Patrik's Picks EP 3: Interview with Jiggly Gumballs

[Laine 1,361]

PL: Welcome to another episode of Patrik's Picks! We have a special guest joining us for an interview today. Please welcome Houston Bulls Defenceman Jiggly Gumballs!

JG: Hello hello! And yes that's my real name

PL: How have things been for you since you signed Houston a few weeks back?

JG: It's been great! Yeah the losses lately have sucked but we got a dub at least. It felt amazing when I scored my first goal in my first game. After that I've been doing fine keeping up with production.

PL: You mention about Houston being a basement-dwelling team this year. Is there any particular reason you chose to sign there? Many playoff teams made you equally impressive offers but why Houston?

JG: Well when I was looking at my offers, I knew that Houston wasn't the best of teams. It would be obvious for a young guy like me to sign with a contending team to have a chance at a championship but Houston felt like the right place for me back then, and it still is now. I also wanted to help out a team like Houston seeing that it wasn't doing so hot. Plus seeing you score occasional hatty's is fun to watch on a regular basis.

PL: You are currently projected as a mid-fourth round pick in the VHL draft. If you were to be selected by one VHL team of your choice, which team would you want to pick you?

JG: Right now I'm quite interested in the Prague Phantoms. I dunno why, but playing with a team called the Phantoms and it being in the Czech Republic seems pretty cool. A nice secondary choice for me would be the Dragons or maybe Moscow. Though I have no choice on where I may go so I guess I'll only have to wait and see.

 

PL: Now, we will jump into the analysis part of the interview. I will be asking questions that all the scouts and VHL GMs want to know about you. First question, what do you feel is your biggest strength?

JG: Hmm as a defender it would be obvious to say I'm good at defending, though being a minus player in a struggling team, I've yet to really prove my part in the back end. Other than that I'd have to say either my passing or skating as my biggest strengths. If we're thinking stats wise, with my  5 assists in 10 games, I think I've shown I can create some plays. Skating wise, since I'm not that big, I have to prioritize my skating so I can be effective so it has to be one of my biggest strengths

PL: Skating and Passing are very important for a defenceman you are right. Second question, what do you feel is your biggest weakness?

JG: Hmm, I'll admit that my size isn't too good but it would either have to be my checking or my general inexperience. I was just recently signed and yes I've been doing well but I still have a lot to learn. With my frame, checking can be a real problem for someone who's as tall as you or something. I won't back down from a fight or challenge though. This Gumball might bounce right back at ya if you're not careful.

PL: How would you describe your personality and how would you fit into a VHL locker room?

JG: I don't think I'll be a team leader in any way. I'm a pretty chill dude outside of the game, I put a lot of effort into improving my game and I won't stop until I achieve my dream. I can possibly lighten the mood in the locker room. I'd probably most likely just the kid who no one takes seriously until I prove myself though. Also I won't hesitate to chirp around every now and then. Heckling the other team is fun. Though in our situation, it's a bit hard to make a good one when we're the often the losing team huh?

PL: Yeah, losing is hard but if you have friends along the way it is a bit more tolerable. If you could be drafted to a team along with one player anywhere in the VHLM, who would you bring along?

JG: Dude. You know I'd like my guy Patty Laine with me. Though if I have to choose someone else... Hmm. Drew Minott would be cool to have with me. The guys been facing some difficulty but he can be a good goalie.

PL: Houston has seen many moves leading up until now. Your GM Sonnet is being promoted to league commissioner next season so he is gone. You and first-year players like Patrik Laine might go off to different teams as the VHLM draft is expected to take a toll on your roster and you guys have been losing a lot of games this year. These events usually create a sour feeling in the locker room. Has it rattled you guys in Houston a lot or is it just the same old stuff?(edited)

JG: I think we know what's coming up in the draft and we know that we may not play each other again. Though I don't think it's rattled us in the locker room at all. Sure Sonnet leaving may be an a bit sad but we still have a number of games together. Personally I'm just trying to live in the present y'know? Playing our games and just vibing with the boys. I think others may be doing the same. Just living in the present until the season's over and then we'll be looking ahead.

PL: You mentioned about Drew Minott being a very important piece of the puzzle for you guys. Despite him only winning 2 starts, his save percentage and goals against average are amazing given the number of shots he has seen per game. What do you think about how he has performed so far?

JG: He's honestly the why some of the games we play are really close or at least have a fighting chance. He's been good and we just haven't been able to give him the support he needs. We do need to limit the amount of shots he takes.

PL: The weeks leading up to the draft can be a very stressful time for both players, coaches and scouts. Have you really been feeling the stress lately about the draft? It isn't that crunch time yet but some players feel it a bit earlier than others.

JG: No, I haven't been stressing about the draft too much. I know I won't be picked as high as others, but I'm progressing and improving on my game in my own time and that's what I feel is important.

PL: Do you think it would be easier to adjust at the next level if you had one of your teammates in a franchise with you there? We saw a couple of players in previous years get drafted alongside one of their teammates and it pays off tremendously for the players in question.

JG: Oh definitely, having someone you've played with drafted in team with you makes it easier since we would know that we're both the new kids. It would also give some competition between the rookies to see who's better.

PL: Uh oh. My producers just told me that we have run out of time for this interview. I want to thank you for doing this interview and I wish you the best of luck with your future in hockey. Let's give it up for Jiggly Gumballs one more time!

JG: Yeah, thanks for having me here and I'll see y'all the next time around!

 

(508 words, 2702 characters written by @PatrikLaine)

People mentioned: @DreMin15 @PatrikLaine @JigglyGumballs @Sonnet

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