The C.G.Y. Janser Story, part LI: A reflection on season S97

[Daniel Janser 2,309]

(graphic courtesy of Leandrofg)

 

The New York Americans sneaked into the last Wildcard spot in the NA conference again and will fight the Seattle Bears for the final playoff seed.

Our man in the Big Apple Dick Hammer interviewed the Swiss Captain of the Original Eight franchise.

 

Dick Hammer (DH): 'Callum, this season went down to the wire and until the last couple of games, half of the conference did not know whether they are in or out of the post season. How did you experience that final stretch.'

Callum Gary Yannick Janser (CGY): 'Well, we started the season rather inconsistent, had a good run midseason, when we played a lot of the rather non-competitive teams in both conferences and struggled with our performance again towards the end of the season. I was confident though that we would get into the playoffs, as our no-nonsense defending style is rock solid and we were once more one of the teams that allowed the fewest goals against. Only four teams defended better in the whole league and two of them were in Europe where the stats are a bit skewed due to the unique amount of rebuilding teams.'

DH: 'Speaking of the Americans rather rustic style of play against the puck: You set new personal records in fights, hits, penalty minutes, shots blocked but also in goals and power play goals. Seems like there is some Dr Jeckyll and Mr Hyde in you.'

CGY: 'I suppose you can say that. However, when Thadius Sales drafted me all these seasons ago, he knew what he will get. I play a very physical game and do not hesitate to lower the boom. Sometimes, you get the timing wrong or the refs have a bad angle and sometimes you just have to do what you have to do to prevent a goal against. Do I wish that I spent less time riding the pine? Absolutely. But it would take away from my game, and I am not sure whether I would be as much of a pain in the neck for the opposition, if I played differently.'

DH: 'Fair enough. You were also mentioned in several editions of Warsaw legend and Hall of Fame inductee Brian Payne's blog on the VHL Enforcers.'

CGY: 'I have read his blog with interest. It is cool that unsung heroes get some attention. The guy knows what he is talking about, he was one of the most feared D's in the eighties and I feel honoured to have made his shortlist of notable goons. I am not going to lie, I styled my game on his and hope I am not an embarassment to him.'

DH: 'However, you are not only a terrifying presence in your own zone but also overtook Bobby Digital as the alltime top-scoring NYA defender.'

CGY: 'That is certainly an achievement, as Bobby had that title since S55. But I would rather get a team award to be honest and we will give our all to get the coveted Continental Cup back to New York.' 

DH: 'No doubt. Thanks for your time and good luck.'

CGY: 'Thanks for having me.'

 

Callum's final tally in the regular season reads as follows:

72gp, 17g, 62a, 79pts, +0, 250 PIM, 316 hits, 200sb, 2gwg, 16ppg, 4-2-6 fighting record.

 

Stay tuned for further updates on CGY's career. Please find in the interim some of our previous articles.

 

https://vhlforum.com/topic/151493-the-cgy-janser-story-part-xxxvii-cgy-the-teacher/

https://vhlforum.com/topic/152936-the-cgy-janser-story-part-xxxviii-post-season-interview-with-the-captain/

https://vhlforum.com/topic/153511-the-cgy-janser-story-part-xlix-interlude/

https://vhlforum.com/topic/154108-the-cgy-janser-story-part-l-one-third-gone/

 

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@thadthrasher @Scurvy