#AsktheBouch: Praha Season Ends

[Gaikoku-hito 2,081]

 

At the end of another season, which was full of up and downs. In the end the season would assume to be disappointing due to once again failing to hoist the cup, but I am not sure Robert Bouchard actually see it that way as we once again sit down for chat in #AsktheBouch.

 

So here we are at the end of the season and it feels like forever ago that we sat down and had one of these chats so how do you feel the season as whole went?

It has been a while since we last sat down as I think we were only around the half way mark of the season when we last spoke.

 

In the end this question is a two-part question due to the fact we have personal aspect and the team aspect when looking at the season as a whole.

 

Personal I think I had a good season as I improved in all aspect of my game and even played better defence then the year before with a better plus/minus and more shot blocked. I can still improve, as it was an inconsistent season still as I feel off since the last time we talked.  

 

From a Team aspect it is actually hard to say that we underachieved as I feel we actually overachieved in the early part of the season before we fell off badly down the stretch but that was a more realistic placement for the team as we were somewhere around the fourth or fifth placing in Europe from my expectations at least. Don’t want to be Riga; complete over estimate your team’s strength.

 

So what are the expectations for next season for yourself and the Prague?

RB: Well, I don’t control the team but I would assume that we continue to develop the core that we have in place this season with Strong Jr and myself leading the center position. Looking to improve in the face-off dot while hopefully getting more ice time on the top two lines to then really start producing points a long side Landry and Gobeil. If this happens then the team should improve to fight for third in Europe but if I don’t improve and start producing then we could easily see the team take a step back to either fifth or sixth in the conference. It is a fine balancing act between making the play-off and not making the play-offs.

 

You just signed long term in Prague, what made you sign the contract and what thought process was behind the length of the contract?

RB: At the end of the I could have looked to Free Agency but as I started looking at what other teams required and the players available it was clear I wasn’t going to be moving to a team that was in the same situation as Prague, where we are building towards play-off success while others are either still trying to make the play-offs or I would be consider depth option rather then a soon go to player as I surely will be here in Prague soon. I really like the team and the locker room, the direction that we are heading so at the end it was easy to sign long term so that I can focus on developing as player and helping the team succeed.

 

One last question as this ones is getting a bit long after not taking for a few weeks, but if you were the General Manager of the Prague Phantoms what changes would you make to the roster and why?

RB: Oh, a Meaty question that might get me in trouble with some of my teammates. I will answer this one anyways.

 

Most teams that have regular season and play-off success relay heavily on their top players meaning they have six top forwards and four top defenders, while having an All-star tender between the pipes. We already have an All-Star tender in Gyrfalcon and I think we have a very good core of players. That being said we should be looking to add at least another top flight forward and maybe looking at adding a top end defender to the mix. This of course is easier to say then actually do.

 

By adding another top forward this might cost you ice time and maybe even a roster spot?

RB: Yes, I am now entering my third season and no different then last season I am between being a top six forward and bottom six forward at the moment. I have potential but potential is only just that potential.

 

Again I would like to thank Robert Bouchard for joining us for a chat as the series continues in #AsktheBouch and I hope that you have a great off season. As we will once again look to pick-up the series next season as Robert Bouchard and Prague Phantoms look to continue to build on this past season success.

 

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Way to long and I even edited this down. Next time I will make this my media spot