Early Season Q&A With Dogwood Maple

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With the season more than a quarter of the way finished, Dogwood Maple of the Vancouver Wolves sat down with the Vancouver Herald to discuss the season.

 

Q: When it comes to the Wolves as a team, how do you feel about the start to the year?
A: We had a really rough first few games, but now we're in the middle of a hot streak.  We've won four in a row and have really turned on the jets as of late.  I'm honestly not sure anybody can keep up with us right now.  We're second in goals scored in the North American Conference and have really flexed our offensive muscles. 

 

Q: What about you individually - do you think you're on the shortlist for any awards?
A: Awards are always secondary for me.  I'd trade an MVP trophy for a title in a heartbeat.  I've definitely been playing well so far an I really feel the connection with my line mates.  We can anticipate each other's moves on the ice which is incredibly important for scoring goals.  The best thing about us right now is that we have an absurd amount of depth.   Goals and assists can come from anywhere on our roster and while that might hurt my award chances, it'll be a huge benefit come playoff time.  Like I said, I want another trophy and our current roster composition will put us in a position to give that a real run.

 

Q: Who do you think is your biggest competition on the way to a deep playoff run?
A: It's gotta be the Bears.  Not only are they the best team in the conference right now, but they've absolutely had our number the last few years.  It's going to take a gargantuan effort to get past them in the playoffs, if it comes to that, but I think we're up to the challenge.  Heck, maybe we're due for a win against them in primetime!

 

Q: How has your fanbase helped you so far this season?  We always hear great stories about the raucous crowds in Vancouver. 
A: Oh man where do I start?  Not only are there always sellouts at Vancouver Arena, but they get LOUD.  This isn't a quiet crowd, these folks get after it.  I always hear comments from opposing players about how difficult it is to come into our arena and win and I think our fans are the reason for that.  They make it incredibly tough on the opposition night in and night out.

 

Q: Now that you're one of the veterans on the team, how has your role changed from when you were just a rookie?
A: When I first got called up, I didn't know anything.  I didn't know how to be a good leader but most importantly I didn't know how to handle the ups and downs of a long season.  Now, I can really stay grounded for the entire season and not get too high or too low.  It also helps with my leadership ability as I can set a good example for the younger players. Just have to go out every day and show a good example for everyone.   If you do enough good day after day, you'll be in a great spot overall.

 

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