Into the Woods

[jacobcarson877 2,541]

Landon Wolanin has spent the offseason in a log cabin, deep in the woods. It was never a question of his physical readiness. He could train as hard as anyone, and could keep up with the best of the best in any individual aspect of his game. That was never the question.

 

Social Media used to be a place of comfort. A place to escape the world of hockey for a moment and connect with some other real human beings, all trying to navigate this complicated and hurting world together. There was a real sense of community and togetherness, that quite frankly is nearly impossible to find these days. People were excited to get a chance to talk to a VHL player, and give some words of encouragement.

 

But all that has changed. Landon Wolanin had always been on the cusp of something great. Many compared him to all-time greats like Duncan Idaho. Maybe it got to his head. He had been a stones throw from 100 points twice, something that would have been an incredible milestone for anyone of his era. He had come out of S87 with a Continental Cup and a Kanou nomination. Everything seemed to be pointing to continued dominance.

 

The cycle however, continues. Rosters turn over, new blood joins the pack, and the old guard fades into retirement. Landon Wolanin never seemed all that dominant anymore. He stopped being in the conversation for scoring titles. What started with a few point slide turned into a 76 point campaign, his worst non-rookie season. He had gone from a 50 goal threat, to almost grazing 40. He stopped shooting, and just looked like a shell of himself on the ice. The tools were there, but no one was wielding them. It was same old same old. The dynamic play that earned him ice time with superstar Daniel Janser disappeared, and it took a toll on both members of the Calgary duo.

 

Social Media became a place of self-loathing and negativity. Once-called fans, turned to active haters. Everywhere he looked, Landon Wolanin had to wade through an ocean of critiques to find a moment of positivity. It never used to bother him, they just didn’t understand enough, but eventually he lost himself in the swaths of disdain, and began to perpetuate them in his own heart.

 

So now it is time for the woods. A trade never really came as a surprise. The time was up, Daniel Janser was gone. An all but certain first ballot Hall of Famer. That’s what Landon Wolanin had in mind for his career, and had all the tools to do it.

 

In the woods he will find himself. Whether that translates to a new era of dominance with the Helsinki Titans, or simply a newfound appreciation for life off the ice, he will find himself. He is alone. No phone, no computer, just a few pairs of clothes and enough books to last a year. Maybe someone wrote something once that will be the secret key to his success. It is now or never in his mind. This is his last VHL contract, and either he makes the most of it, or he doesn’t. This life may not have been meant for him. Maybe the stakes were too high. Only time will tell, or perhaps the will of nature will.

[AJW 2,157]

Self isolation in the woods bro’s gonna go demon mode in S90

[Spartan 4,408]

[Daniel Janser 2,184]

Why do I hear 'the Eye of the Tiger' in my head?