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Samir Saliji - Number 21 Position: Forward Samir is playing hockey this season a long ways from his hometown of Nitdra, Slovakia. He started playing hockey at the age of 4 and played for the HKM Nidra during the 2002-03 season. Samir’s greatest hockey achievements include 2nd in the Slovak junior extra league, and 5th in the U2O Champions in Halifax. The best advice Samir has received is, when you don’t know what to do with the puck, then score a goal. Interview Kevin Kasel: Tell me about your family life, do you have any brothers or sisters? Samir Saliji: Yeah, I have a brother who is two years older then me. And he plays hockey too, in my hometown. Kevin: And your hometown is? Samir: Nidra (Slovakia). Kevin: How old were you when you started playing hockey? Samir: When I first skated I was three years old. Kevin: Why did you decide to play for the Bucs? Samir: I wanted to try something else. Some American hockey. My agent told me about Des Moines. Kevin: Have you always been a forward? Samir: Yeah. Kevin: If I won the lottery, the first thing I'd do is ... Samir: To buy my hometown team. Side note: I had to explain to Samir what the lottery is and what it means. Kevin: Best advice you've ever received (doesn't have to be hockey-related): Samir: Maybe from hockey, my Dad told me, when you don't know what to do with the puck, then score a goal. Kevin: Tell me about some of your goals for the future. Samir: Probably play hockey as long as I can. Then do something about hockey, like coaching or something like that. Kevin: What is your favorite hockey memory? Samir: Last year we won 1st in league in Slovakia. Kevin: My first job was ... Samir: My first job was here. Kevin: You mean working at the arena? Samir: Yeah. Kevin: What do you do around here? Just maintenance type stuff? Samir: Cleaning the bathrooms and stuff. Kevin: What can't you imagine living without? Samir: My family, hockey. Kevin: In comparison to your hometown what do you like and dislike about Des Moines? Samir: This is a lot different then my town. I like the people here at the arena, and the games. Kevin: In comparison in population, is Des Moines bigger then your hometown or smaller? Samir: Here is bigger. Kevin: Des Moines is bigger? Samir: Des Moines is bigger. Kevin: When did you first hear about the Bucs? Samir: Over this summer, my agent told me about this. Then I called (Tomas) Jasko, ask him about Des Moines. Kevin: Who has been the biggest influence on your life? Samir: My Dad. Kevin: What would you consider your dream car? Samir: Ferrari. Kevin: Do you have a favorite movie? Samir: Gladiator. Kevin: If you could have lunch with one person, past or present, who would it be? Samir: Wayne Gretzky. Kevin: What is your favorite holiday? Samir: Christmas. Kevin: What is your favorite kind of ice cream? Samir: Vanilla. Kevin: If there is one thing you could change, what would it be? Samir: Neilon said to say drinking age. I don't know, it is a hard question. That all people would speak one language. Kevin: If you were stranded on a desert island, whom would you want to be stranded with ? Britney Spears, Halle Berry, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez or Tara Reid? Samir: (Long pause) Tara Reid. Kevin: I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Kevin: What is your favorite board game? Samir: Checkers. Kevin: Do you have a specific pre-game meal? If so, what is it? Samir: Always chicken and some pasta. Kevin: What web page do you check first when you go on-line? Samir: My Hotmail address. Kevin: Do you have a pre-game ritual? If so, what is it? Samir: No. I don't have a pre-game ritual. Kevin: Who would you rather be, Bugs Bunny or Road Runner? Samir: Bugs Bunny. Kevin: What is your favorite non-hockey sport? Samir: Soccer. Kevin: If you started your own NHL franchise, and you could pick any player, who would you start with and why? Samir: Peter Bondra. Kevin: Who would you have on your hockey "Dream Team"? Samir: Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Jagr, Lidstrom, Ray Borque and Hasek. Kevin: Who is faster, Speedy Gonzalez or the Road Runner? Samir: Speedy Gonzalez. Kevin: What is your favorite Des Moines radio station? Samir: 107.5 Kevin: What do you miss most about home? Samir: My family. Kevin: Who would you rather be, Superman or Batman? Samir: Batman. Kevin: Which one, new or old Buccaneer logo? Samir: Old. Kevin: Burger King, McDonalds or Wendy's? Samir: McDonalds. Kevin: What is the last movie you have seen? Samir: Scary Movie 3. Kevin: What is the last CD you have purchased? Samir: R. Kelly. Kevin: What is your favorite card game? Samir: Euchre. Kevin: Any advice for younger hockey players? Samir: Work as hard as they can when at practice and it will be easier at the game. |
