This past week the goal of MAC Budapest was stay as close as possible to league leader DVTK in the standings. The team had to get past two tough teams on the road, Ferencváros and Diósgyőr. The second placed team played overtime games against both clubs as they had a come from behind win against Fradi and a loss to DVTK, one of the main reasons that they were able to pick up points was the two goals and two assists, including the winner against FTC by defenseman Drew Olson and because of this he is this week's Player of the Week.
Drew Olson comes from Minnesota and was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets when he was 18 years old, going in the 4th round 118th overall in 2008. He played a year of juniors before moving on to the University of Minnesota-Duluth. After his senior year of college he finished out the season with the Peoria Rivermen of the AHL, that offseason his playing rights were traded to the Tampa Bay Lighting. The following season he was in training camp with the Lighting where he was able to hit the ice with the likes of Martin St.Louis, Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman, he would spend the season in the AHL with Syracuse. Last season was his first in Europe which was with Lillehammer before signing with MAC this past offseason, he as 14 points in 20 games this season, Drew Olson took time out of his day to answer some questions.
What is the reason for your scoring outburst this past week?
I'm not really sure about the scoring outburst to be honest, maybe I'm getting lucky right now. I have been working before and after practice on my shot and after a couple weeks maybe it's starting to pay off.
What is your opinion about the MOL League?
I think it is a great league, I didn't know much about the league before I signed here but after playing 20 games it's a very hard and competitive league.
What was the reason or reasons that you decided to sign with MAC Budapest?
One of the of the reasons I wanted to sign here was to try something different. I played in Norway last year and wanted to move to a new country and see another part of the world. I had only heard great things about the MOL league and Budapest as a city. I also wanted to be in city where there was a lot of history and things to do with my family. I feel like on our down time, we could go see something new every day and still not see it all, the history is fascinating to me.
What was it like to be in an NHL training camp with the Lightning?
It was an amazing experience, I was very fortunate and lucky to be in that situation and it put a real perspective on how good those hockey players really are and how hard you have to work if you want to play at that level.
How do you like living in Budapest?
So far Budapest is amazing. It has wonderful sites and things to do. We haven't been bored one day or night since the day we have been here. And the people have been amazing, very friendly and helpful. We couldn't be in a better spot.