We had a chat with young defenceman, Nojus Venskutonis, ahead of his NIHL National Playoff debut at the weekend.
Venskutonis has just finished his first NIHL National regular season, having previously played his youth hockey in Scotland and last season in Finland.
The 18-year-old, Lithuanian born defenceman has had a season of adjustment to contend with in a new team and a new league in senior hockey - a level he is taking his first steps into.
Nojus said: “The season was interesting to me as, I had a lot of disappointments and a lot of happy moments. For me it was more of a learning curve getting to know this league, the teams, players and their abilities. As the games went on, I felt that I have developed on my game defensively and offensively. Now it’s just continuous every game. I know what I can do on the ice, so I try to impress everyone that is watching my development journey.”
In recent weeks, opportunities have arisen for Nojus to step up the lineup and play extra minutes, which can only benefit his development as a young hockey player.
“I believe in recent weeks I have handled pressure well, and stepped up to fill in for our injured players. I tried to execute everything that my coach and teammates asked for. I found some games difficult but I have found my ways to handle it. This helped me to understand more about our penalty kill tactics, and also playing with top lines which would be very beneficial for my career path.” Nojus said.
Moving away from home into a new environment must be a daunting prospect, but it’s something which Nojus has taken in his stride, allowing him to focus on his development and performances for the WALDECK Peterborough Phantoms.
“I have been enjoying this season a lot. Since I got here the team has accepted me as one of their own since day one. I get a lot of support from the players and the staff on the ice as much as off the ice.”
It’ll be Nojus’ first experience of the NIHL National Playoffs, an experience he’s raring to get started:
“Playoff time is one of the most exciting parts of the season, sometimes it could be stressful, but in the end it’s really worth it. I can’t wait to get started and play the first game.”
Coventry weekend is renowned around the league, and the sport in the UK as a whole, with everyone desperate to qualify on the ice, and fans of all teams excited to attend what is always a brilliant celebration of our league.
It’s an experience Nojus is yet to be part of, but he has his sights set on qualification with the Phantoms this season, as the Phantoms begin their defence of the crown won last season.
Venskutonis said: “I haven’t had a chance to play in Coventry just yet, but I have heard the talks in the changing room about how amazing it is to play in front of thousands of people. I think this gives the whole team motivation, especially the new guys that haven’t experienced this moment this gives us motivation to compete in the playoffs, and secure our spot there.”
With Phantoms taking on the league winning Leeds Knights, alongside the Hull Seahawks and the Telford Tigers, there will be no easy games in the playoff group stages, and Nojus knows every point on offer is crucial in their bid to qualify.
“I think we can’t underestimate any team in our group. This league is full of surprises, so we should play our best hockey and not take any games easy, as every point matters.” he said.
And he issued a rallying call for the Phantoms fans, ahead of the start of the playoffs this weekend, saying:
“A message for the fans would be, to be as loud as possible. It really helps our team in any moments of the game. Hoping to see you all this weekend loud and proud.”
Our thanks go to Nojus Venskutonis for taking the time to speak to us! Come and see Nojus and his teammates in home playoff acton this Sunday, by booking your seats HERE!