Hlozek Responds to Inclusion on Deathwalker's Hit List

[Bojovnik 487]

PRAGUE, April 27 (Hockey.cz) - Druss Deathwalker @animal74, a rookie forward for the Malmo Nighthawks, made headlines last week when he published the VHL players on his so-called hit list. The British winger, who was selected 11^th overall in the S77 Entry Draft, pledged to mount a "personal vendetta" against all those who were drafted above.

 

One of the players on the list is Jan Hlozek, who was selected 8^th by the Riga Reign, despite being deemed unable to play in the VHL this past season. As Deathwalker plied his trade in the pros, Hlozek has spent another 72 games in the VHLM with the Miami Marauders, scoring at almost a point-per-game pace.

 

Deathwalker published his "hit list" just as the Miami Marauders were set to enter into postseason action, and Hockey.cz took the chance to get Hlozek's opinion on being named as a target.

 

"It's funny, isn't it? I don't know this guy and now he's saying that he wants to take me out. I've never heard of him, so I don't understand what problem he has with me," Hlozek said during a Skype call.

 

Deathwalker, a true power forward, has struggled to contribute this season offensively in the VHL. He tallied only 17 points in his rookie campaign, leading to a derisory comment from Hlozek.

 

"He has only 17 points? Maybe he should spend some more time practicing, learning how to put the puck in the net, rather than putting my name in his mouth. What's he going to do? Hit me? I've played two seasons in the minors, which are full of tough, physical guys. He doesn't scare me," the Czech blueliner said.

 

Some commentators said that the Riga Reign were unwise to select Hlozek, a relative unknown, with the 8^th pick in the draft, but the Topolna native said that he believed in his talents, and didn't pay too much attention to the draft board…. in his own way.

 

"As I said, I don't know this Deathwalker guy. Maybe that's because I didn't pay any attention to the draft after I was selected. There's a reason why I went before him, because I can play. Look at my point totals. Look at what I can do on the ice. Maybe he's bitter, maybe he's jealous. Maybe he even wanted to go to Riga, not Malmo. I mean, it's cold and depressing in Sweden, so he's just taking this frustration out on everyone else," Hlozek stated.

 

When asked if he had a "hit list" similar to the one published by Deathwalker, Hlozek issued a strong denial.

 

"I don't have time to put together things like this. I just want to focus on my game. What other guys do doesn't matter to me. I'm not going to put a target on me, or my team, by making these statements," he commented.

 

Hlozek said that the reason for him being singled out on Deathwalker's hit list was because he was a Czech citizen.

 

"You know how those British guys are with Brexit and whatever. They hate all us guys from Eastern Europe because they think that we come over and steal all their jobs. I've heard a lot of this from guys I know who have spent time there, so I guess it's just important to ignore these sorts of messages," he stated.

 

The Miami Marauders have got their playoff campaign underway over the past two days. Their quarter-final series sees them take on the San Diego Marlins, with the score currently level at 1-1 after the first two games.

 

The Marauders dropped the first game in overtime by a score of 3-2, although the South Beach club rallied back in Game 2 with a comprehensive 5-1 victory.

 

"As I've said all season, I think we can be better. We have the talent on this roster to win the playoffs, so to lose the first game was disappointing but maybe it was the wake-up call we needed. We demonstrated what we can do when it all clicks in Game 2, and we just need to keep this up for the rest of the series and the rest of the playoffs," Hlozek said.

 

The Czech blueliner was held scoreless through the first game, but praised his teammates for stepping up to the plate and getting the team over the line.

 

"The guys played great. Our goalie and forwards were amazing in Game 2, so that was a huge reason why we got the win. Noah Mashford @Mashyhas been the best player in the league over the past two weeks or so, and if he's going, we always have a chance," Hlozek remarked.

 

"Nevertheless, I need to be better. The team relies on me to produce, and I haven't produced over the last two games. I always put a lot of pressure on myself to perform, and this isn't going to change now. Sure, this is my first experience of playing in the VHLM playoffs, but I know what it takes to win, and I'm going to help my team achieve that," he added.

 

As the Skype call came to a conclusion, Hlozek was asked whether he wanted to tone down his comments made towards Deathwalker, but the Czech star issued a firm denial.

 

"No, let him read this. If you can, please find his agent and send over the text. I want him to read this. I want him to be mad. I want him to be angry that he was drafted after me. That at least one other team thought I am a better player than him. Let him try and take me out. Let him target me. I don't care. I proved in the VHLM that I am a better player than him, and I'll do that again when I get to Riga," Hlozek stated.

 

At this stage, Druss Deathwalker could not be reached for comment ahead of this article's publication. He has been made aware of Hlozek's comments and we await any future response to come in due course.

 

Spoiler

1,010 words, claiming for 02.05, 09.05

 

Edited April 27, 2021 by Bojovnik

[Bojovnik 487]

Claiming week two.

[animal74 1,808]

You're claiming you're weak, too? 

[Eynhallow 412]

54 minutes ago, animal74 said:

You're claiming you're weak, too?