Linus Zetterstrom - Veteran Presence

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Linus Zetterstrom Veteran Presence

 

          Already, Linus Zetterstrom is faced with being labeled a veteran of the VHL. It has been 3 seasons since his draft year, and he has developed into quite the player for the Riga Reign. The young Swedish defencemen is in is sophomore season with Riga after a sensational rookie season where he earned a spot on the all-rookie team and was a finalist for the rookie of the year. Unfortunately, as some things do, the euphoria died off. With the Reign struggling out of the gates, Zetterstrom found himself not making as much of an impact on the scoresheet as he did last season, with 74 points in 72 games. While the whole team in general has had a difficult time finding the back of the net, the Malmo Redhawks alum had most fans disappointed with his pedestrian 6 points in 10 games to kick off S77. 

 

                 Being slapped in the face by adversity can bring out the best in people. Albeit, Zetterstrom's situation isn't the type of adversity you see in inspirational documentaries, nor is it anywhere near as serious. But he has had a smooth ride so far, and a bump, however small, is still a bump. With the Latvian lions, despite key offseason additions of James Rose and General Zod to bolster the D core, having issues finding Ws, the team is being tested. The abundance of young players who have accustomed themselves with the easy ride after tearing up the VHLM, are now being put under pressure to succeed. With minimal experience, it is up to the youthful core of the team to step up and establish their presence as a veteran. A battle-tested, stoic, determined, encouraging, and fiery veteran. Now is not the time for inexperience. There is no room for raw talent alone. We do not have ENOUGH talent to succeed on talent alone. We have to have grit, and be mentally tough. Harsh circumstances demand harsh response, and that is what the burgeoning talents from Riga must drill into their skull in order to be successful.

 

      All champions must first endure the hardship that makes them champions in the first place. That, ladies and gentlemen, is where the Riga Reign find themselves at this exact moment in time. Right now is that critical instant, that tipping point where we must decide if we want to be champions. There is no turning back; we are too far down the road of progress. Fate has done it's part, and now it's OUR turn to turn this fucking ship around and become champions. This is OUR time. It don't matter who stands in our way; I pity them for the fury in which we will destroy them.  There is no tolerance for second-guessing or doubt or hesitation. If you live by those rules, there is no space for you in the big leagues. In the VHL, you live by the HUSTLE. The sweat, the tears, the frustration, it is these feelings that make us stronger. It gives us fuel, and when that fuel runs out, well, you're not good enough for the league. It must be instilled into us, carved into our very souls, the true meaning of perseverance. When you are at the top, no one can touch you. You are invincible. And the climb to the top is a challenging one, but it is one all champions must do. And once you are at the top, it will take every ounce of your strength to stay there. But, and I say this with total confidence, it will be absolutely worth all the hours of practice and training that got you here. Because you are a champion.