From the deep-voiced European accent to his muscular 6-foot-5, 247-pound build, Libor Ustrnul’s perception as pro hockey’s Arnold Schwarzenegger is inevitable.

“I was born near Austria, and I still have a thick accent even after being here for 15 years,” said Ustrnul, a native of the Czech Republic.

A series of tattoos on his shoulders and arms depicting skin torn away to reveal gears, pistons and connecting rods underneath does little to quell the man-machine persona.

“I don’t consider myself the Terminator, it’s just something I enjoy,” he said. “People say some things, but I don’t mind.”

His size and build make him a natural enforcer, most likely to drop the gloves when push comes to punch on the ice.

“I’m a defenseman, so I need to step up for my teammates. That’s how I look at it. I’m not going into a game to look for a fight,” he said. “I go into the game to win the game. If it is necessary to fight to protect my teammates, then I will do it.”

Ustrnul has five years of American Hockey League experience, four with the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League. Most recently, he played three years in his native Czech Republic and in Finland.

He took the 2008-2009 season off to care for his family, preparing for the birth of a second child.

“I did the housework, cooking and taking care of my wife,” he said. “ I worked as a bouncer and personal trainer and just making money any way I could in Chicago.”

With the birth of his second daughter,

Ustrnul decided to resume his hockey career this season.

“I was trying to get a contract in Europe, but it was too late. They had already signed all their people and it was pretty tight,” he said.

He also attended camp with the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch, but couldn’t land a roster spot.

“I was doing great, but they had too many defensemen signed to NHL and the American Hockey League, so they didn’t have a spot for me,” he said.

Returning to Chicago, Ustrnul worked with his father-in-law as a heavy mover until he received a call from his agent.

“He said they were looking for a big defenseman in Rapid City,” he said. “I just packed up my stuff and drove here.”

Ustrnul skated with the Rush for several days before signing in time for a road game in Wichita on Nov. 11. Rapid City waived defenseman Jim Henkemeyer to make room on the 19-man roster.

Ustrnul worked hard to stay in shape during his year layoff, but he realizes he needs playing time to get back to peak condition.

“If you don’t play hockey even for a little bit, when you jump on the ice, you’re going to feel winded,” he said. “In a couple more days or a week, I’ll get back into my shape and be flying out there again.”

Rapid City, he said, reminds him of his birthplace, Sternberk, Czech Republic.

“I was born in a small village, up in the mountains. I like (Rapid City). It’s a small peaceful town. My family likes it already. They’re coming here and they’re excited,” he said.