Antoine Barksdale on early season woes with the Las Vegas Aces

[CrookedAnt 78]

Antoine Barksdale approached the podium, and sat for a media press conference. 

 

"Thank you for taking your time to be here, Antoine."

 

"No worries. It's not all about the ice. Have to get the fans engaged huh, and show Las Vegas some love?"

 

"There has been rumors about your struggles early in the year. You lead a few category's for your team, and are top ten in a few different margins. With your early success in the Junior Showcase with the Brigade- and comparing the numbers here.. It actually looks like you're playing better, but you seem distracted. What's with that?"

 

"You know.. I'm adjusting to a new city. First I was adjusting to Canada.. having to share bunks with my teammates in the JST was tough. I just don't think we're being looked out for players enough. It's like we move here.. and then shortly after the season starts. It's little time to adjust, and it's bad for my mental health honestly. I wish more players would talk about this sort of thing, and let you know that just because we're being a paid sizeable amount to do what we love.. it is not all love, and roses out here."

 

"Thank you for being so vulnerable. There are some easy games you've guys lost this year, only holding a 4-3 record as the former champions of the cup. As a rookie coming into that enviroment with expectations by the fanbase so high, what are you looking to achieve this season, and does it make you nervous to be in that atmosphere?"

 

"No it doesn't phase me. I have Tiger blood in me. To assume I am weak, or frail is wrong. On the court I am trying to kill you, and mentally dismantle you. That's what the Ace's are aiming to do, and we've had some breakdowns early, sure- but that doesn't change what we are shooting for. You're talking to one of the hardest working players in the league. Whatever I can do to achieve greatness, I am doing it.. hell, if they allowed steroids I'd take them to get that extra edge. I'm up early, five am every day getting my routine in order to be at the rink at seven, and staying at the rink till four- I'm dedicated to this season, and this franchise. Hopefully we can bring the historic threepeat to them."

 

"What exactly has been the most difficult part about adjusting to the Las Vegas enviroment?"

 

"I come from a place where there is not much wealth. It is not flaunted in your face like it is in America. There are fine women everywhere, and sports cars.. casinos.. everything. Las Vegas has it all. It is easy as a young man to get lost in drinking, and gambling, and become distracted. I'm sticking to my girlfriend from back in my homeland, Italy-, and we are working on our personal goals with all this craziness transpiring around us. That is what is difficult for me to handle."

 

"Last question, and I'll let you get out of here Antoine. What do you like most about your Las Vegas teammates?"

 

"We have a strong roster of forwards, and a strong goalie in Joe Castle. My hopes are strong to win the season, and hold that cup for our team, and for our fans. Thank you, and much love!" 

 

 

 

 

"

 

[CrookedAnt 78]

claim for 9/18-9/25. (accidentally did a graphic, and media spot last week, and couldn't claim this.)

Edited September 18, 2022 by CrookedAnt