Grønvold draft interview

[VattghernCZ 1,049]

When we think about Alagsantere Grønvold here in the VHL Central Scouting, the first words that come to our minds are reliable. It may look like a backhanded compliment; you’d probably expect words like dynamic, exciting, or game-breaking when you're talking about a potential—though it may be a stretch—top 5 draft pick, but Grønvold doesn't play a flashy style of game. It's more appropriate to think about him as a stabilizing force on the blue line or a high-end complementary player.

 

We've talked about our expectations on Grønvold in our VHL Prospect Highlight podcast as well as in our scouting report, but what are his own thoughts and expectations? Mike Rotchburns, one of our VHLM West scouts, had the opportunity to interview Grønvold during the VHL draft combine.

 

So, Santy, have you heard from any VHL teams yet? Any idea where you might end up playing?

I've heard from one team so far, so I think that's still pretty much open. Plus, a lot of stuff can change, so... no idea.

 

And if it was up to you, what team would you be the most excited to join?

Oh, that's tough. I think my old man would be thrilled to see me play for Vancouver or London, you know that. I'm open to the opportunity of playing anywhere; I'll play my heart out for any team that would let me; I'd love to give them my whole career. But if it really was up to me, I'm feeling like a big-market NA team 

 

Love the confidence; do you think you could handle that much pressure?

Man, if there's one upside to me, it's that I thrive under pressure. Both on and off the ice.

 

That's a great trait to have as a pro athlete, absolutely. You're currently the third-highest-rated defenseman on our list. How do you personally think you stack up against other blueliners in your draft class?

I don't think you can just rank hockey prospects. We're all people bringing different qualities to the table, and different teams are looking for different things in their players. Hockey-wise? Yeah, I have confidence in my game. I do what I do. Daffleck and Harrington are amazing hockey players; they can do stuff on the ice. I don't even attempt to avoid embarassing myself, but I think I have some other strengths in different areas of the game. It's all about what teams are looking for, rather than just about the rank on a list. No offense. It could very well be a coin flip between all of us on draft day. And I can tell you the one drawing the shortest straw will have some fire under their... you know.

 

Well said. Now, talking about the different strengths in your game you’ve mentioned, what do you bring to the ice?

Well, I can skate. Sure, everyone in the game can skate, but what I mean is that I feel like I can actively change the pace of the game, and I don't think there have been many instances when I wasn't able to be where I meant to be. I also think I'm a quick thinker without the puck; I enjoy taking almost a chess-like approach to the game, scanning, analyzing, and predicting where the puck is going to go, you know. And I have no problem using both my stick and my muscle to turn the play around at the opportune time. I was blessed by growing like 7 inches in the last few years; it would be a waste not to leverage my size. I also don't mind taking a beating in front of the net.

 

And now the more difficult part: what are some of your weaknesses, and how are you working on fixing them?

Well, my coaches have always been telling me we're playing hockey, not bleeping hot potato. I just don't feel confident when I have the puck on my stick. I prefer strategizing, opening the space for my teammates, and making sure it's us, not the opponent, who has the puck. I'm working on both my shooting and my passing, but I just can't get the hang of it. I often just move too fast, and I'm too lanky to coordinate my stickwork and my feet; I don't understand how other bigger guys do it.

 

So are you looking to double down on your skating, analyzing the game and physicality to make it stand out even more, or are you planning to round out your game a bit more?

I think I can be somewhat flexible depending on what my future team is looking for, but I don't think I have the baseline talent to become a true offensive threat. Teams looking for this type of player are definitely putting more stock in Daffleck and Harrington at this time. I think the best approach would be to play to my strengths and to deploy me as a shutdown player.

 

It's important to know your strengths as well as your limitations; it looks like you have this covered. How long until you're ready to hit the VHL ice, in your opinion?

I think I'm ready to compete as soon as the next season, but it would be better for both my future team and my own development if I played in the minors for one more year.

 

Okay, that's about the expected ETA for top-shelf talent like yourself. To end our interview, tell me a bit about your favorite VHL player or players who influenced your play style.

Brian Payne is definitely up there. Him playing in Vancouver was the main inspiration for me to start playing hockey. If we're talking about current players, I really like Callum Gary Yannick Janser or Guntis Gavilrovs. Or if you want to look at up-and-coming youngsters, you have guys like Bollos de Trueno, Eric Thorvaldsson, or Felicia Hardy. It will be an honor to compete against players like this in the following years.

 

I can definitely see a resemblance here. The VHL is definitely looking to get a bit wilder very soon. Thank you for your time. Good luck in the draft, and I wish you a long and successful career.

 

1000+ words, claiming 2×6 TPE

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