Drosmis Sarkanis - The Rookie Experience

[Mr Bohannan 130]

Thank you my fellow Londoner @VattghernCZ for inspiring the format!

 

FROZEN POND PODCAST

 

Hello and welcome to FROZEN POND PODCAST where we try to give platform and talk about the new and young uprising stars from the FROZEN PONDs all over the country, before they step into the big rink. This time is no different and we have a special guest. A young and talanted forward from the small country, unknown to a lot of people, but yet a country with very strong and passionate ice hockey culture. Please welcome to our studio - DROSMIS SARKANIS!

 

First off, congrats on being drafted 12th overall! How did it feel when you heard your name called by London United in Season 95 VHL Draft?
Thank you for having me and boy, what can I say. It was such a relief and excitement running through my body. Usually the first picks know that they're going to be called, but I had no clue and that added to that experience!

 

Can you tell us about your journey through the minors? What was the most challenging part about getting here?

Well I was late for my seasons draft, so I was not drafted and got signed as a free agent by Saskatoon Wilds. I'm very grateful to the team and the management of the team because they really have been great to me and with them I managed to get my first cup. After that went to VHLE and played for the Eagles, almost won, but got eliminated in the finals and after that we all found out that VHLE is being scrapped. That was an interesting experience as I was unsure what to do next. I felt like I wasn't ready for the big league yet, so I decided to go back to the M and yet again I was picked up the Saskatoon. This time the team was already in a rebuild, so not a contestant, but close to the end of the season they traded me to Ottawa and I got the second chance to go for the cup. Unfortunately same as the previous season in E league, we got to the finals and got eliminated. I hope I don't have some finals curse that is going to follow me to London.

 

London United has a pretty dedicated fanbase. Are you feeling any extra pressure stepping into this environment for your rookie season?

I will say no, not really, because I believe that every team has a dedicated fanbase and you don't want to let down no one. We all humans and mistakes are made, so all we can do is to try and do our best to make our fans happy.

 

Who were some of your biggest influences or idols growing up that inspired you to play hockey?

It has always been our Latvian pioneers in the big foreign leagues. From the recent players that I look up to it's Bryce Woodworth @SirRupertBarnes. I know you might be surprised as there are so many other stars and Bryce might be an odd choice, but I have my reasons.

 

What’s been the most surreal moment so far since being drafted to the VHL?

I think it was the moment I found out about E being abolished. I've never experienced nothing like that and it made it surreal because it in a way destroyed all the plans how I imagined my career to go.

 

Do you remember the first time you put on skates? What made you fall in love with hockey back then?

I dont remember the very first time as I probably was like 2 or 3 years old, but I remember where it all started and funny enough it started on a Frozen Lake back home. My dad took me and my brother to the lake to skate and eventually play with stick and puck, every winter.

 

A lot of players talk about adapting to the speed of the VHL. Do you think this will be a big adjustment for you?

That is something Im going to work on because the players in VHL are no joke and you cannot afford to be behind them, otherwise you will end up just chasing the puck and players, never being able to actually have the possession.

 

Your minor league stats were really solid. What part of your game are you most confident about heading into your rookie season?

It is going to be a big jump and most likely it will take me couple of seasons to actually be able to compete par to par with the best in the league, but right now I'm confident in my offensive vision and defensive coverage. Those are the things Im going to rely on while slowly working on other skills.

 

Is there a particular skill you’re working hard to improve before the season starts?

As mentioned before - Speed.

 

How do you think the London United coaching staff has helped you so far in your development?

Oh the coaching staff in London is great, they are definitely people that know what they are doing and so far been a great help in assisting with identifying my weaknesses and things to work on.

 

What’s it like knowing you’re playing for a team in such a major city? Are you excited about being in London, or is it intimidating?

Well I can only compare my time in Saskatoon and Ottawa at the moment and coming from a small country, I am not really keen or used to yet to the busy city life, so I liked Saskatoon better than Ottawa. It will take some time to get used to London as this city cannot be compared to the other two, but that's part of the game and I'm not really thinking much about it right now.

 

Have any of the veteran players on the team reached out to you to welcome you or give you advice?

To welcome yes, but to give a specific advise - no. I think they yet have to see me play in the big league to give me any advice.

 

On the flip side, what’s your first impression of the competition you’ll be facing in the VHL?

Crazy! That's all I have to say - Crazy!

 

Every player has rituals or habits before games. Do you have any unique pre-game routines or superstitions?

Me personally not really and if there is anything I always do, then I'm not aware of it. I just follow whatever traditions and rituals the teams have as a group.

 

It’s your rookie season, but do you already have specific goals for yourself—like points, assists, or even making an all-rookie team?

All-rookie team would be great achievement, but we have some fierce class coming in, so will see. Point wise not really, as I always say that it would be nice to have 1point per game, but I dont see that happening in my rookie season. I just hope for a good overall performance by me and my team.

 

We’ve all heard stories about rookie hazing or initiation traditions in sports. Are you nervous about anything like that?

Wow, did not think about this and never heard London doing anything like that, but now when you asked I'm bit worried. Hahha

 

If you weren’t playing hockey, what do you think you’d be doing instead?

Oh, not sure, probably something like construction or something as I've always liked tinkering and fixing stuff. Not sure really...

 

How do you handle pressure, especially knowing all eyes will be on you as one of London’s most anticipated rookies?

Well I've been in playoffs three seasons in a row, so I think I can handle pressure quite good. I'm confident in my capabilities and I'm realist, I understand my limits and how far I can push them.

 

Do you feel like being drafted 12th overall adds a chip on your shoulder to prove yourself, or does it just fuel your confidence?

In a way I guess, but yet again, I'm cool with myself and I don't think much about it.

 

Finally, what message would you want to share with London United fans as you prepare for your first season in the VHL?

Last season was rough, we all know that and we all saw that, but don't worry, we backup is here and we will make sure we put London back on the map again!

 

Well - Thank you Drosmis! - for coming to our little FROZEN POND and sitting down with us and answering our questions. To our listeners, we will be back next week with another rising star, so stay tuned!

 

(Words: 1431)

[VattghernCZ 1,049]

On 12/16/2024 at 4:17 AM, Mr Bohannan said:

As mentioned before - Speed.

Found the clue!

[Mr Bohannan 130]

20 hours ago, VattghernCZ said:

Found the clue!

One of the things, but there is a bigger clue when it comes to the whole build, not just one stat.