Player of the Month Dominik Vaniak: Uličníci woke up in December, the goal is the playoffs

December brought only two rounds, but Uličníci got the maximum out of them. Two wins and, at last, the kind of performance they want to be known for. The team made it clear that it takes the fight for the playoffs seriously and that the time has come to start collecting points regularly. The main figure behind those performances was forward Dominik Vaniak. Individually, things went very well for him. In two games he collected 7 points (4+3) and confirmed that December simply suits him. In a short interview he talked about what has changed in the team, what is behind his scoring and how he sees their playoff chances.

1. Only two rounds were played in December, but you won both games comfortably. How would you rate your team's showing during December?

Dominik: “The way I see it, we finally approached the games responsibly for the full 40 minutes, because up until December our performances were inconsistent, and we were aware that if we want to make the playoffs, it's high time to wake up and start collecting points.”

2. ⁠Individually, December worked out for you. You managed to score 4 goals and add 3 assists. How would you rate your performances during December?

Dominik: “December is probably my month, because historically, too, I've received this award mostly in this very month. I'll admit that December was lighter for me at work and I could afford to practice more, which probably showed in my scoring as well. In any case, I'm not the type of player who picks up the puck behind his own net, goes the length of the ice and scores, so without team chemistry I definitely wouldn't have done it.”

3. ⁠This season you are still fighting for a playoff spot. Do you think you will show up in the playoffs in the end, and maybe even shake things up in the fight for the semifinals?

Dominik: “Even though, in a certain scenario, there's still a possibility of missing the playoffs, not a single Uličník accepts that alternative, and in our heads we're set on fighting for the best possible starting position for the quarterfinals.”

4. ⁠Which team gives you the most trouble this season, and, on the other hand, which team is a joy to play against?

Dominik: “I wouldn't name specific teams for this question, because it always depends on what lineup we and the opponent show up with. But if I have to name the teams we've had the worst and the best luck against this season, then bad luck against the Ducks from Pezinok and good luck against Jokers.”

5. ⁠The Player of the Month award is probably going to “cost” you something in the locker room – what will you have to arrange for your teammates?

Dominik: “We don't have any custom in the locker room for this individual award, but I believe that after the next round we'll have a reason to celebrate in the locker room over clinching a playoff spot, and I'll arrange something for the guys for that occasion.”

Two wins in December were a clear signal that Uličníci don't just want to “take part” this season, but to really fight for the best possible position for the quarterfinals. According to Dominik, the team has finally set itself to play responsibly for the whole game, and in the locker room there is no room for the alternative that the playoffs might not happen. And the Player of the Month award? There is no “mandatory locker-room tax” so far, but if they are celebrating a clinched playoff spot after the next round, he says he will definitely come up with something for the guys.