Jesse Teno : Hot Commodity for VHLM Draft

[Aimee 1,119]

Jesse Teno – Week 1 Update: Unto the Breach, My Friends

 

Jesse Teno, a new draftee to the VHLM, has found themselves in an interesting situation with this year’s draft class. According to every GM that they have spoken to, Jesse is one of only a few goalies available. Being such a hot commodity could either go to their head, or be a real fire under their padded behind. Only time will tell with this new addition to the Victory Hockey League.

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After realizing the late start to the off-season, Jesse found themselves diving into a draft that they hadn’t expected to come so soon. A few days of quiet were followed by a slew of GM messages. “I’m still learning about the league and how to navigate the new environment”, Jesse remarked to friends when the VHLM Draft swept them though the whirlwind that would be a busy weekend. Answering GMs questions, hearing different points of view as well as figuring out the teams, “I was beside myself”.

 

A draft with almost no other goalies meant that even as a new player and someone new to the workings of the league, they were automatically in high demand. Unsure of what to do, Jesse has been weighing their options of who to engage with; trying to be careful with what they say. As a lot of teams are seemingly so highly interested despite being brand new to the league, they seem to almost be guaranteed a draft spot.

 

The pressure of this realization and reality is high, especially with the potential to be a starting goalie right off the bat. “I just hope I can take the next few weeks to make myself as ready as possible for my first season in the VHLM. It’s going to take a lot of hard work but if I’m going to be drafted, I want to prove to my team that I was worth the pick.”

 

With pressures mounting each day, Jesse has not only decided to focus on their abilities on the ice, but off them as well. Having also spent some of their youth playing tennis and basketball, Jesse continues to play those as their own style of practice. “I think tennis is an obvious choice. Hand-eye coordination is pretty much a goalie’s bread and butter. Basketball just helps me keep aware of my surroundings. Anything to try and gain just a little bit of edge over anyone trying to score on me.”

 

Jesse’s family also seem to be preparing themselves for the upcoming season by preparing signs with only enough room for the logo of whatever team drafts them. “Honestly I’m just so proud of them for even getting this far,” said Jesse’s mother. “Even if every team passes, we know that there is always next year and that it takes a lot to even be considered.” Jesse’s father declined to speak but was just as hard at work preparing for draft day at home.

 

With a supportive family, continuing dedication to training, and high hopes, Jesse Teno seems ready for the upcoming draft and season. Now all they can do is wait for draft day to roll around and see what fate has in store.

 

536 words, using for PT weeks June 20-26