Claimed:Babiy Back to Practice [Reviewed]

[BeanSobie 91]

 

Babiy Back to Practice

 

Babiy's come a long way since his days with the Oslo Storm

 

It seems like it’s been years since the last time Riga’s Wes Babiy has been released to the press hounds.  After a promising VHML career that saw the two-way forward put up 127 points in 144 games, as well as appear in a VHLM Founder’s Cup finals in his rookie season.  The world seemed to be at the hands of the developing center, but as he closed in on the end of his first season in Oslo a dark cloud seemed to hang above the Ukrainian.

 

Before even playing a game in the VHLM Babiy was in a car accident that led to many raising character concerns.  Thought the matter was simply caused by a sober lapse of judgement the character concerns again were raised when Babiy was discontent with the members of his locker room.  By the end of his first season Babiy had earned himself a reputation in the media alongside his teammate Evgeny Nevmetdinov; on the ice the duo were known as the Tan Line, but off the ice they gave themselves the nickname ‘The Soviet Party’ with an emphasis on the party.

 

No longer caring about the showing up to practice on time or making it to the optional skates Babiy was content to skate by, and this lackadaisical attitude is what led to him falling to Riga at 12th overall in the VHL.  Babiy promised an image change in his second season, and while he stayed out of the headlines he still was not all there during team practices.

 

No longer is that the case.  Babiy has just finished his fourth season with Riga and is finally checking in at practice and opening up to the media.  During an end of season Q and A, Babiy spoke about his recent change of heart.

 

“I had a breakout year this season.  Nothing world beating, I was fortunate enough to play on a really good line is what it was.  During one game I thanked Pietro for doing so much for me this season to get me to the level I am at now.  Then it hit me, I hadn’t done anything to improve my game on my own, I was hanging onto the coattails of a rookie.  This team wasn’t good when I first got here, then we were supposed to be great for a few seasons and weren’t.  All throughout this time my GM told me he could build this team around me if I wanted to be that franchise player, but I feel like I kissed that all away.

 

“I don’t want to be remembered as a decent player who relied on his teammates to make him better.  I want to prove to this league I’ve got something left in my tank before I have to retire.  I refuse to be a bust any longer.”

 

Pending free agency it is unclear if Babiy will test the open waters or if he will remain faithful to the team that has believed in him since day one.  For now Babiy will be focused on playing in the postseason and trying to help lead Riga to an upset series against HC Dynamo.

 

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Word Count: 541

 

Edited June 30, 2016 by BeanSobie

[FacePuncher 1,343]

Hai shesley 

[TheLastOlympian07 2,388]

always great to see people come back

[FacePuncher 1,343]

Review:

Good article! Great to hear that you are back and well in the VHL and staying out of trouble. though not sure how a car crash brings up character concerns, maybe just carpool concerns haha. glad that you are back! PS if you come to Seattle you and i can start a new Soviet Party

 

525 words

[Kendrick 4,741]

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