NHL AWARDS CEREMONY

June 24, 1999

Dominik Hasek

DOMINIK HASEK: Thank you. First of all, I would like to congratulate all the nominees. I really appreciate this trophy, the chance to be here tonight to accept this award. These awards are very nice and I really appreciate them. They are very important things. As a father, I wish all those people who fighting to control guns, who fighting to control guns, to make our streets and schools the safer place for our kids, the same success as I have been so lucky to have in my hockey career. Thank you, very much.

DOMINIK HASEK: Why? Because it's something I think is very important. I was raised in completely different culture, in different country. You know, I can say maybe USA is the greatest country in the world. But what happened in the last couple months in the States, in Canada, is something what really bothers me. I have Michael, he's here with me. I have one more daughter. You know, I just hope it will never happen again. So I felt like I have to say something like that.

DOMINIK HASEK: It was very simple decision. You know, I was thinking maybe I can win the trophy, and what I can say. It was already the fifth time, and I really appreciate. I already said many times thanks to the Buffalo Sabres, to my teammates. I felt like, you know, last couple months I felt like I have to say something really different. I'm glad I said it.

DOMINIK HASEK: No, not at all. I expected it. It's not surprise for me at all. I think Jaromir, he had a great season. He had an exciting season. I remember he lost 5-4 in Pittsburgh. He scored one goal, assist on other four goals. No, it's not surprise. I'm not disappointed at all. You know what, I was thinking I will give up the Vezina Trophy to have a chance to play again next season.

DOMINIK HASEK: It's a big accomplishment for me. What can I say? You know, I don't think there is a goalie who won five times. I'm not really sure. It's something I never dream about. You know, what never before the season I think about, "Will I win some trophy? I won't win or win some trophy?" I think the hockey is only the game, you know. My goal is to play well and win the game. That's all I think about. That's maybe why on the end of the season I win again this trophy because I don't think too much about other things, you know, I just want to play, play well and win the game. I think this game is so simple.

DOMINIK HASEK: No, I don't want to be politician. I want to play hockey.

But it was something really what bothered me. I felt like -- actually, I talk to my agent today. I didn't prepare any speech, but I want to say something. We talk about three, four minutes. He said, "Dominik, it's not a good time to say that." I said, "No, I feel like I have to say it." So he helped me to make a speech. It's my decision. Even like twice he said, "Dominik, let's say something different." I said, "No, I want to say that."

DOMINIK HASEK: I still remember I face him first time in 1984 in Canada Cup. What can I say? If I say something, it's not enough. I face him many, many times. He score many goals against me. He had so many assists. But I will never forget a game he play in 1987. He was the captain of the team. Mario Lemieux played the right wing. We were up 2-1 in the half, maybe like after 35 minutes. It was in Montreal. It was semifinal game. Wayne Gretzky made two passes right on Mario Lemieux sticks and Mario just put the stick and hit the puck and score the goal. This was something I will never forget it. What can I say? He was the great. He was the best.

DOMINIK HASEK: I think first of all, Jaromir had even better season than he had one year ago. Also I miss like about one month because of the injury. It was tough season for me, you know. I came back after injury, but I never had so much fun because I couldn't practice hard. I don't feel I was the same goalie. But fortunately my teammates played great. That's why we made it to the Stanley Cup final. But like the second half of the season, it wasn't really fun for me because I couldn't practice hard. I couldn't do what I am used to do. So it was the reason why I couldn't win the Hart Trophy again. Like I said, Jaromir had a great season. He really deserved it.

DOMINIK HASEK: Let me think. You know, I don't think about these things so much. Like I say, I just want to play and win the game. Probably I have some talent. I like to compete. I like to win. I have great support in my family. It's very important. I don't know. I don't have answer for these questions. I just like to play and win the game. It's very simple.

DOMINIK HASEK: I know I'll be back next season. Like I said, you know, I would give up -- even I really appreciate it, I would give up the Vezina Trophy for chance to play the game (inaudible). It's my biggest goal for the next season. I just hope, you know, we be same team, hungry team like we were this year, healthy team. I believe we can compete for the Stanley Cup again.

DOMINIK HASEK: No. Like I say, now I am glad the long season is over and I just want to enjoy my summer.

DOMINIK HASEK: Physically, I feel good and I'm glad there is summer. I can heal my injury. Like I said, it wasn't fun for me last couple months. I hope the summer helps me to heal and I'll be back in good shape.