Perspectives of a Career Star

[Gustav 6,469]

This season marked the first time that anyone has started in net for 8 seasons straight in LA (and only the second time anyone has ever played 8 full seasons for LA). This means that, next season, Art Vandelay will be the longest-tenured member of the Stars ever. Of course, that's not super impressive--this franchise has existed less than 20 seasons and it's been even less than that where a 9th season is even possible--but it still means something considering the number of players that filter through the system. 

 

(Note: I'll have to give credit to @KRZY and Todd Cooke for spending a full career in the LA system starting next season as well)

 

I never set out to be a lifer; it just kind of happened that way. As a goaler in a crowded market, there wasn't going to be much movement or many serious takers anyway, so the concept of team-hopping for championships just wasn't something I ever considered to be on the table. Most teams just already have their guy, and I was the guy in LA. Thankfully, Vandelay getting good lined up well with the team becoming competitive--I've never had a reason to think we weren't trying hard enough for me to extend or that my time was being wasted. That's not to say that things have worked out in the most objective sense, because zero cups and zero awards tend to say all that a lot of people think they need to hear, but we've at least had prospects of going places. Perhaps it would be nice if I didn't become noticeably worse in the playoffs, but you can't win them all.

 

Currently, Vandelay is the winningest (and also losingest, but only if you count overtime) goaler in LA history. Barring our backup being pulled a lot, or a Louth Rule violation, I won't hit the mark for games played for all players, but I've got it for goalers and that's something that will stand for a while. 

 

I've been nominated for a few awards a few times, but I've never won them (or deserved them). I've also never led the league in anything, and in this age of "everyone is putting up the same sorts of numbers," I don't see myself in the HoF anytime soon. And while that's sad to think about, and I'm sure noobs will never even learn about Vandelay, I hope he's at least given you some memories and that I've done enough in my time with him for you to think of him as one of the faces of the Stars.

 

One season left, and I hope we can enjoy it together!

[Enorama 2,039]

Fart Vandelay

[jacobcarson877 2,563]

Art Vandelay