Kankkunen speaks to media after a long flight from Finland

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It was just another routine day for Kankkunen and the thought of hearing his name called at the upcoming VHLM draft was making him nervous, after a few mistakes because of having the shakes, Kasper gathered his family around the patio to help him celebrate whenever his name was called. Several picks go by and the crowd around the table starts to shrink, the pool starts to fill but Kankkunen didn't move an inch because he knew it didn't matter how high he went. After a dozen commercial breaks and snack wrappers spread everywhere but the garbage can, the Finnish defender was finally called up to the stage.. "With the 32nd pick in the VHLM dispersal draft, the Las Vegas Aces are proud to select.. Kasper Kankkunen"

 

Next thing we know Kasper is jumping on a plane to the states and ready to meet his new teammates, 8,550 kilometres later and an aggressive media waiting outside the aircraft ladder, we start to hear the questions start to rain in..

 

"Welcome to our city! What is the first thing you want to do in Vegas?"

Get a meal, very very hungry after my long journey

 

"How many wins do you think Vegas will get next season?"

Not sure, it's way too early to predict that but I know the staff and management have the smarts so hopefully we'll be contenders

 

"Other than yourself.. Whose the best player in the draft?"

Dear was turning heads and drawing a crowd during the draft combine, his calm demeanor might not get the crowd going during games but his stick work is phenomenal and goaltender in the VHLM should watch out

 

"If you could pick another defender you think will rival your talents.. Who would it be?"

Socks was shooting better than me and I can admit that, going to try my best to get on his level before the season begins

 

"What are your thoughts on the Aces?"

After looking at their team website during my travel I noticed a lot of point producing players that eventually made a name for themselves and lit the light in the VHL, makes me excited to meet the coaches because if I can make an impact early I know my future is going to be smooth sailing

 

"Did you want to go to any other team? If so, which team and why?"

Didn't matter where I went but I heard a lot of good things about the Halifax 21st and I think I'd would have fit into their quiet east coast lifestyle

 

"What's the first thing you want to work on before the upcoming season?"

My puck handling, right now I try and dangle the puck but it dribbles over the blade and through my legs every time I enter the zone, I'm going to be in the same practice squad with Sandstorm tomorrow, maybe he'll have a few tips and tricks. I'm going to get some food now, thanks for the welcome and have a good day

 

After the interview the man of the hour signs a few jerseys and eventually hops in a taxi, fans watch as the car gets smaller and smaller until it finally vanishes in the horizon. At the end of the day Kasper Kankkunen tweeted to thank the fans for showing up to his arrival.. "God bless the citizens of Vegas that showed up and greeted me at the airport, now I'm motivated more than ever to get things started"

 

579 total words. I was going to write a VHL.com article but turns out it was bigger than I thought. Claiming this next week! 

Edited July 16, 2020 by Z16