Jaku

Moscow Toronto Calgary Helsinki

+10 Alyksander Hunter

Blog Entry number 1: Learning to live in a California city. What a whirlwind ride it's been over the last couple months. Moving from a small, mountain town of 5000 people to a beach side city with 1.4 million people. Even going from Kelowna to San Diego is a big change. I think Kelowna only has about 100,000 people. I think I'm finally just getting used to the pace of the city. It's hot here, not scorching hot, but I don't think it's been below 20 degrees during the day. The evenings are nice, there's a park not far from here - Balboa park is the name. It's huge, 1200 acres or something? Lot's of families visit it, every once in a while there's an event or a small outdoor concert that goes on there. It's a nice place to go on a day off. The team helped me find an apartment in an area called Hillcrest. It's a homey part of the city, lots of farmers markets on weekends, a great place to buy fresh fruits and veggies. I even bought a homemade colourful wristband from an older Spanish lady, she was kind. The practice rink and arena aren't too far from here, it's about a 15 minute car ride, depending on the traffic. I like to ride my bike every once in a while. It's a bit of a jaunt but it's a good way to get the legs warmed up before a game. The guys are unreal, what I mean by that is - they're all an amazing group of guys. I've been close to team-mates before, I've had lots of friends in the game before but since day one of being here I've never felt closer to any group. They weren't only kind to me, they were all very helpful getting set up. Helping me find local restaurants, grocery stores, car rentals, anything of that sort. It's been unbelievable. The first practice we had, the guys all got together after and wanted to get a drink. Me being 18, I can't drink in the states, so the guys all decided to go to a sports grill called Sandbars. Like all other sports grills there were TV's playing all sorts of sports. Lots of baseball and football. I know we hadn't even started into the season yet, but I don't think there was one mention of hockey. It was strange. Us Canadians are so hockey crazy, it was so odd not seeing anyone talk about hockey. I know when my friends and family read this they'll ask me why we're struggling. This hockey is so much more intense than I've ever been a part. This is pro hockey, the pace even at the minor level is fast, everyone is fast, everyone has great skills. They're all fighting for a chance, they're all looking for an opportunity to be noticed by a VHL scout. This is a chance to show off that skill they've been honing for their entire life. These guys are fighting for their lives, essentially. Give us time, we're learning. We'll get there. All-in-all California has been a fantastic experience. The travel isn't bad, you get used to the plane rides, after the first few roadies anyways. Thanks for giving this a read! I'm hoping to blog a little more in the near future. Cheers, Alyksander.

1. It's a process. We're all essentially new to this. I'm not going to pinpoint one spot, I personally need to be more consistent. 2. I'd like to go to Nova Scotia. I had some extended family there and they always say how nice it is. I'd like to grab a seafood meal on a beach. That'd be fantastic. 4. It's been amazing. It's hard to say one moment has stood out more than the others, but it's all beem very positive. 7. One thing? That's tough. Umm, I really like spicy foods? Or i like my steaks very rare? I prefer dark chocolate over regular. 10. I mean good for them. It's an impressive record. Do I think about it? No not really. They're a rival team, good or not I'm going to go out on the ice and play them hard like everyone else. 11. Milan Griffin. The guy's skill set is ridiculous. He'll be in the VHL soon.

F - Kaiden Michaels F - Jamieson Blake F - Carson Rieder F - Timothy Cash D - Marcus Erkisson D - Jeremiah Martin Jr D - Antonoli Oliveri D - Billy McCormick G - Himanshu Singh G - Johnny Jones G - Lane Planters

1. You know, we're always battling out there. We're not coming off the ice feeling bad for ourselves. We all know that this is a process, we're all invested into our systems and our team. The potential of this team is limitless, that's what excites me most. 2. I could be better. I know I can be. It's just finding a way to break out. Obviously I want to put up points every game. I know that's unrealistic but I'd like to be consistent. 4. I only expect us to leave it all on the ice. Go out and give it our all. 6. Absolutely, not many rookie d-men are playing 26+ minutes a night. 9. We may be in tough now, but there is nothing saying to me we can't make the playoffs. This is a group of really talented, driven players. We will get there. 10. That's tough. I always get a strange look when I say this. Before games I clear my mind, focus and I turn on "Gods going to cut you down" by Johnny Cash. Don't know why it gets me in the zone. It's like it sets a fire in my soul.

It's a process, Marlins! Keep your heads up boys, we'll get there.

Malmo 4-1

Helsinki Toronto Malmo Seattle

I love it!

This absolute stud muffin not only recruited me. He opened my eyes to a whole world of unbelievably exciting hockey action. I look forward to my tenure here. I anticipate it to be many many years. Confirmed.

San Diego Gazette Pg. 32 Sports. San Diego Marlins, a sit down with the GM's. By Jacob Leason As the season fast approaches, times and rosters have changed. It's a new season of life in San Diego. Time for some new heroes. We've had a chance to sit down and talk to the master-builder themselves, general manager Zach Gagnon and assistant general manager Mexican Cow. Jacob: Welcome gentlemen! How's it going today? MC: I'm going really great! Really excited for this upcoming season! ZG: Today is a great day, every day is, can't go into things with a negative mindset, that is where things get dangerous haha. Being positive is the way to go. Jacob: Great! I'm ecstatic to hear you're both doing so well. We cannot wait until puck drop. With the season fast approaching what are a few things that you're anticipating this season? MC: Well, I'm anticipating that my team will come out strong. I'm expecting everyone to work hard, battle for the puck and get in those dirty areas. ZG: Honestly, my anticipation and expectations are all over the place. There is always this "golden window" you want your team to be in but you just never know. I know I'm building from the ground up, but I am just hoping we can succeed enough to have fun! Jacob: That's fantastic, seems like a lot of exhausting work. I seemed like there was a lot of turnover on the roster this off season. What sort of positives are you hoping to take out of that? MC: Yes, the roster changed dramatically. With the change I hope we can all gel well, being new to the league and we can learn to teach each other. ZG: Yeah, we lost about 99% of our roster this year, whether to people leaving for the draft or leaving to go to their pro teams, we did lose just about everyone, but honestly that's kind of the fun of it. Now I have a whole new crop of players I've never coached before, eager and ready to get things going just like me, that's the positive I take from this job, is getting that kind of experience to be the first "stop" on players careers, and its exciting. Jacob: Love it. Is there anyone on the roster that stands out to you in particular? MC: One guy that really surprised me is Ryan Busser. This guy is a TPE machine. Always trying to get the most TPE he can. He's a great leader and loves to teach others. ZG: Honestly we've had a whole crew of guys come together and really show us their a-game, I've been impressed with pretty much everyone on the team without a doubt, just coming together, helping one another, being so chatty and active, that's all I ever want from my team, and I'm getting all of it. Jacob: Sounds like exciting times in San Diego! With all of these young men coming into the line-up, do you have any particular goals for this team? MC: My goal for the team is to go out there and play our best hockey. I'm not expecting to make the finals or anything. I just want the team working hard. ZG: Outside of having fun, I just want the guys to enjoy the season and achieve all of their individual goals. I know it may not be the most satisfying thing in the world as we're fairly behind some of the "superior" teams but we'll enjoy the season in other ways and grow together. Jacob: Has there been any changes to coaching staff? MC: No new changes, Zach is still my boss. ZG: No sir, I am the original general manager of the team and MexicanCow is the original AGM of the team, we've been here since last season when the team was introduced through expansion and I do not plan on going anywhere, anytime soon. Jacob: What sort of style of play are you hoping to see out on the ice? MC: I want this team to play with speed. We don't really need anyone like ACL TEAR who will just go out there and kill people. I don't think every team needs a guy like that. So, I want my guys to be sneaky and use their skills. ZG:We have a big mix of players, some who can score, pass, throw the body, play good defense and so on, I think it's going to be a lot of mixture, and I may have to switch up the lines here and there to find the perfect combo. Jacob: This sounds fantastic guys. Can we get a bold prediction for the season? MC: The perfect outcome would be everyone on the team becomes a TPE machine and we make the finals. Simple as that. ZG: I'd say as a bold prediction, we finish TOP FIVE. Jacob: That's all the time we have gentlemen. Thank you for your time, it's always a pleasure seeing you. All the Marlins fans certainly cannot wait to get the season underway. MC: Thanks so much for your time! It was a pleasure seeing you, hope we can get together soon. ZG: I just want to thank you for asking me these questions, it's been fun answering them and lets get this show on the road! So much optimism, hope and anticipation hanging on this team's shoulders. It is safe to say everyone is invested into this team and the success of it. We all know it's a process, but with how strongly motivated the staff and players are, this team won't let any other team take a night off. Don't count the Marlins out. Their new heroes have come to town.

Thank you for the kind and encouraging words! I'm so glad you enjoyed it, I spent quite a bit of time writing it

The story of Alyksander Hunter Childhood Born at the base of the Lizard mountain range of the glorious Rocky Mountains to Michael and Dianna Hunter. In his first picture with his dad his father sported a Fernie Ghostriders shirt. From his very first moments in life he was exposed to the game of hockey. His dad always laughed and joked - "Alyksander was born with skates on. From the time he was a baby and there was hockey on, he was watching. It never changed. Didn't matter who was playing, he wanted to watch and he did." Since he could walk he could skate. Alyksander strapped on a set of bob skates and stumbled his way around the rink. It wasn't long after he started skating that he had a stick in his hand, slapping at a puck. By the time he was three years old he was already a keeping up with four-five year old kids despite being shorter than most of them. Oldest of three boys, two years older than his first brother Jackson and four years older than his brother Zayne. The Hunters had their hands full with a flock of rambunctious children. Michael loved the challenge of three young boys, but he didn't have to look after them 24/7 like Dianna. Michael worked in a local mine about thirty minutes from Fernie, operating and maintaining machinery. His hours and weeks were long, like most things though - Michael took the bull by the horns and accepted the challenge. Dianna was a stay at home mom, someone had to look after the hyperactive Hunterlings. She however never seemed to waiver. Her own sets of challenges, she seemed to conquer tirelessly. Her efforts were never unnoticed. As Alysksander grew older he noticed how seemingly impossible his parents tasks and jobs were, but at the end of the day they always ended it with a smile on their face, always finishing their job with pride, always giving it their maximum effort. This rubbed off on Alyk in a big way. Whether it was his homework, his friendships, relationships or hockey, he took a sense of extreme pride in it and never took a day off of it. Like any other kid Alyksander loved being outdoors, whether it was skiing at the Fernie lodge, swimming in the lake, playing some ball down at the diamonds he loved it all. He however would try to find a way to make it about hockey. Sometimes to the point where his friends were annoyed. Alyksander was always trying to get someone to play some puck with him. Sometimes they'd become so annoyed they would all tell him it's fine if he went skating by himself, generally he would. Youth Hockey Alyksander was always very privileged, almost spoiled in the sense that he could play most of his youth hockey in Fernie. He made his name known at a very young age. Because of his skating he was able to accelerate himself past his opponents and score piles of goals. His coaches tried convincing him to play forward but that wasn't okay with him. His little brother Jackson was the forward and Alyksander was the defenseman he didn't want to be. Just after Alyksander's second year of Bantam hockey ended he found himself watching the WHL Bantam draft. His name had been thrown around a hit, he wasn't sure if there was any traction to the rumours. The first round went by and he didn't hear his name. But, midway into the second round the Kelowna Rockets took a chance on the young man. He found himself in Kelowna with his whole family only a week or so after he was drafted. The development camp was intense, lots of skating, lots of physical testing. Alyksander however loved the challenge and took it in stride. At the end of the week the Rockets development staff took Michael and Alyk off to the side to discuss where he would play this season. Alyk refused to go to any elite-15 leagues, however he was convinced to try out for major midget the season after. When Midget hockey rolled around Alyksander had to find something more competitive. His dad, Michael and him jumped in his truck and made the hour long drive to Cranbrook BC to try out for the Kootenay Ice in the BCMML. As he lined up in the seemingly endless line-up outside of the Ice's recreational complex on a cool crisp morning his jitters got to him a little. His dad reached over and brought him in closely, saying to him "This is fun, we're here to have fun, if we make it we make, if we don't, we'll just take our fun somewhere else." Forty-seven other young lads stood with nervous intensity all over the ice surface, split into groups and put through rigorous tests. Alyk emptied his mind and let his second nature take control. quik step here, sharp accurate pivots behind the net, three steps into his full speed and his edgework was perfect. The young men were sent home all eagerly awaiting the phone call. Alyksander couldn't get the day out of his head. "Did I skate hard enough? Were my passes good enough?" When he arrived home he grabbed his skates, his stick and his gloves. He smiled at his dad and did what Alyk does best, went skating. A week passed and Alyk got the phone call, he made the first cuts. He had to go back to another evaluation camp in mid-August. Going in with confidence, he killed his try-out. Blasting pucks past the goalies, physical on players and his skating was sublime. Once again he eagerly awaited the call for the next camp. The phone rang early on a Sunday morning, Dianna answered the phone with a warm "Hello, Hunter residence." Alyksander heard the phone ring, he sat on the stairs leading to the basement, hearing every second word or so. "Alyksander!" Yelled Dianna. "Please come here." With a shaky sigh he stood up and jogged up the little flight of stairs into the living area. His parents stood there, a little way into the dining area. Michael glanced at Alyk, Dianna never making eye contact. He felt his heart sink, he didn't make it. "No way…" he thought. Tears welling in his eyes, his dad walked over, grabbed his shoulder and said with a whisper, "You made it." Alyksander shoved his father away from him and exclaimed "I MADE SECOND CUT?" "No." Michael said with a chuckle "The coaches and evaluators liked you so much you made the team." Alyksander danced around the house for days, counting down the days until the season started. Doing his daily work outs and skates, like clockwork. While he had his ups and downs in his first season Alyskander had a stellar season. He placed second in all defenseman scoring with 32 points(9 goals, 23 assists) in 40 games. The night The air was heavy and crisp, it was July. Alyk had just finished his 3rd development camp with the Rockets and he felt amazing, the workouts were just as intense as ever, but he finally felt like he was progressing towards his goal of joining the Rockets this season. He was messing around at a local playground with a couple of his friends from school and his phone rang. It was his mom, she needed him to come home right away. Alyk asked for a ride home as fast as possible, he ran in through the front entrance and up the stairs. Dianna was sitting on the couch murmuring to someone on the other end. Confused at what was happening, Dianna quickly hung up the phone and said "it's your dad, he hasn't been feeling well since thursday and he collapsed at work tonight. He has no strength in his legs, he's losing feeling in his hands and his breathing is having issues. He's on his way to the Kelowna hospital right now." Shocked, flabbergasted, devastated, confused. Alyksander had no idea how to act. He had no idea how to feel. Dianna then mentioned to him "we're driving to Kelowna tomorrow, all of us." The trip felt like a lifetime, the roads seemed to twist on forever, none of them really knew what to expect when they got there. They arrived, the receptionist was stoik and emotionless. She pointed to the ICU sign, then began the longest walk Alyk has ever taken. They arrived to his room, machines beeping, lots of wires, Michael laying in the bed. The doctor came in a few moments later and began explaining what happened. "Michael contracted a virus that triggered an auto-immune system attack on his nervous system. It's known as Guillian-Barre syndrome. Due to the extensive damage to his nervous system he will be here in Kelowna for 10 to 12 months." This was the worst case scenario for the family. What are we going to do? The three boys and Dianns went for some lunch in the hospital lounge. Turkey sandwich and jello, i guess. Dianna sighed, glanced at the three young men. "I'll have to return to work now, I've been in contact with my old boss at the insurance brokers, next Monday I'll get back to the grind." The wheel got turning for Alyksander. He was going to make something happen, he wasn't just going to leave his dad in Kelowna by himself. He wasn't going to do this by himself. Alyksander through a few phone calls found a place to live with a family friend for a few months, He found a skating coach and he's arranged a workout schedule alongside his dad at the hospital gym. Up up and away. Alyksander received an invite to Rockets camp, his chance to finally prove his worth in the WHL. This year is different, this wasn't just for him this was for his dad, he didn't want to leave Kelowna, he wasn't going to leave Kelowna. Alyk went to camp with intense purpose, there was a fire in his soul and passion in his game not like before, this was different. He had never been more focused in his life. He was physical, his skating was superb, his passing was crisp and accurate, he also scored a pile of goals in scrimmages. He made final cuts, the coaches loved the game he brought to the table. Alyksander made arrangements so his father could attend all the home games, come to the dressing room and attend workouts to help recovery along. Alyksander went on to put up a very nice rookie season in the WHL. Scoring 12 goals and 28 assists. In June of the following year, Alyksander and Michael were able to move back to Fernie. Michael had recovered to 75 percent to full recovery. Alyksander promised to help his dad with workouts and recovery. Recently Alyksander received a contract offer playing for the San Diego Marlins, he accepted the offer, but he's not in it for the money. He's doing this for the love of the game. The family celebrated Alyksander's accomplishments and his steadfast love for the game by making the trip to San Diego with Alyk. Half of Alyksander's paycheck is going back home to his parents. In his own words "They gave me everything, they sacrificed their life for me, this is only a small gesture to repay part of that. I'll never be able to fully return to my parents what they gave me. Without my parents I wouldn't be where I am today."

Thank you! I'm excited to be here. This was a blast! I'm currently working on my player bio

2. Turn on my music and listen to some pump up tunes. 3. Tons of potential, packed full of ultra-skilled players who want to win. 5. Obviously I want to take a step in the right direction. I'm not going to put a number on it. I just want to play consistently and help the Marlins win hockey games. 6. Us. I have the utmost faith in this group. We're here to game and we will work our rear-ends off every night to prove we are to be taken seriously. 9. Seth Jones is a player that I'd like to model. He's the whole package, skates well, offensive dynamo, solid defensively. Can't ask for better. 10. Two-way game for sure. I like to move the puck and I'm always looking to find ways to score goals or create offensive chances.

Haha. Nice. Thank you! I'll keep that in mind.

Thank you! I'm really excited for the chance. This seems like a great place to be, lots of quality players.

Alyksander Hunter Age: 18 Height: 6'2 Weight: 205 lbs Handedness: Right Position: Defense Birthplace: Fernie, BC Team: San Diego Marlins Born at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Alyksander's father would always laugh and joke that Alyk was born with skates on. Alyksander found his love for hockey at a young age he never wanted to leave the ice, whether it was on the out-door rink or the practice facility. His love for the game only grew stronger as he grew older. Strengths. Skating: Alyksander is a phenomenal skater. His stride is fluid, his edge-work is prestine and his first three steps get him going top speed quickly. For a bigger guy it does surprise a person to see him skate with such ease. Effortless really. Offensive Awareness: Who doesn't love scoring goals or dishing out a beautiful assist? Alyk is no exception to that. Unafraid to engage the puck along the boards, pinch down to keep the play alive or simply drive to the net trying to create opportunities. It's something that Alyksander prides himself on. Alyk is always skating with his head up, reading plays and searching for his next pass. Don't give this young man space to shoot, he will find a way to get the puck at the net. Size/Phyiscality: Even though Alyksander is geared toward being a more offensive minded d-man, he has no problem crushing someone. Standing at 6'2, 205lbs, Alyksander uses his size to separate opponents from the puck and will always make an opposing player pay if he's caught staring st the puck. Keep your head up. Areas to improve. Discipline: Despite being a good skater and a sound defenseman, Alyksander finds himself often in trouble with restraining fouls or being overagressive against opponents. Strength: Even though Hunter is big and physical, he could stand to do some upper body work outs. It all plays into him taking bad penalties. He also unfortunately loses puck battles in front of the net often leading to preventable goals against his team. Postioning: Alyksander is always trying to get the puck moving towards the opponents net. While this isn't necessarily a bad trait, it often leads to unnecessary pinches and poor reads in his own end. He has to clean up these bad habits to become an effective defenseman at the next level. Alyksander Hunter isn't a player that should be overlooked. He's a mobile, two-way defenseman with great offensive upside. His drive and determination is one of his greatest assets, he will use that to push himself towards his goal of joining the VHL.

Hello. I'm Jaku, I am a hockey junkie and a Canucks die-hard. Shout out to @DollarAndADream for the intro to this wonderful game. Absolutely love CAP games so this is right up my alley of interests.

Wow! I'm overwhelmed with all of the positivity here. First of all thank you for all of the offers! All offers were carefully considered and After much deliberation, I accept San Diego's offer!

Player Information Username: Jaku Player Name: Alyksander Hunter Recruited From: Member (Canucks Discussion Community DollarAndADream) Age: 18 Position: D Height: 74 in. Weight: 205 lbs. Birthplace: Canada Player Page @VHLM GM