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Marian Gaborik is in
the midst of a sensational sophomore season, ranking among NHL leaders
in points. Minnesota Hockey Journal recently sat down with Gaborik to
discuss his hockey roots, and how he is adapting to the U.S., on and off
the ice.
Minnesota Hockey Journal: At what age, and how did you get involved in
hockey?
Marian Gaborik: When I hit the ice for the first time, I was three years
old. My brother was playing hockey and my mom was skating with me when
I was younger – and it just went from there.
MHJ: What sports did you play as a youth?
MG: I played lots of sports. I was a sprinter, played soccer, tennis,
but mostly hockey. It was my first sport and my favorite.
MHJ: It seems North American kids are playing many more games than European
kids, and ultimately we are seeing the more skilled players coming out
of Europe. Why is this?
MG: I'm not sure. There are lots of players, lots of coaches that want
to play and coach professional hockey. [Europeans] try to do more and
pay more attention to the details. It's different. American hockey and
Canadian hockey is already [physical]. In Europe, there are more skill
drills. They spend more time on passing. It's probably because they are
not that tough of players. We played twice a week, Saturday and Sunday,
and the rest of the week we practiced.
MHJ: What type of training/drills did you work on the most as a youth
to develop your skills?
MG: Up until we were six years old, we were just learning to skate. We
didn't really do stuff with the puck. We just skated and started shooting
drills, skills drills and passing later on.
MHJ: By most Wild fans' estimation, you are the most skilled player on
the team. To what or whom do you attribute your skills?
MG: In Slovakia, I was playing with all older guys and I tried to always
work on my skills. Talent is one thing, but you have to continue to work
hard. When you put it all together, good things happen. To be a better
player, you have to work hard, and I don't think that ever ends. You have
to continue to improve your production and know what your goal is.
MHJ: Minnesotans are always looking for ice time. How difficult was it
to obtain, and how much ice time do youth players have access to in your
country?
MG: In my city, we have 80,000 people and one rink. It isn't like here,
where there are lots of rinks around. It's different. Hockey is the number
one sport there, next to soccer. When I told my brother I wanted to play,
they picked the best players to attend school and to be on the team. It's
not like here where everybody can play who wants to play. There, they
pick players to attend hockey classes and play the game. It's very different.
MHJ: Who was your role model/idol growing up?
MG: I like Petr Bondra. He's a great player. He's played lots of years
in the NHL. He's a great goal-scorer and a great skater.
MHJ: Do you have any advice for youth hockey players here in Minnesota?
MG: When you are really little, first of all, you have to love the game.
You cannot go to the rink because your parents are pushing you. When you
want to play, you play. You have to love the game and enjoy the game and
be excited to play and work hard. Always have fun. That's the goal.
MHJ: What do you like about living in America?
MG: It's pretty fun here. When I came here I didn't know anything. This
year is a lot better. I like it. It's very different than Slovakia.
MHJ: What in America is difficult?
MG: Everything is here, shopping and everything. But, Minnesota is cold!
MHJ: What do you miss most about Slovakia?
MG: My friends and family. I go there over the summer so I get to spend
some time there.
MHJ: Do you follow other Minnesota teams or watch other sports?
MG: Sometimes I like to watch basketball or baseball.
MHJ: In your first year there was a lot of attention focused on you and
your performance as Minnesota's No. 1 draft pick. Do you feel less pressure
this year, making it a little easier for you to concentrate on your game?
MG: Yes, I do. Every time I hit the ice, I want to do my best. I can't
think about the pressure. I just play my best and do the best for my team.
MHJ: How did it feel to get your first NHL hat trick?
MG: It felt good. I never really thought about it happening. It did, I'm
happy and we won the game. I hope there are a lot more to come!
Kathy Ross is the communications and broadcast
assistant for the Minnesota Wild.
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