HJK on Making Improvements

[Dtayl 104]

HJK on Making Improvements & More!!

Seoul - Han Jae-kuk recently made a trip to Seoul while his VHL team the Seattle Bears had a few days off. During this trip HJK visited family, checked in on some businesses he had invested in, and did a couple interviews with local media (Including us!). Jae-kuk has become quite the popular figure in Korea, as he is one of the biggest hockey stars to come out of the nation in quite a long time. His fanfare has also spilled over to the Seattle Bears, who have become the most supported team in Korea according to polls and jersey sales. With his star continuing to grow as he gets more minutes in a Bears jersey, the expectations on him grow too. Being a national icon is stressful, especially when you’re an athlete because the expectations to win grow as your fame does. Seattle has done well this season, positioning themselves to comfortably make the play-offs but they are far from being considered top contenders. Meanwhile, HJK has dazzled on the defensive end of the ice, showing everyone why he was brought to the team but the offensive side of his game has been lacking. Sources inside the Bears confirm that the Seattle front office has pushed HJK to improve on his offensive game in order to help him be a better player and also provide more to the team. With the stress mounting and the playoffs coming fast we sat down to talk to our young star to get his thoughts on everything: 

 

“Well, you know it's definitely a lot of pressure, but I'm honored more than anything that so many people in Korea look up to me, and see me as someone worthy of praise. The pressure doesn’t bother me anyway, it never has, it just pushes me to be better and perform at a higher level. Also having the backing of my home nation is comforting, it's nice to know that I have that support. Plus the Bears are happy about it too, they have brought in so many new fans and revenue because Korea haha. Anyway, yeah I think we’re all on the same page, every person in the organization and the fans, we all want to win. I know we haven’t performed as well as we possibly could have this season, we had some ups and downs. However, I think you’re going to see a different team in the playoffs. Once the post-season comes around it's like a switch is flipped and our guys go into overdrive. The playoffs are a different beast, and we’ll be a different Bears team. We’re ready and excited, I think we could make some noise in the playoffs! Oh and yes, to address the stuff about me improving my offensive game. I’m always looking to better myself, and help the team in any way I can. The coaches came to me and suggested I put more effort into polishing up my play on the offensive end, since my defense has been solid this season. So, I’ve been working really hard in practice on putting the puck in the net, and finding those high-danger passes. It’s a work in progress but I think you guys will see a better version of me because of this. Uhh, that's all I have today, thanks for listening and thanks for supporting me! It was a pleasure and I’ll see you guys later. "

 

HJK has confirmed that he will be working on his offensive game. It’s something you like to see in a young player, that ability to take criticism and suggestions and put it into practice. Him and the Bears certainly have a bright future. However, it remains to be seen what the team can accomplish this season. Only time will tell us that answer. Until then, stay safe and GO BEARS!!!!