OBrian Young

Congrats @jfaly

See, I should have never asked, lol

I will throw my name in the hat as well. Whats the worst that can happen? Ok, maybe shouldnt ask that one...

okay, Super Cool to be selected for this! Lets go team Gustav!!

I would like to apply. I hope to uphold the standards expected of GMs in the league. Thanks for the opportunity. With that being said, I would also be very interested in an Asst GM spot if one is open. It would give me the chance to learn the ropes. But if you feel I am worthy, I will gladly be a GM and use the resources of the league to make sure I do things correctly.

The first time a team hits a losing streak, it is easy to look at a multitude of factors and randomly pick one to explain what has happened. If things turn around and the team starts winning again, no worries. It was just a glitch and the season goes on. But what about when things dont turn around? How do we deal with the reality of a losing streak continuing? How do we accept the reality no matter what is changed, we just never seen to find the winning mojo again? Hopefully we hold our heads up, grit our teeth and do our best to get through the season. In reality, there is a collective sigh of relief when the pain of the disastrous season is finally over and all of the teammates can put it behind them and move on to something else. But what about when it happens a second time? How do we feel when 2 teams in a row that you are a member of goes through the same cycle? It is human nature, we start to question ourselves. Am I some sort of a curse? Can I not have anything go my way? What did I do to bring this bad luck to my team? We start looking in the mirror, looking behind us, looking all around us....looking inside us. We desperately search for the answer, what do we have to do to start winning again? The reality is there is nothing we can do except working hard, staying positive and believing in ourselves, in our team, in our coaches. Nothing changes except our attitude. It is our responsibility to stay as positive as we can. The reality is...this isnt easy. But no matter what, I am proud of my team, my teammates and my coaches. And I believe, that we will one day shock everyone....and I wont feel like a bad luck charm anymore... Word Count: 320 Week Claimed: 28 May 2023

1) We're currently sitting in 2nd place out of 5 teams in the tournament (6-4-2). Where do you think we'll end up? Well who else should wear the crown, but the Royals of course! 2) Has your player been playing to their expectations? If no, what will you do this week to improve your player? Not really tbh. I am not doing my part to make sure we win games. I seem to not be able to score, or even get the assists that I expected to get. Hit the ice more! Practice makes perfect...or at least alot of sweat! 3) We have added a player on waiver claims, how does adding new players to the locker room affect the vibe? I think it is always a positive. They bring a new fire and passion to win. That is a win-win for us. 4) As we get closer to the end of the tournament, are you worried about the GMs and AGMs of the VHLM scouting your player? I have a different experience, I have been on Saskatoon this past season. It looks like my career is over in the VHLM, I feel it was not what I had hoped. The Wild just didnt have a good season. I havent heard from any GMs....or anyone at all...in the VHLE or VHL. It is going to be odd going into a league, into a draft, that I dont seem to be getting much interest from anyone. But I know I have to prove myself and I am ready to do the work to get better and support my teammates in any way I can. 5) What team would you most like to join/be drafted to in the VHLM? I have enjoyed my time in Saskatoon. But it appears it is time to move on 6) When you were younger, what was your dream job? Has that changed as you've gotten older? I am getting close to the end of my working career, I will retire in 6 years. But when I was a kid, I wanted to be a firefighter (did it for 9 years), be in the military (that is where I was a firefighter), be a police officer (did that for 5 years after I left the military) and be an astronaut (nope, never did that one). So all in all, 3 out of 4 aint bad I think!

The toughest part of being a 16 year old kid in a hockey league so far away from home is trying to stay true to who I am. I left Galway with big stars in my eyes. I wanted to spend my time in the VHLM and come home with a championship medal to show off around the whole country of Ireland. I felt like that all I had to do was get on the ice and the team would be that much better. But the reality was so much different. I was so excited to be selected with the 1st selection of the 3rd round of the VHLM draft. I packed my stuff and headed to Saskatoon. But when I got there I found a bunch of guys like me. Guys who were just starting in their careers and we all would face hours of hard work, trying to get just that much better, trying to make ourselves into the best players we could be. It wasnt for everyone though as some went home and we tried to fill the roster with new people who had found their ways to the league. The season in Saskatoon was not one to shout about. But we did the best we could and worked hard every week. But at the end, it was just all of us hoping the season would end soon so we could get to the off-season. I ended the season with 73 points, 34 goals and 39 assists. But that wasnt enough to get us over the line. I headed home, but was then invited to the Junior Showcase Tournament where I was the 16th selection, going to the Royals. I once again hit the ice, trying to get that little bit better. Long hours on the ice, longer hours watching the film of the guys on the other teams. The same cycle as before, but this time, maybe this time, we might just win something. After another long day and with everything hurting, I walked into the locker room to the announcement that I had been voted as the Royals Team Captain. At first, I thought it was all a joke. I was waiting for someone to jump out and say "Surprise! We got you!" But then the Head Coach walked in, extended his hand and congratulated me. It was true! My teammates had voted me their Captain. What does that mean? What am I supposed to do? Then it hit me, I just keep doing what I have been doing. My hard work, my positive attitude, my desire to give everything trying to get better, my hope that I can help my teammates gain that little edge so we can win games...that is all I have to do. My teammates honored me by voting me as their Captain. It is an honor that I dont take on lightly and I hope that I can do what they expect me to do and lead them to the championship. No matter what, we are going to have fun, because at the end of the day...isnt that what it is all about? Word Count: 523 Week Claimed: 28 May 2023

How to respond to being drafted? Not only once in the VHLM, but now in the Junior Showcase as well? The thrill of being in a draft, seeing your name called. So far, there has been nothing like it! I never expected to go in the 3rd Round of the VHLM Draft. But now there has been the Junior Showcase and I was selected 16th. I was not even expecting be drafted in this tournament! I was back home in Ireland, spending my days reading books, catching up with my friends, and , of course, hitting the ice every chance I got. I came home from spending the afternoon at the rink when Dad told me I had gotten a call. I was going to play for the Royals in the Junior Showcase, if I wanted to that is. That is one thing about Dad and Mom, they support me along this journey, but it has been my choices all along. So I packed my bags and caught a flight back to Toronto where I will travel on to join my teammates. I am so excited for this chance to once again try to help my teammates win a trophy! All of us gets asked about winning personal honors, I do not care one way or the other. I just want to be an asset to my team. So we have this tournament and then I will head home again, maybe. One of the other guys on the Royals stated that he was going to try to get some pick-up games going after the tournament to try to showcase our talents. I may hang around so I can hopefully help someone get a little better, maybe help them catch the eye of that scout that will open the doors for them. Then, the VHLE Draft, who knows what will happen then? That will be followed sometime for me anyway, in the future, by the VHL Draft. What a ride it has been! I cannot wait to see what comes next? Word Count: 340 words Week Claimed: Week of 21 May

Lets do this again! 1. It's Game 7 in the locker room - are you trying to pump people up, or keep everyone calm? We know what we have to do, we have done it numerous times, win a game. We need to remember this is just a game, like all of the others. I think I would be in the middle. I would stress how we need to treat it just like any other game, there is no need to add to the already maxed out stress. But I would also remind them there is a town, fan-base and tradition that we need to uphold. But we do that by playing our game and leave it all on the ice. 2. What's your favorite hockey gameday tradition? I think it is the clap, I think it is called "Skol". I first saw it with the Icelandic soccer (football) team during, I believe it was the European Championship, but that rhythmic, getting faster, the whole crowd with their hands above their heads as they show their support for their team 3. It's springtime, so what's your favorite flower/plant? Whatever does not aggravate my allergies! I love watching everything turn green, seeing the life being displayed as the plants spring into a sea of color. I am currently in West Virginia and to see all of the trees in bloom, the smell of freshly-cut grass...yea...I like it all. Now my turn.... 1. You are drafting a team, what is your strategy? All Fs first, maybe all D? Or do you start with the all-important goalie? (No, dont divulge your trade secrets) 2. What is the "filler" sport you watch as you wait for your favorites to start their seasons? 3. Best dessert?

The Off-Season Starts and Looking Back Begins The hardest thing about the end of the season is trying to figure out what comes next. I joined this league on the recommendation of people that I trusted. They told me it would be a great place for me to develop, and it has been. I was able to play in the Junior Showcase Tournament. That brought me to the attention of some of the VHLM General Managers. I was even interviewed by some of them about the draft that was upcoming. It all worked out. I was drafted with the 1st selection in the 3rd round by the Saskatoon Wild. It was interesting to become part of a team. We had a roller-coaster season. The season started tough with us winning some and losing some. But then we hit a 7 game winning streak. We thought this was it, things were going to start to get better, we were going to move up the standings, make the play-offs and carve the name of the Saskatoon Wild into the Championship Trophy. But then the wheels came off so fast that we were not even sure what hit us. We hit a 16 game losing streak. At one point, we had lost more games in a row then we had won up to that point. We could not figure out what had happened. It was tough to stay positive as the team just could not find a way to win, if anything, we were finding ever-increasing new ways to lose. The challenge of keeping the team together as we went through this tough stretch finally became too much. Three of our teammates announced they were leaving the team and heading back home, the league just was not for them. We were able to sign some waiver players, but the damage was done. We finished the season the way we had started, winning some and losing some. The mood in the locker room was muted, at best. So what was my season like? I was selected for the All-Star game, which was a great honor. Somehow, I ended up leading the team in goals with 34 and 39 assists. That gave me 73 points which was also good enough for second on the team. But to be honest, I would have given it all up if we had made the playoffs. Hockey, like most sports, is a team sport. So individual honors are nice, but team success is what it should all be about. Now, I am in the off-season. I have decided to go back to Ireland and see my family. I am continuing to train and try to improve at the home ice. Hopefully it will be enough for me to catch the eye of the General Managers of the VHLE and VHL General Managers. It looks like I am going to be in these drafts as well. If I am not good enough to be brought up to the VHLE this season then I will spend next season in the VHLM. I still do not understand how all of this works, but that is what the General Managers are for! Looking back over the season, it could have gone better. But we did the best we could and that is all anyone can really ask of us. Yes, there is the two up-coming drafts. But what happens in them, if I am good enough to be brough up to the VHLE, all of that is out of my hands. All I can do is continue to train and try to be the best teammate I can. Control what I can and accept the rest....good advice from my Mom that I try to use every day. Word count: 617 Week claimed: Week ending 21 May

What to Do When Your Team Doesn't Make the Playoffs Every one starts the season planning to make the playoffs. I mean, who wants a losing season? Especially if it is your first one. But not everyone can make the playoffs and that is the case with the Saskatoon Wild. They started the season with such high hopes, but a mid-season crash meant that the mountain to climb and make the play-offs was just too high to climb. The players in the Wild locker room are packing up their gear, wiping down their hockey pads and turning in their jerseys. They do not know for sure who will be back on the squad next season so they are not sure if this is a "good-bye" or just a "see-you-later". The toughest part of being a member of a team in the VHLM is the uncertainty of it all. There can be unexpected trades, players deciding the league is not for them and heading home, or they become too good and get promoted to the VHLE. All of these possibilities mean the team never really has a chance to form any tight bonds. The off-season for the Saskatoon Wild is here, much too early if you ask them. So now what? Some of the players are heading off to different tournaments. While others are heading home to see their families. There are even a couple who are staying in Saskatoon. The one thing they all have in common is the desire to get 1 more milli-second faster on the ice, being able to make that decision of where to pass, just that much quicker, or hitting the weight room to get just a little bit better. All of that hard work has one thing in common, the desire to get better at what they do on the ice. The only thing that is known, is that there are quite a few unknowns, but the hope is the off-season gives them what they all want...a good start to next season. Word Count: 328 Claimed Week Ending: 14 May

Lets do this again.... 1. If you could create a slang word that everyone uses daily, what would the word be and mean? Yuewayuelue "Why" The English language is full of words that have 1 letter that is meaningful and the others are useless, so yuewayuelue not? 2. How many chicken wings do you think you could physically eat in one sitting? Well, about 10 years ago, I would say 12..but since then I have had to have my abdomen and digestive system rebuilt...so maybe 3 or if they are small...4 3. What’s the number for 9-1–1? There is the part of my brain looking for the trick part of this question, but then...sometimes the obvious choice is the correct one...so I am going to say 9-1-1! 1. What is the hottest pepper you would eat? 2. Dream car? 3. Nightmare car? Ok, what car would you NOT want to own?

Getting to Know the Opposition (Mexico City, Mexico) How do you get to know the opposition? Sit down and talk to them. But the problem of seeing the other side as someone that is "different" is thrown into the wind once you get to know them as a person. Our first opportunity to speak to someone that fits that vein is a conversation with Cole, the GM of the Houston Bulls (aka as AJW). So with no further ado, here are the questions and his answers.... 1. How did you join your current team? Randy Bobandy joined the Seattle Bears after being drafted to the team 4th overall in the S87 VHL Entry Draft. My previous player AJ Williams played for Seattle from S83-S85, so it was nice to see Bana making trades in order to move up in the draft and take Bobandy. I plan to stay here my whole career and I love the loyalty that the Bears community has. Feels like a family of friends! 2. What do you think about the season so far? This season is going great so far. In the VHL my Bears are first in the NA conference with 87 points, only two points behind league leading Prague. Bobandy is doing alright in his sophmore season with 54 points in 63 games played so far. Then in the VHLM my Bulls are still finding their stride but have clinched a playoff spot and currently sit 6th in the standings. 3. Do you think the team record is a true reflection of how the team should be doing? I feel like we are better than 6th as we've faced the top 3 teams for a majority of our schedule. Once playoffs come I feel like we can make some noise. Just picked up three new forwards of recreates. They all earn TPE very well so they should be ready for playoffs. 4. How have you adjusted to being away from home and traveling so much for the VHLM games? It's a different experience being away from home for sure. It's fun to be around my teammates though, just miss the family. 5. If there is one thing about your player that you could change, what would it be and why? I wouldn't change a thing because he is still developing every week. Haven't hit his peak yet so still lots of upgrading to do. 6. What comes next at the end of the season? A lot of picks for the Houston Bulls to build this roster for a strong next two seasons. I am really excited as Houston hasn't had the best past records besides last season. It would also be nice to bring a cup to Houston, it's been about 20 seasons since our first. 7. Do you want to move to the next level as soon as possible, or do you want to slow down and enjoy the moment? Always shoot for the stars! why not try to be the best if you can? 8. In 20 years, when you look back on your career, what would you want to see to say it was a success? I want to see another Continental Cup to Seattle. Randy Bobandy's name needs to be on the same cup as my previous player, AJ Williams. Would be cool to win it both times in Seattle as well. 9. What is something that would shock the VHL world to find out about you? I'm a pretty good kicker in football. I'm not sure if that's a shock, but my main sport is for sure hockey and anyone who knows me will know that. So to be a kicker in football may come off as a surprise if you don't know me. What an interesting conversation! I wish Mexico and AJW the best of luck, just not when they are playing us! See you next time! Word Count: 645 Claimed Week Ending: 14 May 2023

Sitting Down with Teammates (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) The challenge of spending hours traveling from one end of the North American continent to the other is all of the time spent staring out windows. All of the players disappear into their own worlds and dissect the previous game, looking for where things went good and bad. Or looking ahead trying to prepare for what is going to come next. But on the long bus-ride from Halifax recently some of the players on the team shared some questions so they could get to know each other better. The questions covered a variety of topics and we are excited to share the answers we got. Our first respondent is American defender Ben Lass and here is his responses 1. How did you join your current team? Just scouted and drafted here. I didnt get scouted a ton as the vhlm is kinda I guess a crapshoot unless the person is an experienced user. 2. What do you think about the season so far? I think its improvement as far as last year. Sure I think the gm fumbled the 1st overall pick, but he did think the guy he picked could stay down. Oh well. Regardless Im happy as even though we have a good amount of losses. Just to be winning some at least is a blessing. 3. Do you think the team record is a true reflection of how the team should be doing? Not at all, cause Ive looked at other squads and compared them. I think its the the sheer luck of getting active users. I think if we would of have had our 1st overall pick we’d be so much better right now! 4. How have you adjusted to being away from home and traveling so much for the VHLM games? Well I knew coming into this teams were far and few were close for me. But i was ready to get my career started 5. If there is one thing about your player that you could change, what would it be and why? I wouldnt changed much, I just want my plus/minus to be so much better 6. What comes next at the end of the season? I would say still being in the M and hopefully being better as a team next year. 7. Do you want to move to the next level as soon as possible, or do you want to slow down and enjoy the moment? I just want to enjoy the moment, just want to make sure Im the best I can be at each level. So no rush to move up 8. In 20 years, when you look back on your career, what would you want to see to say it was a success? My plus/minus numbers and my blocked shots. Most importantly to cap it off with 1 cup would be awesome. But dont think Im getting stuck in the win mindset its hard to win. 9. What is something that would shock the VHL world to find out about you? That my 1st players name was my actual name lmao Our next victim...I mean...participant is Canadian Center Diego Machado. 1. How did you join your current team? Joined the league late and saw this team needed another c so I sent the join request. 2. What do you think about the season so far? Not the best for our team but we do have our bright moments 3. Do you think the team record is a true reflection of how the team should be doing? No I think we have a stronger team than our record says just unfortunate how we have played during the sims. 4. How have you adjusted to being away from home and traveling so much for the VHLM games? I have adjusted well due to travelling so much during my career as a child. 5. If there is one thing about your player that you could change, what would it be and why? Shooting the puck more my player has seemed to struggle to put the puck in the net since starting on the team and scoring some goals should help us win some games. 6. What comes next at the end of the season? I have no idea for myself it is my first season here and not starting at the start of the season could see me return to the team or wherever I can get playing time. 7. Do you want to move to the next level as soon as possible, or do you want to slow down and enjoy the moment? I would like to enjoy the moment Im still learning the ins and outs of the league and feel I need more time to develop and understand the league 8. In 20 years, when you look back on your career, what would you want to see to say it was a success? I would like to be a multiple cup champ in the VHL. 9. What is something that would shock the VHL world to find out about you? I am of Portuguese heritage but was born in Canada. The opportunity to get to know my teammates will also afford us a chance to build stronger bonds. Hopefully that will translate into more wins on the ice! Word Count: 882 Claimed Week Ending: 7 May 2023

VHLM End of Season Predictions As we are working our way towards the end of the VHLM season it is starting to be that time to look at end of the season predictions. With the Mississauga Hounds carrying a 10-point lead over the Halifax 21st, it looks like Mississauga have this one wrapped up. But we all know how fickle the puck can be. So even though those 2 teams are in the lead, the Philadelphia Reapers are in 3rd, only 4 points behind the 21st. Miami and Ottawa, while fighting to the end, will have to wait for next season. In the other division San Diego is riding a 7-game winning streak to the top of the division. They currently have a 3-point lead over the Mexico City Kings. This one is going to be interesting to watch as it goes down to the wire. The rest of the division, Houston, Las Vegas and Saskatoon are watching this season fade away. There were some trades conducted to try to strengthen the top teams as they march towards the title, so it will be interesting to see how this one plays out. So here it is, the fearless prediction, San Diego wins it all. The winning streak they are on right now is hard to overcome. They are going from strength to strength. Mississauga will give them a fight, yes, we predict they will win their division, but San Diego will take home the trophy this season. For the teams at the bottom, if will be a season of what "might have beens" and start looking towards next season. For some of them, they will face an uphill battle as their best players will move on to the VHLE and some of their other players will decide that hockey is not for them and leave to teams and head back home. As the VHLM goes through the different ups and downs of each season, it is a challenge to have a competitive team season after season. Good luck to everyone as the season starts to wind down. But the players need to be reminded that this season is not over yet. Their current teams, and their fans, deserve the best a player can give on the ice. Word Count: 400 Claimed Week Ending: May 2023

Questions: 1. Who do you think will win VHL playoffs this season and why? Oh damn, that would mean I need to know who is doing well...better check the standings. Lets go with Prague. Beautiful city as well...so yea...Phantoms all the way! I cant really say why beyond they are leading the league in points. I think the final will come down to Prague and Seattle. Chicago could sneak in, but they would have to peak at the right time to beat Seattle. 2.Who do you think will win NHL playoffs and why? Not really a NHL fan, but I have been watching the Hurricanes...so yea...go with the home-state team. I know they are not the popular pick, but they seem to be a goal-scoring machine. They are so smooth with the ice....and the ability to move the puck at will down the ice. Yea, it is impressive. 3. Who will win the upcoming World Championship and why? Can I claim complete ignorance? I am from Ireland (ok, my player is) so whatever team those players are on. As they say in Harry Potter..."Here come the Irish!" Questions: 1. Favorite sport? To watch? Participate in? 2. If you could binge-watch one show, what is it? Why? 3. If you could spend one day with anyone from history, who and why?

As I said, my sample size is very small, just my personal experience. But yes, I agree that there a mix of those archetypes. I think most people are a mix, but there is obviously a stronger element for everyone. I think it goes back to what they are looking for out of their experience. It creates a unique challenge for someone completely new to know how things are with the different teams. I remember being overwhelmed with the whole forum set-up...so many topics...let alone trying to determine which team to sign with. Dont get me wrong, I think the league has a great structure. I just think that sometimes it is good to step back and ask what the purpose is behind something...and then making sure that purpose is being achieved. It is isnt, change the desired purpose...or change how things are done

I guess I might have a unique experience in that I started last year, got signed as a waiver pick by a very active GM in the M, but had to step away from the league due to a family issue so I was never able to follow any of my career past that initial season. During that 1st season I agreed to be traded to a contender where I, honestly felt like an outsider, and I saw my production drop as I moved from 1st line to 4th. Like I said, I didnt see anything past that first season so I cant speak to anything beyond the M. I returned this year before the M draft, talked to some of the GMs and ended up being drafted by Saskatoon. I am happy with my career there and am excited to see what comes next. But even with this tough season we are having, the conversation turned to the possibility of trading some of us to contenders. What I see, from this side and my experience, is the better players from "not-so good" teams are traded to the contenders so they keep being contenders. Even if some of us "TPE" out of the M, it is not normally all of the players. So the contenders of this season start next season with a cadre of veteran players. While the team with the most draft picks last season, start the next with another huge haul of draft picks they were able to get from trading their top players. The cycle continues. So the challenge becomes trying to break that cycle. Is it possible? I dont know. I will agree that my sample size is VERY small...but Saskatoon had a shit-load of draft picks when I was selected...and if they had traded any of us (which in all fairness didnt happen) what would they have next season? A shit-load of draft picks. But now, they are going to see the majority of the team TPE out of the M and they will start from scratch again. I get the desire to win, who doesnt want to win? But how does the trading of draft picks foster that? Does it allow for different teams to experience the thrill of winning the cup? What is the history of which teams have won? Are there teams who seem to own the M? I cant answer these questions and in all fairness, if the facts contradict what I have said, then I will fully admit I am wrong. But I do think it is something that bears checking out. Lastly, activity does matter. Who wants to join a team that is super-quiet? If we wanted to play a solo game, we wouldnt join a sim league. Recruiting isnt easy, but in this world if free-for-all waiver signings, being active and more importantly, active at the right time, is vital. And that my friends...is my 2 cents...

Am very honored to be a part of the Western team and was able to contribute to the victory. I am very humbled to have been on the ice with such talented players. Wishing all of my teammates and those on the East squad the best of luck in what comes next.

Saskatoon - The Season that Might Have Been (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) The season for the Wild began with so much promise. The draft saw many new faces come into the team. There was an excitement that permeated the arena, the practice facility, the whole town. Yes, there was an acceptance that the team might struggle as they needed time to come together as a team and individually improve. This was the case. The team struggled to get wins and the lack of cohesion was apparent, as was the teasing glimpses of things to come. Then, it appeared the the Wild had turned a corner. They won 6 games in a row. The scoring seemed to have finally fallen into place. They even scored 7 goals in one game. The future was looking bright as things finally came together....or so it seemed. But then, well, the bottom fell out. The team went on a losing streak. At one point, they had lost more games in a row then they had won (13 wins, 14 losses). And the losses continued. The losing streak finally ended at 16. They had some games they were competitive in, some that were lost in shoot-outs, but as one of the members of the team said, "Regardless, a loss is a loss...". We could try to pick the team apart, look for the flaws. But is it just bad luck? The last month saw the Wild go 3-9. They currently have a record of 17-24-7. Their goal difference is -28. They are currently in last place in the conference and that doesnt look likely to change. At this point, the Wild are just playing for pride. It wasnt a deficit of effort, it wasnt a deficit of dedication, it wasnt a deficit of coaching...in the end, it was just a deficit of goals. Word count: 274 Claimed week of: 30 Apr

Mid-Season Sit Down with The Irish Kid (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) As the season moves past the mid-way point and the Saskatoon Wild struggle to find consistent form, there has been one youngster that has quietly been making a name for himself. Otis Boudreaux, Jr was selected by the Wild with the 1st pick of the 3rd round of the Season 88 VHLM draft. This relative unknown carries the name of his idol, Otis Boudreaux, who had his career cut short because of the need to help out with a family situation. The young man joined a squad with many draft picks and has worked hard to be a contributing member of the squad. We decided to sit down with the new "Irish Kid" and find out just a little bit more from the youngster. Galway Ireland is quite a bit different from Saskatoon. How have you been able to settle in here? I was lucky to be able to spend some time with some of my teammates at the World Junior Championship. That was a real eye-opener. I had always felt I was pretty good, but being around those guys, I realized that I had alot of work to do. So knowing some of my new teammates here definitely helped. I wasnt expecting the cold weather though. The coach told me to go and buy a new coat, mine wasnt heavy enough. I thought he was joking, until it got cold! Now I have a very thick one. How surprised were you by the All-Star game selection? I still cant believe it. I remember when my phone rang and this reporter was asking me about being voted onto the team. I thought it was one of those prank calls, you know, like where they put you on the radio or something. But then the coach called and told me it was true. I still dont think I deserve it. I have some great teammates that I have been able to settle in with. So to me, this is a recognition of how well our team can play. Speaking of the season, any thoughts on what has happened? If I could answer that I would be the coach! Seriously though, I have no idea. We have been working hard, putting in the time on the ice. But the shots just dont seem to be going the right way for us. We are taking shots, but just miss. In practice, we hit 90% of the time, but in the game, we just flat out miss. We are giving up too many goals. But no matter how many we give up, when we are not scoring, then yea, the team loses. But we believe we can get better and win, who knows, maybe we will win 14 in row now that we have lost that many in a row? You have been improving over the course of the season, now as the team's leading goal scorer with 24, 22 assists for 46 points. What do you attribute that to? Hard work, good coaches and fantastic teammates. No team can win with just 1 player. We work together, we win together, we lose together. Personal accolades are nice, but they dont win games. I am here to win games and if good things happen for me in the process, then all the better. But winning games is what I am here for. Lastly, what is next for The Irish Kid, Otis Boudreaux Jr? To be honest, I dont know. I understand there is another draft coming up that I will be a part of. Maybe even 2. But we need to get through this season first. After that, well, it is really out of my hands. I am looking forward to a long career in the VHL. I want to surpass my namesake, not to outdo him, but to prove I am worthy of his name. But the immediate thing I do know...as soon as the season is over I am flying home to see my family. If I learned nothing else from Otis Sr it is the importance of family. There is no computer program, no video chat, that can replace the hug of my Mom...and yea...I miss that alot. This youngster from Ireland seems to have wisdom and patience beyond his years. The disappointing season for the Wild may continue, but the future looks bright for this kid from Galway. Word Count: 730 Claimed: Weed ending 30 Apr

1. It seems like we’ve hit a stand still without much success in our recent games. Any idea what could’ve been the cause of this? Honestly, I think it is just bad luck. We have been hitting the ice and practicing, we seemed to be coming together...and then the wheels fell off. But I think it can turnaround just as quickly as it went bad. 2. How does your player deal with adversity? Quiet determination. There has to be time to vent the frustration, not directed at anyone, that can destroy team morale and cohesion, but vent to get the negativity out...then work even harder to turn things around 3. What’s something unique about your player on the ice? Maybe not what you are looking for, but I miss my Mom. Her favorite color is purple. So I wear a purple t-shirt under my gear 4. How does your player handle situations of pressure? Pressure is a fact of life and trying to hold it in is counter-productive. All that does is cause even more pressure. So I find that long walks help, reminding myself that there are things bigger than me. I sit back and remind myself to enjoy the little things in life and not sweat everything else. 5. What is a sport that doesn’t get enough love? Here in the US? That is tough. I guess I would say soccer. I know it is popular world-wide. But for some reason we here dont seem to be as interested as we should be 6. Favourite soft drink? Mt Dew. Not that I have had one in ages. But yea, used to live on those

1. We’ve been winning games left and right, what has contributed most to our success? Well, I think all of the pieces came together at the right time, but sadly, we have also seen what happens with things go awry 2. The Western Conference will be a tough and bloody battle against all 5 teams. Which team is the weakest link and miss out in the playoffs? I hate to say it, but I think it is us. We cant seem to string together enough wins to overcome our losses. 3. More than a quarter of the season has finished. Are you satisfied with your players stats? Yes, I feel I am trending in the right direction. After the sim today (22 Apr) I am the leading scorer for the team. But I would trade all of that for more victories 4. Who is the goat of modern day hockey? oh wow, I hate to say I dont watch enough to be able to provide a defensible opinion. 5. What does your daily routine look like to get ready for game day? Hit the ice, read a book to relax. Skate some laps, jam to some tunes, then suit up...its game time! 6. With all the hype around the NHL playoffs, which teams do you think will faceoff in the Stanley Cup Finals? Can I stay on the team if I admit I dont know who is even in them this year? I did watch the Hurricanes play the other night, didnt hang around to see if they won though. I guess I need to watch more of the Cup.

Otis Boudreaux Jr, Now That is a Good Month! (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) Otis Boudreaux Jr, the young Irish kid on the Saskatoon Wild, is starting to make a name for himself. For those who do not remember, OB Jr was drafted with the 1st selection of the third round of the VHLM Season 88 Draft. This relatively unknown youngster had been on the World Junior Showcase team and had not done much to catch the attention of the VHLM General Managers. His career in Saskatoon had not been much to notice, with only 7 goals and 7 assists in over 20 games. But then things took a quick turn. It started off with the phone call from the VHLM Commissioner to notify him that he had been voted onto the league All-Star team. When OB Jr was asked what he did when he got off of the phone, his big grin said it all, "I called home!" It was not unusual to see him going into the practice arena at 430 AM every day and not leaving until 10 PM at night. The trainers tell how he asks them to leave the ice baths full, that he would empty and clean them. He also likes to have a selection of ointments and liniments to treat achy muscles. But yet he is back there the next morning, no matter the weather, no matter the outcome of the game the night before. The staff at the arena admit they have given him his own key to the facility so they dont have to come and let him in so early. It looks like the hard work has paid off in more ways than just getting the All-Star selection. The Wild played 12 games over the last month, and even though the team ended the stretch with only 4 victories, the young Irish Kid has started to show flashes of what he just might be capable of. He scored 10 goals, bringing him to a team leading tie with Monty Burns, both with 17 goals. He also helped the team with 6 more assists. The highlight for OB Jr had to be his first ever hat trick in a losing effort against Mexico City. The Irish Kid has found his groove...and it looks nice to us! The sad part about a youngster that develops like that is how he will basically improve his way out of Saskatoon. The youngster is improving by leaps and bounds so it will be interesting to see if he is allowed to stay in Saskatoon for one more season of if he will be off to bigger and better things in the VHLE. Word Count: 433 Claimed: Week ending 23 Apr