Q and A with Jekabs Redlihs

 

Justin Dahan (HV)

 

Justin Dahan: It’s your first full AHL season, how have things been going for you?

Jekabs Redlihs: From the beginning my papers (Work Visa didn’t come through on time) and all that stuff. So that’s kind of a bad start. Plus I started in the East Coast (ECHL) but I got better and better, gained more confidence and I’m getting more ice time and everything. Now I’m getting some points together and actually playing. So I think it’s a step by step improvement.

JD: What would you say your best moments this season have been?

JR: I don’t know if I have any best moments. It’s just as long as I’m playing here and I have a chance to play. Play some power play and penalty kills and gain some confidence, and play a lot. That’s what I need, experience.

JD: Do you think there is anything you need to improve in your game?

JR: Yeah! Where would I begin? (Laughs) There are so many things I need to improve. I just need to get better because there is a next level and to get to the next level there is a lot of different stuff you need to have.

JD: You played in Boston University (NCAA). What is the biggest difference between that game and the Pro game?

JR: I think it’s definitely smarter and faster. But not faster because people are running (skating) faster but think wise. Just like passes, people just know where they are. They know what’s happening. So the game becomes faster.

JD: Do you think you will be staying with the Columbus (Blue Jackets) organization next year?

JR: It’s up to them really. We’ll see what happens. I don’t know if they like me or what is happening so I have my fingers crossed but you never know.

JD: How long do you think it will take for you to move on to the next level, the NHL?

JR: I don’t know about that one. I hope next year, like maybe end of next season. That’s what I’m hoping for. But again, if I improve, if they like me, if I’m playing by their rules. There is a lot of different rules, in a certain sense I need to be in spots (On the ice) to be able to play there.

JD: Are you going to play for the Latvian National team at the World Championships?

JR: This year?

JD: Yeah.

JR: I would love to but I think my season ends April 15th and for our coach on the Latvian National team it’s too late for him. I would like to play for the National team but I would need to be there at the beginning of April. So I haven’t heard anything from him so probably my chance is up, although it’s far from beginning.

JD: I would say that I hope to see you there next year but I think you might prefer to be in the NHL playoffs.

JR: Well definitely. Definitely I would love to be there. Its two different things you know. Two of my brothers play for a Latvian National team so I would love to play together with my brothers and stuff. To play for the Latvian National team I would be so proud but the NHL, that’s the level you want to be.

JD: There is a couple other Latvians in the AHL, some of them go up and down (Between AHL and NHL) have you been keeping in touch and even getting advice from some of them?

JR: Well the closest one is Janis Sprukts form Rochester . I’m really close friends with him and he’s up in the NHL. And I really like talking to him off the ice but you know sometimes it’s hard. But I like to keep in touch definitely.

JD: So you say you’re close with Janis Sprukts. You both wear number 33 (Jersey Number) is that a coincidence?

JR: Yeah. That’s definitely a coincidence because I didn’t choose my number. They just kind of gave it to me.

JD: Growing up who did you idolize?

JR: That’s the thing. I never really had a favorite team or a favorite player. I always just loved the game and everything. I never really watched it. I enjoy playing games, hockey, basketball, and soccer, just everything.

JD: So an all around athlete?

JR: Yeah exactly. Well, I don’t know about now (Laughs) but I tried.

JD: Ok thanks a lot. Good look for the rest of the season.

JR: Thank you.

 

 

Photo: Jekabs Redlihs back in 2003 in BU uniform © Andris Jansons (HV)