Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 18:31
By Andrew Vitalis
Five times he’s gotten the call, if not literally, at least figuratively. Five times Joe Motzko has experienced the thrill of being called up to the show, the big time, the NHL. Unfortunately for Motzko, however, five times, the Bemidji, Minn., native has felt the frustration of returning to the AHL. It’s a roller coaster ride Motzko is still riding, but for how long?
”The window of opportunity is closing a bit,” remarked Motzko, a former standout at St. Cloud State. “People are less willing to take a chance on an older guy. I don’t think it really changes anything though. All you can do is keep doing the things that got you this far and hopefully you find a niche somewhere.”
As Motzko puts it, you have a choice. He chooses to move forward and think about the future rather than dwell on the past.
Motzko’s journey as a pro began during the 2002-03 season. Fresh off a senior season with the Huskies where Motzko tallied 42 points in 38 games, he got his feet wet with the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL, playing two games with the Columbus Blue Jackets affiliate as they closed out the season.
The next season, Motzko returned to the Crunch and quickly began to assert himself on the ice. Known as one of the hardest working skaters in the country as a college player, Motzko immediately began to produce for the Crunch, scoring 41 points in 70 games. The Blue Jackets took notice, promoting Motzko by calling him up for two games in the NHL. It was just enough to whet his appetite.
“You wish you could remember more of it,” smiled Motzko, referring to his first NHL experience. “You’re so pumped up, you are just in awe. I remember lining up against Mike Madano of the (Dallas) Stars. I had a Modano jersey when he was with the North Stars. I didn’t know whether to slash him or ask for an autograph.”
Motzko wanted more. A solid 2004-05 campaign back with the Crunch followed (66 points in 79 games). Still with the Crunch the next season, Motzko continued to produce, averaging an eye-popping one point per game. At the tail end of the 2005-06 season, Motzko once again got a chance to strut his stuff in the NHL, playing two games with the Jackets. The next season, seven games with Columbus, including his first NHL goal.
“When I do get my opportunities, I need to do something to stand out. I’ve done that, but at the same time, I haven’t,” commented Motzko. “It’s hard because you need to play well when you get your chance, get someone on your side. If that doesn’t happen, who knows when you’re going to get that next opportunity.”
A new opportunity came knocking on Jan. 26, 2007, when Motzko, along with fellow former St. Cloud State star Mark Hartigan, were dealt to the Anaheim Ducks. It was with the Ducks that Motzko experienced his best professional memory to date. He played in three games for Anaheim. All three were played during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, including one game played in the Stanley Cup Finals. The Ducks eventually won the Cup, defeating Ottawa.
“That’s got to be number one,” smiled Motzko. “Anytime you get a chance to play for the Staley Cup, that’s every kid’s dream when you’re young. I was fortunate. I played a couple games against Detroit, played one game against Ottawa in the finals. I guess I was a little lucky, being in the right place at the right time.”
The Washington Capitals took notice. In July of 2007, Motzko signed with the Caps, inking a two-year deal. During the 2007-08 campaign, he experienced his longest and most successful professional stint, playing in eight games with Washington, notching two goals and adding two more assists. Still, he struggled to find a permanent spot on the roster. Then in February of 2008, Motzko was again moved, this time to Atlanta for Alexandre Giroux. Now a standout for the Chicago Wolves of the AHL, Motzko continues to play with both eyes on the ice and at least one ear listening for the phone.
“I try not to analyze it too much,” remarked Motzko. “It can get you down or it can get you to work harder, I guess it depends on how you look at it.”
Chicago Wolves head coach Don Granato knows that’s the perfect way to look at it.
“That’s one real strength of his,” stated Granato. “You’ve got to have a good attitude. He’s been through some ups and downs and he’s still competing. He’s got enough talent to play. My approach is to make sure he’s working hard and to push him as hard as I can. There are about six or seven guys on the team who are in the same boat. The challenge for Joe and those other guys in his position is staying ready. They always have to be ready for that next opportunity because you never know when it’s going to come.”
Next week? Next month? Next year? Motzko admits that his days are numbered. Now a 28 year-old veteran, he constantly tries to keep things in perspective. Already with a resume that would make most hockey players jealous, he hopes to add a few more pages to his work-in-progress novel. But if the puck doesn’t bounce that way, one thing’s for sure, you won’t hear any complaints from No. 21.
“Regardless of what happens at any level, you’re playing hockey,” said Motzko. “You have to be happy about that. Look at it this way; you could be working in a cubicle somewhere. Have fun with it and work hard. At the end of the day, it’s just a game.”
