On the Beat with John Wroblewski of the Rochester Americans-04/04/2015

I have written many times about following the career of my namesake, aka Coach John Wroblewski.  Last weekend, I reconnected with Coach Wro in Rockford, IL.
Unfortunately for Coach Wro, the IceHogs beat his Rochester Americans 7-2.  Coach Wro is in his second year as an Assistant Coach for the Americans.  The Americans are having a tough season, as are their parent club, the Buffalo Sabres.
I asked Coach Wro about keeping the team up under these circumstances.  I also asked him about his favorite player and his career highlight.  As always, I appreciate Coach Wro's time and consideration in meeting with us.  I also appreciate the IceHogs organization for facilitating the meeting.
I recapped the Wroblewski-Wroblewski connection for an article on Tru School Sports.  That article can be found at Writer John Wroblewski Meets Coach John Wroblewski.

On the Beat with Coach John Wroblewski of the Rochester Americans

It is not often that a reporter interviews  anyone with the same name.  I had the pleasure of interviewing my namesake John Wroblewski a couple years ago when he was coaching for the Gwinnett Gladiators.  When I saw that Coach Wro was now an assistant coach with teh Rochester Americans, I immediately checked the IceHogs schedule to plan another interview.

I contacted Coach Wro and agreed to meet me after the game.  It was good seeing him again.  It is also good to see him moving up the ranks.  We talked about the game, his coaching responsibilities and his future.

At 32, Coach Wro is young and has a bright future.  I believe we will see him in the NHL before he turns 40.  I also asked him to give us his first NHL interview.  While that will probably be logistically impossible, I do hope to get an interview on his first NHL trip to Chicago.

Coach Wro is a very nice guy.  I have [previously written about him sending me an autographed Fresno Falcons jersey of his.  I was completely blown away by that kind act.  I was already a fan, but that sealed the deal completely.  I will be followingt his career all the way to the top.

I really appreciate Coach Wro for taking time to talk to me, especially after a tough loss.  Thanks to Mike Peck of the IceHogs and Rob Crean of the Admirals for facilitating this interview.

On the Beat with John Wroblewski

The historic first meeting between John Wroblewski (hockey player turned coach) and John Wroblewski (me) finally took place.  We recently met after John's Gwinnett Gladiators beat the Chicago Express in an exciting ECHL hockey game.
One of John's friends saw my original post about him and notified him.  John emailed me, which started a bit of an email exchange between us.  Then to my surprise, John sent a signed jersey of his from the Fresno Falcons.  That was extremely nice, of him to do.  How cool was that?!
He also told me that since Chicago would be having a new team in the ECHL in 2012, he would be coming to Chicago and we could meet at a game.  I had a schedule conflict and missed the first game, but I was not going to miss the next one.
Matt and I went to the game and just missed meeting John before the game.  After the big win, John met us near the locker room and talked to us for several minutes.  It was great to finally meet the "other" John Wroblewski.
I would like to thank John for his time and willingness.  I know he had some family at the game, as well as friends.  He gave us some time and a great memory.  Hopefully, we will see him again at a game in the future (maybe even when he is coaching in the NHL!).
I would also like to thank Director of Media Relations Bob Mills and the entire Chicago Express organization for their hospitality and cooperation in facilitating this meeting.

John Wroblewski & John Wroblewski:Part 2

A few months ago, I wrote about another John Wroblewski.  This John Wroblewski played hockey at Notre Dame and then for the Fresno Falcons.  He has coached for team USA and is now the Assistant Coach of the Wheeling Nailers in the ECHL.  The Nailers finished the 2010-11 season with a record of 38-29.
A couple months after my post on John, he left a comment on it stating that one of his friends told him about my post and blog.  He also gave me his email address.
I was happy that he saw the piece and happier that he responded.  I emailed him and expressed my gratitude.  We exchanged a few emails and he asked for my address, saying he had something he thought I would like.
A couple weeks later, I received a box in the mail.  I was stunned at what was inside.  It was one of his Falcons jerseys and it was signed!  How cool and nice was this!?
Next season, the Chicago Express will join the ECHL and John Wroblewski and the Nailers will be coming to Chicago.  I hope to meet John then and thank him in person.

John Wroblewski & John Wroblewski

About 10 years ago, I heard of a hockey player at Notre Dame who had my name.  John Wroblewski had a solid career at Notre Dame and went on to play four seasons for the Fresno Falcons in the ECHL.
A few years ago, I discovered that he had a bobblehead.  I contacted the Fresno Falcons and was able to get one, despite the fact that the promotion was long over.  The Falcons staffer also got John to sign a Falcons puck.  This was very cool of them to do both for me.
John has gone on to coach for Team USA and is now an assistant coach with the Wheeling Nailers.
I just missed interviewing John when he was in the Chicago area with Team USA.  My goal now is to eventually interview him somewhere down the line.  My press credentials might not carry national weight, but I will use the George Costanza line..."I don't need an in.  I have the same name."