Molly the Cat visits the VHL Hockey Hall of Fame

[JCarson 747]

Molly the Cat, thank you for doing this special interview. You have just finished a tour of the VHL hockey hall of fame, I know there is a plethora of fantastic simulators, museum quality exhibits and historic artifacts inside, what was your favorite? 

 

It has been years since I toured the VHL Hockey Hall of Fame, and I have to say the newer computer-based interactive exhibits are fantastic. I circled back three times to the shooting simulator. To have the opportunity to shoot pucks against some of history's best goaltenders, some of the players I watched as a child, it was a dream come true. I could have spent all day at that one exhibit working through all the Hall of Fame Goalies. As I had to be nice and let others take turns also, I did get the opportunity to face off against the first ever goalie inducted into the Hall of Fame, Matthew Pogge. To face off against one of the best players to ever put on the pads, and to be able to do it with him wearing his original gear. I am humble enough to admit that out of the 10 shots I only scored twice. I am not sure if there is a goalie playing in the league today that has a glove and blocker hand that can match Matthew Pogge. 

 

That had to be an amazing experience, can you tell us about some of the other simulations that people touring the VHL Hockey Hall of Fame can experience. 

 

Outside of the shooting simulator I would have to say my next favorite was the skating simulator. To be able to put on a pair of skates and do speed drills against some of the historically great skaters was also a mind-blowing experience. I will admit I did not test myself against the best skaters but took the opportunity to skate against one of my all-time favorite players, Zach Arce. Zach Arce had retired long before I remember watching hockey but he was my father's favorite player and so I spent a significant amount of time studying his career. From his 2nd round draft selection, to his first game in both the VHLM and VHL to his development into one of the best play making RW in his era of the game, it was a wonderful experience to be able to skate with such a legend, even if speed was not one of his best-known traits. 

 

Molly the Cat thanks for sharing that personal story with us. Outside of the simulation exhibits can you tell us about the other portions of the VHL Hockey Hall of Fame and a highlight for you? 

 

Definitely. I would have to say the highlight of the exhibits was the trophy room. Most people found themselves staring at the Continental Cup and I do not blame them, I expect most hockey fans have at least once in their lives wondered what it would be like to hoist that trophy. I personally spent a significant amount of time in front of the Scott Campbell Trophy. I am hoping one day that I will see my name on it, to be recognized by peers, the media, and the league as being the player with the most value to their team. I think that would be special. 

 

Molly the Cat, our interview time is quickly ending, do you have any last words for your fans? 

 

The VHL Hockey Hall of Fame represents the best of the last 15 years of the VHL, VHLE and VHLM. It is a time capsule of the best hockey league in the world. I think all fans should take the opportunity to visit it, to take in the exhibits, to look at the trophies, to square off against the best hockey talent ever.