Preseason Interview with Shubham Anand

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It is time for a second go around for Shubham Anand, the new captain of the Vasteras Iron Eagles,who returns to Sweden in a  weird twist of fate. We ask Shubham about how he feels about his return and why he chose to to stay in the VHLE. We also discussed his thoughts on the VHLE draft the Iron Eagles had, the recent acquisition of his company by Dick's Sporting Goods, and some news about Shubham's mother. All of that comming up next.

 

When and how did you decide that you would be staying in the VHLE for S90?

 

It was a collaboration effort between @Ricer13 and myself. We decided that if we wanted me to explod out of the gate when I join the VHL, it would be best for me to stay down for a season and develop. This discussion took place after I was traded to the Geneva Rush. The rebuild and the reduction were not on my mind when I made that decision.

 

The rebuild you are talking about is the one the Calgary Wranglers started this offseason. How does being the top prospect for a fanbase waiting for your arrival effect you?

 

It means that I have more eyes on me that ever. I know I carry the Posse's hopes and expectations. That can be overwhelming but it also gives me purpose. I have a clear mission this season. Train and get better so that I can live up to expectations next season. That is what it is about this season.

 

The reduction you mentioned earlier was of the VHLE itself. That saw the Geneva Rush, the team you were trade to, relocate to replace the team that drafted you. Now you are back as the captain of the team. How do you feel about seemingly being fated to play for Vasteras?

 

It is something you can't plan for. Most of my problems with Vasteras that got me traded in the first place was the fact that they were a non-competive trash team. Turn out I would be apart of the solution to fix that team no matter what. The reduction was necessary and good for us, especially after that recent draft we had. But If I am doomed to play my VHLE hockey for this small town, only thing to do is to bring the Renaissance Cup here.

 

The draft was a great one for the new look Iron Eagles. Over a entire round a picks tends to cause that. It is a draft that that would see stars like Severus Targaryen, Axel Gunner, Jarmo Ruutu and many other become a part of this renewed team. How do you feel about your new teammates and how do you feel about leading such a young squad?

 

This is why the reduction was a painful but right decision. This team feels like a brand new squad, even compared to the Rush of last year. I have been practicing with Severus and Axel and I believe that they will have have a great season. This team respect how hard I work to win. If I can get the entire team to fight for victory like I do, the Renaissance Cup is ours.

 

Two personal questions before we part. I think was recently announced that your startup, GoGear, was purchased by Dick's Sporting Goods. Part of the deal was for you to join the upper management to oversee the sporting goods purchasing app you created. How do you balance your business responsibilities with  your hockey ones and how is this deal beneficial for you?

 

It isn't easy, but the board of directors is understanding of my desire to lead a business and play hockey, so we make it work out. I get to keep the goal of the company I founded with the support of one of the largest sports goods stores in the world. They get to offer new and better services to their customers. It was a beneficial deal for both parties.

 

Your mother, Grishma, has made headlines. She has founded a racing team called SwiftSteel Race Engineering or SRE for short in the World of Speed Racing Series and has moved to the Islands of Speed. How do you feel about that?

 

That sounds like Mama Grishma alright. I am glad she a found something to put her time, energy, and money into. She is smart and has pick passionate and skilled drivers and engineers to work for her. I believe that SRE will have a great season and I will be rooting for them all the way over here.

 

That is all the time we have for today. Good luck to both SRE and the Vasteras Iron Eagles.

 

Thanks.