Houston, We Have a New Center

[CowboyinAmerica 2,889]

 

Houston -- Antonia Bucatini expected the trade deadline to pass without care. Cooped up at home the day after a recent Halifax win over Mississauga, she was cooped up with a protein shake and some Netflix, ready for some potential R&R. However, the rest was short-lived when she received an out-of-the-blue call from Halifax management.

 

"Hey there. So, we've decided to sell before the deadline. We're sending you to Houston."

 

And like that, Antonia Bucatini was off to her third VHLM franchise in just over a season - and one that suddenly would place on her higher expectations, to boot.

 

Bucatini joins a crowded Houston team that has championship aspirations this season, but one that was desperately looking for a talented center. Houston management have already told her that she'll be a first line center from day one, teaming up with fellow S93 draftees Chris Reynolds Jr. and Trimiskez Artav in what instantly becomes one of the most talented lines in the VHLM. But if going from a fringe playoff team to a squad with championship aspirations would be intimidating for some people, Bucatini didn't show it.

 

"You might forget, I was already in the finals once. I know what it takes to get there, and I know I have it," Bucatini said, referring to Philadelphia's finals run last year. "Having played Houston a few times, I know the players in this locker room have what it takes too. Now, we get a few weeks to gel and figure things out."

 

Indeed, the assimilation process has already started, with Houston going 1-1 in Bucatini's first two games. She's also begun introducing herself to a boisterous locker room as well, making friends early. Overall, she said she feels good about the move.

 

"I think I'm going to like it here. I enjoyed Halifax too, but there's just so many new faces - more faces than I'm used to," Bucatini said. "And I hope I'm the winning piece that really helps us accomplish something this year. Go Bulls!"