Hlozek Struggling to Settle in South Beach

[Bojovnik 487]

HLOZEK STRUGGLING TO SETTLE IN SOUTH BEACH 

 

Miami's Jan Hlozek sits down with CZHockey.com

 

April 1, PRAGUE, (CZHockey.com) – Jan Hlozek expected to take the VHLM by storm after a positive debut season with the Saskatoon Wild in S76, but the Czech defenseman and first-round draft pick has struggled to settle with his new team, the Miami Marauders.

 

The Marauders went into the season top of the VHLM power rankings, and while the team appeared to have a strong roster on paper, the Florida-based team's performance on the ice has left a lot to be desired. The South Beach club currently sit fifth in the Western Conference, out of a playoff spot.

 

Hlozek, who was drafted 6^th overall by Miami in the S77 VHLM dispersal draft, told CZHockey that he was desperate to play a part in turning the team's form around.

 

"I definitely wasn't expecting us to be out of the playoff places. I came into the season with hopes that we would be challenging for the cup, but we've struggled all season. Nothing seems to be working at this stage, despite the talent of the guys that we have on the team. It's been tough," Hlozek stated.

 

The Czech defenseman shone in his first season in North America, racking up 59 points in 72 games for the Saskatoon Wild, who failed to make the postseason.

 

Hlozek was eventually drafted 8^th overall by the Riga Reign, a pick that some commentators have said was a reach, and the Topolna native said that he was concerned by the prospect of missing the playoffs for a second straight season.

 

"I feel like I can contribute to a team's success. We had a tough start last season in Saskatoon, but we turned our form around and almost made the playoffs. I want to have the chance to show what I can do when the games really matter. Every player will tell you they want a chance to play in the playoffs and compete for a cup, so the thought of not having that opportunity for a second consecutive season is not one I like," he said.

 

The Marauders have struggled all season to pick up wins against the Mississauga Hounds and the Halifax 21^st, although in the most recent slate of games, the Florida club managed to eke out a 4-3 victory over Nova Scotia's finest, breaking a run of three consecutive losses against Halifax.

 

"That's the sort of game we need to play. We outshot them, scored twice on the powerplay, and got solid goaltending. If we put all of those things together, I think we can starting going on a run of games," Hlozek told reporters in a press scrum after the game.

 

The Czech defenseman was held off the scoresheet in the win against Halifax, despite having four shots on goal, and a deep dive on his statistics this current season suggest that he has having his fair share of bad luck.

 

 

 

Hlozek found the back of the net 13 times last season, shooting at an 11.2 percent clip. In S77 to date, the Topolna native has scored just three times on 57 shots, a shooting percentage of 5.2 percent.

 

"I'm getting pucks to the net. I worked super hard over the offseason on my shot, just shooting pucks all day every day. I just need some of those to start going in, as often we are losing games by the odd goal, and while good for me, it would also be good for the team," he said.

 

Some pundits have predicted that Hlozek could feature in the upcoming World Junior Championship after missing out last season, although the Czech defenseman said that his number one priority was the current VHLM campaign.

 

"Maybe if things were going better I would have more time to be distracted by thoughts of playing in the WJC. However, with things as bad as they are right now, with my team not where I want it to be in the standings, and my game also not where I want it to be, it's very difficult for me to even start thinking about the possibility of playing in that tournament," Hlozek remarked.

 

Hlozek in action for the Czech Republic as a junior

 

After a tough runoff games, the Marauders are set to face the San Diego Marlins and the Ottawa Lynx in their upcoming two games. Last time out against the Marlins, the Marauders won 6-3, and the Florida club also picked up a victory in their most recent game against the Lynx.

 

"We've beaten both of these teams this season, so there is no reason we can do it again. We've struggled all season against Mississauga but they're such a good team [the Marauders have lost all four games against the Hounds in S77 so far]. Against all the other teams apart from the Hounds, we should be in the game and we should be picking up points," Hlozek commented.

 

The move from Saskatoon to South Beach may seem to be an easy choice for most people. Swapping snow and -30 temperatures for round-the-year sun and beaches could be enough to tempt most people, but Hlozek had previously noted his preference to stay with the Wild this offseason, and noted that he was still in touch with some of his former teammates on the Wild.

 

"It was such a fun year with that team. It helped me so much to get to the point where I could be a first-round selection, which is certainly not what I expected when I joined the league last season. I still talk to guys on the team, or who moved on this offseason. I think it's a great organization, and I'm happy to see the success they're having this year. I mean, they're such a well-run team that it's not a surprise to me," he said.

 

Hlozek is now one-quarter of the way through what many expect to be his final season in the minors. Signs of optimism are there for the Marauders, but they still have a way to go before they can even think of being contenders for the title, especially while they still sit outside the playoff places.

 

The team, including Hlozek, have the talent to be challenging at the top of the table. Despite this, they are currently on the outside looking in, with a lot of hard work ahead to drag themselves up the standings.

 

Spoiler

1,050 Words, claiming for weeks ending 11.04, 18.04

 

Edited April 1, 2021 by Bojovnik

[FrostBeard 2,061]

Review- 

I have to say that I am impressed with the quality of this article - it is truly magnificent. From highlighting the text to including various types of pictures to enhance the story. I have always enjoyed an interview style for these sort of posts as it allows the reader to really jump into the story. I extremely liked that you tied in WJC in your article as that gives it a perspective to how much activity a player in VHLM can get  10/10

[Bojovnik 487]

Claiming week 2.