Pasting the translated interview with Misiak... For those who prefer the original article and use a translator, here's the link
sportweb.pravda.sk/hokej/ostatne/clanok/713443-hossa-s-mikitom-vydlazdili-cestu-slovakom-do-top-timu-v-nhl-stopu-v-nom-chce-zanechat-aj-mladik-ktoremu-manazer-zruinoval-prekva/?utm_source=sportweb&utm_medium=hp-box&utm_campaign=newestThe young talent from Slovakia learned about signing a contract with one of the most successful NHL clubs in an unusual way. Attacker Martin Mišiak (19) links his future with a team in which the Slovaks also left a significant mark. Especially Marián Hossa and Stan Mikita, who has a statue in front of the United Center, home of the Chicago Blackhawks.
The native of Banská Bystrica is preparing for the new season in Bratislava.
"In the morning, I go either to the ice in Petržalka or straight to the gym. I'm glad that I'm in a great team and that the boys and I pull each other along," says Mišiak.
The group with which you are preparing also includes players such as Tomáš Tatar, Martin Fehérváry and Pavol Regenda. Who do you get along with best?
Same with everyone. For me, first of all, it's great to see how they train. I try to get as close to them as possible. It is natural for them to always want to be the best in everything they do. We motivate each other and make fun of each other. The competition between us is huge and that drives us forward.
When are you coming back to America?
I have to report to the development camp in Chicago on June 30. I will be there for six days. The priority will be to get to know the boys from the team and those who have yet to be drafted. According to the latest information, we should not go on the ice, rather it will be about preparing for the dry season. We'll see what they prepare for us.
Last year, you scored 47 points in 60 games in the Canadian junior league OHL. From your point of view, was the season better than the previous one you spent in the USHL?
Practically every year I play in a different league. I constantly have to adapt to something new. We'll see where I start next season. I was quite satisfied with my performance last year. I evaluate the season positively. In the OHL, hockey is played a little differently than in the USHL. I got used to the new competition and the new team quite quickly.
You have experienced junior hockey in America and Canada. How did these competitions differ the most?
It's hard to say, but it wasn't too physical in either league. I compare it to men's hockey, which I experienced in the extra league. When I think about it, the USHL was a bit more contact and the OHL was more technical and offensive.
What positions did you play regularly?
Almost the whole season, with the exception of two games, I played in the center position. On the wing only when we had more injured boys. I feel best in the center position and it fit me perfectly.
Did the coaches give you enough space even on power plays?
At the beginning of the season, I was on the ice for an average of about 22 minutes, which is a huge portion. We talked with the coach about the fact that it is unsustainable in the long term. We decided to cut it down to 18 minutes. I was fresher and focused more on individual shifts.
I am grateful for the trust I had from the coaches. I was one of the busiest players on the team. At my age, the most important thing is to play as much as possible.
From what you say, you have taken a big step forward in your development…
Exactly. But I'm already looking to the future. I don't decide in which league it will be, but the important thing for me is that I play as much as possible. That's what drives me incredibly forward. I feel that my game is improving and that is the most important thing for me.
You recently heard the happy news about signing with Chicago. How did it go?
It was an amazing feeling to sign a contract with one of the biggest NHL clubs. I am happy that they are interested in me. However, for me it is just one of the goals I have set for myself. I saw it completely differently than the draft itself, where you have no idea which club will select you.
I learned about it in an unusual way from the manager of the AHL club that belongs to Chicago. Only later did my agent call me and confirm it.
The manager apologized to me later, when it was official, for spoiling my surprise. It was quite funny. I just smiled at that and told him that I will have a special memory of it.
Did they also mention the famous Slovak predecessors who worked in the club before you?
They don't have to remind me of them. Stan Mikita has a statue in front of the stadium. The footprint of Slovaks in Chicago is huge and everyone knows how great their contribution was to the club. They have a lot of respect for them in the organization.
The last time Marián Hossa was there for a match, he received a standing ovation. Hats off to them. I see it as, in a sense, they paved the way for us Slovaks, who are trying to fight our way into the main team and leave our own mark on it.
Do you already know in which league you will start next season?
Not yet. The decision will be made at the main camp in Chicago, which will be at the end of August. I would like to play in the AHL, but the priority is to go to a team where I can get as much space as possible. We will see how they decide in the club. They know what is best for me.
How did you manage to combine hockey with your studies during the season?
I study high school in Bratislava, and when I was in America, we solved everything - including exams - online. In September, I have my high school graduation, which I postponed, since we were playing in the playoffs at that time.
I didn't want to leave the team at an important stage of the season. I will have space during the summer to prepare for it and I believe that I will graduate as best as possible.
Some hockey players like to play golf in their free time. Did he catch you too?
Golf does not appeal to me at all. I can't even hit the ball. It's probably not the sport for me. I'd rather play football or watch a movie or series.
Have you watched an NHL game live?
I've been to a couple of Pittsburgh games, which was about an hour and a half drive from our accommodation. Detroit was also nearby, where we also went to see.
I had the greatest experience from the very first game in which Chicago played in Pittsburgh. Then I went to watch again when the Penguins played against Montreal. We had tickets from Juraj Slafkovský. It was great.
What was life like in the surrogate family?
They took very good care of me. They prepared breakfast and dinner for me. We went to a restaurant together as a team for lunch. I was quite lucky that one of my surrogate parents had Slovak roots.
He also knew how to make gnocchi or pirogi. I had an almost homemade diet. But he didn't know a word of Slovak. However, he was very interested in our country. He also studied the family tree. That was nice.
