Isau DaMoose Rookie Experience

[Eynhallow 412]

Isau’s Rookie Experience

 

 

After what, from Isau’s point of view, was a very average VHLM season (S75) with the Philadelphia Reapers, despite winning the Founder’s Cup, Isau was poised to make the move to the VHL.  With the Reapers he posted mediocre numbers, 19 goals, 31 assists for a point total of 50.  He averaged about 17 minutes per game and contributed both on the power play and the penalty kill.  His move to the VHL would not be easy as he had to compete for a roster spot on the Riga Reign against a number of other centers:

 

Alek Andreshnikov Incumbent center for the Reign 26G - 33A.  299 TPE

 

Nikolas DAndrea 22G - 35A for the San Diego Marlins S75. 224 TPE

 

Cabe McJake Newly transformed center  43G - 43A with the Miami

                                                             Marauders (S75). Also with a massive 416 TPE at the

                                                             time of this writing. 

 

Vivek Weiner 17G - 66A with the Saskatoon Wild (S75).  282 TPE  

 

Isau DaMoose ` 19G - 31A with the Philadelphia Reapers (S75).  

                                                              348 TPE

 

Perhaps Isau’s playoff experience will help his cause.  He played in a short 5 game series with the Mexico City Kings in Season 74 where he scored 2G - 2A before elimination.  In Season 75 he was part of the Philadelphia Reapers Founder’s Cup team racking up 4 goals and 8 assists in the 15 game playoff run.  

 

The biggest difference in moving from the VHLM to the VHL is the speed of play.  With that in mind, Isau has been working on his skating during the off season.  The other difference maker is that the players against whom he will be competing will, by and large, be as skilled or possess better skills.  Therefore, as a rookie, and  also as a veteran, it becomes increasingly important to continue to develop so that  he can remain competitive.

 

Another challenge for Isau is just the issue of moving to Latvia.  The transition from Swords to Philadelphia wasn’t that bad as the language and (mostly) the culture was the same.  The language barrier in Latvia has caused a few misunderstandings.  Of course, just getting into Latvia is another issue.  Latvia requires a negative COVID test no more than 72 hours before arrival.  Playing in the World Juniors and organizing all that was quite daunting.   

 

Food is different in Latvia, although meat dishes are heavily favoured.  And, of course, street food is street food !!

             

 

GM Hedgehog and the incumbent players have been more than helpful in getting Isau to adjust to his new surroundings.

 

Training camp is over and a new season has begun.  Only time will tell  what that future holds in store.

 

Word Count:  441