Eagles locker cleanout interview

[Greg_Di 1,022]

 

Another year for Tom and another disappointment. We have not been able to get an interview with Tom since he started playing during a locker clean-out but we finally managed to score one. We appreciate Tom making some time for us as he discusses the playoff collapse as well as his future.

R: Tom, another playoff disappointment for yourself and the team...how are you feeling?
T: Devastated, we believed this was our year. We have an amazing group of players who all wanted to get the cup and yet we somehow failed. Nothing against DC but I still don't understand how they beat us.

R: Can you pinpoint any one moment where you knew things wouldn't be going well?
T: I think losing the first 2 games really sent us a strong message that, you know, we just might not be good enough. We managed to bounce back and tie the series 2-2 but I think those last 2 games really took everything out of us and we just had no fight left in us. We went into the series thinking it will be an easy win and we paid for it.

R: Regardless of the loss, how do you think you played?
T: It doesn't really matter how I did...we lost. My main goal is for the team to win and outside of that nothing else matters. Personal stats don't matter to me and I know they don't matter for a majority of the team either. Our guys just want to win.

R: Many thoughts around the league are that next season will be the last window for the Wranglers to win the cup with the current core, what are your thoughts on that?
T: I think it potentially might be. A lot of our players will be playing the last year of their contracts next season, especially the main core. If we can't get it done next season I can see the team maybe going in a different direction but that is up for management do decide. Were not getting any younger so we all know that next season will be the our final and best shot that we have with our current group of players.

R: You will also be entering your last year of your contract...any hints on what you may be doing?
T: I will not be discussing my future right now, I am still devastated with our early exit and I don't believe that is an appropriate question at the moment. My main focus will be on next season and trying to win.

R: We have heard rumors that someone from within the team has requested a trade, care to comment?
T: I don't know of any such requests. The team is united and always has been. If there is someone that wants to leave then that is their choice. If they don't want to be here then we probably don't want them here. We want players that want to be here and want to play with us but once again I am unaware of any Wrangler currently demanding a trade.

R: Are you happy in Calgary?
T: Yes, I am glad to be in Calgary as I believe this is a first class organization and the players here are great. I also believe this team has what it takes to win, my goal is to bring Calgary a cup.

R: Last question Tom, what are your plans for the off-season?
T: Training, it never stops. I need to get better and I want to make sure I have a career year this upcoming season. I feel like I am ready to breakout and hit career highs.

[Ledge 1,131]

Review: I've seen lots of interview articles, but rarely ones where it is done right. This just feels real. The writing and vocabulary are top notch, and the colour coded quotes make it easy to read and pleasant to look at. Honestly not much I can say to critique it.

10/10

[v.2 1,406]

Great interview summarizing your feelings towards the early out.  Reading this made me actually feel bad for a Wranglers player lol.  Nice use of red and whites to keep the colors team themed, and excellent photo choice of a player looking dejected, which is definitely the sentiment I perceived while reading this.  Overall 9.5/10