AJ Williams is a Veteran

[AJW 2,156]

 

After being drafted in S79, AJ Williams finds himself playing for Los Angeles in a different role from his first few seasons. Williams is now one of the big dogs, entering into the veteran phase of his career and leaving the rookie title behind.

 

Looking back at S80, Williams' first VHL season, it was a time of learning and getting his feet wet. Williams spent an extra season prior to this in the VHLM training to be 100% ready for his rookie season. Entering the locker room for the first time and meeting his new teammates was a surreal feeling he'll never forget. One player that really helped Williams adjust to the league was Pistil Stamen, Los Angeles' now new captain and star player. Stamen has been a huge contributor to the Stars' success for many seasons now after being drafted first overall to Los Angeles in S75. Williams would spend lots of time with Stamen, learning everything he knows from his time in the VHL so far. This helped his game grow as Williams had a reasonable 61 points in 72 games, reaching the 30 goal mark in his first season.

 

Fast forward to the present, Williams has recently reached the 600 TPE mark, averages more than a point per game, signed a huge 4 year extension with the Stars, and because of this is now Los Angeles' assistant captain. Los Angeles seems to be his new home. Williams shows loyalty and dedication to his organization and is becoming more involved with the city of Los Angeles. This reflects to his game as he is becoming more of a leader on the ice. Williams plays a smart game, focusing more on the score sheet than letting the other team get in his head. This season throughout 9 games so far, Williams has seen the penalty box once. He shows discipline and leads by example for his team. As more rookies get drafted and join the organization, Williams is ready and makes sure he greets his new teammates with a warm welcome. He feels the need to make his teammates feel like they are part of a new family as Stamen made him feel when he joined the team. Williams' actions have really brought the team together and player morale has been extremely boosted. These effects have clearly been seen around the league as Los Angeles had countless free agency signings and a few trades this off-season with players wanting to join the family.

 

Williams is excited to be part of the veteran phase in his career, and lots of seasons with the Stars are surely to come.

[Laine 1,361]

Nicely written @ajwllmsn!