McLaren on Disappointing Season and Expiring Contract

[tcookie 897]

As a disappointing season came to an end for the Riga Reign, for the second year in a row, winger Addison McLaren sits back and looks at the season that was with a mix of frustration and disappointment.

 

"I really thought this year would be better - both for myself and for our team, with the group we had. We fought hard to the end in a season that never really seemed to be going our way, so I'm proud of the guys for that. But we couldn't get it done, I couldn't get much done, and we had a better team on paper than we did last season. So it's not a year that I'm happy with from any level, really. I don't have any answers... just have to keep putting in the work, looking for ways to better myself as a player. I still think we have the right group here. We're all still young and I think the team's going in the right direction."

 

McLaren saw slightly decreased ice time this year too. He was still the team's fourth-most used forward, however, and only managed 22 goals and 41 points in 72 games. "I can't blame them. Ice time is earned and I haven't done much to earn those minutes yet. Like I said, just looking for ways to better myself as a player and I'll come back next year and play better."

 

McLaren's contract is up this off-season, giving him the opportunity to become a Free Agent, although McLaren doesn't expect to be leaving the team that drafted him this early. "We haven't been talking yet, which is fine, the season just ended. I'm sure talks will pick up over the off-season and I don't intend on going anywhere if they want me here. We'll get something done."