Moose Tracks 3.0

[Eynhallow 412]

Isau DaMoose Media Spot (3)

 

To refresh your memories.  As mentioned in Moose Tracks (2), the DaMoose family had relocated from Fire River to the hamlet (ghost town) of Swords.  Originally called Maple Lake Station. Swords began as a siding on the Canada Atlantic Railway.  When the Long Lake Lumber Company began operations in the area, the community began to grow.  John Sword built a hotel on Maple Lake that became a popular destination for American tourists who wished to experience an adventure in the “Canadian Wilderness”.  Swords used to see as many as 20 trains go through daily.  However, as the timber was consumed this number dropped dramatically until Swords became a ghost town.

It was to this area that Isau moved and began playing organized hockey with the Swords Slashers.  As will be mentioned in his biography, the Slashers were a particularly rough team at times prone to creative stick work.  Isau, of course, wanted to fit in, but the notion of hacking and slashing was contrary to what he believed hockey was all about.  He favoured a speed and finesse game.  Fortunately, with the Slashers, there was room for him to excel.

 

 

Isau’s sojourn in Swords marked a very important stage of his life.  Firstly, it was on the frozen surface of Maple Lake that Isau was “discovered” by a hockey scout who was doing some late season ice fishing.  Secondly, it was at this time that Nikki Starr entered his life.  There are many stories about Nikki that you will be able to read about in Isau’s biography as well as in an interview that will be published later.

 

Isau accepted an offer to play for the Mexico City Kings part way through the VHLM season (S74).  Including playoffs, he amassed a total of 13 goals and 18 assists for a total of 31 points in 57 games.

 

 

He was subsequently released by the Kings and in the ensuing draft (S75) was drafted 38th overall by the Riga Reign and 14th overall by the Philadelphia Reapers. His current season with the Reapers is somewhat lackluster by Isau’s standards.  He has been playing second and third line minutes as well as being involved in many of the penalty kills.  Having played 72 regular season games, Isau has racked up 50 points, 19 goals and 31 assists.  

 

Earlier in the season he was on pace for 25 goals and 44 assists, but a recent downturn in his production prevented him from reaching these totals.

 

The Philadelphia Reapers made the playoffs in Season 75, ultimately, with his Reapers teammates, defeating the Mexico City kings in the Finals and winning the Founder’s Cup.  Isau’s point production was somewhat better scoring 4 goals and 8 assists in the 15 playoff games in which he played.  An awesome way to wind up his VHLM career.

 

Given his rate of development, it appears that Isau will only spend one season in Philadelphia.  So, he is trying to enjoy this fabled city as much as possible.  Philadelphia is the first World Heritage City in the United States.  In its Historic District , Isau visited Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were created.  A few steps away he could see a dramatic view of the Liberty Bell and read about its history and significance to U.S. culture.  Overall, a great city with great hockey fans.

 

A Short Interview With Isau After the Founder’s Cup Victory

 

Gail Force is one Isau’s trusted friends and the only reporter to whom he has given an interview.

 

 

Gail: Congratulations on winning the Founder’s Cup.  What are your thoughts after having the whole thing settle for a few days?

 

Isau: I have to say it was quite a thrill.  Definitely the highlight of my career this far.  It was a tough final series against the Mexico City Kings.  They had a great team, fought every puck battle and were competitive right until “The Eagle” potted the overtime winner in game 6.  I consider myself privileged to have been able to play with so many great players and with such a class organization as the Reapers.

My only regret was that, due to covid restrictions regarding travel, my parents, brother Charon and partner Nikki were unable to be part of this in person.  They tell me though that they were able to get the games on TSN and were on the edge of their seats for 6 games !!

 

Gail: So what’s next Isau ?

 

Isau: Well, I am off to play in the World Juniors for Canada.  Believe me when I tell you how much of an honour it is to wear the Maple Leaf.

 

Gail: How do you think Team Canada will do ?

 

Isau: The World Juniors is a really tough tournament.  Each Nation was able to select the best of the best.  So every team has a stacked line-up.  Given the talent that Team Canada was able to assemble, I think we should do well.  Hopefully bring home a gold.

 

Gail: So what’s in the future after the World Juniors?

 

Isau: Well, I will be saying farewell to the great city of Philadelphia and the excellent Philadelphia Reapers organization.  Guys it's been a slice !!  Then, I get on a plane to Riga.

 

Gail: Any thoughts on moving to the VHL and joining the fabled Riga Reign ?

 

Isau: I look forward to the challenge of playing in the bigs.  It won’t be easy, though.  Riga has 4 centres that will be showing up for camp.  There will be some fierce competition for ice time !!  Also, I think we will be putting a pretty good product on the ice next season.  With Calvin Harvey backstopping us and a number of VHL veterans returning plus having 11 capped VHLM guys making their VHL debut.  It could be a fun time.

 

Gail: I understand, actually, Nikki told me that she would be joining you in Riga.

 

Isau: Ya.  I am pretty blessed to have such a good friend and partner as Nikki.  I mean, think about it, she is going halfway around the world, to a foreign country in order to watch/support my hockey.  Anyways, she has her passport in order and has been studying Fodor’s Guide To Latvia.  It should be fun !!

 

Gail: Well, thank-you Isau. And until we meet again...Be Safe!!

 

Words 1066

01/17

01/24

[jRuutu 2,483]

9.5/10

 

I enjoyed the backstory about Slashers and everything else. The interview offered a lot of information and thoughts you have about the future, those are interesting reads always! The article is easy to read, pictures fit in well.

 

The only thing I can suggest as a potential ''editing'' point is the font size, it could perhaps be slightly smaller, but overall well-done article!

 

[Eynhallow 412]

Claiming second week 01/24