The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
From the dying busses of Junior hockey to the planes at the collegiate level, Dalton Pajak is moving up. As a member of the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, the former Flin Flon Bomber will fly to different Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) locations. "I am really excited to be playing for UBC next year," Pajak said during an interview on MSN messenger. "It has always been my goal to play university hockey and to be playing in B.C. is a bonus." Pajak, who is from Black Creek, B.C. on Vancouver Island, said that being close to home was one of his main factors of choosing UBC over NCAA teams that expressed interest. "It's a great school and nice town," he said, of UBC which is located near Vancouver. "I had a tough time deciding, but I really think the CIS is the right fit for me. I believe the hockey is very underrated and also the Canadian universities had more of my programs for school." While playing for the Thunderbirds, Pajak intends to study Geology. "Geology interests me, my grandpa, and dad," he explained, as the latter two worked in the field. To prepare for his first season, Pajak intends to improve his speed and add strength to his 6-0, 185 pound frame. He's determined to be ready as he expects it to be a challenge to earn a spot on a Thunderbirds roster loaded with players with Junior A, Major Junior and minor pro experience. "It's definitely going to be a challenge with the Thunderbirds losing only a couple forwards," Pajak explained. "I'm looking forward to it and moving on to the next level. You never have a guarantee Ð I will have to earn my spot." In his final season with the Bombers, the center scored 32 goals and looks to inject offense into a team that scored 79 times in 28 games. Thunderbirds coach Milan Dragicevic said that he likes the fact Pajak is a natural center. With the team losing three of its top five offensive producers, Dragicevic hopes Pajak is the answer. "He's creative with the puck, has good hockey sense, size and is a proven producer in a good league," Dragicevic said. "We're very excited he chose us." Dragicevic started watching the Bombers co-MVP in early January and liked that he was a leader on the team. "He had a great playoff and sometimes carried the team." The Thunderbirds finished second last in their division with a record of 12-15-1 in the Canada West Conference. The national champion Alberta Golden Bears are in the same division. The Thunderbirds coach stated that with the CIS to begin playing next season under the rules of the NHL, Dragecevic feels that will favour Pajak. With hopes to be a top player for his new team like he was for the Bombers, Pajak isn't concerned about playing professionally. "I don't really think about that," he stated. "My goals were to play university hockey and if I succeed at the university level, then there should be options like minor pro and Europe." Because of the caliber of athletes he will play with and against, Pajak has no doubts he will get better. "I am very excited to be playing with such skilled players and I think I will improve tons by watching and competing with them," he explained. As Pajak looks forward to his new challenge, he also looks forward to his new method of travel. "It will be a bit different from the Flon," he said with a laugh, "but I think I'll get used to it." Note: MSN messenger is a service that allows people to communicate on computers.
