Another year...another dissapointment

[Greg_Di 1,028]

 

This was the year that was supposed to be different for the Wranglers. The core group of players were at their prime, they were given the trust of the management that they could get it done but in the end it has been the same story as it has been for the past few seasons. Another wildcard exit, another failure for the players and another disappointment for the Calgary fans.

What went wrong? Where does the blame lie? We spoke to Tom Eagles after the disappointing loss to see where he stands and what he thinks the issues might have been.

R: Hi Tom, sorry about the loss. I know you and the Wranglers had lofty goals but it just didn't happen. What went wrong?
T: I honestly am not sure. Maybe were cursed and just not meant to get past that wildcard. The players put in 110% in the final game but we were just unlucky. That's how the game goes sometimes. A bad bounce, a lucky pass, a bad penalty and when the clock runs down you find yourself on the losing end.

R: So where do you think the blame lies this season?
T: That's a loaded question but at the end of the day it has to be with us, the players. We were given everything we needed this season and we said we could do it with this core. Ultimately we failed ourselves, our fans and our management team who had all the faith in the world in us. We gave it our all but it wasn't good enough.

R: Where does the team go from here?
T: I don't think this core will get another shot, it just for whatever reason hasn't been working. I think changes are coming but we really don't know how big or how small they will be. Yeah my dad is the AGM but he is holding his cards close to his chest. He is not saying anything but all that was said to us at the end of season meeting is that changes will have to be made and I think, we all knew as a group, that if we didn't perform and win this year that something was going to happen.

R: Do you think that is the right call? The possible changes?
T: I mean I think so, our core is getting older and we haven't been able to get it done in 3 seasons. Sometimes you need change to progress. I am just waiting to see how big or small these changes will be. For me, at my age, I have to focus my attention to winning a cup before I retire and I hope I can do that in a Wranglers jersey.

R: Do you think you will be in a Wranglers jersey next season?
T: I would love to stay but I also understand that players of my status can also get a huge return for the team. This is up for the management team to decide but for me personally I would like to try and bring a cup to Calgary. At the same time I am a team player and if they ask me to waive the no trade clause because they received an offer to help the team, then I will do what is best for the team.

R: Thank you Tom and we hope to see you back in Calgary next season
T: I hope so as-well!

 

 

[jRuutu 2,483]

9.5/10

 

Nice article! The questions and answers offer cool insight into what is going on in Calgary. Especially the thoughts about the future are interesting to read. Let's see what happens in Calgary during the off-season! The structure is solid. The article is easy to read. The answers are highlighted with a different color, which is nice.  Hockey answers and failure to blame it all on the AGM father resulted in 0.5 points being taken away.

[Baby Boomer 765]

9/10 

Great article and very well written. It is very nice to read and it is fun to see your perspective of your player bout his season and how he could have done better. It is nice to see that you made paragraphs and not just a big wall of words. Keep up the good work and your effort will be rewarded.