O'Koivu Mulling Options as Playoffs Near

O'Koivu Mulling Options as Playoffs Near - Printable Version

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- Wally - 04-22-2018

St. Paul, MN - After a rather lack-luster season, Olli O'Koivu stares down what will be his third consecutive playoffs as starting goalie for the Minnesota Chiefs. Upon signing in free agency prior to the S37 season, he took on the role as back up to the now retired Robert Andersson. With the vision of team growth into consistent playoff contention, it was hard to turn down after the crumbling of a foundation in Portland.

Life in Minnesota

After a couple years in Portland, Oregon, O'Koivu would return to the Midwest after three seasons with the St. Louis Scarecrows, a SMJHL affiliate to the SHL.

"The move was welcomed for myself and my family, after time apart in Portland became a big stressor on all of us. I needed a new start, a new opportunity and a fresh breath of air... albeit a colder one especially." O'Koivu explained.

"With Pietra now being in Winnipeg it has been a welcomed change seeing as either of us can jump on a plane for a simple 90 minute flight. It has been much easier on Aleksi and Anastasia as they get closer to inching towards their careers in the SMJHL."

[For those needing reference... Just look for past FanFiction S31 story by <a href='index.php?showuser=2297' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-10'>InciteHysteria</a> ]

A Champion

In falling short back to back seasons, O'Koivu wanted a chance to win it all. As <a href='index.php?showuser=1773' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-13'>Baelor Swift</a> continued to construct a foundation promoting longevity, S39 kicked off with many holding the Chiefs as favorites in the East. While constant attacks were mounted by various teams throughout the season, Minnesota followed through and were able to represent the East in the SHL Finals.

In the Finals, O'Koivu would face S31 draft rival Timo Haas and after going down 2-1 against Los Angeles (including 7 goals in Games 1-3) the tide would turn. O'Koivu would stand on his head allowing only 4 goals in Games 4-6, as the Minnesota offense launched into an overwhelming onslaught by scoring 14 themselves.

"It was surreal in the moment. After past failures in the playoffs to finally follow through for my teammates and them stepping up at the same time, it truly was a team operating as one and doing what it took to win." O'Koivu pointed out.

Season of Change

With the coming of a championship brought further growth of a team. Within that growth there is always tension and struggles, but it wasn't until the end of the S40 season and the suspension of Logan Jenson's agent that prompted a blanketed post speculating on the future of Olli's status.

Quote:Originally posted by Wally@Apr 16 2018, 07:33 AM

... Logan you are a damn idiot.  Like 99% of the reason Olli would leave Minnesota in a season and 100% of the reason he ceased much of his team communication.

Many question the recent comments and wonder what the future holds for the aging netminder who still has another year left on his contract. Many also question the actual demand for a starting goalie around the league with talent continuing to grow, even within the Minnesota organization. Is this the beginning of the end for O'Koivu in Minnesota? Could these be the last games in the entirety of O'Koivu's career?

"I don't know right now. Game after game it is a struggle to push forward and I really look forward to pushing the development of Aleksi. It is clear after the last season, that with the retirement of (Sebastian) Strange, the need for a player like Jensen is necessary... just not sure if I will be between the pipes. Minnesota has a great netminder in Sebastien Primeau ( <a href='index.php?showuser=2945' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>MrPrime</a> ) coming through the system and would not be hesitant in leaving the starting job to him should I retire at the close of the playoffs or leave via free agency the following season. Right now it is time to focus on defending the title we currently hold and that is what I'm going to do." O'Koivu closed in stating.

- TheWoZy - 04-22-2018

:o

- thedangazone - 04-22-2018

:eyes:

- Clint Eastwood - 04-22-2018

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