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With all that has gone on in Saskatoon this season, the poor start in net to start the season, with the tumultuous offseason that captain Braxton Hunter has had, with the new acquisitions and waiver pickups, the Saskatoon Wild are clinging onto a playoff spot in the VHLM. After 30 games into the VHLM season the Saskatoon Wild are 11-18-3 and currently have 23 points which puts them fourth in the conference, after the 30 game start to the regular season. We caught up with Wild Captain Braxton Hunter for an interview to get his thoughts on the season so far and what he believes can lead to future success for the Wild. 

 

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Marek Joseph - " Hey Braxton, so the Wild's season started off a little bit on the cold side. How do you feel the team has rebounded so far?"

Braxton Hunter - " Thanks for having me, the team has some struggles in net the first few games where we had to have our emergency backup play. But honestly, we've added some new faces and they're amazing guys. They're adding a new style to our game, they have a lot to work on I mean we all do. It's weird being the 'old guy' on the team now and having that leadership role, to answer your question I feel like the team with our new additions we've made so far have had a huge impact in turning our season around."

MJ - " Speaking of these new additions, who do you feel has had an impact on the team that the average fan doesn't see?"

 

BH - " Honestly, it's not just one guy. They all add something different to the team and I think that's what makes them great. Tanky is an absolute unit out there, he throws the body more than I do and adds more of a physical presence out there, then Nics (Nico di Angelo) has been a huge factor on the dot and has been putting up good points. Monty (Duncan Montana) has been getting on the stat sheet as well, adding a necessary scoring option in our lineup. It isn't just one guy that I can name, there's even a few more guys that I could mention but then we would be here for at least an hour."
 

Hunter started laughing after that answer, you could really tell that he's trying to make a connection and grow the culture in Saskatoon this year. 

MJ - " You currently sit top 10 in points, goals, hits, powerplay goals, short-handed goals and shots. What do you think has been the biggest contributor to your season this year?

 

BH - " It's not about me, it's about the team. I'd rather have zero points and zero stats and be undefeated. But if I had to give an answer, I'd say it's the commitment from the front office to help me in the offseason. They helped me stay on my offseason program and gave me a ton of support when I needed it the most." 

 

MJ - " You mentioned your offseason, how was your mindset during that time? What happened?"

BH - " Next question."

MJ - " Alright, so there have been rumours thrown around that you may be traded come the trade deadline or you might be called up to Prague. How do you feel about these rumours?

BH - " I think they're just that, rumours. If I'm dealt then it's what's best for the team, I've talked with the front office about it already and if I'm dealt it will be what's best for the team. I love being in Saskatoon and love the group that we have in this locker room, but if I can help a team win a championship and Saskatoon can get back some good pieces for me then so be it, that's the business of Hockey. If I get called up to Prague that just means I get to reunite with a bunch of Wild alumni and play in the VHL. I've heard nothing but great things about Prague, if they feel like I'm ready then I'll respect that decision."
 

MJ - " Since you've already talked to management, is there a team that they've mentioned that has given them a call about you?"

BH - " That's not for me to say, as far as I know nobody's called the front office about me, what I know is that no matter what team I'm on I want to make the most of it, I want to have a great connection with the guys in the locker room and be part of a championship contending team. As of right now, my commitment is to the city of Saskatoon, the fans and the team, as far as I know I am a player for the Wild and will be until I'm told otherwise."

MJ - " You mentioned Prague, is there anything specific that makes you think that you're going to be called up soon?"

 

BH - " No, it's just that playing in the VHL is what I'm working towards. That should be every players' goal, whether or not they get there remains to be seen but I know that I want to get to the VHL and win championships. 

 

MJ - " With saying that, do you truly believe that Saskatoon is in a position to contend right now for a VHLM cup."
 

BH - " Honestly, it depends on how much improvement we see overall on the roster. Are we number one in the league right now? Not even close... Can we get to a point where we can contend with some of the top tier talent in the league? I genuinely think so, but it all depends on how hard they work on improving. 

 

MJ - " So the fans want to know, what does Braxton do on an off day? Go out with teammates? Play any video games? Any sort of hobbies?"

 

BH - " Honestly, I do a few things on an off day. Number one is that I always wake up early and go for a run, it clears my head and gets me ready for the day. The rest of the day I usually just hangout on my computer unless we do something together as a team. One time we all went to a bowling alley and played a few games as a team. But on a typical day you can find me playing chess online trying to get better, I'm not very good at the moment, but I've found a few guys on YouTube that I watch and I think it's paying off? I also play some league of legends until I get too tilted, which is probably after 3-5 games haha. If I'm super sore on an off day, we have an amazing training facility that are always ready for us if we need to get any treatment."

 

MJ - " Nice, good to know that you're not just a hockey robot that sits in the charger on an off day haha, last question for you here Braxton. Is there anything you'd like to say to the fans of Saskatoon and others who will hear this interview on YouTube and Facebook?"

BH - " Nice plug haha, also definitely not a robot, I wouldn't be as sore after games if I was a robot, but back to your question of course I do. To the fans of Saskatoon, you deserve better and we are trying to win more games in our home barn for y'all, your support and cheers mean the world to us and we are proud every game that we have the opportunity to put on the jersey for you guys. No matter what happens this season, just know that y'all are the best fans in the league."

MJ - " Well that's all the time we have Braxton. Best of luck with the rest of the season, hopefully we can have another interview with you guys making the playoffs!"

BH - " Thanks for the interview Marek, always a pleasure. See you at the next game."

 

Overall a positive outlook from Hunter, when asking the Saskatoon front office what they had to say about the team after 30 games into the season, here is what they had to say;

 

" A lot of people didn't expect much from this team this year, but nobody told the boys that. The cards have often been stacked against them, but between their hard work and new prospects choosing to start their VHL career here with us, they're really doing a fantastic job. It doesn't always result in wins, but this team just doesn't quit, and they scrap until the end of every game. I'm incredibly proud of them, and our home crowd being behind them only helps it even more." 

 

It remains to be seen if the Wild can make a push to contend in the VHLM. It also remains to be seen whether the Wild will keep this roster together or will they trade off their main assets in hopes to rebuild. The new additions to the team have certainly made an impact early, but the season will ultimately rest on how the leadership group of Braxton Hunter, Griff Mackenzie and Tanky can lead this team towards the playoffs and make a playoff run. With their next stretch of games, the Wild will be able to prove whether or not they belong as a contender on the ice or will sneak into the playoffs and have to face one of the VHL juggernauts in a classic "David vs Goliath" matchup.

 

As always make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also find us on YouTube and Tik Tok where we cover everything Saskatoon and everything "Wild" with the Saskatoon Wild.


From the Star Phoenix, this is Marek Joseph. 

Edited by dshervill
Quote from GM of the Sask Wild
Link to comment
https://vhlforum.com/topic/99087-hunter-gives-us-insight-on-the-wild-season/
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