minutes, 33 seconds of ice time on 22 shifts, Zohorna had one shot on two attempts and was 12 for 19 (63%) on faceoffs.

“He’s more comfortable and he’s more confident,” veteran Penguins forward Bryan Rust said. “He’s more confident in his own game. He’s more comfortable in what he can do on the ice and the things that he needs to do to be successful.”

At 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, Zohorna’s physical attributes are obvious. With his size, he also offers a diverse game as he is capable of playing all three forward positions.

And he’s much more comfortable with North America — the language, culture, style of play — than when he first set foot on this continent three years ago.

“You can see he’s a lot more outgoing,” Rust said. “It helps coming back to a team that he’s familiar with. Familiar faces. That helps a lot, especially a guy in his position.

“A few years over here and getting adjusted to the game, I think, has done him great.”

That has been evident no matter how it has been expressed.

“I’m still not great, but it’s a little bit better,” Zohorna said of his command of English. “I think this is my fourth season (in North America) already. I feel like home here. Everything is perfect. Especially here.

“I love this team, this organization. I’m happy to be part of this.”

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