Wednesday, November 15, 2000

Worcester's Jaroslav Obsut enters the AHL chatroom on Wed., Nov 15 at 7 p.m. ET. The IceCats' defenseman was named Sher-Wood AHL Player of the Week after scoring five points in just two games. Obsut was the No. 1 star in both games.

George Bliss: Jaro, You had a full season in Raleigh NC with the ECHL team, would you like to once again play in Raleigh NC but this time for the Canes ?

Jaroslav Obsut: No. I like it here in Worcester. I wouldn't mind, but I would rather play in the American Hockey League.

Brian Weidler Northern Illinois: Jaroslav, I'm a big fan of the St. Louis Blues, and I was wondering if you know where you fit into the team's plans? It seems like you're putting together a pretty good season so far in the AHL; do you think you're ready for the big time? Thanks, and good luck the rest of the way.

Jaroslav Obsut: I don't think I'm ready yet. I was hurt last year and missed the whole season, but I'm trying to get back on track where I was. It's going well so far. I'm not sure where I fit into the Blues' plans.

Wendy Conway: Hey obsut i just wanted to say that u had a great weekend for the cats u helped us win back to back games against two of the best teams good job

Jaroslav Obsut: It wasn't that big of a deal. It was the whole team. Yeah, I got five points in the games but it was a team effort. The other guys worked hard too, so it wasn't only me.

Russ Thibeault : What factors do you feel are contributing to your early season success?

Jaroslav Obsut: I think what I'm doing is moving the puck well. I'm keeping myself moving and trying to shoot as much as I can. It's the little things that make it all work. I am able to work well with my teammates and I try to get into the open as much as I can.

Stick: If you have the opportunity to represent Slovakia in the 2001 World Championships, will you consider going?

Jaroslav Obsut: Oh yes I would! I had planned to go last year to Russia, but I was hurt last season. I am looking forward to the next one in Germany. I would gladly represent Slovakia. Last year I had knee surgery, but my knee is getting better and I am ready to play.

Stick: Have you met Peter Stastny, and has he offered you any guidance to your career?

Jaroslav Obsut: Yes I met Peter. The first time was two years ago. He told me to just keep working hard and good things will happen for people who work hard. I've tried to take that advice as well as I can.

Rod: How did playing in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League help your transition to the North American game?

Jaroslav Obsut: It was different hockey. In junior there's young guys skating around. In American hockey, there is experience and it's a lot quicker. It was different but I did fine. It was good though to start there and then make the move to the American league afterward.

Frederick, from Albany NY: how do you like the USA and the culture? how have you made the transition?

Jaroslav Obsut: I don't have a problem with the culture. When I was coming from Slovakia, it was almost the same for me. I have no problem with the food or the people or anything else. It's pretty much the same for me. A long time ago, it was different for me when I first came, but I am more used to it now. It's not that different from Slovakia. We have all the same things. It was easy to make the change. I like change. I think most people do.

Jaime: Who were your favourite players growing up? Do you try to copy your favourite players' style?

Jaroslav Obsut: This is a hard one. I used to follow Paul Coffey around and his style, but now I don't really have a player I try to copy. I'm just trying my best out there. When I was growing up, I used to watch Wayne Gretzky. He was my favourite player to watch. I've never met Wayne Gretzky or Paul Coffey yet.

Neil, Go Icecats!: Which NHL team would you most like to play for, if you had your choice?

Jaroslav Obsut: If I had a choice, I would like to play for St. Louis.

Fido: Do you think Slovakia is catching up to the rest of the World powers in hockey

Jaroslav Obsut: Yes I do. A long time ago when we split, Slovakia was down and no one knew what great players they have there. I think we have a lot of talent and good players coming from Slovakia.

Jen: Hey Jaroslav! How old were you when you started playing hockey?

Jaroslav Obsut: I started skating when I was two years old. I started playing hockey when I was five. My dad got me started skating and playing hockey.

Jaroslav Obsut: Thank you to everyone for sending me questions. Thank you to the AHL for the award this week and I hope to keep playing well.

Moderator: Thank you Jaroslav for talking with us. Hopefully you continue to play as well as you have this week. Maybe the next time we chat with you, you will be playing with the St.Louis Blues.

Jaroslav Obsut: That would be my dream. I hope so.