By Joel Vanderlaan | AHL Rhythm
In July, an offseason trade with Utah Hockey brought Jan Janik To the Ottawa Senators.
Now, he’s heading into the next chapter of his career with the organization.
Obtained in exchange for fans’ love Yegor SokolovJanik was selected in the third round by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2018 NHL Draft. The 24-year-old forward appeared in 22 NHL games and spent the majority of his career with the AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners.
“It’s definitely exciting. It’s a new chapter,” Janik said of the deal. “It’s been fun. Everybody’s been really nice to me. I’m just trying to make the most of it.
Jenik began playing hockey in his hometown of Nymburk, a Czech town with a population of 16,000 on the Elbe River 35 kilometers east of Prague. It is known as the home of Basketball Nimburk, the most successful club in the Czech National Basketball League.
“It’s a small town. So it’s not as much hockey, but it’s still good,” Janik said. “I have a lot of friends there. I watch a lot of national team games. Honestly, my favorite player growing up has always been Pavel Datsyukand then all the players on the national team because they all bring something different.
Janik’s talents eventually brought him to North America, where he joined the Hamilton Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League.
“It’s a big difference,” he said of the transition from the Czech Premier League to the North American youth academy. “Obviously, the rinks are bigger in Europe, but I think I liked the style of play better here than back home, so I adjusted pretty quickly.”
Janik had 35 goals and 51 assists in 54 games with Hamilton, including 56 points in 27 games in his final season and a 26-game winning streak. If not for a season-ending injury at the 2020 World Juniors, he would have been the front-runner for the OHL MVP.
After moving to Senators organization, Janik reunites with team owners Michael Andlauer President and General Manager of Hockey Operations Steve StaosHe played two seasons with the Bulldogs from 2018 to 2020.
“Great people. I love playing for them,” he said. “They always looked after us (at Hamilton) and it’s the same here. I’m excited to be part of this team with them again. It’s exciting.
Known for his competitive nature, Janik prides himself on doing whatever it takes to help his team succeed.
“Growing up, I’ve always been very competitive,” he said. “I hate losing and trying to do it all, no matter what the team needs at the moment.”
Janik enjoys playing for Belleville Senators head coach David Bell. The left-shooting center appreciates Bell’s focus on two-way play and recovery. Bell played 295 defensive games in the AHL and ECHL and has been a coach since 2004.
“He’s a great guy, so that makes it easier,” Janik said. “He’s experienced and a good coach. He’s played the game, so he knows what’s needed, he knows how things are going to go. He expects me to have a 200-foot game, and that’s what I’m trying to achieve.
“The biggest difference (in pro hockey) is how much you play without the puck and how much attention you have to detail in the zone. Most of the guys coming out of the juniors are very good offensive players, but (it ) Just listen to your coaches and teammates… they’re always trying to help you.
After being injured early in the season, Janik returned to the starting lineup in 13 games, scoring seven points in 38 penalty minutes and posting a +4 rating. He was recalled this week and made his debut in Ottawa on Tuesday night.
Janik is eager to help Belleville return to the postseason after winning their first playoff series last season.
“The playoffs are all you play all season long,” he said. “We always want to compete, we always want to be there, so there’s no game we don’t want to win. That’s the mentality we’re continuing to have this year.
Now calling Sister City and the Bay of Quinte region home, Jenik is adapting to his new surroundings.
“It’s a great place,” he said. “We live on the water, so it’s pretty nice.”
Living on the waterfront and fighting for a playoff spot are great places to be. No wonder Janik loves life in Belleville.
