Oslo New AGM

[OblivionWalker 246]

With the start of a new VHL season upon us, there have been many changes to staff, general and assistant general managers moving to new places and new faces coming in. VHL correspondent Steven Glynn was fortunate enough to be able to sit down with Oslo Storm Assistant General Manager, Olivia Walker, to ask her about her path to the VHL, why she chose Oslo as her first team to help with and what her plans are for the future.

SG: Olivia, thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to talk with me today. How did you decide on trying your hand at being an assistant general manager?

 

OW: A pleasure as always, Steven. I think for me, I took a rather unusual path to the VHL. I played professional rugby so while not involved in hockey, I know what it takes for an athlete to go pro, the unique challenges they face day in and day out. My family never missed a VHL game and due to my unfortunate early retirement from rugby due to a knee injury, I had a choice to make. I could wallow or I could look ahead, find a new challenge for myself to sink my teeth into. I applied for the position with Oslo almost on a whim. I saw it and wasn’t sure that I was properly qualified but thought I would throw my hat in the ring anyway. Mikko Borisyuk, the new gm of the Storm, decided to give me a chance so here I am, doing something completely new but I’ve been enjoying the challenge and coming to know the team and know Mikko. He’s very intentional in his methods and is always striving to make the team better and I want to do whatever I can to support him as well as our players. We had a bit of a rough start to the season but it’s been really inspiring to be in the locker room and see the way the players rally together after a loss, keep the faith for the next match up. I really feel fortunate to be around their energy every day.

SG: What was it about Oslo that made you want to try for the position?

 

OW: I know what it feels like to have your back against the wall and have to dig deep to climb your way over the obstacles in your path. I felt like I could bring my own tenacity, my own drive to help and better things however I could and fortunately it feels like it’s been a good fit so far but you’d have to ask Mikko more about that!

 

SG: What is the grand plan for the future? Are you thinking beyond this season?

 

OW: I don’t know that I think in terms of “grand plans” any more because life is going to life and break those apart. I plan on staying in Oslo as long as I can and learning more about the behind the scenes work. I may move on to an actual general manager position at some point but right now, I’m genuinely happy with where I am.

 

SG: We look forward to seeing how Oslo do this season and once again, thanks for taking time to talk with me!

 

OW: Thanks for the invitation, Steven. Any time.

 

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Edited August 18 by OblivionWalker