Erik Killinger | Junior Review

[Peace 1,562]

Erik Killinger

LW | 6'5, 208 LBs | 27 Years Old
 

Erik Killinger's path to the VHLM is perhaps a unique, but arguably interesting story for the few who are interested in reading it. Although it is true the middle aged man has been skating since he was six years old, the truth behind his declaration to play in the VHLM stems from the moderate turbulence he's been experiencing after a life of structure and determination. Erik Killinger never played organized ice hockey in any of Canada's competitive under eighteen leagues - he did, however, play floor hockey with his troops in Afghanistan while serving in the Canadian Armed Forces as a commissioned officer in the Canadian Military's Princess Patrica's Canadian Light Infantry, 3rd Battalion (3PPCLI). 

To say he was a fan of hockey would be misleading. The Calgary Flames 'C of Red' is imprinted on his DNA.

Killinger was medically dismissed from his duties at the tail end of his initial contractual agreement with the Canadian Government, and as a result had a difficult time adjusting to the life of an unemployed civilian with a university degree (which was key to him becoming an officer in the first place). Getting out of the military and adapting to life as a civilian was one thing, but there was a chunk of his soul simply missing from his being. There was no drive, no passion for anything, and Killinger was quickly slipping into a depression some don't recover from. 

Then things started turning around for the then twenty five year old, he found something he was passionate about, and he shared his story as he began looking for a player agency that would help him achieve his goals: VHL Hall of Fame. All the VHLM required was you to be an eligible free agent, and he knew he had the talents to at least make a VHLM team. Rylan Peace, and the Peace Player Agency, found his story inspiring and decided to pick the individual up to replace Rylan Peace upon retiring from the league. Killinger has been training his mind, his body and his soul ever since.

 

Despite never playing organised hockey, the Peace Player Agency has released the results of their internal 'shinny' games they use for scouting nearly every off season. It wasn't known at the time, as Erik Killinger was simply written as 'John Doe' to conceal his identity until Peace retired, but Killinger placed fourth - sometimes third - in the agencies shinny games while looking for a suitable candidate as their next player. 

He may not have been the most talented, but he had the biggest heart and showed the most determination. Now that Rylan Peace has announced his retirement, the agency can switch their focus on developing Killinger into a successful successor to Rylan Peace. 
 

There is a fiery determination to be among the best names in the league, a concrete resolution cemented in an absolute desire to play in the VHL and earn himself a trip to the Victory Hockey League's hall of fame. 

Erik Killinger has arrived.