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+---- Thread: The Forgotten: Yuuto Kira Cloudera Jr. (/showthread.php?tid=116620)
The Forgotten: Yuuto Kira Cloudera Jr. - ByrdeMan - 06-11-2021
The Forgotten
Yuuto Kira Cloudera Jr.
Yuuto Kira Cloudera Jr.
Many people from around the globe partake in the sport known as hockey. Many decide to go pro, many drop it at a young age to pursue a different sport or career. But what happens to those who go pro but aren't drafted? Those who work day in day out to get their chance to shine in the big leagues but never get the recognition their friends or foes get? Most times they drift out of the spotlight to never be seen or heard from again but the few that do finally get the recognition that they deserve are propelled to a career that they've dreamed of since they've been a youngster. This is their story. This is, The Forgotten.
Today we look at the SHL, otherwise known as the Simulated Hockey League. A disconnected league from those such as the KHL or the NHL but people here make millions and go on to have successful careers. Not very often does one go undrafted in this league, as GMs try their hardest to ensure every stone is turned in their scouting process before the draft. This do not mean it fails to happen however.
Yuuto Kira Cloudera Jr. born in Iwakuni, Japan is the son of Yuuto Kira Cloudera former prospect of the SMJHL who went undrafted. Cloudera Jr. who stands 6 feet 2 inches and weighs in at 220 pounds is a Four Star Cup champion with the Quebec City Citadelles and was drafted by the Seattle Argonauts in the 5th round at 77th overall. Some notable teams who skipped before this pick were, the Steelhawks, the North Stars, the Chiefs and the Barracuda. So what happened? Why didn't Cloudera Jr. get called up to play pro, and why does he currently sit at home waiting for a contract from another big league team in order to keep his playing career alive? For these reasons we have to go back, way back. Back to when his father was a part of the SHL.
Yuuto Kira Cloudera Sr. declared for the SMJHL draft in the 55th season of the SHL. For those of you who don't currently know, the SMJHL is the SHL's current farm system, and has been since its incarnation. It was once known as the NWJHL though it was quite some time ago. However, Cloudera Sr showed up in North America, completed his paperwork to officially declare himself for the draft and showed up to training the next day excited to begin his career and new adventure in the SHL. During the 54th minor league draft, Cloudera Sr. sat in an apartment building in America waiting for his name to be called by one of the 10 teams (at the time). The draft went 8 rounds and Cloudera was soon informed by officials that he was not selected by a minor league team, and thus his career might be over. He was informed of some that there are still other ways to become a pro hockey player in the SHL, and that he did not need to be drafted in order to lace up a pair of skates to play with one of the 10 teams. However instead of Cloudera pursuing these other ways he decided that maybe he was too old for the SHL, and thus retired soon after.
A season later Cloudera Jr. broke onto the scene, moving to North America with his father. His father had told him about the SHL and his failure at attempting to become a professional hockey player. But instead of laughing at this dads attempt Cloudera Jr. nodded and decided to go himself and try his hand at becoming an SHL hockey player. Unlike Cloudera Sr., he busted into the scene with a bang! Filing his paperwork, and attending not only the mandatory training but going to other various gyms to continue the grind. With his dad, Cloudera Jr. sat in an apartment waiting for his name to be announced in the draft. Unknown to him at the time, the SMJHL was growing in size which meant there would be more roster spots to fill, which also meant a higher chance at being drafted. This set him at ease knowing that he would almost 100 percent be picked. The draft started on July 18th of 2020, one day after the expansion draft. Round 1 came and went, as well as round 2 and round 3. Cloudera Jr. was yet to hear his name. Still hopeful, he watched as the hours went on. The draft flows into round 7 with all but Quebec City Citadelles and Kelowna Knights passing. “With the 96th overall pick, the Kelowna Knights select, Alexander Rokokstkov.” Cloudera Jr.'s heart stopped and he had lost all hope, much like his dad he had thought he had been forgotten. But then, something happened. Analysts from the network that had been airing the draft had predicted that the draft would be over in the 8th round, with the 9th and 10th round all being passed but that isn't what happened at all. Quebec City Citadelles GMs entered the stage and announced with the 103rd pick in the 55th SMJHL draft they would be selecting Yuuto Kira Cloudera Jr.. In that moment, Cloudera Jr. knew this was his shot, and one opportunity to impress the SHL, and he was going to try to perform to the best of his ability.
Cloudera Jr. Showed up to Training Camp and impressed his GMs enough to give him 20 minutes per game for his rookie season. He scored 15 points, (5 goals and 10 assists) and earned praise around the league for performing this well on a new franchise. The main league took noticed and he would be awarded for his efforts. Being drafted 77th overall by another brand new franchise in the Seattle Argonauts. Seattle quickly offered him his first official contract at 2.5million and he was informed that he would be sent back down the Quebec for some more development. Excited by this Cloudera Jr. signed the deal and went back to his father with the news.
The following season Cloudera played even better in Quebec scoring 23 points (5 goals 18 assists) while averaging a minute less per game. His performance once again impressed his main club, Seattle. They brought him into the office and told him that they would be extending him for another season. Cloudera Jr. once again signed the contract and he would be informed later in the summer that he would be assigned to Quebec for more development (This is common practice). Cloudera Jr. showed up in the SMJHL once again and put up 26 points (10 goals and 16 assists) this time with another minute docked off of his per game time, but had 16 more games in the season. But this time Seattle didn't phone Cloudera Jr. He would soon learn through various sources that the Argonauts did not intend to re-sign him once again. However Quebec did intend to use him so they signed him to a minor league deal at 500k less than his SHL deals. He accepted, delightfully. In his 4th season in the minors Cloudera Jr. would put up 29 points (10 goals and 19 assists). He would go on to have his first finals berth with Quebec City where he would score 9 points in 17 games on his way to winning his first and only Four Star Cup.
Cloudera Jr. once again was hoping for a contract offer from a big league squad but one did not come. Quebec City reached out and offered him his final minor league contract that he would be eligible for. He delightful accepted once again. He went on to have a career year in the minors putting up 30 points (5 goals and 25 assists). This time Quebec City failed to make the finals so Cloudera Jr. would hang up his minor league skates and jersey with one Cup ring to his name. He currently sits at home waiting for the 60th annual SHL season to start, hopeful for a call from a big league team to continue his career in professional hockey. Hoping he doesn't become one of, The Forgotten.
[1375 words]
RE: The Forgotten: Yuuto Kira Cloudera Jr. - fishy - 06-11-2021
@kentakira hope you find a team!
RE: The Forgotten: Yuuto Kira Cloudera Jr. - kentakira - 06-11-2021
whoaaaa this is so good!!!! thx a lot for writing about me!!!!!!
RE: The Forgotten: Yuuto Kira Cloudera Jr. - ByrdeMan - 06-11-2021
06-11-2021, 11:33 AMkentakira Wrote: whoaaaa this is so good!!!! thx a lot for writing about me!!!!!!
No problem! I hope you find a team!
RE: The Forgotten: Yuuto Kira Cloudera Jr. - ValorX77 - 06-11-2021
Congrats on signing with
@kentakira!
RE: The Forgotten: Yuuto Kira Cloudera Jr. - kentakira - 06-11-2021
06-11-2021, 11:57 AMValorX77 Wrote: Congrats on signing withowh hello there valor, you're here too ahahahha, thx a lot!
RE: The Forgotten: Yuuto Kira Cloudera Jr. - Salming - 06-11-2021
Cloudera Jr., you are one of the best teammates I have ever had and it was an honour to share a locker room with you in Quebec City. You are a silent leader in the defence and I appreciate it. I wish you lovely future.