OblivionWalker

Life is a tide. Ebb, and flow. Waves will crash, Bringing flotsam and jetsam To shore before leaving. Sometimes, the ruins Of a ship overcome Come floating along To the shore. Life is a tide. Wild and unpredictable. Waves overflow their bounds, Pushing past what is comfortable And bringing ruin to plans But such is the nature Of water. Life is a tide. But you are a river. No raging sea, No giant waves. But my life changed All the same With your arrival. Life is a tide. But we sit side by side, Content to watch the water And not be consumed by it In the end. Our water is ice, The flow our skating rhythm. Life is a tide. From you, I learned to Enjoy the journey. I don't try to control the water, I let it move around me. Life is a tide. A never-ending battle. But as long as you're beside me, There are no waves I will fear. No water That will overwhelm me. My river is mightier Than the sea. Though an ocean is between us, My thoughts are always Of you. And in dreams I wil sail To you. (words: 196)

Dear Anya, I can't believe you're going to be graduating from nursing school soon! It feels like you just started but I'm very proud of you and everything that you've been able to accomplish while you were there. Graduating at the top of your class is impressive and no matter how much you try and shrug it off, it's the truth. Give yourself a little credit, Anoushka. You've been working so hard, and you deserve every honor that's coming your way. The Bears are in the playoffs! We managed to come in second in our conference and I'm reasonably hopeful of our chances. It's a real change for me from last year, given where Warsaw was and it's a chance that we'll have to try and do our best to take with both hands (or paws, rather, since bears don't have hands). I think I can be reasonably pleased with how this season went for me. I didn't make it onto any kind of leaderboards but given where I was last season and how much my plus/minus went up this season alone, I feel like I'm at least on the right path and hopefully next season, regardless of how these playoffs go, I can continue to build on it. I do feel a little pressure to do well, given what Seattle traded to get me, but it definitely feels like the right place for me to have ended up and I'm always going to be grateful to my former general manager for being honest with me about the potential trajectory of the team and not wanting to have a good half of my career not go anywhere. It couldn't have been an easy decision to make but I do feel like he truly had my best interests at heart, and I could never be anything but thankful for that care and concern. You'll never catch me saying a bad word about Warsaw or the management. Just seemed like the timing was slightly off but who knows? Maybe I circle back before I retire and see what I can do. I think this off-season, I'm just going to take a break and go home, see you and mom and dad and everyone else. Especially with Baba having that little health scare, I just feel like it's more important for me to focus on home, on family rather than being in any tournaments or anything. Plus, I'm honestly just tired. The VHL is another level, and I think giving myself some time to refuel and recharge is going to be a good thing. I'm not sure why, but it feels like something is going to change. I can't say what's put that into my mind, but it's there all the same. Maybe I'm just picking up on energy around me too, but it's difficult to say for certain. All I can do though is try my best in whatever situations I may find myself in. I can't control everything, and I've learned that it's better to not even try. Take care of yourself, remember to eat and drink (yes, Sergiy told me about you skipping lunch last week to study for your finals) and please give Baba an extra big hug from me. Yours from the playoffs, Slava (word count: 546)

1. Honestly, none since neither of the two teams that I follow made it so I’m down to just see what happens. 2. Given how popular this legend is in the west, I’d honestly call them the Salt Lake City Sasquatch. 3. If I had to move a team, I might move Warsaw or Helsinki to Germany since my dad’s side of the family are from there. They settled in Frankfurt after World War II so their name would be something to do with the area. Questions: 1. Which NHL mascot would win a cage match and why? 2. What color scheme is overrated? 3. Who do you think will win the Continental Cup?

1. Slava has done pretty well this season! He went from 34 points last season to 54 so far and he also went from a -38 to a +28 so I'll take it for sure. 2. I would like to get his speed up a little bit, potentially put some more into passing as well. 3. Honestly, with everything I've had going on I haven't even really been following what's been going on so I'll go with the Jets, since they have the best current regular season record. Questions to answer: 1. If your player was a wrestler, what would their stage name be? 2. What's a piece of media that you've never been able to get into despite many others enjoying it? 3. What's been your favorite locker room to be a part of?

Olivia Walker's hands were steady as she taped the bottom of the box so it would be strong and hopefully withstand the journey across the sea. She'd collected so many things during her time in Helsinki and as she began to sort papers, make piles of what to keep, what to make sure she handed over to the general manager and what could be shredded, she couldn't help but think of that phone call that had started some things in motion for her. After the closing of the VHLE, she had been uncertain about her future, and she found herself there once again. She had taken some time to think about the trajectory of her life and come to the conclusion that she really didn't want to be a general manager herself. She saw what went into that as well as things from the sidelines and she was ready to face the fact that such things just weren't for her. Plus, she was tired. It had been so long since she had even been able to see her family and she could feel that her batteries were draining quickly. It was time for her and for the Titans to move on, but she didn't feel bad about that. More like it was just the natural progression for her and what needed to happen right now. Box after box was taped until her desk was emptied and she began to take everything out to the car she had been renting while living in Finland. Her family would be glad to see her and perhaps after some time she might return to being an assistant general manager or she might not, and this was the last ride. She felt like Helsinki was in a better spot than when she'd arrived, though, and that was a comforting thought. The small apartment didn't take long to pack up, with any useful furniture being donated to her neighbors, who had helped keep an eye on things when she was traveling with the team. She cleaned everything, made sure things were tidy before getting the key to the landlord. She had found a month-to-month arrangement and after verifying that the place was still in good condition, she was free to go. Olivia tried to think of what to tell the team but what was there to say? What could she tell them that they didn't already know? Perhaps she would think of something once things weren't so fresh and that was the best she was going to be able to do for the moment. It took a few trips to get everything to the mail center and on its way back to the States but things were moving and she did have to admit that she felt a little lighter, which only confirmed to her that this was the right call. Some might question it, might wonder why she would walk away but she didn't have to explain anything to anybody. This was what was right for her, and that was all that mattered. (word count: 508)

A new day seems to be dawning in Seattle and for the Bears, those days are filled with wins. Currently, the Bears are sitting atop a 13 game winning streak which sees them sitting second in their division and fourth overall. "It's definitely a good time to be heating up." said newcomer to the team this season Slava Kovalenko when asked for his thoughts about where his new team is. "I've always said that it's much better to end well than start well and I think things are really clicking into place for us. Our manager always puts in the work and that makes us want to perform on the ice when we're out there too. He's put some faith in us, and we need to make sure that we're proving it wasn't misplaced." For Kovalenko himself, this season has seen a drastic turnaround from his rookie season in Warsaw which saw him with a -38 and 34 points and the second most shots blocked in the entire league. This season so far in Seattle, he's a +24 with 49 points, very close to his goal of 50 for the season. It would seem that for Seattle and for Kovalenko, winning is the order of the day.

I love to see it.

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?

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)