Tord Yvel -Rookie Experience

[Trazan 131]

Journey:

 

VHLM:

Saskatoon Wilds
(Drafted No.5 s88)

 

 

VHLE:

Geneva Rusch

(Drafted No.20 s88 Traded from)

Istanbul Red Wolves

(Traded to for Tullemore Dew, S90 COL 3rd (Axle Gunner)

 

VHL:

New York Americans

(Drafted No.20 s88)

 

 

 

I started out in Saskatoon Wilds with a stable rookie season.

Our GM left us hanging half way through and it was kind of a mess. But I met some good guys and had fun playing together.

Then I was prepared to move on to VHLE and Geneva Rusch

But when I came home from a family trip I noticed I had been traded.

Rumor has it that there were a few teams interested but due to my unavailability passed on the opportunity.

Now I would be loyal and probably like whichever destination came my way but I'm really happy that it was the Istanbul Red Wolves.

My time there really prepared me for VHL and I met a lot of good people.

Wonderful staff, Coaches, GM/AGM and teammates.

But alas, All good things must come to an end and after our run to the finals the franchise folded. 

A sad moment but it made up my mind.

I had been thinking of staying back a year even though I had the TPE to make the jump but I really liked Istanbul.

Now I had apparently already spent too much TPE to stand back but I didn't know that when my decision was made for me. 

 

and that brings us to The VHL and New York Americans.

 

When I was drafted by The Americans I didn't know much about them to be honest.

I’ve always Dreamt of visiting New York but I hadn't even thought about playing hockey over there. 

Right after the draft someone reached out to me, Can’t remember who but we had a conversation that left me feeling that this was gonna be great.

Last season The Americans just sneaked into the playoffs and at first I thought we we’re gonna go for it from now on

But a rebuild is coming and it may take some time.

But that is no problem for me, it might even benefit me.

Most teams already have their #1 D-man and probably their second and third too

leave maybe a fourth spot open on the second pair with minimal Power play time.

On a rebuilding team like the Americans I'm among the top D-men. Getting plenty of ice time in every situation.

Something I feel I really have done well with. 

 

In my rookie season i’m on the top-10 boards for

Shots Blocked(9)

Minutes Played (7)

and sixth in the Rookie Scoring race, Outpaced by only 2 other D-men. 

 

That is much better than I expected before the season.

Especially since my goal hasn’t been to put up points but to be a two-way defender with focus on defense.

Because of that I’m awfully proud to be on the top-10 of shots blocked. Right where I want to be. 

 

All in all this might not be a rookie season for others to remember or something to bang on the big drum for

but I will always remember it as a fun and satisfying rookie campaign, Something I'm proud of.

 

~540 words

Edited September 14, 2023 by Trazan