Hejduk: The knee appreciates the rest

Milan Hejduk retired from the game of hockey due to protracted knee issues, but he is not nostalgic. On the contrary, he is full of zing, because he spends all his time with his two sons. Website Hokej.iDnes.cz published exclusive interview with Czech forward.

Your knee appreciates the rest, right?

It’s way better now. I found it out after a charity game when my knee hurt for following three days. But when my knee rests, I feel good.

No knee surgery is needed as doctors said?

First time I heard about a surgery 16 years ago and I think it will come in the future anyway. For now, the leg is fine; I even ski and play tennis. Everything started when I was 17, when I had my first surgery. Following by next, the knee isn’t alright anymore. The abrasion is fast. Top-level athletics doesn’t improve your health much.

Was it hard to continue when you knew you can permanently damage your health?

Well, that’s one thing. The other is, in last six years I had to ice my knee after every single game and eat pills against swellings. It isn’t fun when your leg hurts all the time. You can love the game of hockey, but if you go through the pain you start resent it. I didn’t really enjoyed last years.

What was your motivation to continue?

I thought I am still young to retire. But the health wasn’t good. There were times when I had almost no problems. Then, there were times when I had pain even during games. I had to take extra painkillers. In those moments I was asking myself if it’s really worth it. I was already prepared to retire 4 years ago.

Nowadays you are sharing your experience with your sons?

I am trying to. Beside hockey, they also play soccer, because it is always good if they do more sports. I spent all my time with them, because I had no time for them before.

Boys are 10 years old. Is it possible to guess if they will make a breakthrough?

It is still too early. They’re a bit skilled, but also other boys around are. The most important thing is they love hockey and they enjoy doing it. They work with passion.

Are both forwards like you?

No, one is a defenseman. Once I asked him if he wants to play in defense and he loved it. It fixes his play style.

You even built a small ice rink next to your home in Denver. How did you get this idea?

Adam Foote, my former teammate, had built a small rink for his sons and I thought that it’s a brilliant idea. Boys are on the ice all the time, that’s good. They have a lot of fun, they shot on the net, try new moves, and sometimes they call their friends and play 2-on-2. They’ll improve a lot on ice, because they skate even in summer.

Do you watch Avalanche games?

Yes, I use to visit the games or I watch them in TV. I like it. I cheer for the team, because I know like 90% of the team. They played well. Nevertheless they were eliminated in the first round, they had a terrific season.

When you retired, the Avs were last in the league. What do you think about their turnover season?

Guys were saying that with new coach’s arrival the atmosphere changed totally. Patrick Roy brought a lot of positive atmosphere, better game system and the defense started to support offense way more. In the previous season, the defensemen scored just 5 goals, this year it was close to 50 goals. Everyone is appreciating this change.

Former coach Joe Sacco didn’t like you much. Aren’t you disappointed that you didn’t enjoy more the end of your career?

Of course it could be better, but there is nothing I can do about it anymore.

Source: Hokej.iDnes.cz

, Slovakia, pavol@eurolanche.com11/08/2014 - 18:00