It feels good to be a Menace, Maverick's Reflection.

[leandrofg 1,197]

Let me clarify something right from the start: this isn't typical for me.

 

I'm not ordinarily someone who talks a lot or opens up about himself for the whole world to read. I prefer to lead by example rather than being vocal. But this season has been special - and meaningful to me. I felt it was the perfect time to share a little bit of myself and give our amazing fans an inside look into this incredible team and organization.

 

Before I dive into what drives our team and the playoff journey that lies ahead, I want to take a moment to share a story that I hold dear to me.

 

It was about five seasons ago I turned professional. I came into the VHLM as an overhyped, unproven prospect who wasn't prepared for the reality of the minor leagues, coming from junior hockey. Yet it seemed like my family name turned me into one of the most polarizing prospects in the prospect pool.

 

Thankfully, I have managed to stay the course and surround myself with beautiful individuals. Some have believed in my skill more than anyone else, and others couldn't care less about what I do on the ice. This has allowed me to stay grounded, focused, and motivated on self-improvement.

 

I'm thankful for the opportunity in San Diego for all the help and love the city gave me during my time there. We weren't successful, and I was a shade of myself, but it showed me what my path should look like, and I decided to return to Europe.

 

Cologne. That city, that team... they gave me two of the best years of my life. The greatest franchise in VHLE history, the greatest GM in VHLE history... it was fantastic. They provided me with the platform to show everyone what I could do, and I tried to be the best player I could for them.

 

Those seasons and that mentality continue to endure in me, and I have maintained that since. If I have something to reflect on, it's that. I've done that for the past seasons in Moscow, and I turned myself into the best version I could be at any given moment. Today, I feel like I'm the best player in the league.

 

That's not enough. I want to leave a legacy - one on this team and in the league. That's my motivation moving forward: to be the best player I can be. The best for myself, my teammates, for Moscow's history, and for the league.