Season Ahead with Grizz Tazzo

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Grizz, you were brought on as a Waiver player mid-season in S85 for Mexico City Kings, how did that affect you?

Yeah, it was quite an experience to hit the ice running, to say the least. GM Cole was so supportive and I had a friend in Quinn Saint-Willies who helped me through the process of acclimating onto the team.

Yes, I believe we saw where GM Cole had written about wanting to bring you back to the Mexico City Kings because of your impact on the team in your short time, what can your short-term success translate to long-term now that you're here for the start of the S86?

 

Well, to be fair, I wasn't happy with my performance, I felt I could have given much more to the team but I am thankful for what GM Cole saw in me, especially in our playoff run. I stunk so badly in the playoffs, I just think it had to be nerves or inexperience, but I aim to be better this year. I've already spent some time in the facility and any free time is spent working on my game and my shot.

 

Mexico did have a deep run in the playoffs last season, and with that success lingering from last season what can expect from the team this season?

 

As a player, I only know so much. We have some players returning and some have moved on, as is the hockey business but when teams make deep runs like that it's oftentimes hard to repeat back to back, but I think we have the right attitude and personally I have a chip on my shoulder from last season's performance, or lack thereof, that I want to outscore and outplay my opponents at any point I can. 

 

Those are some passionate words, from a rookie player, do you think you could see yourself in the running for any awards in the coming season?

 

That's not my focus, it never has been. I want the ship, I want the whole ship. I think rookie awards are great for players but you know who didn't get one and still has two Stanley Cups, Sidney Crosby. Sid doesn't need the awards or the recognition, he wants the cups, he wants the ships. That's what I want as well. 

 

That's a fair point you make. You bring up Sidney Crosby, is that one of your favorite players or someone you model yourself after?

 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are my favorite NHL team, but Sidney is not my favorite player, I have to say Bryan Rust has been my favorite since his burst on the scene during the 2017 cup run when he became captain clutch. He's someone I admire and believe plays the game the right way. I have also always admired Evgeni Malkin's style of play, laid back but when you piss him off he ups his game, that's kind of how my personality has been growing up.

 

Well, that's great stuff from you Grizz, we love to hear it. Lastly, do you have any predictions for the team this season and any NHL cup predictions?

 

Oh of course, Mexico City Kings all the way  , and the NHL 23 simulated the Penguins would win, unfortunately, they're on a 7 game slide but I think they could right the ship, but it might be Boston's year this year.