WHL Spokane Chiefs

Rollin' with Roman

Published on November 28, 2006 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Ondrej Roman's season turned the corner just when the Spokane Chiefs season did. Or is it the other way around?

The 17-year-old from the Czech Republic had just one goal and four points through the first 15 games of the season, but since then, Roman has been the toast of the town with 20 points, including 19 assists, in his next 12. It is also no coincidence that his linemates, Derek Ryan and Drayson Bowman, are also averaging more than a point a game for the last month.

"We have a good line with Drayson and Derek and good chemistry between us," Roman said before he left the Arena on Monday morning to travel to Eagles Ice-A-Rena, where the team will practice for the rest of the week.

"It took a little time because the hockey is so different," Roman said about his transition to the Western Hockey League. "The ice is smaller and everything is faster and stronger. I think I'm used to this type of hockey now."

"Two things clicked for him," Head Coach Bill Peters said. "First he started playing better and then he enrolled in school taking English as a second language. Now, he's more comfortable on the ice as well as off it."

Through Roman's hot-streak, which included a six game points scoring streak, the Chiefs are 8-3-0-1, including a 7-1 record at home.

"I was so shocked because it was so fast for me," Roman said. "I haven't seen this type of hockey before, good hockey like this."

Roman did all he could to help with his transition, including talking to his fellow countryman Petr Kalus who scored 36 goals with the Regina Pats last season.

"In the Czech Republic we do lots of running and speed work. About four times a week we run. Here, it is more stretching and weights in the fitness room, which is good for me because I have to be stronger. Petr told me this so I was ready."

It also hasn't hurt that Roman possesses a little bit of skill Chiefs Assistant Coach Steve Pleau says. "The first thing that you notice is his hockey sense.

"You are always looking for something to set a player apart and his understanding of the game, plus his skill set, do that. A lot of guys will have one or the other but he has both and that has allowed him to have some success this past month," Pleau said.

The Chiefs organization helped smooth Roman's move to North America by leaning on a player who had been through the process before, Michael Grabner. The Austrian was in Roman's shoes two seasons ago.

"I spent the first night with Michael and his billets. He told be to be cool and don't stress about everything. He said that I'm a good player and don't be nervous and play my type of hockey. He was in the same situation as I am and he told me things will come," Roman said.

Grabner, whose point total in his 17-year-old season has already been equaled by Roman, advised him that "things are the same here as they are at home, its just a different language. If this is what he wants to do, then he will have to invest in it and take advantage of the opportunity."

"Chris Bruton has also done a great job of getting him acclimated and comfortable around the guys and getting him involved in the community," Peters said.

Roman will have seven games remaining in the month of December before he gets the chance to head home for the Holidays. Despite being away from home since August, the centerman still finds a way to keep in touch with his family through a webcam.

The Chiefs will travel on Saturday night to Tri-City to take on the Americans for the fifth of 12 meetings on the season. The game will be aired on Comcast channel 12 and KJRB 790 the Fan at 7:00.

Spokane will return home to the Spokane Arena on Tuesday, December 5th when they host the Kelowna Rockets on the first of five games that fans are encouraged to bring a new toy to donate for Toys for Tots.

Tickets for all home games are available by calling the Chiefs office at (509) 535-PUCK or TicketsWest at (800) 325-SEAT.

Check out the Spokane Chiefs Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from November 28, 2006


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