Q and A with Czech Sniper Dominik Volek
To this day, Penguins fans still cringe when they hear the name “Volek” after David Volek of the New York Islanders ended any chance of Pittsburgh winning three Stanley Cups in a row, by scoring a series winning overtime goal back in the 1993 playoffs. And, they may be fearful knowing his son Dominik looks like he has all the tools to follow in his famous fathers footsteps. The young winger was lights out for his Sparta Praha U18 squad this season, scoring 40 points, on 21 goals and 19 assists in 39 games. He also suited up for the U20 club, adding 5 assists in 6 games, and was an offensive dynamo during the 2011 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, potting 4 goals in 5 games. In fact, Volek racked up a total of 14 goals and 21 points in the 19 games he played internationally for his Czech Republic team, showing that he is truly a big game player. The 17-year-old has decent size at 6-foot, 175-pounds, and competes extremely hard each and every shift. He is an energy player that has decent wheels and plays the game at top speed, has excellent hands, good vision and hockey IQ, doesn’t shy away from the physical play or going to the dirty areas of the ice, and brings an element of leadership and responsible two-way play that most kids his age don’t have. I had the chance to catch up with the talented forward, who should be a high pick come the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, for a quick Q and A.
Who has been your biggest help and influence in developing your game so far?
Dominik: My father who coached me from Malay, and Pavel Geffert, my coach with the Sparta Praha hockey club.
When I watched you at the 2011 World Under-17’s, I was really impressed with your speed, work ethic, and hands, what do you see being your best attributes as a player?
Dominik: I believe I am a very disciplined player that works hard, and brings a lot of leadership on the ice and to the room.
Is there an NHLer you style your game after?
Dominik: I’d have to say Mike Richards.
What is the highlight of your career thus far?
Dominik: Playing at the Under-17’s this year in Winnipeg. I played with a great bunch of guys, and against some fantastic players. We didn’t get the results we wanted, but the entire event was first class and I’ll always remember it.
You’ve been able to score a ton of goals while playing internationally with the Czech Republic, and while playing for your club team Sparta Praha U18, do you have one that sticks out as your biggest?
Dominik: Honestly, every goal for me means a lot.
With 2012 being your NHL Draft year, do you feel any added pressure going into next season?
Dominik: I am not going to put any more pressure on myself, I just know that I will have to play my best in order to get selected. If I do that, everything will just fall into place.
If you could pick the team that selects you come draft time, who would you choose?
Dominik: It would be an honor just to get drafted, I honestly don’t have a preference where I go.
In your opinion, who is the best player you’ve ever played with and against?
Dominik: Vojtech Tomecek from Karlovy Vary, I played with him at the Under-17’s and against him at home in the Czech Republic. He is a really good player, and seems to be able to score at will.
What does your summer look like as far as training and hockey goes?
Dominik: I will be working hard on improving my balance and explosiveness on the ice, so doing a lot of plyometric exercises.
Have you considered playing junior hockey in North America, or are you wanting to continue to develop your skills at home in the Czech Republic?
Dominik: I would love to have the opportunity to play in North America, just to show what I can do, and have a great season before heading into the NHL Draft.
Which arena is your favourite to play in and why?
Dominik: Tesla Arena here in Sparta, each time I step on the ice it just feels like home.
What is the first thing you’d buy after signing your first pro contract?
Dominik: A nice house for my parents.
Most embarrassing song on your iPod?
Dominik: Don’t ask me why, but I have the theme to Pokémon on there (ha/ha).
