When he told his parents as a child that he would like to play hockey for a living, they almost fell off their chairs. The Mexican father and Filipina mother knew nothing about this sport.
Photo: TASR, Pavel Neubauer
Austin Ortega (88) in the jersey of HC Slovan Bratislava.
Austin Ortega however, he was persistent and followed his dream. Although he did not make it to the highest level in the NHL, he started a solid career in Europe.
“Many people told me that I would never be a hockey player. I’m glad that I proved the opposite to them,” smiles the short striker of Slovan Bratislava.
He scored two goals in Sunday’s derby against Košice, but even those were not enough for the Whites to win over their traditional rival. On Wednesday, Slovan plays against the last Nový Zámky (6:30 p.m.).
Was it difficult to convince your parents to let you go to hockey practice?
At first, yes. At first, like all my friends around me, I played football. But when I saw a live hockey game for the first time at the age of five, I knew right away that I wanted to play this sport. My parents dissuaded me at first, but when they saw that I was adamant, they supported me.
At 173 centimeters, you are not among the tallest hockey players. Did you hear throughout your career that this would be your handicap?
Of course. I worked on myself that much harder. I had to prove that I was as good as my taller teammates. The comments of people who underestimated me drove me forward. I am proud of myself for what I have achieved in hockey.
With which attributes do you replace the missing centimeters?
Speed, dexterity and cleverness. I have a good shot and I dare say a solid overview of the game.
We heard that your best friend is Jake Guentzel of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Where do you know each other?
We played against each other in junior competitions, but I didn’t get to know him better until we were studying at the University of Nebraska. We were classmates and teammates. We quickly became friends, we share a similar sense of humor. Now we spend almost every summer together.
The elite striker is among the best-paid players in the NHL with a salary of 9 million dollars per season. Does it have any benefits for you?
Sometimes yes. He is the one who usually pays for dinner. After all, he has something to do. (smile) He’s a good guy. We are in regular contact, although it is a bit more difficult now due to the time difference.
Photo: ČTK / AP / Ellen Schmidt
Guentzel Jake Guentzel in a Tampa Bay jersey.
Recently, several Slovak hockey players have also headed to the university NCAA. Would you recommend it to others?
Clearly. Playing hockey and studying at the same time is a very useful thing. The NCAA has a very solid level, there are many players who played in this competition before working in the NHL.
It is staffed by high-quality coaches who know how to move a young player forward. Plus, getting a college degree is always a good thing. It can help a hockey player after the end of his playing career.
What did you know about Slovak hockey before you came to Bratislava?
It wasn’t much, but I knew something. I know several compatriots who played in the extra league and they told me some things about the competition. When I played for Red Bull Munich, we played against Slovan in the Champions League. I also introduced myself in the match in Bratislava, so I didn’t come to a completely new environment.
You started in Slovan and the team subsequently lost five games in a row. What were you going through then?
Challenging start. I was looking forward to starting in a new team, but the team did not do well and we had an unfavorable streak for a while. The international break helped us, since then we have been playing better.
Is it difficult for a legionnaire when he comes to a new club during the season and is expected to be productive right away?
That’s right. There is a big difference when you complete pre-season training with the team and when you only start during the year. Before the first match for Slovan, I skated with the team in only one training session. I needed time to get used to the new competition and the new team.
Do you feel more confident on the ice?
Definitely. Although I still feel like I’ve only been here for a very short time, I’ve gotten used to it. My teammates helped me, they immediately took me in. The implementation team is also very accommodating. We make a good team.
The battles between Slovan and Košice are the biggest Slovak hockey derby. Did you know about it?
No, but I found out very quickly. The intensity of the fights on the ice was quite high. You could also hear the audience, who created an excellent atmosphere.
Photo: TASR, Ján Krošlák
SR Hockey TEL 14th round Ortega Austin Ortega (88) in Slovan Bratislava.
You scored two goals, you had a chance for a hat trick. Would you trade them for a win?
Clearly. We got off to a great start, leading by two goals and had several chances to increase the lead. But then unnecessary exclusions came from our side and the opponent punished them.
I’m sorry that I didn’t manage to score the third goal, maybe the opponent wouldn’t have been able to turn it around. We have to play more disciplined in the next matches.
You came to Slovan after three years in Munich. Why did you decide to change?
The German competition suited me, but when the offer came from Bratislava, I didn’t hesitate. I’m very happy here so far.
Munich is more of a soccer city than a hockey city. Have you visited the Allianz Arena?
Yes, I’ve seen a few Bayern games. More than 70,000 people can create a really great atmosphere.
Finally, one non-hockey question – did you participate in the American presidential elections?
No, I was in Europe at the time and did not vote by post.
Are you happy that Donald Trump is returning to the White House?
Maybe some don’t, but I do. During his previous mandate, he proved that he can be a good president. I believe that his return to the presidency will be good news for the American people and the whole world.
Source: sportweb.pravda.sk
