Editor’s note: Avalanche reporter Adrian Dater and photographer John Leyba help readers get to know one of the team’s players on a deeper level every other Sunday. Leyba’s photographs complement a conversation with Dater about life, work and play.
Nobody knew how to pronounce Peter Budaj’s last name a couple years ago in Denver. Now, most everybody knows it’s “Boo-Die.” The Avalanche second-year goaltender continues to slowly, but surely, make a good name for himself in the NHL. Off the ice, the Slovakian tries to live a life full of serenity, spirituality – and fun. You never know, you might see Budaj driving to church – in his high-powered, custom-made sports car.
Dater: You waited months for a custom-made Audi RS4, only to see it badly damaged the first day you took delivery when an elderly lady hit you. How’s the replacement coming?
Budaj: My car is running absolutely great. I love it. I got the new one, finally.
Dater: All is forgiven toward the old lady?
Budaj: Yeah, that stuff is going to happen sometimes. There’s a couple of practical jokes about that since then, by the team. But it’s all good. I have my car right now.
Dater: Like many Europeans, you like fast cars.
Budaj: We do like fast cars, yes.
Dater: What was your first car?
Budaj: It was a Chevy Trailblazer. It was very nice. I had it in Hershey (Pa.). It was cool.
Dater: How are American drivers different from Slovaks?
Budaj: Our roads are not as great as yours. You have all these big highways, with lots of space. Our roads are much tighter. You’ve really got to pay attention to what’s happening. I don’t want to say anything bad about American drivers, but there’s many times on the highway, you can see people turning without a signal. They don’t even look back.
Dater: That’s the American way. It’s all about me.
Budaj: Yeah, but it’s a little scary. Somebody can end up in an accident.
Dater: If we were to go back in time, and you are 7 years old, what are you doing on a typical day?
Budaj: I’d be in school, probably doing hockey. I started playing when I was 5. I always loved hockey, and, thank God, I was able to come here and live my dreams.
Dater: Who was your best friend growing up?
Budaj: My brother, Jozef. He’s my best friend by far. He’s three years older. He knows everything about me. We have a great relationship. I’m grateful for that. I think it’s very important.
Dater: What does he do?
Budaj: He plays hockey back home, in a league. He’s a forward. He played soccer when he was young, but started playing hockey when he was 15. When we play together in the summer time, he’s still unbelievable as a player.
Dater: What was your toughest time growing up?
Budaj: Probably when I left home at 16 and left for Canada to play junior. I was young and really excited, but it was very tough at times. I lived with another family. I don’t remember being all that homesick, because I talked to my parents, but it was just hard at times, trying to play well and get (established) as a player.
Dater: I’ve heard from quite a few young female Avalanche fans, inquiring about your bachelor status. What’s the scoop?
Budaj: I have a girlfriend from Denver. We just passed the three-month mark. She finished school last June. She’s awesome.
Dater: Do you want to be a parent some day?
Budaj: Oh sure, at some time I would love to have children. But I’ve always thought that you always have time for it. When I look at myself right now, and how I was four years ago, I’ve changed a lot. I’m becoming more of an adult. I don’t know if I’m any smarter, though.
Dater: What’s in your refrigerator right now?
Budaj: Nothing. Well, maybe some water, maybe a little ham and cheese. Maybe I could make a sandwich or something, but that’s about it. I’m really bad about shopping.
Dater: You eat out a lot then.
Budaj: Yeah, I do. I really like Maggiano’s a lot, Macaroni Grill. I like Italian food a lot. I like Asian Kitchen, too, and Panera Bread. I’m a big bread person. I can eat bread for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Dater: What’s in your CD player in your car right now?
Budaj: I listen to everything. I like hip-hop, some alternative, some rock.
Dater: What’s the last movie you saw?
Budaj: I saw “300” the other day. Very good. It was pretty violent, but it’s about courage and I liked it. I’m a big movie guy. I’d say “Braveheart” is my favorite movie of all time. That, and “The Shawshank Redemption.”
Dater: You, and every other hockey player I’ve ever interviewed.
Adrian Dater can be reached at 303-954-1360 or adater@denverpost.com.
