Killinger trashes Legion gym.

[Peace 1,518]

TORONTO, CANDA -- The Toronto Legion started the season 10-3-0 with sky high confidence and soaring morale, but since then they've gone 1-12-0 on a skid that GM Peace claims is the worst he's ever had as a general manager from Saskatoon to Toronto. From a soaring morale to swimming in the mud; from a sky high confidence to bottom of the barrel. The theme of Toronto struggling seems to be a seasonal recurrence, as if the Legions' success is truly bound to the misfortunes (or fortunes) of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs, although the notion seems childish and unfounded… yet the Toronto Legion haven't won a game since their NHL equivalent took a 3-1 series lead over the Montreal Canadiens in the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

 

Players of the Legion are in the metaphoric 'dump', and Killinger seems to be the first player to pop under the crushing effects of occupational depression. The scene wasn't necessarily damning to the Legion defender, but security footage clearly showed Killinger erupting after another two losses. He trashed the section of the gym he tends to spend most of his time in, including kicking over an exercise bike before quietly leaving the arena entirely. Medical staff have reported that Killinger suffered no serious injuries during his tirade, although a team representative did confirm the soon to be retired defensemen did inflict some injuries upon himself. They also reported that once calmed, Killinger and a group of Legion staff corrected the gym's state. 

"I was angry," Killinger admitted. "Might need a therapist." 

Words weren't on the docket during today's media availability.

 

Few words, short interviews. 

"We've got to find a way to turn this around," GM Peace sighed. "We're dipping behind in points and we're closing in on the mid point of the season. It's not exactly what we anticipated after a forty win campaign, after what I consider an amazing series against Seattle. It's underwhelming, it's depressing, but I believe if we stay positive and continue working hard eventually we'll be rewarded." 

"All we can do is regroup and prepare for the next handful of games."  

 

Despite an eight game slide there are glimpses of greatness hidden behind the rough road they've been on. Three of the Legions' top five scorers are defenders, and SS Hornet continues to produce despite being dragged down by his own individual doubt. It's a difficult position to be in as a team, the right tools are there but being used improper, so how does the team find the right way to use those tools? Numerous lines have been tried, and strategies have no true effect on the outcome of the game. 

The only option is to endure. 

The Legion will endure.  

Last season they were fueled by motivation to win for recently retired Jaxx Hextall, now they need new fuel to feed off.

"It's not me," Killinger muttered. "But let it be for a good cause." 

"Win For Rookie worked in the second half for Toronto last season, so let's find something else that'll ignite the fire within." 

But what? 

Let it be for Green; let it be for Welch; let it be for Kaberle; let it be for Odinsson, or Sens, or let it be for everyone. Sometimes you have to seek what you deserve, and sometimes you deserve something for yourself. 

So, Legion, let it be for yourselves and one another. 

Remember. 

Apes together strong.