Interview with rookie Rip Wheeler, VHLM - Las Vegas Aces “Sunday Spotlight”:

[ScottyP 208]

Interview with rookie Rip Wheeler, VHLM - Las Vegas Aces: 

 

Q) Good afternoon Me. Wheeler, thanks for taking the time to sit down and chat for a few minutes about your progression in your rookie season in the VHLM. 

 

Q) How would you rate yourself as we approach the midseason point of the year. 

 

A) “Ya, uh ya know, I’m just feeling more comfortable out there…the game is slowing down a bit and I’m not having to uh think as much. It’s a good feeling to feel like you belong to something…and that’s what I found here with the Aces…you know uh, some of the vets, have a, really taken me under their wing and shown me the ropes. At this point, I feel like a brother to everyone in the room.”

 

Q) Yeah, the locker room and this team has seemingly been really if around each other and creating that family atmosphere. Anything you’d like to see improve with your play during the second half of the year? 

 

A) “man, I’d love to put some pucks in the net for the boys…I feel like I’m contributing, but uh, you know uh, there’s always room to get better. I’m pretty happy with the shots and my physical play, but you can never have enough bodies banging out there! Haha But honestly I’d love to take a, you know uh a few minutes to break down the some of the the boys and make sure they get in the Sunday spotlight too! 

 

Q) “Sunday Spotlight. Maybe I should trademark that! Alright Rip, shine the light in a few of the boys. 

 

A) Let’s first show some love to uh, Mr. Juan Ceson! 139 hits in 38 games? My man is bringing the pain all over the rink! This is Juan’s 6th season with Vegas and he’s truly been a mentor, especially when it comes to uh, playing an aggressive brand of hockey! With 66 pims Juan is tied for #1 in the league! He shows every that not only is he willing to mix it up with the body and he’s not afraid to take it to the box…he’s not just a tough guy though as he brings that experience as a two

Time founders cup champion! Season 83 and 84. He’s a, also a big glue guy in the room Keeping the boys loose before the game and uh, he loves to get us going in between the frames too. 

 

Who’s next, gotta keep it on the back end…Eurydyka Sklodowska Dudzinska aka “the Dude” has been playing like a complete game stud with 33 points and 105 hits…this is the “Dudes” first full season in the “M” and at 6’8 he’s definitely making his presence known. He’s also a top 10 pim guy that’s not afraid to mix it up. With those two uh, manning the back end, it gives me the freedom to crash in on the forecheck and bring the ah, physicality you know uh, that old time hockey…that our Las Vegas Aces hockey club known for! 

 

Q) Ok well then…I appreciate you sharing the light with your boys…and sounds like you got some goals set for the second half of the year!Thanks for the time Rip. 

 

A) “Anytime, buddy….Aces up!”