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+---- Thread: Ziggy Tambo Drafted 26th overall by West Kendall (2x Draft Media) (/showthread.php?tid=104602)
Ziggy Tambo Drafted 26th overall by West Kendall (2x Draft Media) - chirpchirp - 03-17-2020
(1118 words - 2x Media)
We were able to catchup with newly drafted West Kendall forward, Ziggy Tambo, to discuss the SHL draft and to get his thoughts on being part of the Platoon. We also touched on his rookie season in the SMJHL as part of the cup-winning Anaheim Outlaws, and what his expectations are for this upcoming season.
Q. Hi Ziggy. Thank you for taking the time to sit down and chat today. First off, a huge congratulations on being drafted 26th overall by West Kendall! What were you thinking when you heard your name?
"Thanks for having me. My first reaction was that it was just a huge relief to know where I'm headed. There's obviously a ton of uncertainty, nervousness, and excitement around not knowing where you'll end up, when you'll get picked - if you get picked at all, and which team you're gonna end up a part of. So I was just happy to hear my name, but then it sunk in that I'd be part of the Platoon, and I've just been pumped that I got picked by a great organization. I know they are gonna be able to help me take my career where I want it to go, and I can't wait to show them why I was a good pick."
Q. What were your expectations going into the draft? Did you think you would go any higher or lower?
"Well, I think everyone hopes that they get picked early on in the draft. As the picks started to come in, the pressure starts to build each time you hear a name that's not your own. Coming from the SMJHL champion Outlaws, I was hoping to get drafted right away, but there were a ton of great players in this class. When the class is so strong, everyone is gonna go lower than they would have in other years. Overall, I'm definitely happy with where I went, and I'll let my play show that West Kendall got an absolute steal by picking me at 26."
Q. We can't wait to see what you bring to the Platoon. Like you mentioned, last season you got a taste of championship hockey with Anaheim. Do you think that gives you a leg up on other draftees that may not have gone as far in the SMJHL playoffs last season?
"Oh definitely. One of the things you can't simulate are those high-pressure moments in big games that I got to play in last season. I was fortunate to be a part of a great team in Anaheim, and got to follow great examples set by some of the guys who had been around for a while. It's also a huge confidence boost to see that you can produce in those big moments. Of course you can produce in the regular season, but it just means more when the goals you score are meaningful."
Q. You played a huge part early on in the finals last season too. How about game 1 where you scored twice and helped start the series off right for your team?
"Yeah, it was an amazing feeling. I hadn't scored twice in a game all season. I usually prefer setting up my teammates, but I guess even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while? But it felt great to be able to help my team. I want to be an even bigger reason for the team's success this season. But as long as we are winning, it doesn't really matter who is putting the puck in the net."
Q. It was great to see for sure. How are you feeling about this upcoming season?
"I'm definitely excited for this season. I've made a trip over to West Kendall to see the area and look at where I will be in the future, but I'm excited for my second season with the Outlaws. A few guys moved up to the SHL, but we still have a great group, and I really want to continue to hone my skills and build my confidence in Anaheim. I think we have a really good shot at contending for the cup again, but we have to forget about last season and stay focused going forward. I've heard I'll be stepping into a bigger role for this team, and I welcome that with open arms. I want to be that example that incoming rookies can follow going forward."
Q. Are there any specific areas you are looking to improve upon during the offseason?
"For sure. Everyone wants to improve offensively, but I think that will happen naturally as I get more experience. Last season I wasn't as good on defense as I wanted to be. My positioning was a bit off, and at times that led to easy chances for the other team. I really want to improve in that area, because good defense will lead to good offense. I also want to improve my skating and agility, because that will help on both ends of the rink. Sometimes I felt like I was a step behind last season, and it would be nice to feel a step ahead instead."
Q. One of the things we came to know was that you have been making weekly trips to Disneyland with some of your teammates in Anaheim. What are you going to do in West Kendall?
"Haha, that's true. I have enjoyed going there and it all stemmed from a training camp outing last season. I'll definitely have to take some of the new rookies on a trip there if they can get through training camp. Once I head to Florida, I'll definitely be bringing along my goal song ("It's a Small World"), but I'll have to find somewhere else to have some fun on off-days. I've heard Miami doesn't really have a shortage of things to do though, haha. And anyways, Disney World is just a few hours away!"
Q. Well we can't wait to see what you bring to the West Kendall in the future. And best of luck to you this season! Thanks for taking the time today and we look forward to catching up with you later this season to see how everything is going.
"It was my pleasure. It was great talking with you. I'm excited to be a part of the Platoon."
We will keep everyone updated throughout the season to see how Ziggy Tambo fares in his second season in the SMJHL.