Catching up with Flint Firebirds goalie Alex Nedeljkovic

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Photo by Jen Hefner/MiHockey

 

By Matt Mackinder –

As the Flint Firebirds get set to start their maiden voyage in the Ontario Hockey League this fall, leadership will be a major factor to any success the team may taste.

Alex Nedeljkovic, who already has three stellar seasons under his belt with the Plymouth Whalers, will undoubtedly be one of those key cogs next season.

Nedeljkovic recently took time out from his summer training to chat with MiHockey.

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Photo by Jen Hefner/MiHockey

MiHockey: What have you been up to since the season ended?

Alex Nedeljkovic: After my hockey season was over, I took some time off and was away from the rink for a little over a week. I wanted to give my body a chance to recuperate a little bit after a long season. I ended up having hip surgery shortly after, so my summer has been filled with physical therapy and workouts since then. I have been fortunate enough to spend a lot of time with my family this summer and they have been a big help getting me through this rehab stage.

MH: What are your thoughts and impressions on getting in some pro games with the ECHL’s Florida Everblades and practicing with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers?

AN: I was very excited and thankful to have been able to play some games while in Florida and spend a week practicing in Charlotte. It showed me what those guys go through and how their day-to-day lives are, and also the difference in the level of play. Guys are much bigger and stronger at that next level, and everyone can shoot the puck, so there is always a threat to be scored on no matter where the puck is at in the zone.

MH: To sign your first pro contract with Carolina – what goes through your mind when you realize the NHL could be a very big part of your future?

AN: It’s very surreal to think that the NHL could be a very big part of my future. When I was younger and would watch games and the playoffs with my dad at home, it was all just a dream that I could one day hopefully play in the NHL. Now, I’m one step closer to my goal and to making my dream come true.

MH: Having been to Flint a couple times, what are your initial impressions with not only the team and front office, but also the town and surrounding areas like Grand Blanc, where you’ll be billeting?

AN: I’m very excited to be going to Flint and having a chance to start fresh with the group of guys we had in Plymouth. I was able to see a little bit of Grand Blanc and it looks like a very nice area, and I think all the guys are excited and ready for this fresh start we have.

MH: Growing up in Parma, Ohio, how did you first get started playing hockey and how did you come to become a goaltender?

AN: I started playing hockey after my parents took me to some skating lessons. At first, it was just to learn how to skate, but then I got into hockey and I wanted to keep playing. One day as I was leaving the rink with my dad, I saw there was a goalie clinic taking place on the ice and I told my dad that that is what I wanted to do, so he got some equipment from the rink and I tried it, and it has stuck ever since.

MH: How hard was it to move away from home at 15 to play for Belle Tire?

AN: It wasn’t the easiest moving away from home at 15, but it’s what my parents and I thought would be best for my development at the time. I was very fortunate enough to have a great host family that I am still very close with today that took me in that year. It was definitely worth moving away from home to play for Belle Tire. That year I worked with my current goalie coach, Stan Matwijiw, who has taken my game to another level every year when the season starts.

Nedeljkovic talking with the media at the NHL Draft this summer .(Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey)
Nedeljkovic talking with the media at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. (Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey)

 

MH: Who did you look up to as a child when it came to hockey?

AN: Growing up, my idol was Martin Brodeur. He was the best goalie in the NHL and I loved watching him play. He is one of the best puckhandling goalies to ever play the position, and that’s why puck handling is such an important part to my game as well. Seeing him score a goal made me want to do the same thing.

MH: What advice would you give to young players and parents that have NHL aspirations?

AN: Don’t be in a hurry to get to the NHL. It takes time to develop and mature as a player. Everybody reaches the NHL from different paths. Everybody has different development times, some kids develop quicker than others, but it’s about sticking with getting better and working hard every day to get to your end goal.

MH: Firebirds coach John Gruden recently said that he doesn’t want to look at last year and doesn’t care what happened, that this coming season is a fresh start for everyone. How does that resonate with you?

AN: There’s a lot of buzz about the team in Flint and I think that will get the guys excited and motivated to have a good season. As far as the goalie competition, I am excited to see how things play out this year. Zack Bowman will be a year older and he’ll have more experience, and Kyle Keyser will be the new guy looking to take as much as he can from both Zack and myself. I think it will be fun and competitive every day because none of us want to be the guy on the bench.

MH: How hard is it to miss the U.S. World Junior evaluation camp in August due to injury?

AN: It’s frustrating to miss the camp. That was a summer goal that I had for myself and unfortunately, I’m not able to make it, but it only gives me more drive and motivation to be there for the tournament come Christmastime.