Here is a mini shrine dedicated to Northern Conference All-Star starting rookie goaltender, Jan Lasak of the Admirals. He has a great deal of energy and exuberance, which he displays on the ice. At the bottom of this page is an exclusive interview, which provides a unique behind the scenes focues on this prominent minor league goaltending star. The 20 year-old native of Zvolen, Slovakia loves to talk and make jokes and always enjoys a good time. There is only one problem however, speaking english.But as you will see, Lasak is indeed a fast learner.
Lasak arrived in the United States only four months ago after being drafted by the Nashville Predators with the 65th overall selection (2nd round) in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. After coming to Hampton Roads, the young netminder immediately started to have an effect on the Admirals winning ways, as Lasak was named starting goaltender for the ECHL Northern Conference All-Star Team January 19th. He has earned ECHL Goalie of the Week honors twice during the 1999-00 season (November 8th and January 10th) in addition to being named the league?ookie of the Month (November). the ECHL named Lasak the Vortex Goaltender of the Year. In addition Thursday, March 30, the netminder was named the CCM Rookie of the Year by the league. Both of those two awards are firsts for any Hampton Roads player in the franchise?1-year history.
Last season Lasak split time between Zvolen?unior and senior clubs and also played on the Slovakian squad that captured the Bronze medal at the 1999 World Junior Championships. He appeared in 15 games with the senior squad and finished with a 2.63 goals against average. Lasak was ranked 1st among European goaltenders on the Central Scouting midterm report and finished ranked third in the final rankings.
He spent time in Nashville and Milwaukee before arriving in Hampton Roads, making his first pro appearance October 14th in the Admirals?1 loss to Roanoke. Lasak recorded 37 saves. Lasak, a native of Zvolen, Slovakia, finished the 1999-00 regular season with a, 36-17-4, regular season mark, 2.55 goals against average and a .917 save percentage with Hampton Roads. Lasak led the league in wins (36), minutes (3,408) and shootout wins (7). His 36 victories ties him for the second highest single season total in league history and he also played the second most minutes (3,408) in ECHL history.
Now in the US. Lasak has his sites set on the NHL. And with his start this season, that seems attainable.
Given more time here, Lasak also hopes to master English the way he has the net. After all, as assistant coach and general manager Al MacIsaac puts it, ?s self taught --taught himself all of it.??t;br>?s has been a pleasant surprise,??ated General Manager/Assistant Coach Al MacIsaac. ?were not expecting Lasak to be sent to us, but anytime you get a player of his caliber, it can only mean positive things for your club.??t;br>
Q: Do you have trouble talking with your teammates?
A: Sometimes, yes, but I do okay.
Q: Do any of the players joke with you or give you a hard time?
A: Yeah, they do. But then I make them say my language. It is not so easy then.
Q: Had you been in the US before?
A: At the NHL draft. I came with my family for three days but then we went home.
Q: What do you think of this country?
A: I like the people. Everyone is so nice to me. I like the parties. I like Norfolk the most, not Nashville or Milwaukee. The ocean is very good. I did not have ocean in Slovakia.
Q: Do you ever get homesick?
A: Yes, sometimes. My parents are here now and so I do not miss them anymore. I do what I have to do, if I want to be at the NHL, I have to be here. I miss my country, yes, and my family, but to go to the NHL, I have to be here. I keep thinking about that.
Q: How did you choose goal?
A: The rink was 50 kilometers from my house, so I had to do hockey, it was so close. I just wanted to so ad. And the first year you learn to skate. The next year is when Coach gives positions and he said, ?, what do you want to do???said, ?lie!??wanted to so bad growing up, I am meant to be a goalie.
Q: How do you like to spend a day off?
A: Sleep. Or listen to music. I like music-- European music. It?ery fast, like your club music. I like slow music before games, not fast.
Q: Do you like any American sports?
A: Football.
Q: Do goalies sometimes get in a zone?
A: Sometimes yes. But you have to have luck. You can stop shot after shot and feel good, but sometimes it is luck to stop a shot. If you don?ave luck as a goalie, you don?ave a chance.
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