No other Slovak goalkeeper in history was able to do what he did. ADAMA GAJANA in 2023, they chose the Chicago Blackhawks from the 35th place as the highest drafted Slovak goalkeeper in history. At the same time, however, he overtook all other goalkeepers – his name was heard first.
He ended the season, the course of which sounds like it was written by a writer. From an unknown youngster catching in Skalica, he became a hero of the national team and a hope that one day can play with Connor Bedard.
His motto is: “If you can dream it, you can make it happen.” He also approaches the next direction of his career. As he says, it doesn’t matter if he catches in the NHL in three or eight years. He wants to be patient and continue his development, which he also earned through his penetration.
He spent the last week in Chicago. He met 1st draft pick Connor Bedard, toured the city and experienced for the first time what it’s like to be part of an NHL club.
You were drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks. You wished it yourself. What are your impressions of it coming true?
In all the interviews before the draft, I mentioned that Chicago was most interested in me. Their goalie scout had more fun with me than any other scout.
I believed it would work and I really wanted it as it is close to my agent and the host family I stayed with in Chippewa. I’m so glad it’s Chicago. It was one of my favorite clubs.
How did you feel immediately after your name appeared on the screen?
Honestly, I knew I shouldn’t go lower than 44th since Chicago had a lot of interest and a lot of picks. I can actually say that I expected to go as the thirty-fifth.
The Blackhawks’ goaltending scout even texted me the morning before the draft saying he was keeping his fingers crossed for me, so I jokingly replied that I hoped they would take me 35th overall, as we were having fun as friends. I wouldn’t do that to any other scout. (laughter)
He then wrote back that it would turn out well and I would end up where I am. At that time, I already believed that my wish would come true. Mom from the “billet family” laughed at me that they just announced “Chippewa” and I was already standing, not even waiting for my name to be called.
Do you see it as a beautiful ending to the “dream season”?
That’s a nice name, dream season. Even true, probably no one would have expected that it would work out like this for me. Ever since the NAHL Showcase took place in September and I showed myself in a good light, everything took off and didn’t stop. I feel like that season isn’t even over, it’s still going on at Blackhawks development camp.
If someone had told you a year ago that you would be the highest goalkeeper in Slovakia’s history in the draft, what would you have told them?
First of all, no one would have claimed that a year ago. I didn’t even think much about a draft, but I believed that there was a chance for me to get to the NHL, because there are many examples of goalkeepers who were not even drafted and broke through, for example Sergej Bobrovsky.
More than eight Slovaks were last drafted 19 years ago. Is it a harbinger of a bright future for our hockey?
2023-07-10 05:00:44
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