For Marián Studenič, Coachella Valley Firebirds left winger forward, the best part of playing hockey is skating onto the ice and getting to hear the Coachella Valley crowds cheer. Studenič says, “It’s very impressive how many people there are that come out to support us. It’s amazing being able to play in front of a full stadium, especially since there’s such a strong fan base here in the Coachella Valley.”
Originally from Slovakia, this 25-year oldexample of athletic excellence is currently signed to a one year agreement with the Firebirds, the local AHL (American Hockey League) team which also covers him as part of the Seattle Kraken through what’s called a “two-way contract.” The Kraken compete in the National Hockey League as a member of the Pacific Division in the Western Conference.
Studenič started skating at three years old. He says, “Kids who start at nine or 10 years old can still end up playing hockey, but it’s always better to get out onto the ice as soon as possible.” His early experience combined with his discipline have resulted in him becoming an elite athlete and exceptional skater, known for his strength, speed, and agility. One of his favorite parts of the game is deftly maneuvering himself around the outside of the rink and sliding right past other players.
He played as a youth with his hometown team, HK 36 Skalica. He made his professional debut with the club during the 2014–15 season in the Slovak Extraliga. After two seasons in the Slovak League, Studenič moved to North America to develop his game at the major junior level. He was selected 11thoverall in the 2016 Import Draft by the Hamilton Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Studenič was selected in the fifth-round, 143rdoverall, by the New Jersey Devils in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, and on April 2, 2018, Studenič signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils. After attending the Devils training camp, Studenič was assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Binghamton Devils, for the 2018–19 season. Studenič made his AHL debut on October 7, 2018 against the Toronto Marlies where he also scored his first AHL goal.
On August 13, 2020, Studenič was assigned by the Devils to HC Slovan Bratislava of the Slovak Extraliga on loan until the commencement of the delayed 2020–21 North American season. He scored his first NHL goal against the New York Rangers on 18 April 2021.
In the following 2021–22 season, Studenič split the season between New Jersey and the new AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, registering just one goal through 17 games with the Devils. On January24, 2022, Studenič's tenure with the Devils ended as he was claimed off waivers by the Dallas Stars. On July 1, 2023, having left the Stars as a free agent after not receiving a qualifying offer, Studenič was signed to a one-year, two-way contract with the Seattle Kraken for the 2023–24 season.
Studenič remains philosophical about a lifestyle that involves moving and feeling unsettled at times. He acknowledges that players are never sure how long they will be in one place. Instead of focusing on the transience, however, he chooses to look at the experience as an adventure – something that he finds “exciting.”
A normal day starts out around 8 a.m., with practice taking place for an hour or two on the ice at Acrisure Arena followed by a regimen of working out in the gym for a few hours.
Studenič says, “It’s fun being on the road, especially depending on the city. I’ve gotten used to living out of two luggages [suitcases]. I never mind the travel, but I like being home most of all. It’s always best to sleep in my own bed.”
When he’s not traveling to away games, Studenič works on his golf. He’s new to it, so he’s been putting in some time on the driving range. He also had a chance to spectate at the BNP Paribas tennis tournament that recently concluded in Indian Wells, which reminded him of playing tennis with his younger brother back home in Slovakia.
In between seasons, he treasures time with family in his native country. He points out that during active season, his body takes a beating, so the chance to rest and relax for three or four months is always welcome. He spends quality time with his mother, father and brother as well as friends he grew up with while preparing mentally and physically for another upcoming – and demanding - hockey schedule.
He says, “My parents pushed me my whole life to succeed. They’re proud of me.”
His parents visited him at the holidays, and they share his love of the Coachella Valley. When asked if they would ever move to the United States to join him, he replies, “No, they’ll stay put. After all, home is home.”
As for the potential downside of the sport – the injuries – Studenič stays positive. “I recently lost six teeth, so they don’t look so great right now. But I’m getting them fixed. The worst part was that I couldn’t eat solid food for two weeks, but my mom helped me by mixing chicken and potatoes into a soup. It was delicious.”
He continues, “It could be a lot worse. It’s always best to have injuries to the teeth instead of, say, a broken arm or hand or a torn ACL. With those, you’re out for a long time, but with busted teeth, it’s just for part of the day.”
Studenič isn’t sure where he’ll be a year from now, saying, “One year goes by really quickly. And the goal for most of us is to play with the NHL.” Ideally, he’d like to remain in the desert and see the Firebirds elevate to NHL level, which would be the best of both worlds for him.
He says, “I’m not sure what the future will bring…I kind of have to just roll with it and take it season by season. For now, though, playing hockey makes me happy.”
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