IIHIRN

[Spaz 297]

This is Nathan Walker and thank you for tuning into the International Ice Hockey Investigation Reporting Network, and today we are going to start a new segment on show where we are going to hold interviews in the VHLM, we will start out with the GMs, and if this has good feedback we will eventually hold them with players. 

 

We will find out who will be first on this list after commercial break.

 

Welcome back, I'm in Yukon and I will be starting off with the Yukon Rush's front office to have a one on one interview with General Manager Josh.

 

Thanks for joining me Josh.

 

{Josh}: Thanks for having me Nathan, pleasure to be here.

 

{Nathan}: I wanted to get this started by asking how long have you been gm and what has been the easiest part about running the team, and what do you believe has been the biggest struggles?

 

{Josh}:  I’ve been a GM for… maybe 6 seasons now. I was an AGM for the 2 prior; also with the Rush. I’d say the ability to have an AGM that can take on some of the responsibilities is a big help. As for the hardest part; maintaining a strong locker room on the down seasons has been a struggle.

 

{Nathan}: I understand you've had a struggling year after making it to the finals last year what do you believe that caused that big of a change, and what do you believe you need to do next season to fix it?

 

{Josh}: While every season we try to set ourselves up for success, a large portion of a team's success is how well they draft. For this season, we didn’t have a lot of picks available and going in we knew it would be a struggle. Next season, the goal is to focus on a retool. We need some assets at the start of the season that can put us on the right trajectory or at the very least have some value at the deadline.

 

{Nathan}: I've also noticed you've made some big trades before the trade deadline is this a statement to say you are going to be rebuilding for next season?

 

{Josh}: That’s the game plan, we also will be having an upcoming management restructure so it’s as good a season as any to start the process. Unfortunately I can’t provide any more details on that at this time.

 

{Nathan}: We've got time for one more question, the season is almost over what player do you think has improved the most of has the best potential in the future, this could be anyone who hasn't been drafted or someone who will be going into the VHL next season?

 

{Josh}: I’d have to say that my boy Nate Wright has had a huge season and will be an impactful player when he jumps up to Malmo. Kudos to him for allowing us to send him off to a cup contender well helping out the Rush’s situation this season.

 

Thank you again for joining us Josh it was good having you as I wish you the best for the rest and next season. Next week I will be heading to Mississauga, thank you for joining me for this segment as I now will send you back to Zack Smith for the latest news and scores of the NHL.