Scott Greene: The Grass May Not Always Be Greener

[DoktorFunk 810]

Still Too Greene?

 

Scott Greene had high hopes for his rookie season for the Mississauga Hounds, but so far has failed to impress.

 

By Billy Maltball

 

Any time an expansion team is formed, the world gets excited to see what might come of them. Most wallow in mediocrity, some have very strong starts, and others go all the way in their first couple of seasons. It was into this atmosphere that Scott Greene first stepped into the Mississauga Hounds locker room this past month. A standout star in Richmond, VA, Greene made his way to the VHLM and took the first step towards a lifelong dream of playing in the VHL.  “When I first stepped into the room and met all the guys, we were all excited, ya know? It felt like we could take on the world, like we were unbeatable,” says Greene.

 

Paramount Fine Foods Centre, home of the Mississauga Hounds

 

While not unbeatable, the Mississauga Hounds have had a strong season so far. The team sits at 11-8-2, with strong recents showings in the win against the Ottawa Lynx, a very close game against the Saskatoon Wild, and a shoot-out loss to the Halifax 21st. Greene, who plays Center on the first forward line, is an integral part of the team. He hasn’t, however, been the star that he wanted to be so far. “I was hoping to score at least once a game. High expectations, I know. But I feel like I could be so much better. I guess it’s just an adjustment period.”

 

He currently has 4 goals and 6 assists, which is quite a bit further from where he was hoping. Greene also hasn’t been particularly impressive in his last few games. Greene: “In both the Saskatoon and Ottawa games, I couldn’t get anything going. I felt like every time I hit my stride, something slowed my momentum down. The most recent Halifax game I helped, but we lost that one. I keep telling myself ‘push hard’, but I’m not sure what it is. The guys keep telling me not to worry, but I was hoping to do more, ya know? My girlfriend, Marina, has really been the saving grace here. It’s nice to just be with here in Mississauga with her to unwind.”

 

The view from Scott and Marina’s apartment complex balcony in Mississauga

 

This momentum is something that Greene isn’t used to missing. Back in his time on the Richmond Dragons, Greene would regularly net at least one point per game. He was noted for his ability to score in every way, but now he’s finding out that the VHLM is an entirely different animal. “Am I worried I bit off more than I can chew? No, not at all. There’s a learning curve, sure, but I have too keep my head up.” This isn’t to say that Greene can’t find his stride. There are several teams that he and the Hounds have done notably well against, like the Halifax 21st. The Hounds have two more upcoming games against the Halifax 21st. Greene has been able to score against Halifax almost every time he’s played against them. He’s optimistic that he’ll be able to show a little bit more of himself off in the remaining games. “I love playing Halifax. They’re a great team with a great bunch of guys. The games are always close, and I feel comfortable on the ice against them. Johnson is very capable between the pipes, and so is Gunnarsson. I’m looking forward to seeing them again. And seeing the lights flash when I bury the puck in the net behind them!”

 

His starting counterpart at Halifax will likely be Nacho, a center for the 21st. He and Greene are both very good at faceoffs, and Greene is perhaps the most capable person on the Hounds team in the face off circle, but he hasn’t been able to translate that into the star-making performances that he grew up dreaming about. Despite his personal worries, he realizes that he is there for the team and not the other way around. “It’s very much a team game. As long as the team is doing well, I’m happy. And I am happy so far with how the season is going. We’re all learning. But I think all of us wanted to show the world how impressive we are. It’s been good, but I just feel like we could truly be GREAT. We just have to figure out how.”

 

Before one of the upcoming games, Greene plans to get out early and actually see Halifax. “The last couple of times that I’ve been there, it’s show up, play, then leave. I want to actually see the city this time. Marina and I plan on visiting the Halifax Public Gardens, and maybe the Waterfront Boardwalk. I’m gonna see if any of my friends want to come with me. I want to know what the local specialty is, food wise, because I’m a huge foodie. I’ll be honest, I don’t know anything about Halifax, but the city seems very nice.” Greene has assured us that he will be all business in the upcoming games. After the Hounds take on the 21st, they face the number four ranked San Diego Marlins and the number two ranked Ottawa Lynx. The Hounds were able to knock the Lynx down a peg during their last meeting, and Greene hopes by the time those games come around, the momentum he was  seeking will be back with him.

 

Halifax Waterfront

 

With the season well underway, the whole world is waiting for a clear leader in the team standings and for some standout performances by the players. Time isn’t running out, but there isn’t as much as there used to be for Greene to show off like he wanted to. He is certain, however, that he’s ready to face the challenges. “I’m by no means out of steam yet. I’m just getting started. All of this is just the beginning. I think me and the Hounds are about to really come into our own. After Halifax, San Diego, and Ottawa, we’re going to be unstoppable. I believe in us, and the whole world should too!” The Hounds are a young team full of hopes and dreams. Only time will tell if Scott Greene’s ambitions will be realized, or if he will stay unpolished and Greene forever.

 

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 1066 words claiming weeks May 20-26 and May 27-June 2nd

Edited May 20, 2019 by DoktorFunk

[DoktorFunk 810]

Claiming for Week of May 27th-June 2nd.