12-02-2016, 02:03 AM
<center>Ready to Grade</center>
Thank you for joining us today for this press conference in the hometown of Lochlann O’Rourke, Galway Ireland. With the SMJHL's Draft night recently announced, we felt it was the perfect time to make an announcement. Please direct your question to Lochlann himself.
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Lochlann O’Rouke: "I would like to take the time to first thank everyone for coming out and also for my family in supporting me here today. Without further delay, I'd like to state my intention to declare for the Season 32 SMJHL Draft.
I'm very excited and nervous about the journey ahead. My ultimate goal is to play in the SHL and the SMJHL is the first step I need to take as it’s heavily scouted. I feel like leaving Ireland will improve my game and also it may get me to the next level where I can soon represent my country on the international stage as well. I have no idea what is going to happen on draft night or if I’ll even be drafted. However, I’m ready for whatever lies ahead. I have the support of my family and I couldn’t be happier at the chance to play overseas in order to become the Hockey Player I know I can be.
If it wasn’t for a family trip to North American many years ago, I would have never fallen in love with hockey and ended up where I am today. It’s time I give back to the game and take myself to the birthplace of it all.
I'll now be opening up the floor to any questions you may have. "
What type of player do you think the SMJHL is looking for at your position?
Lochlann: "That's a tough question to answer, as you’re well aware I’m not a GM. Primarily I feel like the SMJHL is looking for good character and great teammates above anything else. It’s quite clear looking back at the seasons that have unfolded to see great guys, that have come out of nowhere, take over a team and lead them to glory. Some of the more talented players may fissile out, but the ones with the right type of heart make it. It also speaks to what type of programs the SMJHL has to get the most of the players that come and put on their jersey’s.
I feel most GM's start here when looking for their next player. Whether it's commitment, drive, work ethic, leadership, etc. you’re going to need something to catch their attention.
In terms of the position, Left Wing, you’re going to need to have speed. It’s the way the game is currently headed and if you can’t skate you’re going to be left behind. Add in some offensive skills and Hockey IQ and now you have a winger that can hold his own. I feel like my skating, puck handling, and shooting set me apart from everyone else. I’m a danger anywhere on the ice with that skill set.’
First impression of the SHL and SMJHL as a whole?
Lochlann: "I have only been to one SHL game when I was a kid and I’ve only seen the most recent SMJHL Playoffs on a pirated stream but it’s amazing hockey, for sure a step of where I was playing. I’m very excited to skate in any one of the arenas.
From a fan side of things, it seems like every match-up is intense and could go either way. It's real balanced hockey right now.”
What part of your game do you want to become better at the most?
Lochlann: "Well, everything basically. I’m not good enough for the SHL so I need to step up my entire game, including the things I’m good at. However, I feel like I need to first work on my Defence upon joining a team. If I’m a minus player to start my career it’s not going to get me more ice time.
After that, my skating and offensive skills will be a priority. I want to be a Top Six winger in the SHL one day. Until I improve, I won’t make it.”
What is the strongest aspect of your game?
Lochlann: "Great follow-up question. I’ve touched briefly on it in the previous questions but I really feel like my offensive game gives me the most upside. It’s pretty easy to keep getting ice time when you’re putting the puck into the net after all. Add in my skating and ability to control the puck in traffic and I think you have a winger that could do some damage this upcoming season in the SMJHL"
Rank these: Ocelots, Lacrosse, Burt Reynolds
Lochlann:"Ummmm... Sorry you're question caught me off-guard, I was expecting hockey questions. I have no idea to be honest."
Rank these: Bourbon, Rye, Scotch
Lochlann:"I haven't drank yet, I'm not 18."
Rank these: Scarecrows, Raiders, Mammoths
Lochlann:"Is that a fake media pass?"
Do you have a rookie rival yet?
Lochlann:"Honestly, I don't know anyone in the class or who is even declaring. I haven't heard of anyone coming out of Ireland but I could be wrong. I'm sure this will change once the draft happens and players go to their different teams. Your guess is as good as mine as who that could be."
Which SHL team was you favorite growing up as a kid?
Lochlann:"I watched the Toronto North Stars take on the Edmonton Blizzard years ago and it was my only game I got to watch. Other then that I haven't followed any other teams as it's hard watching games across seas. I'll have to got with the Blizzard since I loved their jerseys and logo."
Which NHL team do you follow and why?
Lochlann:"NHL?"
How do you think you will handle the move from Ireland to North America?
Lochlann:"I think I'll be fine, but it is a bit nerve racking leaving home to live in a whole new country all by yourself. Thanks to Skype and other ways to talk to my family I'm sure I'll never be lonely."
What about the North American lifestyle are you most excited for?
Lochlann:"Not sure to be honest. Everything is different, to driving, to food, to well everything. Maybe the access to watch more SHL games if I really had to pick something."
Thank you for joining us today for this press conference in the hometown of Lochlann O’Rourke, Galway Ireland. With the SMJHL's Draft night recently announced, we felt it was the perfect time to make an announcement. Please direct your question to Lochlann himself.
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</center>Lochlann O’Rouke: "I would like to take the time to first thank everyone for coming out and also for my family in supporting me here today. Without further delay, I'd like to state my intention to declare for the Season 32 SMJHL Draft.
I'm very excited and nervous about the journey ahead. My ultimate goal is to play in the SHL and the SMJHL is the first step I need to take as it’s heavily scouted. I feel like leaving Ireland will improve my game and also it may get me to the next level where I can soon represent my country on the international stage as well. I have no idea what is going to happen on draft night or if I’ll even be drafted. However, I’m ready for whatever lies ahead. I have the support of my family and I couldn’t be happier at the chance to play overseas in order to become the Hockey Player I know I can be.
If it wasn’t for a family trip to North American many years ago, I would have never fallen in love with hockey and ended up where I am today. It’s time I give back to the game and take myself to the birthplace of it all.
I'll now be opening up the floor to any questions you may have. "
What type of player do you think the SMJHL is looking for at your position?Lochlann: "That's a tough question to answer, as you’re well aware I’m not a GM. Primarily I feel like the SMJHL is looking for good character and great teammates above anything else. It’s quite clear looking back at the seasons that have unfolded to see great guys, that have come out of nowhere, take over a team and lead them to glory. Some of the more talented players may fissile out, but the ones with the right type of heart make it. It also speaks to what type of programs the SMJHL has to get the most of the players that come and put on their jersey’s.
I feel most GM's start here when looking for their next player. Whether it's commitment, drive, work ethic, leadership, etc. you’re going to need something to catch their attention.
In terms of the position, Left Wing, you’re going to need to have speed. It’s the way the game is currently headed and if you can’t skate you’re going to be left behind. Add in some offensive skills and Hockey IQ and now you have a winger that can hold his own. I feel like my skating, puck handling, and shooting set me apart from everyone else. I’m a danger anywhere on the ice with that skill set.’
First impression of the SHL and SMJHL as a whole?Lochlann: "I have only been to one SHL game when I was a kid and I’ve only seen the most recent SMJHL Playoffs on a pirated stream but it’s amazing hockey, for sure a step of where I was playing. I’m very excited to skate in any one of the arenas.
From a fan side of things, it seems like every match-up is intense and could go either way. It's real balanced hockey right now.”
What part of your game do you want to become better at the most? Lochlann: "Well, everything basically. I’m not good enough for the SHL so I need to step up my entire game, including the things I’m good at. However, I feel like I need to first work on my Defence upon joining a team. If I’m a minus player to start my career it’s not going to get me more ice time.
After that, my skating and offensive skills will be a priority. I want to be a Top Six winger in the SHL one day. Until I improve, I won’t make it.”
What is the strongest aspect of your game?Lochlann: "Great follow-up question. I’ve touched briefly on it in the previous questions but I really feel like my offensive game gives me the most upside. It’s pretty easy to keep getting ice time when you’re putting the puck into the net after all. Add in my skating and ability to control the puck in traffic and I think you have a winger that could do some damage this upcoming season in the SMJHL"
Rank these: Ocelots, Lacrosse, Burt ReynoldsLochlann:"Ummmm... Sorry you're question caught me off-guard, I was expecting hockey questions. I have no idea to be honest."
Rank these: Bourbon, Rye, ScotchLochlann:"I haven't drank yet, I'm not 18."
Rank these: Scarecrows, Raiders, MammothsLochlann:"Is that a fake media pass?"
Do you have a rookie rival yet?Lochlann:"Honestly, I don't know anyone in the class or who is even declaring. I haven't heard of anyone coming out of Ireland but I could be wrong. I'm sure this will change once the draft happens and players go to their different teams. Your guess is as good as mine as who that could be."
Which SHL team was you favorite growing up as a kid?Lochlann:"I watched the Toronto North Stars take on the Edmonton Blizzard years ago and it was my only game I got to watch. Other then that I haven't followed any other teams as it's hard watching games across seas. I'll have to got with the Blizzard since I loved their jerseys and logo."
Which NHL team do you follow and why?Lochlann:"NHL?"
How do you think you will handle the move from Ireland to North America?Lochlann:"I think I'll be fine, but it is a bit nerve racking leaving home to live in a whole new country all by yourself. Thanks to Skype and other ways to talk to my family I'm sure I'll never be lonely."
What about the North American lifestyle are you most excited for?Lochlann:"Not sure to be honest. Everything is different, to driving, to food, to well everything. Maybe the access to watch more SHL games if I really had to pick something."
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