First season in London

[VattghernCZ 985]

Wann Kerr's first season in London was undoubtedly a success, as the Czech center went on to set new career highs in goals (44), assists (52), points (96), shots (452), shots blocked (37), game winning goals (10), powerplay goals (11) and recorded his first ever shorthanded goal. Regularly being deployed as the top line center, his play helped his linemates Leonard Triller and Molly the Cat to take their play to another level and have career best seasons. The United finished the season with 44-19-9 record for third spot in the bloodbath that was the European Conference, and managed to advance past Riga Reign to the second round of the playoffs where they fell short in the series against Helsinki Titans. As Kerr is spending his offseason in Vancouver with his family, he agreed to spend a few minutes of his time chatting with the Hokej Magazín reporters via a videocall.

A big season for you and your team. What was the biggest difference between playing in Vancouver and playing in London?

First of all, it's nice to hear Czech a bit more often, some Czech fans show up at the games every now and then, it's something that never happened in Canada. It's just cool to hear some Czech chants. But seriously, I think I'm more focused on the game here. My family is in Vancouver and I don't carry the responsibility of being one of the team's leaders, so I tend to keep to myself a bit more, working hard and doing what I can to help my team on the ice. I don't mean to sound like „all game and no play“ here (laughs), but I feel like there's overall a bit more serious mood.

It looks like the focus on the game pays off. You with Triller and Cat were one of the most dominants lines in the league, what was your secret?

I've played with some fantastic players on every level, obviously with forwards like Henry Eagles, Nico Pearce, Sergey Preobrazhensky or Nezuko in Vancouver. Lenny and Molly have played with each other for quite some time, their chemistry is mind-blowing, it was obvious all I need to do is to get them the puck by any means necessary, and create space for them. We're all different players, but I think our play complement each other really well. I don't think I've ever felt as comfortable with my linemates as I do now.

I believe you're looking forward to next season, hopefully to reunite this line. What are you working on this offseason to bring to the table?

Mostly on licking my wounds and be ready to get back being at least as good as I was last season. It's getting harder, I'm no spring chicken anymore. I'm spending most of my time staying mobile and in shape, I haven't really been able to find time to work on new skills and habits so far.

I can imagine you're pretty banged up from the postseason. The Titans unfortunately got the better of you, and one of the storylines was you facing Pierre Emile Bouchard, your former captain. How was the experience?

Yea...the playoffs. It was bad, I really didn't help my team at all. Even more motivation for me to work harder next season. With Bouchy, obviously there was some comraderie, but I don't think we let our off ice relationship show on the ice. He definitely didn't hold back on me (laughs), he got me pretty good a few times. One of my fingers is chipped, I believe it's from Bouchy's shot I blocked awkwardly. I can't wait for him to hang his skates, I don't want to play against him again! (laughs)

At the beginning, you said it's great to meet Czech fans more often now that you play in Europe and I've heard you're involved in a development program for young Czech players, do you keep in touch with the youngsters?

Yea, I've been donating a part of my paycheck to the Czech Ice Hockey Association for a few seasons now. I actually visited a few peewee teams' practices right after our postseason, before I traveled back to Canada. I don't wat to sound cocky, but Left Alone and I are probably the biggest Czech names currently in the VHL, it's so wholesome seeing the little hockey players' faces sorta starstruck when you're on the ice with them.

It's great to see the future generations of hockey players are in good hands, I swear we need it. It's been way too long since our country earned a major success in international hockey. Perhaps your future after you call it quits as a player is in player development? Anyway, we're running out of time, thank you for the quick chat and see you next time!

(laughs) No, I'm terrible with people no matter their age, my future is with reptiles. If I continue my hockey career after I hang the skates, I'll probably coach Jarda Jágr or something (laughs). Sure bud, my pleasure as always, take care!

[Gaikoku-hito 2,089]

1 hour ago, VattghernCZ said:

I can't wait for him to hang his skates, I don't want to play against him again! (laughs)

One more long Season of head-to-head battle and than I hope we meet in the Conference Finals again....

Should keep the London & Helsinki games fun!!