Skudra slips into Vancouver

Originally published on EuroReport.com in 2001

By Lucas Aykroyd

Contrary to the irresponsible reporting of some journalists, Arturs Irbe is not the only Latvian goalie in the National Hockey League. The Carolina Hurricanes star has company in Peter Skudra, a 28-year-old veteran entering his fifth NHL season. But since signing as a free agent with the Vancouver Canucks on 7 November, Skudra hasn’t had much of a chance to raise his profile, as incumbent Dan Cloutier is carrying the load in goal with his solid play. Skudra enjoyed his best NHL season in 1998-99 when he appeared in a career-high 37 games for Pittsburgh, posting a record of 15-11-5 with three shutouts and a 2.79 GAA. But the 6-1, 189-pound Riga native spent last season bouncing back and forth between Boston and Buffalo on waivers and only played 25 games, earning a more modest 3.33 GAA. Though athletic and dynamic, Skudra has been criticized in the past for surrendering bad goals at bad times. Lucas Aykroyd caught up with Skudra recently to discuss what the future may hold with his new organization, days before the netminder’s first start of 2001-02 against Pittsburgh on 21 November.

EuroReport: How nervous do you feel as you wait for your first start in a Canucks uniform?

Peter Skudra: It’s okay. I’ve been working. I do the things I have to do to stay ready. It’s a long season, especially with the Olympic break. There are lots of games back to back. It’s a heavy schedule, so I’m sure I’m going to get my chance.

EuroReport: What was your first thought when you heard the Canucks had acquired you?

Skudra: I was really excited. This is a great hockey club, a great organization. The guys work extremely hard. So I’m excited to be part of it.

EuroReport: Did you get a chance to speak with Herbert Vasiljevs as a fellow Latvian before you came here?

Skudra: Yeah, definitely! It’s nice to have a guy from my hometown here. There are not that many Latvian guys in the league.

EuroReport: How are you getting along with Dan Cloutier so far?

Skudra: Oh, great! Danny’s a great guy, on and off the ice. I know him from playing against him in the league for three or four years. I think we came in the league pretty much at the same time. We have a pretty good relationship.

EuroReport: Why do you think it’s been difficult for you to replicate the success you had with Pittsburgh that year?

Skudra: It’s been mostly the consistency. Through four years in the league, I had some great stretches and great games. But it’s been maybe a little tough for me to put together a full season. I worked very hard this summer on the little things and I definitely think it’s going to help me out this season.

EuroReport: Who are your goaltending heroes?

Skudra: I always watched Arturs Irbe play. He’s the main guy from our country, you know. When I turned junior, I watched him, and when I turned pro, I had the chance to play with him a little bit back home before he left for San Jose. We’ve also played together a couple of times on the national team.

EuroReport: What do you think of your chances of getting to back him up at the Olympics?

Skudra: Well, the chance is there, you know, but I’m not really worried about the Olympic Games right now. It’s not on my mind. If I have a chance to go, I will go. If not, no big deal. The big thing right now for me is the Vancouver Canucks.

EuroReport: I also wanted to ask you about your last name, “Skudra.” It’s a little bit different from some of the other Latvian names around the NHL, and some people have thought you might be Czech or Slovak. Is there a story there?

Skudra: No, not really. I’m surprised, you know. The first year I came in the league, everybody thought I was a Czech. But I have a hundred-percent Latvian name.

EuroReport: So there are some other Skudras back home, then?

Skudra: Yeah, definitely! Actually, it’s pretty popular. It’s a common Latvian name.

EuroReport: Finally, what is the main thing you need to do to keep an NHL job this year?

Skudra: I have to be solid. I have to put together 20 games, 30 games, whatever it’s going to be for me. I’m 28 years old, and my game has definitely gotten more mature. We have to make the playoffs as a team, and good teams always have two good goalies. So that’s what I’m looking to give this team.