Interview with Stansson

[ahockeyguy 110]

     As promised in our recent article, today we got a brief sit-down with VHLM draftee hopeful defenseman Wolf Stansson. In this interview, we’ll discuss his career trajectory, some things he likes, and even sushi.

 

ME: So, Wolf, great to have you with us today.

WS: Thanks, it’s nice of you to have me.

 

ME: You don’t hear of many players coming to the VHL from Iceland. At least, it’s not the most popular place to hail from. What made you so interested in the VHL?

WS: Well, as you may know, I fell in love with hockey from a young age. Watching it, playing it, following all the players, teams, and stats (when I got older). The VHL is just a natural place to dream about playing, because it’s where all the great players and teams are. You just want to be the best.

 

ME: Do you think you could play in the VHL right now? Are you good enough?

WS, laughing: No, no, not right now. That’s what the VHLM is for. It’s for players like me to get a chance to develop and become stars in the VHLM, so that we can be good enough for the VHL later.

 

ME: That’s an interestingly grounded take. Most guys your age [17] are pretty into ‘tooting their own horn’ [at this point, Stansson cocks his head at me, not getting the reference]—sorry, they want to brag about their own abilities.

WS: Well, don’t get me wrong, I am confident. But I am not going to be cocky. I won’t lie, though—I love seeing some of these North American players and their egos. Cocky, arrogant, American? I like that.

 

ME: What do you think is best about your game?

WS: Honestly, my defense has improved a lot since I first started. I am a puck-seeking maniac. I’m going to do my best out there to be first to it, and if I can’t be first to a loose puck, to anticipate where it will go from there. Positioning is key in my game.

 

ME: What do you think needs to be improved the most?

WS: That’s a tough question [laughs]. I need better discipline and strength. For now, I plan on improving in core skills. These core skills will help me become a better VHLM player, and get me that experience that I need to become a well-rounded player. Improving my skating, scoring, puckhandling—these are all priorities. And don’t forget learning on defense. I am going to have a steep learning curve, and it will be good to keep getting better on what I am already good at.

 

ME: What do you think about the upcoming draft?

WS: I am so new here, I really don’t have much thoughts on it. I am excited to be drafted, and very hopeful that it takes place in the first round or two.

 

ME: But at present you’re the #23 prospect, and #10 defenseman. Do you really think you’ll go in the first two rounds?

WS: I think it’s possible. Teams have to see the real me, and what I can do. What I can become.

 

ME: What’s your favorite movie?

WS: Miracle, or perhaps one of the Rocky movies. Somehow, you end up empathizing with that Drago fellow, yes? His whole country is placing enormous pressure on him.

 

ME: What about favorite foods? Are you into sushi?

WS: I love to eat fried fish. But sushi? No thanks.

 

ME: Thanks for joining us, Wolf, and best of luck to you on the upcoming draft and season!

WS: Thanks!

Edited May 11, 2020 by ahockeyguy

[Mr_Hatter 1,608]

That sushi looks delicious