Interview with Dorji after S97 playoffs

[Oddpurplefly 207]

Dorji Khan of the Toronto Legion took time to reflect on the team’s season. Khan expressed pride in his team’s determination and resilience. The team progressively got better and dominated the league in the last stretch of the season. After a significant win against the Calgary Wranglers, they faced a tough loss in the conference finals to the Seattle Bears who ended up winning the Cup.

 

Reporter: Dorji, thanks for taking the time to talk with us. It’s been quite the season for the Toronto Legion. How are you feeling after a tough loss in the conference finals against the Seattle Bears?

 

Dorji Khan: Thanks for having me. It's definitely been a tough season. Obviously we're disappointed with the loss to Seattle in the conference finals. They’re a great team and they played exceptionally well. But we also have a lot to be proud of. Beating the Calgary Wranglers in the first round, we were feeling good about things. But unfortunately we fell short against the Bears.

 

Reporter: Let’s talk about that first round against Calgary. What was going through your mind during that series and how did you manage to come out on top?

 

Dorji Khan: The Calgary series was intense. They are a tough team and every game was a battle. We actually had their number during the season so we came in ready to fight and the results speak for themselves. I think our success came down to our preparation and our ability to stay composed under pressure. We focused on our game plan, tried stayed disciplined and supported each other out on the ice. It was a total team effort and I’m happy of how we handled it.

 

Reporter: After such a high from winning against Calgary, what was the mood like in the locker room when you faced the Bears and ultimately came up short?

 

Dorji Khan: It was mixed emotions. I think we left everything out there on the ice. We wanted to go out there and make sure we didn’t have anything left in the tank. With Veterans Harry Callahan and Diego Machado who were both lifelong Legions retiring after the season ended, we wanted to bring the Cup home one last time before the team turned the page into the future.

 

Reporter: What did Callahan and Machado mean to the team?

 

Dorji Khan: They both were incredible leaders. They were the backbone of this team who gave their all every time they stepped on the ice. They brought the cup home in S91, so they were packed with experience and ready for the playoffs. They stayed calm and composed which rubbed off on the rest of the team. They surely will be missed and are true Legion legends in my book.

 

Reporter: With them retiring, what are your thoughts on the team’s future?

 

Dorji Khan: I think the Legion’s future is in good hands. GM Doug has been doing a great job so far in the off season acquiring Spanish Moon Moth. Legion was desperately seeking help at center so they can definitely help us right away. We still have a strong core with Skilton, Shevshenko, Dukat, myself and an incredible goalie duo of Vidarsson and Bobbly. We also have one of our prospects Inker Belle who will be making the jump from the M. We are starting to see the new face of the Toronto Legion.  Are we going to be cup contenders next season? That I am not sure but I know we will be competitive enough to give us a chance.

 

Reporter: What are your plans for the off-season?

 

Dorji Khan: I will be going back home to Mongolia to help with the family farm and do my training for next season. Hopefully come back stronger and better than ever

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Reporter: Thank you for doing this Dorji. Best of luck in the off-season and next year.

 

Dorji Khan: Thank you! It’s always a pleasure to be here

 

660words

PT Feb24-Mar2

Edited Friday at 08:20 PM by Oddpurplefly