YaBoi Oven: A Reflection

[Doomsday 4,036]

YaBoi Oven: A Reflection

 

YaBoi Oven quietly scans the Helsinki locker room, which is beginning to buzz with activity and final preparations. It’s opening night in Helsinki, and Season 93 is one for which both the Titans and Oven have lofty expectations. After joining Helsinki as the first overall pick in Season 90, entirely bypassing the VHLE and making the Titans’ roster in his first season of eligibility, Helsinki’s fortunes have drastically changed. After season after season of frustrating mediocrity, the Titans have become a perennial contender under General Manager Mickey Dickson, making the playoffs in each of the past three seasons, highlighted with a Continental Cup Finals appearance in Season 91. However, YaBoi Oven, while a solid contributor to the team’s successes, has not been a consistent driving force of the Titans, something that now must change with the retirement of Pierre Emile Bouchard.

 

Evidence of those expectations are quite visible as well, as Oven glances down to see an A now adorning his sweater as an alternate captain of the Titans. Over his first three seasons, he’s become a leader in the locker room, and now he’ll be expected to become a leader on the ice as well. The potential is certainly there, as Oven recorded a point-per-game average in the Season 92 Playoffs, along with his usual strong presence defensively. It will take more than a strong 14 games, however, to prove that he was the correct choice at first overall four seasons ago. Players selected with that pick are expected to be generational talents, exceptional players who lead their teams to continued success and perform at the highest level. Helsinki has definitely been successful, and while Oven has been solid, an argument can be made that he was not essential to that success. Now entering his fourth season, the time is now to take that next step and become one of the league’s elite defensemen.

 

 

Oven looks up with a grin. Kronchy Kardashian, the new captain of the Helsinki Titans, is bouncing around and getting their teammates hyped up and ready to go. Oven stands up, grabs his helmet, and begins to join in with the antics when suddenly, a chorus of distant boos can be heard.

 

“Sounds like Warsaw beat us out there,” Oven remarks with a chuckle.

 

“Nah,” retorts Kardashian. “That poverty franchise has never been on time for anything. I bet it’s the officials getting that reaction.”

 

The boos get even louder now, and there is no doubt that the Predators have now taken the ice. It is, after all, practically a brand new team this season, looking to compete for the Cup instead of for the best lottery odds.

 

“Alright, no more screwing around, let’s go boys!” booms Oven as he straps on his helmet and takes off towards the tunnel, having to slow his roll before he runs over goaltender Fuukka Rask, who has been silently waiting there for minutes now.

 

“About time,” he chuckled. “But I need to be out there first!”

 

Season 93 was finally ready to begin.

[N0HBDY 1,013]