The Portuguese Wonder, a Leandro Goncalves Story

[leandrofg 1,156]

"The Portuguese Wonder", that's what the fourth and newest prospect coming from Portugal has been described by.

 

 

In an interview with a Portuguese media outlet, the 25-year-old Center surprised the world by announcing he was leaving his home country in search of a new challenge.

 

Although there are no stats to prove, his type of play and impact resembles the one of Auston Matthews, the 24-year-old, Arizona-born, Center, playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who, some could argue. as been far more well succeeded than the Portuguese man. But as he?

While last year Auston and the Maple Leafs made it to the playoffs for the 5th time in 6 years, they were - yet again! - sent off on the first round... and what about Leandro? He was great... he even won the darn thing! In his console, of course, but this can only mean one thing. This guy is a winner. On and off the field!

 

But during the interview, he stated that he wanted to "prove it to himself" and his haters or his "doubters" as he so elegantly put it that he could play at the highest level and although he knows he isn't yet ready for the level of play in the VHL, the soon-to-be called late-bloomer is excited for the opportunity to play in the VHLM and as already been seen in contact with some league personnel even stating a preference for a team during the aforementioned interview.

 

The NFL Green Bay Packers fan stated "Although I'm a fan of the cold and the northern-Milwaukee and southern-Ontario area, I'd like to find a passionate fan base and the right environment for me to develop", and followed with "The San Diego Marlins are definitely a worthy option to consider."

 

Asked for a follow-up to those statements he added "San Diego and Mississauga are the places I'm considering as of now. Looking at the rosters I can strongly see an opening where I can make a difference in the 1st or 2nd Line as well as Special Teams. And that's where a player can develop the most... on winning lines."

 

The interviewer had a bad time following up on this due to the unawareness he had of the league and ice hockey in general, but he ended with a last question.

 

- "Any favorite number", asked the reporter.

- "13!", said Leandro enthusiastically.

- "But. that's a bad luck sign.", reiterated the reporter worriedly.

- "Not to me.", responded Leandro, very swiftly and confidently ending the interview.

 

Now, we can only wait for the decision as we left this interview with an extra question from the one we started with.

 

"Who's this guy?" and will we get to know him in San Diego or Mississauga?
 

[fromtheinside 1,290]

nice writeup!