VLADAN STRANSKY Position: FORWARD

Player Profile

Q: How did you pick your playing number?

A: Because of a guy called Kevin Dineen.  He used to play for Hartford Whalers and never made the play-offs so he played for Canada at the World Championships in Europe a lot. I loved the way he played. 

Q: Do you have a nickname at hockey?

A: I don’t think so

Q: When did you start playing hockey?

A: I think I was 4 when I first skated

Q: How did you score your first goal?

A: I was five, my first game.  5 hole – unsaveable!

Q: Do you have a set move on a breakaway or do you decide on the way in?  

A:  The more speed you have coming at the goalie the more options you have I think, but I do have  a couple of set moves 

Q: Who was your favourite NHL player growing up?

A: I knew nothing about the NHL when I was little and there were so many awesome players in Czech. Later on Kevin Dineen and mainly Doug Gilmore. Such an amazing players!

Q: What other sports do you follow?  

A: Like to watch a good game of soccer, tennis or poker. Love playing tennis, poker and cannon billiard.

Q: Do you have a favourite shot? 

A: Wrist shot

A: What’s the most memorable moment of your hockey career?  

A: Division I World Championship in Lithuania last year. My first time representing Australia. That was a very nice experience.

Q: Worst injury you have had in a game?

A: Torn ligament in my left knee

Q: What do you do in your free time away from hockey?  

A: Spending time with my wife Nicole, seeing friends, go to see movies, concerts, shows, doing renovations on our house. I also like to cook. 

Q: What’s your dream car?  

A: Don’t have a dream car

Q: You’ve just won the lottery what do you do?

A: Build a beautiful house and travel

Q: What’s your future ambition?  

A: Have a large happy family

Q: Favourite moment with the Bears?  

A: Hard to pick one. The cups in 2002 and 2007 for sure and road trips of course

Q: What do you have on your ipod right now?  

A: Do you mean my walkman?!  The Orion Consort – just too good.

Q: What do you enjoy most about playing hockey?  

A: Everything, it is by far the greatest team sport there is. It is sad Australians don’t know much about it. Hope it changes in my lifetime.  

Q: Favourite hockey movie?  

A: Maly Velky Hokejista – by far