Knoxville Ice Bears

Mike Bulawka

date: 10/07/2010

Mike Bulawka is from the small mining town of Balmertown, population of just under 2,000, located in North Western Ontario, Canada.  Even though he was three hours away from the closest McDonalds/Movie theatre and five hours away from the closest mall he describes it as an "amazing place to grow up." To help pass the long winters he and his brother would walk down and skate most evenings at the local outdoor rink.  In the summer if they were not out camping with family friends, they were either in the bush hunting, fishing, playing baseball, or golfing. 

What are your off-season activities?

When I'm away from the hockey rink I love to be around the lake.  My parents have a cabin back home that I try and spend a lot of time at when I can.  I just don't find anything more relaxing then jumping on a quad or being in a boat.  I also enjoy a few leisure games of golf or baseball with the boys.

How are you preparing for the 2010-'11 season?

Ive very excited as we have made some huge changes that I think will reenergize this team.  Im staying in shape and fine tuning a few things during the off season. I head to the gym six days a week and have been skating once a week.  Now that the season is getting closer i'll try and get on the ice as much as possible.  You can only do so much on a treadmill or when lifting weights.  Being on the ice gets you that much more prepared and in better hockey shape for training camp.

What are your favorite sports teams? 

My favorite NHL hockey team growing up was the Winnipeg Jets.  They have now moved and become the Phoenix Coyotes.  My favorite baseball team is the Toronto Blue Jays and my favorite NFL football team is the Denver Broncos.

What do you want to bring to the rink this season?

A fun and competitive attitude. Its a real long season and we are all doing what we love to do.  During practices and around the dressing room, I like to goof around and have fun out there.  Games I take a lot more serious, but I enjoy them alot more.  I think I bring a hard work ethic with touch around the net.  I get as much excitement scoring a goal then I do running somebody over.

How do you prepare for games?

To prepare for a game I do quite a bit.  It all starts right when I wake up in the morning.  I make sure I get a big breakfast before heading to the rink for our pre-game skate. I arrive at the rink 2 hours before game time to soak quickly in the hot tube to loosen up before a massage.  Then I get my equipment and sticks ready for the night, head into the hallway to play about 20 minutes of soccer to loosen up, and then start getting dressed while listening to tunes!

What teammate would you select for fight night?

My fight night selection would have to be Mr. David Segal.  I hate to put that on him because he fights enough as it is but when he does fight no matter if his opponent is 6'4'' or 5'8'' he puts on a show and battles til the end and usually comes out on top.  I have a lot od respect for Segs; it takes guts to do what he does and he does a good job at it.

What does it mean to win?

Winning is everything.  Like I said earlier about having fun.  If your not winning, your definitely not having fun.  Winning is fun and losing just. plain. sucks.  Winning makes all those tough practices and long road trips worth while.

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