Wann Kerr's interview for a czech sports journal, translated

[VattghernCZ 1,056]

In this month's Czech players around the world section, we bring you an exclusive interview with Wann Kerr, recent 33rd overall draft pick by Las Vegas Aces of the VHLM.

 

First of all, congratulations for being drafted. How do you feel?(opens a bottle of beer) Thanks. Of course I am excited to be drafted by such a successful organisation. As you know, the Aces are back to back VHLM champions, which makes it even more special.

 

So the pressure is high?

Definitely. I mean, there hasn't been a threepeat in the VHLM yet, so why not be a part of the history by completing the first one? (laughs)

 

Do you think the team has what it takes to win?

Sure! GM Shindigs has done amazing job putting the team together. Some of our guys are already looking like steals, and he's allegedly pursuing one more forward to solidify our offense. Then we're officially stacked.

 

Do you already have an idea about your place in the Aces' lineup?

Yeah, even though I'm a natural center - well, a natural goalie, but that's a story for another time (laughs) - we had some talks about my role with Shindigs, he would prefer playing me on the second line left wing. I have no problem playing a wing anyway, and he definitely appreciates having some versatility in his forward core.

 

You've mentioned GM Shindigs, did you have any sort of discussion with him prior to the draft?

Of course. We went through pretty in-depth discussion about what kind of player I am and the kind of player I want to be, and generally about how the league works. It was really informative and helpful.

 

Aside from Shindigs, did any GM reach out prior to the draft?

Five GMs actually did. It went okay, but I think I established the best connection with Shindigs and lil z, GM of the Ottawa Lynx, the team I joined last season. We went on to have a pretty successful playoff run, it was a great experience to start off my career. On the draft day, I had the feeling I'd be drafted by either Shindigs or lil z. (puts away an empty beer bottle and opens another one)

 

Did you have the opportunity to meet the rest of the team already?

Oh yeah, we got in touch immediately after the draft. It's a great group, a mix of experienced guys and rookies. And of course there's Juan Ceson, the absolute GOAT. I can't wait to get to know the guys a lot better as the season goes by.

 

So have you already moved in Vegas?

I'm working on it. But man, those rent prices are insane, compared to Czechia! I still have to figure out the regulations about moving with pets as well.

 

Pets? What kind of pets do you have?

I'm a reptile guy. Actually one of the reasons I got back into hockey is because how well professional players get paid, it's my best chance to make enough money to be able to build the greatest reptile zoo the world has ever seen.

 

How many reptiles do you have?

In my flat in Ottawa, just Triss - a Centralian Python. I didn't want to move my whole collection when I wasn't sure how long would I stay in Ottawa. Now that I have a reasonable certainty about where will I stay for a while, I'm gonna move the rest of my pets. That's Boris the Musk Turtle and three more snakes - Yennefer, that's an IMG (increased melanin gene; editorial note) Boa Constrictor, Shani - Brazilian Rainbow Boa and Essi Daven, a Woma Python.

 

Judging by the snakes' names, I assume you're a fan of The Witcher?

Oh yeah, definitely. (chuckles) I've read all the books and logged a few hundreds hours in the videogames. I'm not really a fan of the TV show tho. If I were to be honest, I'd say the only thing they got right is the music. (puts away another empty beer bottle and opens a third one)

 

Is it just The Witcher, or are there other fantasy videogames, books or movies you like?

The videogame Gothic actually got me into fantasy. And to this day, Gothic 2 is one of my favorite videogames ever. Books...I don't really have enough time to read, but I was quite a bookworm in my early and mid teens. I like books by Tolkien, Paolini, Stephen King, Gemmell, Sapkowski and some obscure czech authors like Žemlička and Adam Andres - which is actually a pen name of a female author, I can't remember her name from top of my head. And about movies and TV shows, it might sound surprising, but I've never really been a fan. I don't know, I get bored by just watching, I guess I need to either use my imagination when reading, or controlling a videogame.

 

But we're off topic, let's get back to hockey. We migh re-visit your hobbies later, if there's time left. You haven't played a lot of professional ice hockey in Czechia, some local fans might not know about you. So, what kind of player are you?

I haven't play any professional hockey in Czechia, actually. (laughs) When I started playing hockey as a kid, I was a goalie. But soon I was moved to forward position. I mostly play at center, but as I've said earlier, I have no problem playing on a wing as well. On the ice, I try my best to be an asset defensively, so my more skilled linemates are free to focus on scoring. I play defense mostly using positioning and stick rather than with my body as I haven't been blessed with the size to really be effective.

 

What are some areas of your play you want to focus on improving?

Everything! (laughs) To elevate my game to next level, meaning if I ever get to play higher than in the M, my main goal will be improving my skating and puck handling. I'll probably never be among top scoring players, but I thing I can be one of elite shutdown forwards one day.

 

Are there any players you look up to - in a sense of what kind of a player they are?

Looking outside the VHLM, I have to pinpoint Joel Eriksson Ek of the Minnesota Wild in the NHL. I will probably never be able to use my body as well as he does, but I'm like 5 inches shorter than he is, so... (chuckles)

 

So what are your favorite ice hockey teams?

Lev Praha will always have a special place in my heart. But of currently existing teams, Minnesota Wild is my main team. I also kinda like Calgary Flames, and I like what's brewing in Ottawa Senators.

 

And within the VHL and affiliated leagues?

Of course I have to say Prague Phantoms and Bratislava Watchmen. I'd love to play for these teams one day. Although Ottawa Lynx are special to me because that's where my VHLM career has started, I'm not cheering for them when they play against us, I'm fully on board with the Aces. (chuckles)

 

And what about some teams on the opposite end, some teams you dislike?

As someone who became Wild fan around 2010, I'm of the opinion there should be a special place in hell for the Chicago Blackhawks. I'm not too stoked on Avalanche, Jets or Blues either. And the Golden Knights have become annoying pretty damn fast as well. As for the VHL, no negative feelings. At least not yet. (puts away another empty beer bottle and opens a fourth one)

 

You go through quite a lot of beer fairly quickly, are you gonna miss Czech beer in Vegas?

Oh definitely, that's why I'm pre-loading. (laughs) It's said our beer is among the world's best, but I'm quite curious about what guys in Vegas drink. And I'm pretty sure I could find a niche beer shop importing some czech stuff anyway. Hopefully including Bernard, my favorite.

 

How about some Bud Light?

shut f**k up (laughs)

 

Anyway, I've seen some some photos of you rocking some old-school equipment, what was that about?

Man, do you know how expensive hockey sticks are? With all of this carbon fiber composite BS and all kinds of flexes and curves and kick points and I don't know what else. I've bought a bunch of Titan sticks on Bazoš (a Czech equivalent of Craigslist; editorial note) and that's what I'm using. Same thing with helmets, I have my Jofa helmet without a visor and I'm using it until it falls apart so that even duct tape can't fix it.

 

And what if your team requires you to use a helmet in the team colors and with the team logo?

Ever heard about spray paint and sharpies? (laughs)

 

That about wraps up the questions I have prepared for today's interview, would you mind sticking around for some off topic questions?

Sure, why not, I still have some beer left. (puts away an empty bottle and opens a fifth one)

 

Cool. We've talked about some of your hobbies. What about music, what kind of music are you into?

I've been a metalhead since I was eleven or twelve. Before that, I used to listen to some Linkin Park, Green Day, The Offspring, The Rasmus and stuff like that. The band that got me into metal was Hammerfall. It started an era of Helloween, Metallica, Avantasia, Stratovarius, Nightwish etc., before I've eventually got into a bit heavier stuff thanks to Children of Bodom. Nowadays, I'm mostly into different subgenres of death metal and black metal. Cirrently I'm really getting into Nile, Insomnium and early Emperor. Listening to - and playing - music has always been a huge part of my life.

 

Playing music? What instrument do you play? Do you play in a band?

I mostly play the bass guitar. I can also play the guitar and the drums when necessary, but not nearly as well as the bass. Nor do I enjoy it as much. About playing in a band, let's say I'm currently a free agent. (chuckles) But maybe I'll lok into some bands in Vegas.

 

So beside reptile stuff and music, what else do you do in your free time?

I like fishing and riding motorbikes. I used to be a competitive angler for a bit, and I do some bike riding lessons.

 

What kind of lessons? Track day courses?

No, nothing like that. I'm into adventure riding, I do courses in off-roading with heavier bikes. Actually a friend of mine organises these courses, I just work as an instructor there for a few weeks every Summer.

 

And what bike or bikes do you ride yourself?

I have a Kawasaki KLR650 that's about thirteen years old, it's an immortal beast. That's what I use for the courses. I think about retiring it tho, and maybe replacing it with a Yamaha Tenere 700. I also have a Kawasaki Ninja 650 for daily commuting and a Yamaha Supertenere 1200 for roadtrips.

 

And what about the fishing?

I'm into coarse fishing, mostly float fishing and feeder fishing - that's the technique I used to compete in. I hope I can get a fishing license in Nevada as well. In US, it's mostly about fishing with lures, catching largemouth bass. I have to understand what the largie hype is about. (laughs)

 

What about playing golf, something seemingly every hockey player enjoys?

Uh, I've never tried it to be honest. Maybe I'll give it a shot in the offseason. If there's enough time, winning the cup takes lots of both energy and time. (laughs)

 

That's a good answer, I would expect nothing less. Anyway, we're really running out of time now, so my last question is: what would you recommend to young players deciding if they should become professional players?

Well, I'm the last person to tell them to stick with it. (laughs) Professional sports are tough. Even if scouts and coaches and agents tell you you're a generational talent and you have a bright future as a sports star, don't put all your eggs in one basket. It takes one bad hit or awkward fall to end your career. Make sure you have something else going for you when it happens.

 

Okay, thank you once again for your time, and I wish you good luck and tons of success in your career.

Thank you, it was my pleasure.

 

Word count: 2083

[VattghernCZ 1,056]

Claim 2/4 for week ending 9/18

[VattghernCZ 1,056]

Claim 3/4 for week ending 9/25

[VattghernCZ 1,056]

Claim 4/4 for week ending 10/02