Kekzkrieg

Thank you, sorry about that. ?

Prague, Czech Republic - Selected as the fifth pick in S68's VHL Draft, Former Halifax Assistant Captain Luciano Valentino is beyond thrilled to be the the DC Dragons' first franchise Draft pick. "The idea of playing the VHL has always been a dream to me but to be selected so high and as the first franchise pick for the DC Dragons is mindblowing to me and it's an honor to have a new franchise to place it's trust in me," Valentino added. The young Italian defenseman is looking forward in his new beginning in the Capitol region and made efforts in booking travel plans and long term housing in the area to help begin his routine. Although Valentino feels like his VHLM has seasoned him well, he knows that there's still much work to be done. "I think the abundance of great minds to pick from the locker room to the management and ownership that will help better equip me with the tools needed to contribute. I look forward in playing with this great group of both veterans of the VHL and young guns like myself as well as the leaders in management in building a legacy of success," Valentino asserted. Seeing how the D.C. Dragons organization is fresh from the announcement, expansion draft and the offical VHL draft, the organization's roster has a lot to prove when competing against experienced organizations especially after the nailbiter playoff season last year.

1. The draft was last night, which is what brought most of you to the Dragons organization. Did you go earlier or later than you expected? If you weren't drafted, how did you make it here? It's an absolute honor to be selected as the franchises first Draft pick and 5th overall, I honestly was not expecting to be picked up so early given the recent articles about myself but I plan to help make this franchise a contender! 2. What team had the best draft? Not to sound biased, but I think we made out pretty well and managed to get a great, diverse group. I trust the management and the boys in the locker room in creating a culture of success. 3. Who will be the biggest steal of the draft? Honestly, I think Kaspars was a steal for us cause of his dominance in the VHLM. Can't wait to play with him on the ice. But I'd also have to say Ritchie, his work ethic speaks for him and he's a great guy for the locker room chemistry. 4. Who is your early prediction to go 1st overall at the S69 draft? My guess is Benny Graves. That guy has been hitting the rink hard and he looks like he;ll be a monster in the upcoming VHLM season. 5. Do you think the S69 draft is going to be better or worse overall than the S68 draft? I think it'll be very similar, hopefully better! There will most certainly be definite leaders in the draft but I always like to watch for the dark horses. 6. Who out of your fellow Dragons draftees do you think is most likely to be a future captain? Personally, I hope it's Mikko. As soon as I got drafted, he welcomed me with open arms. I hope to learn a lot from him and his veteran experience in the VHL.

Hello darkness, my old friend...

S68 Donation - Transaction ID: 7T080429GF4877329 Doubles Week Doubles Week -Claimed 5 Uncapped TPE -Claimed $1M Player Store Cash Claiming last Doubles Week!

Thanks my man!

Thank you and awesome take! ?

Thank you for the mention and great take! ?

Former Halifax Assistant Captain Luciano Valentino spends the final day before the VHL draft saying farewell to family and friends in Potenza, Italy before boarding his departing flight to attend the main event. "This is the kind of thing I would dream about as a kid growing up here, to have a chance playing with the pros," Valentino stated. "My time playing for the Halifax 21st is something that I will forever cherish for the rest of my career. All the guys in the organization, both on and off the ice, to the fan base there have treated me with the most respect and professionalism. I think Halifax will always have a special place in my heart," Valentino asserted. Since Halifax's second round elimination, Valentino left little time to wallow on what could have been a potential VHLM Finals run. Instead he continued to work on his game by still hitting the practice facility, working on his skating and running more drills to keep himself fresh, refined and better equipped for whatever franchise chooses him. "I honestly don't know where I'm slated or who really wants me," Valentino laughs. "But whatever organization ever gives me that opportunity, to place trust in my game, I plan to work hard to prove my worth and to show that I belong there."

Yahooooooo

Claiming 1 Doubles Week

1. What is your inspiration on playing hard in the league? It's an honor to getting in opportunity to play in the VHLM and I am looking forward to what the future holds in fighting for a top spot in the VHL Draft. 2. Have you found it hard to get a start in the league scoring wise? Scoring-wise, sure. It's a new system and my first VHLM team experience but I found myself more comfortable setting up scoring opportunities for my teammates instead. 3. Have you had any issues so far with your current team? My only real issue in my stint in Halifax was too short! We had a great roster of quality players along with one of the best management staff in the league. 5. Who is your favorite player in the league and what makes that player stand out the most for you? Jerry Garcia on Malmo cause he puts emphasis in the Defense in the word Defenseman and doing whatever it takes help his team using his body and supporting his mates. 6. Is there a specific player or players that you would love to play with? Honestly any other Halifax alum would be great in carrying solid chemistry, either that or Jerry Garcia so that I can learn a lot from him 8. What do you love training the most for your on ice experience? My bread and butter and golden desire is to skate backwards as well as I can skate forwards giving me game-changing positioning and to completely shut down my opponents.

Claiming 5 Uncapped now that season is over ?

My fault, thanks for the clarification ?

Claiming 5 Uncapped TPE

S68 Donation - Transaction ID: 7T080429GF4877329 Doubles Week Doubles Week 5 Uncapped TPE $1M Player Store Cash

Helsinki Vancouver Vancouver 5-3 Vancouver Points: Beau Louth Goals: Rauno Palo Assists: Dan Wilinsky PIMs: Sidney Crosby Series winner: Shawn Glade

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Luciano Valentino Defenseman Assists: 48/10 = 4.8 Points: 61/7 = 8.71 TPE: 4.8 + 8.71 + 3 = 16.51 (17?)

1 The Rush and the 21st were seeded 4th and 5th. Did you expect us to dispose of the Rush in only 5 games? I always had faith on our squad and how we can turn things around on a dime to keep us in the competition. There's no telling what this team can do when we're all on the same page. 2 Any word for your Rush opponents, whose season just ended to your hands? Good series boys and best of luck on where your careers take you! 3 Who would you say was the star of the team in this 1st round? Nolan has been skating his ass off out there and doing a lot of the dirty work on both ends and keeping us on the scoreboard. Gunnarsson has also been incredibly clutch when he's in the zone, it inspires me to work harder and sacrifice my body more often to help shot block. 4 The semi-finals are now started, our new opponents are the Ottawa Lynx. Who's the player to watch on their squad? Amberback has been a monster out there with his assist numbers, block shots and hits. I think he's the main guy in need of a good shut down. 5 The other semi-finals has the Minnesota Storm currently leading 3-1 over the Philadelphia Reapers. Supposing we beat the Lynx and make it to the Founder's Cup Finals, which team would you rather face on the big stage: the Storm or the Reapers? It doesn't matter to me who it is. Again, I think we as a squad have the talent, skill and chemistry to take on either. 6 As we are about halfway through this whole thing, who on the team has the maddest, nastiest playoffs beard? When you're aging in a coffin for as long as Washington before picking up a hockey stick, there's really no match in who's beard is most dominant.

Good series Yukon! Best of luck in where ever your career takes you all. On the the next one, my fellow Boats!