Q and A with HK 91 Senica Forward Dominik Michalica
There are few players that have more love and passion for the game of hockey than Dominik Michalica of Slovakia. The 17-year-old HK 91 Senica forward has 4 assists, and is a plus-5 so far to start the 2010-11 Liga Juniorów (1st league U20) season, and looks poised to turn some heads this year against the older competition. A testament to the youngsters determination to improve his game over the summer. Last season, he racked up 8 goals and 24 points through 41 games with his Extraleague U18 squad in Senica, with 6 points (2G,4A) coming through the final 6 games of the year. Though not overly big, at 5-foot-9, 157-pounds, Michalica works extremely hard on and off the ice. He is a decent skater with excellent vision, good hockey sense, a high compete level, and can chip in the occasional goal as well. He takes pride in his defensive game, makes heads up plays in transition, and is a very complete all-round player. NCAA scouts should take notice as Michalica hopes to get the opportunity at taking the collegiate path to the pros. I had the chance to catch up with the fiesty Slovak forward, for a quick Q and A.
Who has helped you the most in developing your game so far?
Dominik: I would say my family who have supported me, and all my coaches who have each taught me something along the way.
What are your best attributes as a player?
Dominik: I think my hockey sense, and positional play, being able to be at the right place at the right time.
Is there an NHLer that you style your game after?
Dominik: My favorite player is Jaromír Jágr, I like his style of play.
You’ve put up some good numbers playing junior in Senica, do you have a goal that stands out as your biggest?
Dominik: When we played an important match against our rivals in Trnava, and I scored the decisive goal a few years back.
Are you hoping to play junior in North America or are you planning on developing your game in Slovakia? Does playing in the NCAA and going to school interest you at all?
Dominik: Playing junior in North America would be great, but I would love the opportunity to get a scholarship while playing, and eventually a chance at the NHL.
In your opinion, who is the best player you’ve ever played with?
Dominik: I would have to say Rastislav Vereš.
Team Slovakia hasn’t been too successful in recent junior events, but a lot of players have gone on to be very good in other leagues individually, why do you think that is?
Dominik: I think that in Slovak hockey there is some political decisions, and corruption, and they dont always choose the best players to represent the country.
If you could pick an NHL team to play for, who would it be and why?
Dominik: The New York Rangers, this is my favorite team since childhood.
What do you like to do in your downtime from hockey?
Dominik: I run and workout all the time, as I like to stay active.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Dominik: Maybe (ha/ha).
Best visiting arena to play in, and why?
Dominik: I’d have to say in Poprad, it’s a smaller rink, and it makes for a harder, faster game, which I like.
If you could have dinner with any 3 people you wanted, who would you pick?
Domink: I’d pick Jaromír Jágr, John Tavares, and Patrick Kane.
October 5th, 2011
Dominik now with the start of the new season has 18 points for 13+5 in 9 games and sits on top of the U20 scoring board.
October 5th, 2011
He’s a great kid, that has a ton of drive and love for the game of hockey, so it’s not surprising.