BY SCOTT
HADDOW
When opportunity knocks, Erie Otters power forward Luke Gazdic
doesn't just answer the door, he kicks it open.
Gazdic is the type of player who likes to make his presence
known. He comes by it honestly.
His father, Mike, was a no-nonsense defenceman with the Sudbury
Wolves from 1973 to 1977, piling up 122 points and 191 penalty
minutes in 221 games. Mike was born in Sudbury and then later
moved to Toronto after hockey to pursue a career. While Luke
was born in Toronto, he has a strong connection to the Nickel
City, and loves following in his father's footsteps by playing
OHL hockey here.
"It's great to be finally playing in this league," said the
17-year-old winger. "I've grown up listening to my dad tell
stories about his time in the OHL. To come into the OHL and
kind of follow in his footsteps, with a different team, has
been amazing. I grew up watching this league and hearing about
it from my dad...it's all I ever wanted to do. I'm not playing
for Sudbury, it's Erie, but I am very happy. I am going to make
the most of this opportunity. It's just another step in what I
hope will be a long hockey career."
Gazdic's road to the OHL wasn't easy. He was a late round OHL
draft pick and had to fight the odds to make an impression.
"I had to work hard to get to this point," said the
six-foot-three forward. "I was picked in the ninth round, so I
had to work hard to prove I belong at this level. I consider
myself a late bloomer. I was never a star in hockey growing
up.
As my career has grown, I have grown...my game has come a long way. I've become a lot better in every area...and it's all from hard work, being patient and having determination."
Gazdic only gets one chance with his team against Sudbury and
he relished the moment.
It's more than just hockey that draws him to the Nickel
City.
"The family goes up all the time...We don't get up as much as I
would like to, but that's the way it is," said the 210-pound
skater. "We have all kinds of family still here like cousins,
my uncle and my grandmother...I love coming up and saying
hello."
Gazdic is a much different player than his father.
"From what I hear, my dad was a solid defenceman with some
talent," said the Toronto native. "I'm almost the complete
opposite. I'm a power forward who likes to rough it up and
score goals. I feel I bring leadership and I try and get the
boys going all the time."
Gazdic has earned a fearsome reputation for taking on some of
the toughest players in the league.
Giving and taking punches for the team is part of the
business.
"Fighting was never a big part of my game until this year,"
said Gazdic. "I've taken on some guys who can really fight. I'm
starting to make a name for myself as someone who doesn't mess
around and will take on anyone."
It's a big season for the Gazdic since it's his NHL draft year.
He's not holding his breath, but it's on his mind.
"It would be huge for me to get drafted," said Gazdic. "I have
to put up some decent numbers."
Gazdic's attitude and style of play has been a welcomed
addition to the Otters this season as they rebuild and try and
earn respect.
"The big thing Luke brings is size," said head coach Peter
Sidorkiewicz. "He's willing to mix it up and he can skate well.
He also has decent hands for a big guy. He's a kid that will
improve each week. When it's all said and done, Luke will be a
significant player in this league."
No matter what, Gazdic will just keep playing his game his
way.
"I've learned I can push myself to a whole new level of play so
far," said Gazdic. "Every level I go up, it gets harder, but I
think I keep excelling because I work hard and persevere...I
want to be a top player."
In his first 19 games, Gazdic had four goals, five points and
53 penalty minutes.
