bagelbitesisbae

I’ll apply for Team Asia because my irl nationality is Chinese.

I'll apply!

1

Nathan has been playing a lot of games for the Halifax 21st so he hasn’t had a lot of time to communicate with his family. He decided to call his parents and ask if they’d come up to the Halifax 21st facility. They happily agreed to drive up since they live close to the facility. The next day, Nathan got ready to meet his parents. Nathan asked his parents if they’d like a little tour of the facility and et cetera. His parents said yes with an excited expression. Nathan showed them the rink they played on. Nathan came up with the idea of letting his parents meet GM, Shawn Glade. He didn’t know if Shawn Glade was available, but it was worth a try. Nathan guided his parents to his office. Nathan knocked on Shawn’s door with the hopes that he was there. Luckily, Shawn opened the door which signified that he was available. I pulled Shawn off to the side to ask if he would be able to introduce my parents. (He’s really nice) he obviously said sure and welcomed my parents into his office. We all talked together about my goals of one day playing in the VHL. After that long talk, my parents had to go home. We said our farewells and left each other.

Yeah, I didn't try too hard on it so it might've sounded childish. I have other pieces of writing you can check out.

Nathan walked into his first practice with his head held high. He was ecstatic to get drafted by the Halifax 21st! As you saw in his player biography, he decided to choose the VHLM over the NHL. MacKinnon decided to choose the VHLM over the NHL because he felt that he would get a lot more opportunities in the VHLM versus playing in the NHL. Before he started doing some ice hockey drills, he wanted to introduce himself more thoroughly to GM, Shawn Glade. He knew Shawn played on the team as well and was also the GM (which I thought was really cool). Nathan talked about how he wanted as much ice time as possible, but didn’t want to take time away from his fellow teammates. GM Glade talked about how Nathan shouldn’t have to worry about taking ice time from others. He wanted Nathan to know that the VHLM is for developing as a whole and that players who don’t get as much ice time will not be overlooked. GM Glade talked to me about how I was a potential candidate to play on the first line, but wanted me to develop on the 2nd line before he made any changes. Nathan is also competing against his fellow teammate for 1st line minutes, but he knows he has to earn it. Before he left to go onto the ice to practice, he told GM Shawn that he was grateful to play for a great organization. Nathan stepped onto the ice with hope that he’d impress GM Shawn and his fellow teammates. He didn’t want his teammates to be overlooked, but he wanted to be the main star. Nathan was very conflicted for a minute, but he knew the only way to play in the VHL was to be better than his teammates. Nathan showed off the work he put in over the Summer to make skating his best strength. You could tell he worked very hard basing off of his fancy edgework and power skating. He knew that he wanted to be well-rounded, but he only focused on his skating over the Summer so he hopes to boost his overall performance during the season. After practice was over, he talked with his fellow teammate Cole Mertz. Nathan talked about how he aspired to be a goaltender, but decided to take the more generic path of becoming a centerman. Mertz was talking about how he could show Nathan some goaltending skills if he wanted. Nathan obviously wanted to do try out some goaltending, but he didn’t have any equipment. Mertz was like, you can borrow my equipment! I was like, thank you so much! Mertz asked me when I would like to do it and I said maybe tomorrow if you’re available. He said yes with an enthusiastic expression. We finished up our conversation and said our farewells. Before I officially left practice, I needed to talk with Shawn. Shawn went back into his office so I went to his office. I knocked on his door and waited for him to open it up. He said with a welcoming smile, come in, Nate. I asked if I could maybe get first line minutes even though I had to earn it. He gave me an interesting smile and said, maybe, Nate. Don’t be greedy to the point where I ignore you. I expect you to earn whatever you get. It obviously wasn’t with a harsh tone, more of a positive tone to work harder. I walked out and thanked him for his time.

I: Early Life Nathan MacKinnon was born on September 1st, 1990, in Halifax Regional Municipality, Canada, the provincial capital of Nova Scotia. He has a sister named Sarah MacKinnon who he is very close with. His parents are Kathy MacKinnon and Graham MacKinnon. He and his family lived in a medium-sized cape cod style home. Nathan's parents were really hard on him and Sarah about becoming successful human beings. His dad, Graham, would focus on nagging Nathan the most because he saw athletic potential in him. His dad finally decided that Nathan should start preparing to join a youth hockey club. He didn't go on a youth hockey team right away because Nathan was inexperienced in all the aspects of hockey. His dad, Graham, put him in a 6 week skating lessons program at the local hockey rink. Nathan was really focused on improving his skating at every lesson he attended. His dad was a mechanic so he couldn't attend and watch his practices. His mom was a stay-at-home mom so she could occasionally go to his skating lessons and watch to see how he progresses. His mom and dad would talk one on one with him after each practice he attended. Nathan would tell them that he feels like he's about ready to try out for a youth hockey club. After the program ended, his parents found a youth hockey club that was hosting a tryout for his age group (8-9 year olds). So next Saturday, Nathan, his dad, and mom went to the tryout. Nathan went onto the ice and listened to the person who was running the tryout. The coach instructed the kids to do several drills to see which one gets a spot on the team. Nathan looked great at the tryout. After the tryout ended, the coach talked with each individual guardian. When the coach talked about Nathan to his parents, the coach said that Nathan will become a superstar one day and that he made the team. Nathan and his parents were all ecstatic about him getting a spot on the team. When him and his parents got home, Nathan immediately told his sister that he had made the team. His sister was significantly younger (5 years younger than him and Nathan was 8) so she didn't fully understand what he was talking about. The next day, Nathan went to his first practice with his new team who were the Halifax Golden Bears. He was anxious at first, but when he stepped onto the ice, his face brightened and you could tell that he was ready for any challenge he faced. After a few practices, he got significantly better and his first game was right around the corner. His team was playing against the Quebec Lightning Ducks who were a very good team. He talked to his dad, Graham, about how nervous he was. His dad told him that he'd do just fine and would be proud of whatever he did. The first period began, the score was 0 - 0 after the end of the 1st period. In the second period, and with no surprise, Nathan scored the 1st goal of the whole game. His dad and mom were ecstatic that he scored his first goal in his first game. He gave his teammates high fives when he went by the bench. His coach told him that he will be a star one day when he got back to the bench after his spectacular goal. The second period ended and it was 1 - 0 his team thanks to Nathan's goal. The third period began, and you probably already know what happened, Nathan scored two more goals to give himself a hat trick in his first game! Nathan's first game ended. He ran over to his parents and celebrated with them. His dad asked if he wanted to go to McDonald's to celebrate his hat trick. Nathan obviously said yes so they went to McDonald's to enjoy a fresh hamburger. His parents went on and on about how much potential he as an ice hockey player. The season went by quickly for Nathan. His point total was out of this world at 110 points (Assists 71, Goals 38) . II: School Life It wasn't all easy for Nathan to balance school and ice hockey. Nathan already had special perks that allowed him to play with people who were a bit older than him and that really stressed him out already. His parents were concerned that he'd fall behind academically so his parents got together to come up with a plan that would benefit Nathan. His parents were researching and researching different options, from homeschooling to boarding schools. His parents finally came up with a decision to send Nathan to Shattuck-St. Mary's because they had a good hockey program that had already sent players to the top NCAA Ice Hockey schools. Nathan was hesitant at first that this wasn't a good option, but Nathan did some research himself about the school. He saw that his favorite player, Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche attended that school. He turned his frown upside down, and became excited about the opportunity to play in such a great hockey program. When the school year came around for Nathan, he packed his bags and moved into his dormitory. He hugged his mom, dad, and sister and they said their farewells. Nathan had to go meet his school advisor to discuss coursework. He got to his advisor's office and Nathan started talking about his strengths and weaknesses. They finally came to an agreement and put Nathan in all honors classes to supplement his desire to learn. After he talked to his advisor, he went downstairs to meet his ice hockey coach to discuss what line he will be playing on and et cetera. His coach told him that he would be getting a chance to play on the second line with two talented wingers. Nathan was obviously excited to impress on the second line. The first practice came around and he was really impressing the coaching staff out on the ice. His coach came towards Nathan and told him that he might actually get to play on the first line. Nathan was ecstatic and grateful for the opportunity his coach gave him. The first game came around and MacK was easily the best player on his team. He scored 2 goals and an assist in his first game for SSM. The two years went by at Shattuck-St Mary's School and firstly, he was doing really well academically. Secondly, he was leading his team with 120 points. He graduated from SSM and got ready for the QMJHL entry draft. III: The QMJHL (Halifax Mooseheads) After his graduation ceremony, he ate dinner with his parents and told his parents his plan. Nathan really wanted to go to the QMJHL draft and get drafted. His parents were already so proud of him and happily agreed to let Nathan take over his hockey career and let him decide what he wants to do. The draft came right around the corner and Nathan was excited to see where he would get drafted. He walked into the building where the draft was held and took a seat with his parents and sister. They were all anxiously waiting for the draft to begin. The announcer came out and announced that the Halifax Mooseheads were on the clock. Nathan was projected to go first overall in the QMJHL draft. A minute went past and the Halifax Mooseheads management team walked up onto the stage to announce their pick. Their exact words were, "we are proud to select Nathan MacKinnon from the Shattuck-St Mary's ice hockey club." Nathan hugged his parents and sister and walked up onto the stage. Nathan briefly said hello to the management team and took a picture with them. After taking pictures, he went to go sit down to talk with the press about him being the 1st overall pick. Nathan talked to the press about how excited he was to be apart of such a great organization and that he can't wait to begin the season with them. After the whole entire draft, he went home with his parents with an enthusiastic expression that he was ready to get started with the Mooseheads. His entire family was very proud of him and were excited to see him progress even more. The first Halifax Mooseheads practice came right around the corner and Nathan was ready to put on a show. He and the coach of the Mooseheads talked about how he would play on the first line. The first game came around and Nathan was just beyond excited. He stepped onto the ice and made his parents and sister proud. Nathan scored two goals for his team in his first game because he was so talented. The two seasons in the QMJHL went by and he had compiled a point total of an impressive 220 points. He didn't win any individual awards while he was in the QMJHL, but he did win the Memorial Cup with his team which was a huge accomplishment for him. IV: Choosing the VHLM Over the NHL Nathan MacKinnon had a tough choice of either choosing to play in the VHLM or the NHL. He was in his room and started researching which would be better for him, personally. He was thinking to himself, the VHLM is compiled of just very talented players versus the NHL which has a mix of both. Nathan ran out of his room to go talk to his parents about his options. He told them about how the VHLM isn't as widely known as the NHL, but has seriously talented players in all aspects of the game. His dad, Graham, was hesitant at first about the VHLM, but he wanted Nathan to make the choice himself. Nathan was very enthusiastic about the VHLM so he decided to go into the VHLM draft with his head held high. He, his parents, and sister sat at their computers waiting for the draft to start. The VHLM draft was different, obviously. Instead of going to an auditorium, you watched teams pick up players through an online program. Nathan knew that there were similarily talented players like him so he knew he wouldn't be drafted first. He and his parents kept waiting, hoping that he'd be drafted into the VHLM because Nathan decided to decline an NHL draft invite. It finally came to the time when he'd be drafted. He got drafted by the Halifax 21st which was highly ironic because he played all of his amateur hockey in Halifax, his hometown. Nathan and his whole family were very happy for him and wished him the best. Nathan is now very excited to get started with the Halifax 21st!

Hey, guys! We are in the top of the VHLM standings which is very exciting! I think if we keep up this pace, we can be one of the best teams in our league. I'm really proud of our GM for compiling so such a hardworking team. I've gotten 3 assist already, but I want to become more of an elite scorer like I was back in my amateur hockey days. I'll keep working hard on making sure my scoring goes up. I know my potential and I think I can be a better player for my team. Everybody is looking on us to be a bad team, but I really think we are one of the better teams. Our starting goalie is playing really well for us and I hope that he keeps up the pace because I'm really proud of him. This is going to be a really exciting season!

1. How do you feel about playing for new expansion franchise in year 1? I'm really excited because I get to blow other people's expectations away. 2. What's your long term goal on the VHL forums? My goal long-term is to become one of the best players in the VHL. 3. What kind of player build are you going for? I'm going for an elite scorer. 4. What's one thing you really like about the VHLM that the VHL doesn't offer? VHLM gives me a place to develop. 5. Were you happy with where you went in the draft? Yeah, I don't think where I was drafted depicts who I am as a player. 6. What in your eyes is the best part about being on an expansion team? The best part is that you get to show the veteran teams that you can be at their level. 7. Being on the new expansion team, do you feel at all that all eyes are on you guys to perform? Yes, I feel like all eyes are on us to perform to the best of our ability. 8. What team other than Halifax do you think has a good shot at being contenders? I think Yukon will be a cup contender. 9. What do you think about the name "21st's"? I think it's just a fun name! 10. What would you say is your goal this season in the VHLM? My goal is to be a top scorer for my team.

Nathan MacKinnon (25) Centerman || Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada) 72 in (182 cm) || 195 lbs (88 kg) Right-Handed || Sniper Offenseman (NOTE: MacKinnon got special rights to play amateur hockey later than a lot of other players) Overview MacKinnon is one of the more unknown players that have come out of the draft. He played his whole amateur career playing with the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. MacKinnon has shown his offensive ability with the Halifax Mooseheads by scoring 20 goals his rookie reason. He isn't a pure sniper, but he can make dirty goals look way too easy. MacKinnon still needs to work on his defenseive awareness and skating. In a few years, Nathan should be one of the top scorers in the Victory Hockey League Career Highlights -Scored 20 goals in his first season with the Halifax Mooseheads -Had the least amount of PIM in the whole QMJHL. -In his last year with the Halifax Mooseheads, he scored a franchise high, 110 points. -Got high praise from coach, Eric Veilleux in his final season with the Halifax Mooseheads Stats Halifax Bears 15-16 II Assists: 25 II Goals: 30 II PIM: 12 II +/- 25 Halifax Mooseheads 16-17 II Assists: 30 II Goals: 20 II PIM: 20 II +/- 30 Halifax Mooseheads 17-18 II Assists 70 II Goals: 40 II PIM: 10 II +/- 35 Pros -MacKinnon's offensive ability is very good and WILL get better over a long period of time. -MacKinnon's shot is better than a lot of other players' shots. -Mackinnon's endurance and strength is what REALLY sets him apart from other players in his age group. -He provides a positive radiance throughout the locker room. Cons -MacKinnon's skating still needs to be worked on, but it is getting better. -MacKinnon's defensive awareness isn't too great even though he had really good +/-'s throughout his amateur career. -MacKinnon gets way too sweaty and pisses off his teammates because of it. -He's pretty ugly on the outside (but really goregeous on the inside ;). Post-Draft Expectations Nathan MacKinnon doesn't have too big of expectations since he wasn't drafted that high. He shouldn't put up huge numbers his first year in the VHL, but his points total should progressively get higher each season. There were a lot of better players in his draft class, but he wants to prove that he is a high quality center. He hopes to make a good impression every single season!

Myself, Nathan MacKinnon, won a contest to see my favorite team, the Colorado Avalanche. I was in my room and an advertisement popped up about a contest that you could enter into and win a chance to go see the Colorado Avalanche. The contest was about writing about your experiences playing in the amateur leagues. I obviously had to enter into the contest. I wrote about my experiences about playing on the Halifax Mooseheads in the QMJHL. I got an email back from them, and they said I had won a contest. Plane tickets to Colorado weren't provided so I had to ask my parents if they would pay for my plane ride. They happily agreed and I flew to Denver. I got to my hotel room and went to bed. The next day, I drove over to Pepsi Center. I was very anxious about meeting the players. I walked in and showed the front desk person that I had won the contest. She told me to follow her to where the players were. I walked into a room and right there, Mikko Rantanen was standing right there. Rantanen was really tall! He introduced himself like I didn't know who he was, lol! I told him I was a huge fan of him and asked him if he would sign the jersey I brought. Rantanen gladly said that he'd sign the jersey I brought. I was very excited if you didn't already know. The person who escorted me to Rantanen said that Nathan MacKinnon was waiting for me in another room. I walked with the front desk person and they took me to Nathan MacKinnon. I was really anxious about meeting Nathan MacKinnon because we both have the same name and we played on the same amateur team. When we finally made it to the room, I sat down on a bench next to MacKinnon and we chatted about his experiences playing in the NHL. We talked for a while and then I finally asked him for a signature. He gave me his signature and then I told him that Rantanen signed it as well. MacKinnon said that he and Mikko were very good friends and did a lot of stuff together. The lady then escorted me out of the room and said that our final destination was to meet the head coach, Jared Bednar. I was really excited to meet Jared because he was recently a nominee for the Jack Adams award. The Jack Adams award signifies that you were one of the best coaches in the NHL. I walked into the room and sat down next to Bednar. I told him where I had played and that my name was Nathan MacKinnon. He was like, oh, our star play is named Nathan MacKinnon. I got kind of embarrassed, but at the same time, I was just in awe. After we were done talking , I asked if he would sign my jersey. He didn’t just sign my jersey, but he gave me a personal message as well. After meeting 3 people, I went back to my room and flew back the next day. My experience was so much fun to be apart of!

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - Jack Hughes NHL Player Comparison - Patrick Kane Who is Jack Hughes? - Jack Hughes is an elite ice hockey center who was born in Orlando Florida. He currently plays for the U.S. Development Program in the USHL. Hughes is eligible for the 2019 NHL draft. What type of player is Jack Hughes? - Playmaking Sniper (He can make incredible plays and he can also snipe the puck as well.) Where will he get drafted? - 1st overall in the 2019 NHL Draft Will he make the NHL in his first year? - Jack Hughes is expected to make the NHL right out of the draft.

1) The league is really cool! I'm excited to be apart of it. 2) No, I do not see any areas that need improvement. 3) No, I have not read it yet, but I'll definitely check it out. 4) My goal in the VHLM is to impress everybody. 5) I think Halifax will win the Cup. 6a) I don't think there is any particular player I'm looking forward to playing with. 6b) I think it's a great atmosphere and I'm really excited to be apart of it.

The 2018 NHL draft has recently passed. A lot of teams got great players like the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, and the New York Islanders just to name a few. The 2018 NHL draft was a great draft, but the 2019 NHL draft is supposed to be having next-generation talents. Your first question is probably, "who are some future NHL players we should be looking at that will most likely be attending the 2019 NHL draft?" I've got the answer to that question! 1. Kaapo Kakko - Kakko is an elite Finnish RW currently playing for Liiga which is the top professional ice hockey league in Finland. He has really good skating and can step around his opponents with ease. One of the notable qualities of Kakko is his ability to crash the net and make a good play. I project Kakko will go 1st or 2nd overall. 2. Jack Hughes - The hype for Jack Hughes has just begun. Jack Hughes is a center and currently plays for USNDTP. Hughes is more of a passer than a sniper, but he does everything well. He can make a flashy play without jeopardizing the puck. Hughes is also a gritty player who will stay on the puck if he loses it to his opponent. If Hughes sees opportunity to make a smart play, he will make that play. I project Hughes will most likely go 1st overall. I don't see Hughes dropping below 2nd overall. 3. Kirby Dach - Dach is a big, elite playmaker. He makes jaw dropping plays that not a lot of guys can do. You shouldn't see him scoring a bunch of goals, but you should see him making smart plays for his teammates to feed off of. One of the more notables players he has gotten compared to is Ryan Getzlaf. I see Dach going in the top 5, if not 3rd overall. This draft is for sure going to be exciting to watch next year!

Player Information Username: bagelbitesisbae Player Name: Nathan MacKinnon Recruited By: Halifax Mooseheads Age: 22 Position: C Height: 72 in. Weight: 195 lbs. Birthplace: Halifax Regional Municipality, Canada Player Page