Hello and Happy New Year, welcome to BEHIND THE SHIELD, an article series where I, your host, Denzel Valera, will be sitting down with some of your favorite Worcester State Athletes to get to know a bit more about what is inside the mind of these athletes and what inspires and motivates them everyday.
On this week's episode I sat down with a veteran member of the Worcester State University Lancers Men’s Ice Hockey Team. Class of 2025, Forward, from Stara Lubovna, Slovakia, #8 Martin Dlugolinsky.
To ease into the interview, I started off with some silky sauce passes for Martin:
DV: How did you find your love for Hockey?
Martin: I started when I was 10. I really like the speed and how many aspects are involved in the game. I wanted to get better and better and at the end of the day I stayed to play hockey and I am here now.
DV: What do you feel is better for your sport, weightlifting in the gym or calisthenics?
Martin: I think both are important to improve yourself because hockey is a complex sport, but for players, it would be weightlifting.
DV: Why did you choose Worcester State University?
Martin: I really liked how people were acting around here. Good looking campus. And at the time one of the best coaches I've ever had, Bob Duraney was the head coach.
DV: Would you rather have speed or strength?
Martin: Most Definitely speed.
DV: Do you feel as if it’s important to have a good connection with your teammates and have team building exercises, or, do you feel as if you’re a good player you should just be able to conform to the standards the team requires and exceed them?
Martin: I think that it is really important to have a good connection with your teammates. Hockey is a collective sport. But also you have to know your role on the team.
Getting to learn a bite more about Martin Dlugolinsky has been fun, but there are some real personal questions we are going to skate into now.
DV: What's your favorite Movie and scene in the movie?
Martin: Harry Potter, When Harry, in the last scene was halfway dead and then he became a hero as always.
DV: Who's your all time favorite athlete, and how did they inspire you?
Martin: Jiri Prochadzka, UFC. Love watching his habits and the way he lives.
DV: What are your top 5 musical artists?
Martin:
Top 5 Musical Artists:
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Sub Zero Project
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Will Sparks
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Peggy Gou
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DVLM
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Dehd
Then we moved into a speed round (he should be used to this, with quick shifts on the ice and all….), five seconds to see what comes out……
DV: What's your favorite food?
Martin: My favorite food is Pyrohy
DV: Instead of making it pro, what is your dream job?
Martin: Work for a law enforcement agency.
DV: Where do you want to travel to?
Martin: I want to go to Taiwan
DV: What (Field, Stadium, Arena) would you like to play in?
Martin: Gillette Stadium
DV: Who was your biggest role model growing up?
Martin: My dad. He is the biggest supporter and his passion for sports is bigger than I've ever seen in my life.
DV: Who do you model your playstyle after?
Martin: Nobody
DV: What is your personal goal this upcoming season?
Martin: Score at least 15 goals, and be a beneficial member of the team.
DV: What is your team goal this upcoming season/regular season?
Martin: Win the MASCAC championship.
DV: Do you have any final remarks or comments?
Martin: I am extremely happy to be a part of this team here at WSU. It is a lot of fun, but even more hard work. I hope that every young athlete will get a chance to compete in the NCAA.