Sit Down with Schutz: Justin Obrochta
Justin Obrochta began skating at the age of two and has continued ever since. His first hockey memories consist of public skates on Friday nights in Las Vegas. Flashing forward to now, Obrochta played last season in the NCDC for the Utah Outliers. From his first year, Obrochta said, “In Utah, my first year, it kind of showed me what juniors was about. It gave me a better understanding of it all for sure.”
Obrochta was drafted by the Shamrocks this summer, and his first experience with the organization was Main Camp this past summer. Since then, a lot has evolved for Obrochta. He said, “The support we had, just at main camp, you don’t see that a lot (with other teams). It’s been great these past few months. I’m having a great time.” This was also the first time Obrochta met some of the people who would be his future teammates. Obrochta said, “It was amazing. Just meeting all the guys, everyone was new. I didn’t know many of them, but it was great.”
Every hockey player has role models, both on and off the ice, who help build their game. For a player like Obrochta, he said, “For on the ice, for sure, Patrick Kane. I grew up watching him. He was a big role model.” While on-ice inspiration is important, so is the off-ice. Obrochta credits his off-ice inspiration to his parents and their support.
Obrochta set goals for himself in his first season in the NAHL to help contribute to this team. Obrochta said, “Just to be consistent every game. As a hockey player, it’s pretty hard to just be consistent throughout the whole season. So that’s what I’m trying to do.”
Some of Obrochta’s favorite memories this season come from his time on the road with his teammates, but he has even more appreciation for the fans right here in Watertown. Obrochta said, “It means a lot (to play here). The amount of support we get, it makes all of us better players with the fans and everything.”
Thank you, Justin, for sitting down with me!