Lee Xin - Veteran Presence

[Blazzer 759]

Lee Xin 

Chicago Phoenix (17th overall)

TPE: 571 | RW | 6' 0" | 175 lb. | Age: 19

 

Xin at Phoenix media day

 

The dream of being in the VHL is now a reality, a dream come true to many that watch. Lee Xin did not have the rookie season he wanted but that was excusable. His friends, coaches and teammates were not worried about his performance as he is a rookie. But as time passes and as he grows in his play and age, this will start to be worrying. His 3rd season is around the corner and he feels it all.

 

You may be wondering what feelings. Nervousness should not be there since he has been doing this for a while now. Oh how wrong you are. The pressure to produce is on when the team is showing signs of being a contender for the cup! Young prospects coming up will give more pressure for Xin. He has to show his worth in the team as a veteran. Xin saw himself carrying an A on his shoulders last season which proved his leadership qualities off the ice but now things will change as he is no longer a rookie. 

 

Chicago is an expansion team with less veteran presence. He is now the veteran with teammates Mingle, Socks, Camus etc. Being among the veterans can be rewarding. Learning from the best and watch their behaviors and training habits. Now people will be watching him everytime he steps on the ice. 

 

Calling Xin a veteran is something new and takes time to get used to. With 2 full VHL seasons and 17 playoff games under his belt, he wants to be able to help carry the team in a way. His production is something that needs to be worked on as a veteran. Because of expectations and contract negotiations. With 1 year left on his ELC, he wants to be the best he can be right now. His physical play makes the bench go wild when he fights or hits and this turns the morale up. 

 

Through his 2 seasons with the team, he has learned a lot. Perseverance and hard work. From his GM, his teammates and the fans. They never give up on a play, on a game and on a season. When times were down, his captain held spirits high and when times were good, they celebrated together a a team. Through the good times and the bad ones, they fought as a team and this is something Xin wants to carry with him through his seasons as a veteran. Even if he doesn't stay with Chicago for all his career.

 

436 words. Claiming when season starts. 

Edited January 19, 2021 by Blazzer