Aimee

1. Jesse is doing pretty well considering the circumstances. They have kept most games pretty tight. I think with some more time they will really get a handle on their skills. 2. I think Nikolas Kauppi ( @Tetricide ) since as of the end of the first week, he had the highest shot percentage at 18.75% which given out low shot numbers, is pretty impressive. 3. Jesse was feeling frustrated after the first game. So close yet so far with that 5-4 loss. They felt good for being able to keep it such a close game but it was still a disappointment. 4. Old school Mighty Ducks! But modern, Seattle Kraken. Love me a good teal. 5. I love traveling. My dream vacation is a cruise up to Canada during the spring or fall. Beautiful colors, great food, and always a fun trip on land. 6. Hamburgers for sure. But it's gotta have thin sliced swiss.

S84 seems to be a struggle year for the Saskatoon Wild. A light roster and a 2-8-0 start during their first week probably isn’t where the team had hoped to be. Going into week two of the season, Saskatoon currently sits dead last in their conference and in the overall standings for the VHLM. Not only are they on a 5 game losing streak, but they have the greatest goal differential of any team, -16. Though thankfully goals for the Wild are 3rd to last instead of last here as well with a total of 22 goals. So what can Saskatoon do to hopefully turn this season around and just maybe make it a winning one? In the immortal words of every impatient hockey fan - SHOOT THE PUCK! It would seem that Saskatoon’s weakest point is their shooting. Low numbers lead to low production and even against weak teams the Wild struggle to out-shoot anyone. In all first 10 games, Saskatoon has been out-shot every single time. Their biggest gap in shots was game 6 against the Las Vegas Aces where they were out-shot 37-12; a differential of 25 shots. Their closest attempt on the other hand was game 9 against the Ottawa Lynx where the shots were 25-23 with only a differential of 2. Over all 10 games, the most shots Saskatoon had was only 24. Overall, Saskatoon was out-shot 2:1 by an average of 14.2 shots per game. Among their first 10 games, their shots only accounted for 35.91% of the total shots taken. Not great numbers and it’s really showing on the scoreboard. Asked about the stats, GM @Bulduray_1 said “We’ve looked at the numbers and we’re not thrilled. But I know our guys can come back from this and have a better season moving forward.” That’s not to say, however, that the players are not trying. Astro Singh ( @8Ovechkin8 ) is tied with Morpheus Destructious x2 ( @Abaddon ) to lead the team with 4 goals in the year so far but Astro also leads the team with 7 assists. Nikolas Kauppi ( @Tetricide ) who has 3 goals and 4 assists so far leads the team in shot percentage with 18.75%. Clearly the guys are putting some effort into the season. So the question has to be, with players who are capable of shooting and scoring, why does Saskatoon struggle to get the puck on net so much? It’s quite simple actually; the lack of players. With only 6 players and 1 goalie, the Wild have very little man power and those players can only make such an impact. When your team lead shooter is only 31st among shooters, it’s still a sign of a low production team. With very little backup and support, it’s easy to see why Saskatoon cannot produce. Another major factor could be that aside from the goalie Jesse Teno ( @aimkin ), Saskatoon’s roster is split between their forwards and defensemen; 3 a piece. Compare that to the current number 1 team Las Vegas Aces who have 7 forwards and 3 defensemen. It really shows in production how much having so few forwards hurts Saskatoon. If they could pour some money into their forward line in trades or during the off season, then perhaps they would have a better chance of making an impact. 547 words for week ending July 10

One week and ten games into their first professional season, I sat down for a quick interview with Jesse Teno of the Saskatoon Wild. Jesse, your first week is under your belt. How are you feeling? I’m not feeling too bad, actually. I know my team is struggling right now but I think if we just worked on our on-ice production we could be a great team. You’ve started every game so far. Do you feel like you’re being overworked? Not at all, actually. It always feels great to get the nod each game even if the wins are hard to come by. You stated in a previous interview that one of your weakest points was rebounds. It seems you cleaned that up pretty well. Are you happy with your progress? Yes, very. I was able to put a lot of work into it not only the week before the season but also this week as well. I think I really managed to reel that in. 166 words for week ending July 10

+10 Jesse Teno

D - Jan Hlozek @Spartan Also for my list, Zeedayno Chara is listed as D instead of F. According to the player list he's a center.

LOL no worries G - Xavier Booberry @Phil

Yes! Sorry. And aren't I up again?

F - Kyle Peace @Spartan for Matt

1. Jesse definitely has some nerves but they are doing all they can to be prepared for their first game. 2. I've always personally enjoyed watching the fights break out. But maybe that's just me. 3. Thank the hockey gods! Lightning didn't get to have a "dynasty", and finally so many guys deserving of a cup win! Was a great series to watch. Sad that they didn't get to close it out at home though. 4. Probably bacon and pineapple on a lightly cheese but moderately sauced pie. 5. Xavier Booberry, defintiely. 6. Rebound Control is Jesse's top priority heading into this season.

F - Zeedayno Chara @Phil

This morning I had the opportunity to sit down with one of the VHLM’s newest players. Having opted for the draft during the final week to join, Jesse Teno has started to gain a bit of a name for themselves already. Jesse, thanks for sitting down with me. I know you’re busy so I won’t take much of your time today. How are you enjoying Saskatoon so far? So far, it’s great! I’m getting to know the city a little at a time and it reminds me of home a bit. I come from a small city too so it’s familiar enough. I went to a few museums, tried some real poutine, even went shopping for some souvenirs to send home to my parents. Everyone here has been really nice and welcoming. A few people around the city have already recognized me which is definitely a new feeling. I’m not a big deal at all back home so that was a new experience. Great to hear. You mentioned beforehand that you’ve already gone to the arena and practice facility. How were they? The arena is amazing. I love the look and feel of it. I stepped out onto the ice and it felt so weird to be surrounded by so many seats. It feels massive compared to UVM. I even checked out the merch store just to see what there was so I also picked up my parents a few things there as well. Sorry to interrupt but any chance you found your name on a jersey? [laughs] No, not yet. I would imagine it will take a few weeks if not months before my name makes it to anything in the store. As you mentioned, you had quite the career at UVM. Your final year you went 25-7-2 with 2 shutouts. Do you think you’ll be able to recreate those kinds of numbers in the VHLM? Man, I hope so. I know it’s going to be hard and given how talented the veterans in this league are, I know I’m going to have my hands full. I know what my weak points were in college so I’m hoping to really utilize the facilities and the scrimmages to work on closing those up. What would you have to do this year to make it feel like a good first year? If we’re talking stats wise, I think I just want to have a winning year. If I can hold my own against this higher level of opponent and come out over .500, I’ll be happy. Anything above that will be the cherry on top. Now that’s not to say that that’s all I will give. I’m going to go out and play every game with the intention of winning. But I need to be realistic. Being the only goalie means little rest time between games so I’m going to have to push myself harder than I ever have before. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me. Just one last question before I leave you to your day; if you could be drafted by any VHL team, which one would you choose? Oh, without a doubt the New York Americans. I know they’ve been struggling for a while but they’re my team, you know? It’s always a dream to be drafted or play for the team you grew up cheering for. I know Vermont and New York are a few hours distance but I would consider them my hometown team. 582 words, using for PT weeks June 27 – July 3

@Matt thunder you have a second pick for the turn-around.

So sorry for your loss. Losing a grandparent is hard. May her memory be a blessing.

With the first professional draft of their career behind them, Jesse Teno will be taking the last few days they have prior to the start of the season to get in as much training as possible. While the whole season itself will be a test of their capabilities, Jesse has decided to try and energize themselves in one last push before it all begins. Jesse made sure to take a few days to walk around and tour their new home of Saskatoon; hitting up the Antiquities and Aviation museums during their first full day. They also had their first taste of real poutine at The Rook and Raven Pub after having had it suggested to them by an arena worker. While small and in the middle of nowhere, Jesse figures he could come to love Saskatoon as it reminds them of their small town back home. With the Wild they would make friends, and with time they would make memories. Jesse is looking forward to starting their professional career and they hope to not only make an impact on the team and the VHLM, but also to have the people around have an impact on them. 196 words for Week June 27- July 3

D - Max Torq @Matt thunder

F - Duncan Idaho @Phil

Growing up in a relatively isolated part of Vermont, Jesse’s childhood ventures all revolved around sports. Being part of the Vermont school system meant that gym class was a few hours out on the slopes of the nearest ski area. So it was no surprise when as a kid, Jesse discovered hockey. With the nearest VHL team being the New York Americans, Jesse would watch the games from home every season, cheering on his team. It was in middle school and high school when Jesse really got their feet under them. Joining not only local teams but making the junior varsity and varsity teams in school. College at the University of Vermont also brought Jesse tons of experience. Getting to play at a higher level allowed Jesse to hone their competitive skills. Four years at UVM and Jesse posted a total record of 99-34-10 with 10 shutouts. It would continue to bug them that they never made it to 100 wins. But hopefully playing for the VHLM and beyond would bring them that satisfaction. Jesse had doubts that they would be able to play professionally after college but when the opportunity came to have scouts check them out in their senior year, it was just blasting out a whole wall - forget opening a new door. With the performance they gave in their senior year, helping UVM to get to the semi-finals of the championships, it was easier for Jesse to see how they could possibly go pro: though doubt still hung with them. With all of this in mind, Jesse decided to enter into the VHLM draft though didn’t expect much. Brand new, coming in late, and barely a foot in the door, Jesse was selected 30th overall by the Saskatoon Wild. The middle of Canada called and Jesse was ready for the adventure. So what’s next for Jesse? Hopefully a promising and budding career. They hope that time will allow them to build up their abilities and that all the hard work they have put into hockey up until now will pay off. Jesse looks forward to the future and can’t wait to see what Saskatoon and the VHLM have in store for them. Maybe one day it would mean a shot at the VHL, or maybe they would hang around at the low levels and just feel grateful to have been drafted. It was an experience few had the opportunity to get and Jesse wouldn’t waste it.

Count me in!

1. Jesse is feeling pretty jazzed. Going 30th overall after joining the league only a week before the draft is pretty great. 2. I think a bit more experience would benefit us but I always appreciate newbies getting a chance to prove themselves. 3. I think we'll come out swinging and hopefully our veterans will give us the support we need to get our feet under us. 4. It doesn't grow on trees, but I would argue for maple syrup. 5. From what I've heard, Las Vegas seems to be the favorite to take it a second year in a row. I think we really need to keep and eye on them. 6. Given the long flight, Jesse is probably going to take a much needed nap followed by a walk around the city to take in the sights. More than likely they would also stop by the arena and try to check out what they can.

Jesse Teno – Week 1 Update: Unto the Breach, My Friends Jesse Teno, a new draftee to the VHLM, has found themselves in an interesting situation with this year’s draft class. According to every GM that they have spoken to, Jesse is one of only a few goalies available. Being such a hot commodity could either go to their head, or be a real fire under their padded behind. Only time will tell with this new addition to the Victory Hockey League. --- After realizing the late start to the off-season, Jesse found themselves diving into a draft that they hadn’t expected to come so soon. A few days of quiet were followed by a slew of GM messages. “I’m still learning about the league and how to navigate the new environment”, Jesse remarked to friends when the VHLM Draft swept them though the whirlwind that would be a busy weekend. Answering GMs questions, hearing different points of view as well as figuring out the teams, “I was beside myself”. A draft with almost no other goalies meant that even as a new player and someone new to the workings of the league, they were automatically in high demand. Unsure of what to do, Jesse has been weighing their options of who to engage with; trying to be careful with what they say. As a lot of teams are seemingly so highly interested despite being brand new to the league, they seem to almost be guaranteed a draft spot. The pressure of this realization and reality is high, especially with the potential to be a starting goalie right off the bat. “I just hope I can take the next few weeks to make myself as ready as possible for my first season in the VHLM. It’s going to take a lot of hard work but if I’m going to be drafted, I want to prove to my team that I was worth the pick.” With pressures mounting each day, Jesse has not only decided to focus on their abilities on the ice, but off them as well. Having also spent some of their youth playing tennis and basketball, Jesse continues to play those as their own style of practice. “I think tennis is an obvious choice. Hand-eye coordination is pretty much a goalie’s bread and butter. Basketball just helps me keep aware of my surroundings. Anything to try and gain just a little bit of edge over anyone trying to score on me.” Jesse’s family also seem to be preparing themselves for the upcoming season by preparing signs with only enough room for the logo of whatever team drafts them. “Honestly I’m just so proud of them for even getting this far,” said Jesse’s mother. “Even if every team passes, we know that there is always next year and that it takes a lot to even be considered.” Jesse’s father declined to speak but was just as hard at work preparing for draft day at home. With a supportive family, continuing dedication to training, and high hopes, Jesse Teno seems ready for the upcoming draft and season. Now all they can do is wait for draft day to roll around and see what fate has in store. 536 words, using for PT weeks June 20-26

Thanks! Can't wait!

Player Information Username: aimkin Player Name: Jesse Teno Recruited From: Reddit Age: 24 Position: G Height: 73 in. Weight: 202 lbs. Birthplace: United States of America Player Page @VHLM GM