OblivionWalker

1. Probably Bauer honestly. 2. I'd love to throw Slava onto the Kraken with Vince Dunn, mostly because his fc, Colton Parayko, used to play with Dunn in St. Louis when Dunn was still there. 3. Slava would honestly have something to do with books because mans is a HUGE nerd and usually has his nose stuck in a book whenever possible. Questions to answer: 1. What is your player's guilty pleasure song? 2. What are you most looking forward to in spring? 3. If you could designate a national day of celebration for something, what would it be?

Dear Baba, It was so nice to get your email the other day, I'm sorry it's taken me a little while to get back to you, but things are always busy during the season. Now that I've got some time to sit down and have a minute to think, I wanted to make sure to check in with you and Dido. Things have been going pretty well for me here in Seattle! A little up and down at the moment but we had a nice stretch of games recently and I've been able to make some real contributions, which I'm happy with. There's always going to be good times as well as some that aren't so great but we're doing our best to make the most of the opportunities that come our way, and I just try to continue to work hard and make sure that I improve myself in whatever ways I can. Even small things can add up over time. Sergiy told me that I'm going to be an uncle again!! I can't wait to meet my niece or nephew when they arrive and I think I'm going to get them a tiny little Bears jersey to wear. It seems like life is going well for everyone and I'm glad of that. River's been doing well and while I miss him, I'm also very proud of how much he's pushing himself and getting better. It still feels strange to think that he's going to be my husband. I always wished and hoped for that, but I never really dared to believe that it could be real. But he's got the ring I bought for him on his finger and pretty soon I'll have one too. You were right, as always. But being that honest when I had no idea what he was thinking made me nervous. You know how important he is to me, Baba. I couldn't imagine life without him, and I didn't want to screw up our friendship if he didn't happen to feel the same way about me that I did him. Fortunately, I was worrying about nothing, and he very much feels what I do. I almost can't believe how different my life is right now. This time last season I was just trying to do my best to hold on and push through, do my laps at the rink and try to keep myself sane. I would have continued with that, if that's what would have been asked of me, but I can't deny that things have done a complete 180 and I'm really enjoying myself. It would've been great to play with River but maybe someday before I retire, that can happen. Still, it seems as though every time I try to force something, it doesn't end up working out, but something much better comes along so I've really been trying to just enjoy the journey ahead of me and not worry so much about everything. Please say hi to Dido for me, as well as the rest of the family. I miss you all. Slavochka (word count: 514)

whoops

from: skovalenko@google.ca to: rharrington@google.ca Rivushka- It feels like forever since I've been able to see that adorable face of yours but very soon it'll be the offseason and whatever ends up happening, I was thinking that perhaps we might be able to start getting some things into place for our wedding? My mom keeps waving magazines at me when I FaceTime with her and while I love her, if she keeps this up I'm going to absolutely lose my mind. I don't know about you, but I don't want something ostentatious or huge. I think our friends and family that we want to be there would be good enough, even some teammates. I fully expect Brandon to be there, among others and I was thinking I might even invite my Hounds GM. Mississauga was special to me and it would mean a lot to me if he was there. As far as a theme, I was thinking perhaps something like a starry night/midsummer night's dream kind of thing? If it's a dumb idea, please tell me. I want this to reflect us both and if there's something you have in mind, please let me know. Missing you more every second, Slava (word count: 200)

31. What is something you're proud of? 32. If you had to rename the country you lived in, what would you name it and why? 33. If the Bears HAD to rebrand to a different animal, which would you pick? 34. Starbucks wants to do a banger of a collab with your player. What do they do? SEATTLE CITY OF COFFEE. 35. How has your player started the season? 36. What's your take on the VHL standings right now? 37. Your player has a cheat night once in a while. What are they snacking on? 38. TMZ caught your player doing something scandalous on the latest road trip. What were you doing?! 31. I'm proud that Slava already has half the points he did last season in 20 games. It's encouraging! 33. I'd honestly love to see the Seattle Sasquatch honestly, having lived in the area for a long time. 34. Slava would do some kind of chai latte honestly, He's not much of a coffee enjoyer. 36. Some surprises, for sure but also definitely some things that were expected. 37. Slava loves pizza, so when he can, he's going to eat some pizza. 38. Sneaking out to visit a comic book store. That's about as scandalous as Slava gets.

New Seattle Bear Slava Kovalenko has already been making some impressive moves. The defenseman was able to post a four-point outing in the Bears' game against the Calgary Wranglers. "It felt good to get the victory against Calgary." Kovalenko said during his post-game media. "Obviously the season is still young and there's a long way to go but I think we're trending in a good direction and our gm certainly isn't going to be complacent. My understanding is that he's going to tinker with our lines and make sure that we can get the maximum out of everyone." With one goal that came on the powerplay while playing outside his natural position and three assists to his name, Kovalenko is already at 11 points on the season, having scored just 34 with Warsaw the previous season. "I wanted to push that number and I'm cautiously optimistic that I can continue to push myself and help the team however I can." Clearly, the defender is willing to go in wherever is needed and fill whatever gaps he can and with that attitude as well as his work ethic that has been evident from his first full season in the VHLM, it will be interesting to see where Kovalenko ends up by season's end. (word count: 213)

Dear Sergiy, Things have been going pretty well so far here in Seattle. The season has just started, of course, but I feel like things are already on an upward spiral for me. I really like the city! There's a lot of places to explore and other teams to support. I went to my first soccer game last week and the fans are definitely loud and proud, and I think I'm going to attend more when I'm able. I'm sure you already heard from mom and dad, but River said yes!!! We've been keeping things to ourselves a little bit as far as mentioning him specifically in anything related to the media but it's happening: we're going to get married. There's a lot to discuss and I'm not sure if he's got a specific timeline in mind for anything but I'm just glad that the one person I love most in the world agreed to be my husband. I'll admit, there were times that I dreamed of it when I was younger, wondered what it might be like if he cared about me the way I did him, but I don't have to wonder any more. He loves me, I love him and that's really all I need to know. I appreciate all of the advice you and Dido Artem gave me about proposing and you were right! My mouth was so dry it felt like a desert, but I managed to get through things and not sound like a complete buffoon so that's what matters in the end. So far, I've already got 11 points and managed to put up a goal and three assists in a game so I'm hopeful that some of my goals this season will come to fruition. The Bears are a hard-working team, and I feel like I ended up in a locker room and culture that closely matches my own values. I would have done my best, had I remained in Warsaw, but I can't deny that a change of scenery has been good for me. I don't think I truly realized just how down I was feeling about the future, about what was to come until I got here. I do hope for good things for Warsaw, though. Perhaps that's something I can put in a pin in and circle back to later. At least, that's what I hope. Much was made of the trade for me, and I'll admit that I certainly feel pressure to perform well and prove that the trade was worth it. But I can't put an entire team on my back. All I can do is perform to the best of my own abilities and work hard to improve. I know there's more to learn, more to understand at the VHL level and at least I feel like I'm in a place where I can expand and push myself onward and upward. I miss you and everyone else, of course. Please give my love to mom and dad, Anya, Irina and of course Dido and Baba. Fly safe, brother. Slava (word count: 513)

I'm going to hope to stay positive at work, but we'll see how that goes for me. Personal player goals are for Slave to crack 50 points. I managed almost 40 with Warsaw so that seems like a realistic goal I could reach. I expect Seattle to go all the way again, baby! If the VHL expanded, I would love to put a team in Chicago and maybe have them be the Chicago Fire because that MLS team ain't it, man. I would also put a team in Idaho where I currently live, maybe the Boise Bison or the Pocatello Taters (because Idaho is known for potatoes so why not). I have learned that there's a lot more sugar free/diabetic friendly stuff out there than I realized, and I found a line of really good dipping sauces, one of which tastes exactly like my beloved Chik-Fil-A sauce but zero sugar. I love to read and lately I've been reading an anthology of horror/spooky stories all written by Native/First Nations authors. It's been really eye opening to see what horror is like in their traditions, as I have some Native ancestry myself.

This is crazy work!! Dang!

Oblivion Sports Agency would like to take the opportunity to offer some congratulations to our hockey client, Slava Kovalenko, on his trade to the Seattle Bears and subsequent resigning through season 100. Known as a hard worker throughout his time in the VHLM as the Captain of the Mississauga Hounds for season 95 and 96 as well as his first season in the VHL, even while on a rebuilding team, we are confident that he will succeed on the blueline and end up being a true asset to the Bears in their quest for another cup. We also wish to extend our congratulations to him in his personal life as well, as we have happily been informed that he is engaged to be married! We sincerely hope that he and his fiancé will have a long and happy life together, and that when the time comes to actually plan their nuptials, they will have the day that they desire and deserve. Many things seem to be coming into place for our client and we appreciate the chance to share in his happy moments and support him through the days that may be harder to get through. Congratulations, Slava! (word count: 198)

"You doing okay back there?" Slava asked, glancing back over his shoulder with a teasing expression currently on his face. He had invited River to come and visit him in Seattle, both to help with apartment hunting (which was easier with two individuals in his humble opinion) but also because he had just plain missed his boyfriend. They were going to be farther apart now, at least distance wise with River back with the Moscow Menace and himself a newly minted Seattle Bear. But they would adjust, as they always did, and Slava was doubly glad that he had invested in the little touch bracelets from the TikTok shop when he'd seen them. They had helped both of them over the course of last season and he was confident they would again in the future. River made a face at him, and it was all Slava could do not to burst out laughing. His poor boyfriend had initially been excited about a hike at Mount Ranier but at the moment, River seemed anything but. "Not all of us are mountains!" he shot back and that was indeed true. Slava was very tall, and he slowed his walk to a mere shuffle, which earned him a light smack on the arm from River, but his boyfriend was laughing all the same and that was what Slava had been after. It was just starting to become spring in the Pacific Northwest and while it was very different from anywhere else Slava had currently lived, he was enjoying it. He had already received some invitations to come and watch some of the other sports teams in the area and he was definitely leaning toward either baseball or soccer currently, but he hoped to come and support them all at some point, when he was able. The sun was out and while cool, it felt nice after winter's chill in Warsaw and Slava exhaled the mountain air deeply. It felt good to be outdoors, to enjoy nature a little bit and as though sensing his thoughts, River nudged his arm lightly. "What a surprise to see you out and about instead of reading another book!" he joked and while Slava pouted mightily at him for a moment, River had a point. Slava tended to retreat into his books quite often but there was another reason why he had wanted to come to somewhere a little more scenic. "You've always managed to get me out of my ruts." he said simply, reaching out to catch River's hand in his own. "You've also always managed to be a beacon for me when things get a little dark or hard to me to see." River was staring at him now, his mouth working like he wanted to form words but couldn't get what he wanted to say quite right. Slava went on, trying to ignore how dry his own mouth felt at the moment, but he wanted to get all of this right. "From the time we were dorks in Juniors through to now, you've been one of the most important people in my life and now you're the most important, besides my family. I love you, River August Harrington and I had something I was wondering." As he started to sink down onto his left knee and fished a small ring box from his pocket, he could see River's eyes starting to well up but his own were doing the same as he breathed out the most important question he would ever ask someone. "Will you marry me?" (word count: 592)

1. I think Mexico could be interesting. 2. Mongolian Hockey League 3. Like 19 through a friend. Questions: 1. What had been the biggest VHL offseason surprise so far? 2. If you could gm a team, would you want to? Why or why not? 3. What song would you ban from ever being played at your team’s arena?

That is -dope-! Thank you so much!

Hello Seattle - Owl City The ink has barely dried on the trade but it's happening: Slava is going to go to Seattle. There were some places I thought he might be going and while none of that quite turned out the way I was expecting, I'm not at all displeased for a simple and perhaps silly reason but hey, why not. The reason is, I actually used to live about two hours north of Seattle until a couple years ago. I went down to see Seattle Sounders games when I could, went to Emerald City Comic Con and also went to some concerts at small venues with my cousin Jacob. I've been to Pike Place Market and Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe and really enjoyed it. Seattle is a place that I loved, and now Slava will get to experience Seattle for himself. He's a nerd so he'll appreciate ECCC at the very least. I'm glad to live where I do right now since my parents are older and are going to need more help but I'm very pleased that at least my character will get to be in a place I sincerely love, and I look forward to sharing some of that through my future dot coms and media spots. (word count: 206)

Waiting. It felt like forever and yet, like no time at all had passed. Slava kept checking his phone over and over again for any word, any news of what was to come. When he had been visiting his family, his gm had called, and an honest conversation was had. Slava knew that it would be some time before Warsaw was completely competitive and his gm knew that as well. In essence, he was being offered a way out of that to potentially move to another team that would perhaps be able to better utilize his talents. He had appreciated the transparency and once it was agreed that a trade would be sought for him, all Slava had to do was wait. Which was easier said than done. It felt like it might drive him completely out of his mind and as much as he tried not to dwell on it too much, the more days that passed without any further communications from his gm had the anxiety rising in him. Was he secretly terrible? Was his gm having a hard time finding anyone that would even want to take him? Logically, Slava knew that was ridiculous and he needed to stop but late at night, those were the thoughts swirling around in his head. Feeling his phone buzz suddenly in his pocket, Slava drew it out with a slightly shaking hand. It was his gm. "Hello?" he said as soon as the call connected. "Slava, I have some news." his gm said briskly, getting down to business as was his usual. "You're going to be moving to Seattle." Seattle? That had been the last place on his mind, honestly. Of course, there had been rumors and he had heard things through the grapevine here and there but that hadn't been a place he had even considered. Still, if that was the best trade his gm was able to get, then Slava wasn't going to complain. He had been very clear about not wanting to hinder or handicap the team in any way if he left. "Not what I was expecting, but it's an opportunity and I'm going to do my best to make the most of it." he said honestly. "I'm sorry things weren't quite on a timeline where we could be competitive sooner, but I'd draft you again if I had the chance." A sudden lump was in Slava's throat when he heard that coming from his gm. He always had so many doubts in his head at any given time that to be told that meant a lot. "Maybe, depending on things, I can circle back before I retire, and we can have a chance to run it back. I appreciate you working with me on things and I'm going to do my best to run with this." After hanging up with his now former gm, Slava checked the VHL trade tracker and almost choked on air. Three picks?! He definitely had his work cut out for him to prove that this trade was worthwhile for Seattle, but he liked to think that he could rise to any occasion and upon seeing what Seattle's gm had to say about him, he felt like he was at least going somewhere that wanted him to be there. Anything else could be worked on and if there were specific things he needed to do, then Slava would see them done as always. He was a Seattle Bear now, and the Pacific Northwest awaited. word count: 583