Reflections in the Ice

[kirbithan 1,767]

Lachlan after San Diego’s 5-2 win over Miami

 

In San Diego’s final game of the season against the Miami Marauders, goaltender Lachlan Summers was able to secure his second VHLM win in a dominant 5-2 victory, making 24 saves of 26 shots. The team in front of him had shown significant progress and a new confidence in themselves, wanting to leave it all out on the ice for the last time this season. Afterwards, Lachlan had lingered on the ice far longer than usual, leaning against the goal net and taking in everything he had experienced so far as a VHLMer.

 

With the offseason rolling around and the draft to be highly anticipated, Lachlan has had quite the whirlwind of an experience so far in the VHLM. Most of the members of this young Marlins crew were signed around the same time. They had learned the ropes of the league and what it had to offer together, figuring things out as they went. As they were the late reinforcements brought in off waivers, they were intent on leaving their mark during their short time as a complete unit. A team of misfits is what they were. Thrown into a lineup at the last possible moment, but making every second of ice time count.

 

This team quickly grasped onto the VHLM’s style of play and what they were expected to accomplish, with the help of their eager and welcoming general manager, who wanted nothing more than to watch his new recruits grow and begin to cement their own legacies.

 

Lachlan regards his short stint with the Marlins fondly, and also noted that he had quickly bonded with his teammates. The Australian was particularly glum about the fact that they could all potentially part ways come draft time. It’s bittersweet. 

 

Although they hadn’t shared the ice together long, Lachlan reminisces the late nights where he and other Marlins would exchange advice over some drinks and discuss whatever was going on in their lives and where they all came from ( albeit, most of what was on their minds at the time was how they could help out the team ), sharing whatever pastry or baked good he had learned to bake with those willing to try them, as well as a few very intense board game nights. He understands that hockey is a business, after all, and while they wouldn’t be on the same team anymore, that didn’t mean they couldn’t keep in touch.

 

His time as a Marlin has opened his eyes to the opportunities that he has in the VHLM and beyond. His goal, like his teammates and others around the league, is to rise through the ranks and reach the VHL. But of course, a spectacular feat like that is easier said than done. 

 

 

Admittedly, it was difficult for Lachlan to travel all the way out to North America after having spent his entire life in Australia, minus living half a year in Ontario while participating in a hockey camp for those who lived outside of the US and Canada. The only family member able to follow him in the move to San Diego was his dog. He had to leave behind his number one supporters— his mother Hallie and his older sister Taryn— while his fiancé is currently in Quebec, but is hoping to join him soon. Although there is the pesky and often tiresome problem that is the time zone difference, he reminds himself to call home each and every day, even if he inevitably gets chirped by his teammates when his family calls him by his childhood nickname— Lachy. 

 

With an oversaturation of goaltenders in this year’s draft, Lachlan hopes to impress any GMs that may be the slightest bit interested in him and what he could potentially bring to the table for their franchise. With that, two prime opportunities to put his skillset on display are in this year’s Junior Showcase Tournament and the World Juniors. He was never one to be overwrought or crumble under pressure, and he’ll take things one step at a time.

 

But how far can this goaltender from Down Under go?

 

Word count: 689 words

Edited August 7, 2022 by kirbithan

[kirbithan 1,767]

15 minutes ago, kirbithan said:

Lachlan after San Diego’s 5-2 win over Miami

 

In San Diego’s final game of the season against the Miami Marauders, goaltender Lachlan Summers was able to secure his second VHLM win in a dominant 5-2 victory, making 24 saves of 26 shots. The team in front of him had shown significant progress and a new confidence in themselves, wanting to leave it all out on the ice for the last time this season. Afterwards, Lachlan had lingered on the ice far longer than usual, leaning against the goal net and taking in everything he had experienced so far as a VHLMer.

 

With the offseason rolling around and the draft to be highly anticipated, Lachlan has had quite the whirlwind of an experience so far in the VHLM. Most of the members of this young Marlins crew were signed around the same time. They had learned the ropes of the league and what it had to offer together, figuring things out as they went. As they were the late reinforcements brought in off waivers, they were intent on leaving their mark during their short time as a complete unit. A team of misfits is what they were. Thrown into a lineup at the last possible moment, but making every second of ice time count.

 

This team quickly grasped onto the VHLM’s style of play and what they were expected to accomplish, with the help of their eager and welcoming general manager, who wanted nothing more than to watch his new recruits grow and begin to cement their own legacies.

 

Lachlan regards his short stint with the Marlins fondly, and also noted that he had quickly bonded with his teammates. The Australian was particularly glum about the fact that they could all potentially part ways come draft time. It’s bittersweet. 

 

Although they hadn’t shared the ice together long, Lachlan reminisces the late nights where he and other Marlins would exchange advice over some drinks and discuss whatever was going on in their lives and where they all came from ( albeit, most of what was on their minds at the time was how they could help out the team ), sharing whatever pastry or baked good he had learned to bake with those willing to try them, as well as a few very intense board game nights. He understands that hockey is a business, after all, and while they wouldn’t be on the same team anymore, that didn’t mean they couldn’t keep in touch.

 

His time as a Marlin has opened his eyes to the opportunities that he has in the VHLM and beyond. His goal, like his teammates and others around the league, is to rise through the ranks and reach the VHL. But of course, a spectacular feat like that is easier said than done. 

 

 

Admittedly, it was difficult for Lachlan to travel all the way out to North America after having spent his entire life in Australia, minus living half a year in Ontario while participating in a hockey camp for those who lived outside of the US and Canada. The only family member able to follow him in the move to San Diego was his dog. He had to leave behind his number one supporters— his mother Hallie and his older sister Taryn— while his fiancé is currently in Quebec, but is hoping to join him soon. Although there is the pesky and often tiresome problem that is the time zone difference, he reminds himself to call home each and every day, even if he inevitably gets chirped by his teammates when his family calls him by his childhood nickname— Lachy. 

 

With an oversaturation of goaltenders in this year’s draft, Lachlan hopes to impress any GMs that may be the slightest bit interested in him and what he could potentially bring to the table for their franchise. With that, two prime opportunities to put his skillset on display are in this year’s Junior Showcase Tournament and the World Juniors. He was never one to be overwrought or crumble under pressure, and he’ll take things one step at a time.

 

But how far can this goaltender from Down Under go?

 

Word count: 689 words

@nurx Would love to enter my article into the VHLM Writing Competition if this qualifies!

Edited August 7, 2022 by kirbithan

[nurx 914]

35 minutes ago, kirbithan said:

@nurx Would love to enter my article into the VHLM Writing Competition if this qualifies!

Putting it in now!

[nurx 914]

VHLM Writing Competition Voting!

 

https://forms.gle/roqsfAy8NPqvJjzz9

[animal74 1,855]

Nice article!