Artair McCloud Mid-Season Review

[Hoopydog 195]

The VHLM season is at the halfway stage and it’s been a rollercoaster of a season for Las Vegas Aces forward Artair McCloud. When we last spoke to him, before the start of the season, we talked about his expectation for the season and the adjustments he had made to his game. We’ll hear from his a little later on but for now, let’s have a look at how he’s doing so far.

 

So far, McCloud sits 5^th on Vegas scoring with 19G and 15A for a total of 34 points in 45 games played this season, absolutely obliterating his dismal points total from last year. He scored 7 of those goals, and 14 points whilst on the powerplay making him a staple on the Vegas special teams with a further 5 goals being game winners, showing his ability to clutch up for his team when needed to bring how points. Lastly, Artair has shown that he has some serious shout out skills, converting 2 out of his 3 total attempts this season.

 

So, there are his stats but how do they match up against the expectations on him ahead of this season. Well, based on his performance last season then his stat totals this year are superb but he has been playing on the first line for most of the season. Being tied for top forward, in terms of ability, should mean he should be in at least the top 3 in points scoring on the roster but that is not the case. He had a rough start to the season which saw the likes of forwards Angel Wachuire and Connor Sim out perform him and causing him to lose his first line spot. Although when the line changes were made, McCloud was performing better, in terms of his points per 20 minutes of ice-time had increased by 25%, going from 0.6 up to 0.75. Even though he has been demoted to the 2^nd line, Artair is still showing everyone that he can perform, in LVA’s most recent game against Houston, he scored a goal and got an assist for 2 points along with line mate Hex Rose which saw Rose secure the 1^st star and McCloud secure the 2^nd star of the game. I’ve also received word that the Aces have traded for Yukon winger Sheldon Juniper so we’ll have to see if that encourages any line changes from GM Spartan.

 

Now we’ve had a look at his stats this season, it’s time to here from the man himself.

 

Reporter – “Artair, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. It’s nice to speak to you again. How do you think the start to your season has went?”

 

McCloud – “It’s nice to speak to you again too. I think my season has been alright so far, got off to a bit of a rough start but I feel like I’m hitting my stride now so I just have to keep the ball rolling and giving it everything I’ve got till the end of the season.”

 

Reporter – “You have smashed your points total from last season; it was a bit disappointing last season. How did it feel to smash your total from last year?”

 

McCloud – “It felt really good to break my points total from last season. Last season didn’t go the way I wanted so, it was great to break that total, especially so early on in the season. Just have to keep going and see how many points I can put up this season.”

 

Reporter – “You’ve been dropped to the 2^nd line, despite your form starting to pick up, how do you feel about that?”

 

McCloud – “Yeah it’s not a great feeling to be dropped lines of course but I understand that the GM has to do, what’s he got to do to get the team playing well. Even though I’m on the 2^nd line, I’ve got great line mates in Rose and Power so I excited to play with them.”

 

Reporter – “The Aces have recently just traded for Sheldon Juniper from the Yukon Rush, what sort of impact do you think this deal will have on Vegas’ season as well as your ice-time?”

 

McCloud – “I think picking up Juniper is a great deal; he is a top-quality player and I’m sure he will add that cutting edge to our offense. It’s a shame to lose Askarov but I wish him the very best in Yukon. In terms of my game, I think trading for Sheldon can only improve my game. He’s a top-quality player and I can’t wait to link up with him on the ice.”

 

Reporter – “What are your expectations for the rest of the season. Do you have any goals are milestones you would like to reach?”

 

McCloud – “I try not to think about my game like that. My expectations for the rest of the season are just to keep improving every week and help the team in any way I can, whether that’s putting the puck in the back of the net or scrambling it our own zone in the penalty kill. I mean it wouldn’t hurt to hit 30 goals this season so I guess that’s kind of my target”

 

Reporter – “Just one last question for you Artair, we have just received confirmation of another Vegas trade, Dan Dan and Jordan Tate have just been acquired from Mississauga, how do you feel about that?”

 

McCloud – “Those 2 are some really good players and they will really help bolster our forward core. That trade might put my ice-time at risk but yeah they are both quality players and I can’t wait to welcome them to Vegas.”

 

Reporter – “That’s the end of interview, thank you very much for your time Artair and I wish you the best for the rest of the season.”

 

McCloud – “Cheers mate, thank you.”

 

So that just about wraps up our Mid-season review of Artair McCloud. It’s going to be an interesting run to the playoffs, especially with the Aces looking to make moves this year to try bring a cup home. I’m sure, with it being his last year in the VLHM, Artair McCloud will be looking to bring a founder’s cup home. That’s all we have time for this week, thanks for tuning in.

 

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[Hoopydog 195]

Claiming week 1/2

[Hoopydog 195]

Claiming week 2/2