SEKERA SPEAKS: His First Interview with the Kings

During the first intermission of tonight’s game at Staples Center, the Kings newest defenseman, Andrej Sekera, was introduced to the media. Here is what he had to share…

On finding out about the trade:

“I had a day off, so I was sitting on my couch, watching TV, and I got a phone call that I was traded. I’m happy. I’m going to a great organization, a club that has had success in the last couple of years and belongs at the top of the league. I’ll just try to blend in, play the game hard, and try to help this team win as many games as I can.”

On his name being involved in trade rumors:

“You hear it, and you pay attention to it a little bit, but you never know where you’re going to end up. You carry out your business on the ice and whatever happens, happens. It’s part of this business. You get traded and you just have to move on.”

On if he has talked to Marian Gaborik or Robyn Regehr about playing in LA:

“Yeah. It’s a high-end club. Losing is not an option here. It’s great to be in an environment like that. I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be fun and it’s going to be a challenge, too.”

On his style of play:

“I’m a small, skating defenseman who likes to move the puck and play the game smart. I’m focusing on the D-zone first, and then if there is a chance, I’ll try to chip in. Simple game. Nothing special.”

On his relationship with Mike Futa:

“Yeah, he was my GM. He was the guy who drafted me to the OHL. He brought me to the Canadian Junior hockey league and gave me the privilege to try Canadian hockey. I’m very thankful, he’s a great guy. I have a good relationship with him.”

On his favorite part of Los Angeles:

“I think the weather. The weather is nice. Also, it’s always a high-end, high-tempo game. Guys here play hard from the first minute to the last and it’s always a tight game. We have a pretty good team and it’s always tough to play against guys like that.”

On how he is as a roommate (he’s expected to move in with Gaborik soon):

“Pretty easy. I’m an easygoing guy. I don’t need too much to be alive. Just a little bit of water, oxygen, bread and butter and I’m fine… I think [my roommate] is going to be Gabby. At least I hope so. I don’t know, it might be a surprise in the room.”

On if he has to adjust going from a last place team to a playoff competitor:

“I’m always the same way. I know what I bring to the table. I want to play a hard and simple game and try to just blend in and help this team to win even more games. Hard work and an honest game.”

After the scrum, Sekera told MayorsManor the Kings offered him several numbers, but he picked No. 7 so “the guys didn’t have to do a lot of stitching, it was lowest single digit number available.”

He also said he expects to play Friday night in Anaheim.

MUST-READ ARTICLE:

Mike Futa on the Sekera Trade

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