OblivionWalker

Dear Rivushka, I just had some of the best news ever from Sergiy. WE'RE GOING TO BE UNCLES. He and Kara are expecting!! Of all the things that could be going well for me right now, that's pretty much at the top of the list. I can't wait to spoil our niece or nephew on the way and yes, I will make sure that the little bean has a jersey of both of our teams. Equal representation and all that. Things seem to be coming together for the Bears lately and it just feels like a lot of things are and feel a lot better to me after the move. It wasn't an easy decision for me or my former gm to come to but in the end, at least for me, I feel like it was the right call. It would've been great to play with you but maybe that's something we can make happen for at least a season before we hang up the skates. I really miss you, but I think we're both where we need to be for our careers and I'm more proud of you than I will ever have words for. я тебе люблю. Yours always, Slava (word count: 200 without the Ukrainian)

Everyone loves a tough guy, especially in hockey. But while not every player can be considered to be one of those who will hit every person in sight or drop the gloves when even the slightest hint of disrespect from an opponent is felt, we here at the Oblivion Walker Agency feel like there can be a little tough guy in even the most mild mannered of people and we would like to take an in depth look this theme week at a game where a player that some refer to as "Mr. Congeniality" had finally had enough of someone's nonsense and decided to settle it in true tough guy fashion. Now for this game, we're going to have to take you back to Season 96 of the VHLM. Our Mr. Congeniality, one Stanislav "Slava" Kovalenko, was the captain of the Mississauga Hounds at the time. He ranked (as usual) very close to last for penalty minutes in all of the VHLM, but that total was about to go up in a way that no one could have seen coming. The game that day was against the Halifax 21st and for the most part, the first period seemed like this was going to be a normal matchup. Halifax was getting a little bit spicy, with three of their players having all of the penalties in the first 20 minutes of play but things were about to get interesting. However, just literal seconds into the second period, three separate fights broke out, one of which included Kovalenko. "I'm still not sure even now how everything popped off." Kovalenko said when we reached out to him for comment for this story. "I do remember in the locker room we were getting pretty aggravated with the way that Halifax was clearly trying to get under our skin and I'll give them that, they did." With being six foot eight, Kovalenko got the better of Ty Duke in that fight and won. Online videos show a pretty nice right hook and when asked where he learned that, the defenseman laughed. "My older brother Sergiy made sure I could defend myself if something came up and in this case, I guess it proved to be useful, just probably not quite in the way he was intending it!" Although not necessarily proud of himself or his team for deciding to get into the mix with Halifax, Kovalenko doesn't regret standing up for himself at the end of the day. "I'm a pretty quiet guy usually, my penalty minute totals will show that but if you stay quiet forever, people will think that they can walk all over you and I think I proved in that moment that I'll whup some ass if there's a need for it." Slava told us and we definitely believe him on that count. Some guys are tough all the time and some are tough when they need to be and after reviewing the footage of that chaotic Mississauga game, we can confidently say that Slava Kovalenko is definitely tough when he needs to be. (word count: 513)

1. Snooker/pool. I fall asleep. 2. In a way? I have a really high pain threshold and I’ve been in a fight before. 3. Don’t be afraid to join things and get to know people. It’s a lot of fun! 1. What former player does your current one look up to? 2. Would your player have a pet and if so what kind? 3. What theme week has been your favorite?

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?