Grand Forks Border Bruins alum Elvis Gorontzy-Slack (2019-20) is playing professional hockey with the Weserstars Bremen in Germany. The Jasper, Alta., native decided to leave the Nipissing University Lakers for a European hockey adventure in his mother’s hometown. In eight games, Gorontzy-Slack has seven goals and 12 assists for 19 points.
KIJHL communications director Emanuel Sequeira connected with Gorontzy-Slack to talk about his experience in Germany and his time in the KIJHL.
KIJHL: What has your experience been like playing hockey in Germany?
EGS: It’s been really good so far. I’ve been here since after Christmas and it’s fun to go to the rink pretty well every day. I really like the lifestyle here.
KIJHL: You started your second season with Nipissing University Lakers, what led you to choosing to go play overseas?
EGS: I wasn’t getting the opportunity I’d like in university, so I reached out to a former teammate about playing here. It’s worked out well. I’m also pursuing my German citizenship. That would help me play in higher leagues next year, as non-German roster spots are limited. Those are usually for really high-end guys who’ve played in the AHL.
KIJHL: How do you feel you have been playing at the professional level?
EGS: I think it’s been really good. It took some adjustment—bigger ice, less physicality—but I’ve been playing a lot more than I did in university. My linemates have made the transition easier. We’re fighting for a playoff spot, so it’s been exciting.
KIJHL: What is the atmosphere like in the games? What are the crowds like?
EGS: It’s much more like a soccer atmosphere. They’re turning the lights off after goals, drumming all game long. One game we played in an outdoor rink, which I thought was pretty crazy. The atmosphere is really good, similar to some of the towns in the KIJHL, when they would really pack the barn.
KIJHL: How did your time in the KIJHL help you advance to higher levels?
EGS: It helped me a lot. I always look back to the KIJHL. My team wasn’t the strongest, but I played a lot and it was one of the most fun years I’ve had. I’d highly recommend it.
KIJHL: You won the Rookie of the Year for the Neil Murdoch Division, what did that mean to you at the time?
EGS: It meant a lot, it was a big confidence boost for the rest of my junior career.
