Alex D'Orio: The Play-Off games against Rangers were the best thing that happened to me

A new face who joined our team in the summer is Canadian goalkeeper Alex D'Orio. In Wednesday's sparring against EC Będzin Zagłębie, Sosnowiec made its presence felt by effectively blocking the opponents' access to the goal. Our acquisition had many great moments in his career - the Norwegian championship, training with Sydney Crosby and Yevgeny Malkin, and several games spent on the bench in the NHL. Alex talked about this, as well as several other interesting topics, in an extensive interview after the meeting with the inhabitants of Sosnowiec.

Alex, first of all, congratulations, because today you successfully presented a sample of your skills. Everyone who watched the match was impressed with your performance between the posts.

Thank you very much. I'm glad to hear that, it was nice to finally play at home and see the fans for the first time. I also had the opportunity to gain confidence in the game and get used to the Krakow ice.

From your perspective, how would you rate these two sparring matches against Zagłębie?

It's going better and better compared to this first meeting. I felt better today, which I'm very happy about. There was more confidence in my game, I felt more comfortable in my goal area.

After these two matches, what advantages and disadvantages do you see in Cracovia's game?

What I have noticed is that the defenders perform their role well. They blocked the center and tried to neutralize their opponent who was looking for opportunities. All I had to do was work well on my feet and focus on the basics I already had.

You have already spent some time in Krakow. How do you feel?

So far, I feel great. I was already in the old town, I looked around a bit. It's a really nice city. So I'm looking forward to traveling around the country a bit more and seeing other beautiful places.

What are your first impressions of the band?

I think it's a great group of people with good chemistry. I can't wait for the first sparring and to see how we look against other teams from Poland.

Where did the idea that the next point in your career should be our Club come from?

Over the summer, I discussed various offers with my agent. I really wanted a different region of Europe after spending time in Norway and Sweden in the past years. So when the offer from Krakow appeared, I decided to sign it.

Your career has had many great moments, but there is one in particular I would like to talk to you about. Can you guess what time?

I think so…

You were a player of the Pittsburg Penguins, with whom you played several games in the NHL as a substitute. Can you talk a little about that?

I think it was a great time for me. It happened to be during the Covid year, when a lot of things were happening around me, but in the end I managed to be on the bench in the game against the Buffalo Sabers. This is definitely a moment I will never forget. I then sat in the dugout four times during the Playoffs with the New York Rangers.

I suspect that training with stars like Sydney Crosby and Yevgeny Malkin was an unforgettable experience.

I think that's the best thing you can experience as a goalkeeper. These players are the best players in the world. I had the opportunity to work with them outside of regular classes. I asked them to stay with me before and after training, so I could develop and learn from the best.

What's special about training with stars like this?

I think that for this type of players, competition is the most important thing. Every time they have the puck on their stick, every time they try to take a shot, they want to be the best and nothing else matters to them. So every time I was on the ice with them, I had to be 100 percent focused because they were doing everything they could to score a goal for me.

I can imagine that shots from such hockey players are also a bit stronger...

Of course, there are some players who can really push hard. However, I would say that these shots are not so much more powerful, but more accurate.

You said you were on the bench several times at NHL games. Could you describe a bit the atmosphere surrounding the matches of the best hockey league in the world?

There was still COVID during the game against Buffalo, so there were no fans in the stands, which created a slightly different atmosphere compared to normal. However, the games I played in the Play-Off with Rangers were probably the best thing that happened to me in my career. Going to Madison Square Garden during the Playoffs was amazing, as was the entire atmosphere during that phase of the season. I felt the pressure of the Play-Offs that comes with them. I watched as each passing day brought the players even closer to winning the Stanley Cup.

Last season you were in Norway, where you won the national championship with the team from Storharmar. How about this achievement?

It was another great experience. I was there for quite a short time, only two months. However, I had the opportunity to play with great players, including: Patrik Thorens and Andreas Partensen. In the past, they played in the NHL and strong clubs in Europe. I think that the key to success in the Storharmar team was the good chemistry that existed in the team. Since I arrived there, my colleagues have welcomed me with open arms. Everyone supported everyone, everyone helped everyone, which ultimately allowed us to win.

You've already done a few trainings and sparrings in Poland. Can you compare the level between playing here and in Norway?

There are certainly some similarities between Poland and Norway. However, I will be able to say more when the league starts. I can't wait to see where our team can go as the season progresses.

And while we're at it - what are your goals and dreams for the upcoming campaign?

Whenever the coach plays me, whenever he gives me a chance to step between the posts, I will want to return the favor with the best possible version of myself. We want to win as many games as possible and go as far as possible in the Play-Offs.