3 Questions With Hugh Chan

[HughJas_ 76]

HALIFAX - - With the season just passing the halfway point, the Halifax 21st seem to have cemented themselves as a top 4 team in the VHLM. They have been the best team in the league over the last 10 games, with a 8-1-1 record over that period. Rookie Defenseman Hugh Chan believes that the gap between the Halifax 21st and the other top teams has narrowed as the season has progressed.

 

"You know we were definitely struggling during the beginning of the season, we've worked our tails off to a top 4 standing in the league and will continue to do so towards the playoffs." Chan says. "We've got very skilled players on the team and I credit management for not giving up on our group while also adding pieces to further our success."

 

The Halifax 21st have made their biggest acquisition this year ahead of the deadline moving Defenseman Jad Clapperton and their 1st Round Pick in exchange for RW Emil Passerelli who was acquired from a struggling Las Vegas team. The trade has paid dividends for the Halifax 21st, the American winger has fit in nicely complimenting the 2nd line while also bolstering one of the league's top power-plays. This trade seems to have been a catalyst for the team, seemingly going all in towards a deep playoff run. Sources close to the team say discussions about an early go ahead on a rebuild occurred just weeks before the blockbuster trade.

 

Despite being the youngest defenseman on the roster, Chan who turns 18 this fall has scored 21 points which is good for 1st among Halifax Defenseman and he also leads his team in Penalty Kill Minutes Played. The Defenseman from Hong Kong also leads the team in Shots Blocked with 55 and is 2nd in TOI amongst his team, which is amazing to see from a first year blue liner. Chan is currently ranked just inside the top 50 for eligible skaters in the upcoming S67 VHL Draft, which some scouts say could be a sleeper pick due to Chan's upside.

 

3 Questions with --- Hugh Chan.

 

Why do you feel your team has turned their game around halfway through the season?

"The team went through a difficult time earlier this season, from guys uncertain about the future of the team and whether or not they were going to be apart of it. I give all the credit to the management here for keeping us all together and focused about what our goals should be, and that's to win games while also building a winners mentality within the locker room. Our team morale has been the best it's been all season, of course winning is going to greatly contribute with that but also I believe that the team has started to trust one another and that's helped with our performance on the ice." 

 

You just had a career game recently registering 4 assists and a team leading +4, talk about how that felt and what you thought you did right that game.

" Yeah, It still feels like a blur, to register 4 points in a game is definitely something really special and it's kind of hard to put into words. I don't think I changed anything too drastic about my play, I played hard in our zone and battled along the boards, I focused on creating space and making plays through the breakout. I feel as though I've matured as the season has progressed, I'm much more patient with the puck now and can more easily take the best course of action to provide my team with the opportunity to score."

 

Who has stepped up as of late that has contributed to the team's recent success?

"Our Goalies have both significantly improved and have continued to give our team the opportunity to win every night. If I were to choose just one player that has been a game changer for us, that would have to be forward Blake Gaudette who currently leads the league in points and in goals scored. It's amazing to play with a group like this, I feel as though we can really surprise the rest of the league with how good we've become.

 

Thanks for taking the time to do this short interview!

"Thanks for the great questions! I want to thank the Halifax Fans for their continued support thus far, we hope to continue the success for when the playoffs come around".

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited June 7, 2019 by HughJas_