IBO Boxing Honesty and Integrity
In the latest edition of the IslesBlog Podcast, Joe Buono catches up with former Islanders All-Star Mariusz Czerkawski.
Mariusz talks about the challenges playing in hockey in his home country posed in becoming the most decorative NHL player ever from Poland, being drafted by the Boston Bruins and making his debut late in the 1993-93 season.
Later, he describes his feelings being traded to Edmonton and later to the Islanders where he would break out and become an All-Star in 2000. Plus, his memories of the 2001-2002 season under Peter Laviolette, thoughts on the final year of the Coliseum and the impressive golf game he has found in retirement.
Joe and Mariusz Discussed:
- The challenges growing up and playing hockey in Poland
- Being drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 1991 NHL Draft
- Making his NHL debut during the 1993-94 season and scoring twice in his first four games
- His reaction to being traded to Edmonton for goaltender Bill Ranford in 1996
- The trade that brought him to Long Island where he would have his best NHL seasons
- The 2000-2001 team breaking a 7 year drought to make the playoffs
- Playing for rookie head coach Peter Laviolette
- Representing Poland and the World Team in the 2000 NHL All Star Game
- Thoughts on the final season at Nassau Coliseum
LISTEN HERE:
You Can Follow IslesBlog On Twitter HERE
You Can Follow Joe Buono On Twitter HERE