Moving to Helsinki

[Mason 81]

 

Moving to Helsinki

 

Last week saw a season of hard work culminated in something that Gabriel Akerstrom wouldn't have believed to be possible just a few weeks ago; him being selected in the first round of the VHL Entry Draft. Based on the fact that he was a late join in the season and certainly wasn't in the first round spots based on pure TPE alone, the fact that Gabriel had been able to establish himself as someone deserving of being even looked at in such a high position was something that he really hadn't anticipated, and the fact that he was able to go so far as secure his place as the 15th overall pick in the draft was an unbelievable outcome for him. 

 

Although a lot of hard work had gone in to get him to the spot that he was taken at, Gabriel understands that such a high draft spot means that this is where the hard work really begins. He now has to elevate himself, his commitment and his play on the ice to match the spot he was drafted at, and do everything he can to deliver on the expectations that the team who drafted him now have of him.

 

The draft itself was a nervous affair for Gabriel. Watching along, there were certainly some picks made that he hadn't expected to happen in the order that they did. A particular example of this is the way in which prospect Luke Thornton fell down the draft, and seeing someone widely considered to be a top prospect slide out of the first few picks of the draft really brought home the volatility of the process. Gabriel began to wonder exactly how far down in the draft he could be taken, and as picks continued to be announced, he reasoned that a likely draft spot would be somewhere down in the early to mid part of the second round. Then suddenly and rather unexpectedly, Gabriel heard his name be called for the 15th overall pick for the Helsinki Titans. Although pre-draft conversations with the Titans had been incredibly productive, Gabriel had really not expected them to believe in him so much to use a 1st round pick to acquire him.

 

The show of trust by the team has really motivated Gabriel to do everything that he can to justify the team making the move that they did. Although he may not have as much TPE currently as others who were taken before him on the night, Gabriel is determined to keep the high pace he has kept since joining the league in order to close the gap and pull ahead of some other players in the long run. The opportunity to play for such a historic and successful team as Helsinki is incredibly exciting for Gabriel, and he can't wait for when the time comes to get the call up and join the team. With another season of work still to do in the VHLM, even though Gabriel isn't with the team at this moment his eyes are firmly on the prize in the long run.

 

(519 words)

[Laine 1,361]

Very well written article. Good job bringing out the emotions of your player and analyzing. Excited to see you in Helsinki next season! 9/10