Deathwalker to return - still having fun in seventh season

[animal74 1,856]

 

Deathwalker to Return to Nighthawks for Final Season

 

As the end of the S83 season draws near, Malmo Nighthawks captain Druss Deathwalker has a chance to reach some personal milestones even in what was seen as a year of rebuilding for the S79 Continental Cup champions. During his seventh season with the Swedish franchise – a season that traditionally sees veterans have a drop in production – Deathwalker has provided the offensive spark the young Nighthawks sorely needed after having multiple players leave via retirement, trade or free agency. He’s led the team in goals and points most of the season and has toned done his physicality for being a more consistent offensive presence. The longest-serving captain in Malmo’s history leads the team with 36 goals, only two off is personal best of 38 he set in a career-year in S81, and sits one of the team lead with 69 points, one off his third consecutive season of 70 or more points and fourth in his career. With a team-high 290 hits, tied for fifth in the VHL, Deathwalker’s physical presence didn’t ever leave and he only needs 10 hits in the last five games to become only the fifth player in VHL history to have seven seasons of 300+ hits and join only Brennan McQueen @Jamie to have seven consecutive 300-hit seasons. He currently sits 13^th all-time with 2455 hits.

 

Malmo currently occupies seventh in the eight-team European Conference, 36 points out of the play-in playoff scenario. With the playoff dream so far in the distance, most likely breaking his six-season playoff run with the team, would it be safe to assume this has been his toughest year with the Nighthawks, especially as captain?

 

“Obviously, the goal every year is to make the playoffs and here in Malmo, we’ve had a fantastic run but we’ve gone in a new direction this year and it’s been a lot of fun, honestly,” Deathwalker said at the press conference to announce him signing a one-year contract extension. “Even though there have been more losses than wins, I think the foundation has been laid for the Nighthawks to grow into a competitive team for many seasons much like my first six years here. I’ve had a great time with the younger players and their energy has been contagious and I’ve fed off of their enthusiasm. And, I tell you what, there’s a lot of skill and dedication on this roster right now. So much so that I want to continue to help build this team and I’ve signed for one more year with Malmo. It’s looking like the next will be my last season so I want to make it count!”

 

If Deathwalker does play all of next season with Malmo, he’ll tie franchise icon Condor Adrienne @OrbitingDeath as the only players to play 576 games with the team. He’s two goals away from passing Chris Hylands @hylands into second for goals only behind only draft mate Brendan Telker @Telkster. Obviously the franchise leader in hits, he’s also Top-3 in most other categories.

 

But it’s not the franchise records that has Deathwalker returning to the only team he’s ever played for, rather the chance to give back to the Nighthawks and lend his experience to the next generation.

 

“I just love this team and the comradery we’ve built. I want one more shot to make the post-season and set this franchise in the right direction before I retire.”

[OrbitingDeath 3,229]

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