Prospect Interview Featuring - Michal Hlinka
McKeen's correspondent Randy Gorman recently had the opportunity to interview forward Michal Hlinka of the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL. Hlinka talks about his game, his minor hockey roots, playing for the Raiders, the biggest influence on his hockey career to date and his thoughts on the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
McKeen's: Where did you play your minor hockey?
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Hlinka: I played my minor hockey in Trencin, Slovakia with a club team right up through midget 'AAA' before coming to North America.
McKeen's: Do you have any relation to Ivan Hlinka?
Hlinka: He is a relative, sort of, he's my grandfather's cousin.
McKeen's: Has he helped you develop as a hockey player?
Hlinka: Oh yeah, sometimes he would point things that I should be doing so as to improve my play.
McKeen's: What was the biggest adjustment you had to make coming over to play major junior hockey in Canada?
Hlinka: It was a big for me with every aspect of life. On the ice, I had to adjust mainly to the physical play of the WHL, as it's not as rough and tight checking in Slovakia compared to here. I'm just trying to adapt and put forth my best effort here.
McKeen's: This being your draft year, did you set any goals for yourself at the beginning of the season?
Hlinka: I don't have a lot of points right now, but I really wanted to work on being a complete player. I want to be better in the defensive zone and help the team win.
McKeen's: What do you think is the strongest part of your game, and what are the things you want to work on?
Hlinka: I think my creativity with the puck is my strongest asset. I want to work on my skating and my shot and make improvements in those areas.
McKeen's: Does it bother you that several scouts are watching and analysing your game?
Hlinka: I try not to think about it, but I'm glad they are also taking note of me, and hopefully I'll get drafted.
McKeen's: You mentioned before how physical the North American game is, were you prepared for that coming over to Canada to play?
Hlinka: Oh yes, many players' told me it's very physical and demanding and that I should expect that. I see it as a challenge and I'll be stronger and better because of it.
McKeen's: Working with the coaching staff and your teammates, have you learned a lot from them and will that help you in your quest to move on to the next level?
Hlinka: Oh yes, every practice, they are patient, and if I don't understand a situation or drill they always make sure that I'm aware of what they want me to do, and the communication with the coaching staff and my teammates is pretty good.
McKeen's: Who has had the most impact or influence on your hockey career to date?
Hlinka: My dad has had the most impact, as he still plays in Slovakia. He watches tapes of the games and tells me what I need to improve on. The relationship with my father is special.
McKeen's: You have a nice shot, and your hockey sense is good, would that be a fair assessment?
Hlinka: Yes, I try to read plays every game, so as to help my linemates set up counter transition rushes by forechecking and turnovers. I like my shot but I also want to improve on it.
McKeen's: Was it disappointing to not get an invite to this year's Slovakian World Junior selection camp?
Hlinka: Kind of, but we have good players at that camp, so I had some tough competition, but maybe I will get a chance next year. There is also the World Under-18 team, in which I hope to get a chance to play on it.
McKeen's: There has been a marked improvement in the Slovakian developmental program. However, with more players coming over to play junior hockey in North America, is that a good thing?
Hlinka: Yes, things in Slovakia are getting a lot better. But the reason I came over here, and others as well came here, is we believe the best hockey in the world is played here, and we wanted to develop our game here.
McKeen's: What do you like to do to relax in the off-season?
Hlinka: I like to take two or three weeks off and go on holidays with my family.