Ohradka Reflects on the Season

[animal74 1,871]

007 Reflects...

 

Ondrej Ohradka on Team World

 

Last week after a hard practice, Saskatoon left winger, Ondrej Ohradka, was surrounded by a media scrum and asked about his recent selection to represent Team World at the S68 World Junior Championships.

 

"It's a huge honor for me. I just found out and I’m thrilled. I was totally not expecting it." He said with a broad grin, sweating dripping off his face. "I've played internationally for Slovakia before and that's been awesome, but to play in a tournament like this so early in my pro career is an absolute thrill. I can't wait!"

 

When asked what he brings to the team:

 

"I hope I can be more than a depth guy. I like to think my game is pretty well-rounded and I'm a hard worker. I'd like to chip in offensively for sure. I'm a quiet guy in the locker room but I let my play do the talking."

 

What he knows of his Team World mates:

 

“I really don’t know a lot about my teammates except for playing against them a few times. Charles Drumm and I were both drafted by Minnesota the same year but then we were both eventually traded.”

 

Fast forward a couple of weeks…

 

Since that scrum, Ohradka caught fire while the Saskatoon Wild continued to sink finishing with the second worst record in the VHLM. “007” meanwhile, finished the season leading the Wild in goals, points, and game-winning goals as he posted his first 50-goal, 100-point campaign. He amassed 104 points which put him fifth place in league scoring and his 50 goals were tied for fourth with Jerry Wang. He also finished fifth in the league with 356 shot on goal, tied for fourth with 15 powerplay goals, and posting career-highs in every statistical category.

 

There are rumblings around Saskatoon offices that this season is but a stepping stone and Ohradka is one of the cornerstones in which to raise the Wild back to championship calibre. If he doesn’t make the Calgary Wrangler’s roster next season, the Wild have a chance to build on this season and Ohradka has a chance to crush some franchise scoring records if he duplicates his stats from this past season.

 

As for Team World, Ohradka was visibly frustrated at his ice time playing under 11 minutes a game - a team low. He still managed to pot two goals in eight games but he was held scoreless in just over 11 minutes in the Quarter-Final game as Team World lost a disappointing 4-1 decision to Team USA.

 

After the loss Ohradka reflected on the season and the tournament:

 

“Wow, that was a tough tournament for me. I know I could have played better and next year, if I am selected, I will. These games at the Championship and with the Wild taught me what I have to do to be an even better player next season. There are lots of areas where I can improve my game. Sure a 100-point season is nice but it sucks to watch the other teams continue to the playoffs. I don’t want summer to start, I want to keep playing. It sucks.” 

 

With that, he politely asked the media to interview someone else and slowly, the members of the press left him to stew in his stall with his broody thoughts and competitive fire.
 

[Banackock 8,220]

Ondrej Ohradka.... I believe in you... you dirty little @animal74