Checking in with the DOOK

Since arriving in the U.S. about 10 years ago Milan Hejduk (pronounced HEY-DOOK) has been a staple of the Colorado Avalanche roster. He’s played his entire career in Denver though he was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques 87th overall in 1994. Prior to joining the Avs, and even during the lockout season of 2004-05, Hejduk played for his hometown team HC Pardubice of the Czech Republic. We thought we’d catch up with the DOOK and throw some rapid-fire questions his way.

1. What are the biggest differences between living in America and your home country of the Czech Republic?
I’d say overall the life is pretty easy here. I’d say easier than back home. We got used to it pretty quick and we’ve been here 10 years now. We love Colorado and want to stay here.

2. What’s it like to have your kids follow in your footsteps and play hockey?
It’s kind of a dream of every dad. Especially when you play pro sports and you have boys. Most of the time they probably would follow in your footsteps. I bring them into the locker room here like everybody else so they play with other kids. They watch me play and so it seems like an automatic thing to play hockey.

3. Do you help coach them?
I try to give them some tips and when I bring them on the ice, skate with them. I try to teach them what I can.

4. What’s the best prank you’ve ever seen?
I’ve seen somebody saw off the end of the hockey stick. And when the (other) guy went to use it he took a slap shot without knowing and almost killed himself. It was a pretty good moment.

5. Do you want your kids to play for the NHL?
It would be really nice. It’s a long way to get there but I would take it.

6. What’s the best part about playing for one organization your whole career?
I’ve been really lucky. It doesn’t happen as often to play for one organization. Like I said I’m happy in Denver. The organization has a lot of good people here and I don’t want to go anywhere else.

7. What did you do with the Stanley Cup when you had it for a day?
Brought it back to home to Czech Republic and my hometown. We had a celebration in town square and 10,000 people came. It was kinda neat. We had it at my parents’ house, friends came over and we took pictures. So it was a nice fun one day.

8. What’s the biggest difference between your rookie year and now?
My rookie year I didn’t speak much English so the first two or three months were pretty tough. Guys are telling stories in the locker room and you don’t really know what’s going on. All coaches are screaming at you and you don’t know what he wants. It’s not the best thing but then you get comfort and used to it. I think overall it kind of makes you stronger when you go through something like this.

9. Who has been the most influential person throughout career?
Probably my dad. He was a hockey player too and then he coached. He coached me when I was in juniors for one year. So definitely I’d have to pick him.

10. What is your favorite hockey milestone or record you’ve accomplished so far?
I’d have to say winning the Stanley Cup. It’s a team thing. And winning the Olympics. Both these things are right there.

11. What is your favorite hockey memory?
When you win something. Again I’d have to go with Stanley Cup or Olympics. I’d say Stanley cup. You have 10 seconds and you look up at the clock while its running and you know you are going to win it. It’s kind of a neat feeling. And then the celebrations after are awesome.

12. What is the best advice you have for aspiring young players?
Have fun, enjoy the game. This is a fun game and if you don’t have fun with it you’re not going to get much better. Play with the puck and have fun. That’s the most important thing.

13. Are you superstitious?
Not really. I have a few things. Like when I tie my skates I always start with the left skate for some reason. Some guys are kind of crazy but not me.

14. What’s the thing you like best about Olympic competition?
I like the feeling of the Olympic Village. It’s not like a hockey tournament. You see all the athletes there. You see skiers, ski jumpers, speed skaters. Say you have lunch there you see all those athletes and it’s pretty neat.

FYI:

-Hejduk won the Olympic Gold with the Czech Republic in 1998
-Won Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophy as NHL’s top goalscorer (50) in 2002-03
-Co-winner (with Peter Forsberg) of NHL Plus/Minus Award in 2003
-Winner of the Czech Gold Stick in 2003-given to top Czech player in world
-2003 was a GOOD year!