Draft Media x2, please send money. 1043 words. ready for grading 
Zoltan Topalo, the Pre-draft “Pop” 

We were happy to have the opportunity to sit down with Zoltan Topalo before the upcoming SHL draft.

So Zoltan, you were drafted at 30th OA to the Detroit Falcons in the SMJHL draft, can you reflect on your performance related to your position in the draft?

I was pleasantly surprised that I was drafted 30th overall. I worked hard, but was still a mid tier player in college. I guess the Detroit Falcons saw a lot of potential in my game and playstyle. Most people are off put by the amount of bubble wrap I wear on and off the ice, but that wasn’t a problem for the GM’s. My hard work paid off this season. I didn’t think I would score as much as I did in my rookie season but I’m very proud of my efforts and so are the coaches. To get back to the question, I think for the 30th overall SMJHL pick I exceed expectations at least offensively. My Plus minus was barley above even though… so I got that goin for me… which isn’t great.

You and the rest of the Falcons rookies really seem to be big ticket items in this years draft, how do you think you rank among them?

If i had to guess, I’m a little above the average when it comes to point totals. My fellow rookies push me hard to be better and I really thrive under that pressure. It took me a little while to build up my confidence from the beginning of the season but I’m getting more and more comfortable every day. I started the season on the 4th line and ended up switching between the second and third line. My real specialty is on the power play though. Williams and I were really close in points at the end of the season. Nobody’s Defensive game is better than Magnus when looking at the rookies. I can rarely get a shot off when he’s defending me in practice. I know that doesn’t really answer your question well, but thats how I feel.

Can you tell us a little about your playstyle going into next season? What has the coach been asking you to do more of?

I had a great season playing more along the boards, but coach has been trying to change my playstyle a little bit. I’m going to start playing in front of the net more. I’m a big guy and my bubble wrap under the pads helps make that seem even bigger. Coach says that posting up in front of the net will really help the team so I’m going to start doing that. He has me working on deflecting the puck a little more too. My hand eye coordination is pretty good, but I can always get better. Coach is saying I need to work on my defense too. My stick checking and positioning in general does need some work. I’ll get better though. I’ve been trying to watch more of what Magnus does at practice, that guy is a beast!

Do you have any idea of who may be drafting you this in the entry draft?

I really don’t know where i’ll be going. I’ve been getting a lot of phone calls from a lot of the GM’s in the league. We’ve had some great conversations and really discussed where I’ll be able to fit in. Some GM’s were asking about my playstyle and what i’ve been working on lately. I’ve spoken to just about every team that has a pick in the first round. If i had to take a guess, I’ll be drafted before the end of the first round. I would be so proud of making it in the first round. Being selected 30th OA in the SMJHL was incredible and I can’t imagine how I’ll feel when I get drafted into the big leagues.

What is your playstyle going to look like come next season?

A lot of the GM’s were asking this question too. I am really trying to work on getting to the front of the net. Growing up I always liked watching players drive to the net. The puck goes in the net to score points so why not get as close as I can? Rebounds often drop right in front of the goalie and if I’m there, I’ll smack em home. Collecting the garbage as they like to say.

I have also been working on deflecting pucks. It’s not a secret that I’m a big guy (the bubble wrap helps with that too). My natural place is smack dab in front of the goalie. I’ve been brushing up playing Escape from Tarkov to help work on my hand eye coordination. The thorax is the most vulnerable place on the body (at least thats how I lose 95% of the time) and I always try and aim for the right spot. When it comes to hockey though, I have that hyper focus. Magnus, Jobin and I have been working together on this as well. Magnus wanted to work on his shot, I wanted to work on my deflections, and Jobin loves being a brick wall. We all know how important the draft is so putting in the extra effort is important. Even though we may not be playing together in a few seasons, the goal is to win in Detroit!

Zoltan is there anything you’d like to say in closing?

I guess, just pick me for the SHL! I’m a hardworking guy, that wants to do well for my team. I’ve spoken to a few GM’s and I would be happy to be play for any of the teams that I spoke to. From those who know me, I’m a team player, you know what you’re getting in me. Yes, I belong to a cult. Yes, I wear bubble wrap under my pads. Thats why you see my off the injured list. I love pastrami, please keep that in mind. When it comes to pickles, the more sour the better. Hockey is the way to my heart, but Pastrami and Pickles (with russian and cole slaw of course) is the way to my belly. Pick me for Season 53!

 

Hey. I really like this piece. For that, I will draft you number one into team of my heart.

                  Frederick Wanesly || Retired

Name: Frederick Wanesly

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 220lbs

Number: 5

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Career Statistics:

SHL Regular Season - Seattle Argonauts:
S56 | 50 GP | 11 G | 10 A | 21 P |  32 PIM | 20:20 AMG
S57 | 66 GP | 17 G | 13 A | 30 P |  35 PIM | 18:31 AMG
S58 | 66 GP | 12 G | 13 A | 25 P |  16 PIM | 15:40 AMG

S58 | 66 GP |   7 G | 13 A | 20 P |    8 PIM | 15:07 AMG

SMJHL Regular Season - Detroit Falcons:
S52 | 50 GP |   6 G | 10 A | 16 P |  14 PIM |   9.48 AMG

S53 | 50 GP | 15 G | 20 A | 35 P |  10 PIM | 15.58 AMG

S54 | 50 GP | 14 G | 15 A | 29 P |  22 PIM | 16.21 AMG

S55 | 50 GP |   7 G | 26 A | 33 P |  20 PIM | 19.23 AMG

SMJHL Post Season - Detroit Falcons

28 GP | 9 G | 7 A | 16 P | 2 PIM | 19:44 AMG

WJC - Team British Isles

S51 | 30 GP |  3 G |   0 A |   3 P |  8 PIM |  9.66 AMG

S52 | 22 GP |  7 G |   9 A | 16 P |  6 PIM | 13.75 AMG

S53 | 20 GP |  8 G | 11 A | 19 P |  2 PIM |  19.49 AMG

S54 | 22 GP |  6 G |   6 A | 12 P |  6 PIM |  15.54 AMG

IIHF - Team Great Britain
S56 | 22 GP |  4 G |  5 A |   9 P |  6 PIM |  9.05 AMG

Skreeeeee

KARI KEKKONEN | D | RETIRED
NAME: Kari Kekkonen
BIRTHPLACE: Oulu, Finland
HEIGHT: 6'1"
WEIGHT: 185 lbs
NUMBER: 33
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SMJHL CAREER STATS
S19 KEL: GP: 40, G: 10, A: 26, P: 36, +/-: 16, H: 42

SMJHL PLAYOFF STATS
S19 KEL: GP: 6, G: 0, A: 6, P: 6, +/-: 0, H: 6
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KAAPO KEKKONEN | C | RETIRED
NAME: Kaapo Kekkonen
BIRTHPLACE: Helsinki, Finland
HEIGHT: 6'3"
WEIGHT: 210 lbs
NUMBER: 19
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SHL CAREER STATS
S25 LAP: GP: 50, G: 2, A: 3, P: 5, +/-: -4, H: 75
S26 LAP: GP: 50, G: 4, A: 5, P: 9, +/-: -13, H: 94
S27 LAP: GP: 50, G: 6, A: 9, P: 15, +/-: -2, H: 35
S28 LAP: GP: 50, G: 7, A: 10, P: 17, +/-: -2, H: 96
S29 LAP: GP: 50, G: 13, A: 21, P: 34, +/-: -15, H: 85
S30 LAP: GP: 50, G: 23, A: 22, P: 45, +/-: 4, H: 130
S31 LAP: GP: 50, G: 20, A: 18, P: 38, +/-: 5, H: 162
S32 LAP: GP: 50, G: 18, A: 28, P: 46, +/-: 27, H: 183
S33 LAP: GP: 50, G: 17, A: 22, P: 39, +/-: 20, H: 210
S34 LAP: GP: 50, G: 12, A: 25, P: 37, +/-: -2, H: 131
S35 LAP: GP: 50, G: 10, A: 22, P: 32, +/-: -3, H: 115
S36 LAP: GP: 50, G: 11, A: 20, P: 31, +/-: 10, H: 138
S37 LAP: GP: 36, G: 9, A: 17, P: 26, +/-: -1, H: 72
S37 WKP: GP: 14, G: 1, A: 0, P: 1, +/-: -4, H: 19
TOT : GP: 650, G: 153, A: 222, P: 375, +/-: 20, H: 1545
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SHL PLAYOFF STATS
S25 LAP: DNQ
S26 LAP: DNQ
S27 LAP: DNQ
S28 LAP: DNQ
S29 LAP: DNQ
S30 LAP: DNQ
S31 LAP: DNQ
S32 LAP: GP: 5, G: 1, A: 3, P: 4, +/-: -2, H: 15
S33 LAP: GP: 12, G: 2, A: 3, P: 5, +/-: 0, H: 38
S34 LAP: GP: 7, G: 1, A: 3, P: 4, +/-: 3, H: 23
S35 LAP: GP: 5, G: 1, A: 1, P: 2, +/-: -4, H: 4
S36 LAP: DNQ
S37 WKP: GP: 12, G: 0, A: 2, P: 2, +/-: -2, H: 35
TOT : GP: 41, G: 5, A: 12, P: 17, +/-: -5, H: 115
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TATU MÄKELÄ | D | RETIRED
NAME: Tatu Mäkelä
BIRTHPLACE: Tampere, Finland
HEIGHT: 5'11"
WEIGHT: 180 lbs
NUMBER: 65
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SHL CAREER STATS
S40 BUF: GP: 50, G: 5, A: 17, P: 22, +/-: -28, H: 14, SB: 86
S41 BUF: GP: 50, G: 10, A: 21, P: 31, +/-: -3, H: 9, SB: 78
S42 BUF: GP: 50, G: 9, A: 21, P: 30, +/-: 2, H: 13, SB: 65
S43 BUF: GP: 50, G: 6, A: 24, P: 30, +/-: 1, H: 8, SB: 51
S44 BUF: GP: 50, G: 6, A: 28, P: 34, +/-: -6, H: 10, SB: 63
S45 BUF: GP: 50, G: 4, A: 37, P: 41, +/-: 10, H: 130, SB: 71
S46 BUF: GP: 50, G: 6, A: 36, P: 42, +/-: 25, H: 139, SB: 73
S47 BUF: GP: 50, G: 5, A: 23, P: 28, +/-: -4, H: 137, SB: 76
S48 BUF: GP: 50, G: 7, A: 25, P: 32, +/-: 9, H: 151, SB: 70
S49 BUF: GP: 50, G: 6, A: 22, P: 28, +/-: 5, H: 159, SB: 66
S50 BUF: GP: 50, G: 6, A: 20, P: 26, +/-: 14, H: 152, SB: 72
S51 BUF: GP: 50, G: 3, A: 23, P: 26, +/-: 8, H: 143, SB: 50
S52 BUF: GP: 50, G: 9, A: 21, P: 30, +/-: -3, H: 141, SB: 71
S53 BUF: GP: 50, G: 5, A: 14, P: 19, +/-: 23, H: 50, SB: 98
TOT : GP: 700, G: 87, A: 332, P: 419, +/-: 53, H: 1256, SB: 990
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SHL PLAYOFF STATS
S40 BUF: DNQ
S41 BUF: GP: 7, G: 3, A: 2, P: 5, +/-: -3, H: 0, SB: 10
S42 BUF: GP: 5, G: 0, A: 1, P: 1, +/-: -9, H: 2, SB: 10
S43 BUF: GP: 9, G: 0, A: 5, P: 5, +/-: -1, H: 1, SB: 8
S44 BUF: DNQ
S45 BUF: DNQ
S46 BUF: GP: 17, G: 0, A: 12, P: 12, +/-: 11, H: 59, SB: 28
S47 BUF: GP: 13, G: 0, A: 5, P: 5, +/-: 2, H: 32, SB: 18
S48 BUF: GP: 22, G: 2, A: 10, P: 12, +/-: 2, H: 64, SB: 32
S49 BUF: GP: 5, G: 0, A: 5, P: 5, +/-: 5, H: 15, SB: 8
S50 BUF: GP: 6, G: 0, A: 5, P: 5, +/-: -2, H: 18, SB: 12
S51 BUF: GP: 8, G: 2, A: 5, P: 7, +/-: -3, H: 15, SB: 11
S52 BUF: GP: 15, G: 4, A: 5, P: 9, +/-: 4, H: 47, SB: 26
S53 BUF: GP: 4, G: 0, A: 0, P: 0, +/-: 0, H: 6, SB: 13
TOT : GP: 111, G: 11, A: 55, P: 66, +/-: 6, H: 159, SB: 176
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KOLJA KEKKONEN | D | RETIRED
NAME: Kolja Kekkonen
BIRTHPLACE: Lappeenranta, Finland
HEIGHT: 6'3"
WEIGHT: 225 lbs
NUMBER: 8
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SMJHL CAREER STATS
S53 DET: GP: 3, G: 0, A: 1, P: 1, +/-: -1, H: 2, SB: 0
S54 DET: GP: 50, G: 2, A: 8, P: 10, +/-: -6, H: 15, SB: 37
S55 DET: GP: 50, G: 4, A: 12, P: 16, +/-: -24, H: 32, SB: 24
S56 DET: GP: 50, G: 4, A: 17, P: 21, +/-: -20, H: 52, SB: 71
S57 ANA: GP: 66, G: 6, A: 20, P: 26, +/-: 14, H: 52, SB: 70
TOT : GP: 219, G: 16, A: 58, P: 74, +/-: -37, H: 153, SB: 202
SMJHL PLAYOFF STATS
S53 DET: DNP
S54 DET: GP: 7, G: 0, A: 0, P: 0, +/-: 0, H: 2, SB: 3
S55 DET: GP: 4, G: 0, A: 1, P: 1, +/-: -2, H: 3, SB: 0
S56 DET: GP: 5, G: 2, A: 2, P: 4, +/-: 0, H: 3, SB: 7
S57 ANA: GP: 21, G: 2, A: 13, P: 15, +/-: 5, H: 13, SB: 34
TOT : GP: 37, G: 4, A: 16, P: 20, +/-: 3, H: 22, SB: 44
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KEKW KEKKONEN | C | RETIRED
NAME: Karl-Erik-Karl2-Wojtek Kekkonen
BIRTHPLACE: Lohja, Finland
HEIGHT: 6'4"
WEIGHT: 220 lbs
NUMBER: 69
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SHL CAREER STATS
S61 BUF: GP: 66, G: 10, A: 28, P: 38, +/-: 21, H: 59, SH: 134
S62 BUF: GP: 66, G: 19, A: 36, P: 55, +/-: 9, H: 84, SH: 194
S63 BUF: GP: 66, G: 17, A: 14, P: 31, +/-: -13, H: 91, SH: 148
S64 BUF: GP: 66, G: 16, A: 51, P: 67, +/-: 36, H: 82, SH: 212
S65 BUF: GP: 66, G: 25, A: 41, P: 66, +/-: 33, H: 136, SH: 230
S66 BUF: GP: 66, G: 38, A: 43, P: 81, +/-: 18, H: 64, SH: 222
S67 BUF: GP: 66, G: 40, A: 45, P: 85, +/-: -6, H: 76, SH: 224
S68 BUF: GP: 66, G: 47, A: 46, P: 93, +/-: 45, H: 51, SH: 326
S69 BUF: GP: 66, G: 35, A: 31, P: 66, +/-: 22, H: 43, SH: 269
S70 BUF: GP: 66, G: 33, A: 48, P: 81, +/-: 18, H: 66, SH: 297
S71 BUF: GP: 66, G: 36, A: 41, P: 77, +/-: 37, H: 55, SH: 257
S72 BUF: GP: 66, G: 25, A: 35, P: 60, +/-: -1, H: 58, SH: 281
S73 BUF: GP: 66, G: 31, A: 41, P: 72, +/-: 23, H: 48, SH: 305
S74 BUF/WPG: GP: 66, G: 17, A: 47, P: 64, +/-: 33, H: 101, SH: 164
TOT : GP: 924, G: 389, A: 547, P: 936, +/-: 275, H: 1014, SH: 3263
SHL PLAYOFF STATS
S61 BUF: GP: 9, G: 2, A: 6, P: 8, +/-: 4, H: 11, SH: 24
S62 BUF: GP: 9, G: 3, A: 1, P: 4, +/-: 2, H: 5, SH: 25
S63 BUF: GP: 12, G: 1, A: 2, P: 3, +/-: -1, H: 32, SH: 33
S64 BUF: GP: 11, G: 2, A: 2, P: 4, +/-: -6, H: 12, SH: 41
S65 BUF: GP: 18, G: 4, A: 7, P: 11, +/-: 8, H: 34, SH: 62
S66 BUF: GP: 16, G: 11, A: 9, P: 20, +/-: 3, H: 13, SH: 49
S67 BUF: GP: 4, G: 2, A: 2, P: 4, +/-: -3, H: 3, SH: 20
S68 BUF: GP: 17, G: 6, A: 8, P: 14, +/-: -4, H: 11, SH: 75
S69 BUF: GP: 4, G: 1, A: 0, P: 1, +/-: -5, H: 2, SH: 13
S70 BUF: GP: 7, G: 1, A: 3, P: 4, +/-: -8, H: 2, SH: 25
S71 BUF: GP: 21, G: 12, A: 9, P: 21, +/-: 6, H: 24, SH: 97
S72 BUF: GP: 5, G: 0, A: 2, P: 2, +/-: -4, H: 7, SH: 25
S73 BUF: GP: 6, G: 3, A: 0, P: 3, +/-: -3, H: 11, SH: 33
S74 WPG: GP: 22, G: 3, A: 4, P: 7, +/-: -2, H: 15, SH: 37
TOT : GP: 161, G: 51, A: 55, P: 106, +/-: -11, H: 182, SH: 559
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KAL ÅKAR KEKKONEN | D | SEATTLE ARGONAUTS
NAME: Kal Åkar Kekkonen
BIRTHPLACE: The Wilderness, Gielinor
HEIGHT: 6'6"
WEIGHT: 240 lbs
NUMBER: 75
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SMJHL CAREER STATS
S74 DET: GP: 66, G: 6, A: 14, P: 20, +/-: 3, SH: 83, H: 76, SB: 29
S75 DET: GP: 66, G: 8, A: 22, P: 30, +/-: 31, SH: 129, H: 123, SB: 114
S76 DET: GP: 66, G: 17, A: 21, P: 38, +/-: -10, SH: 193, H: 74, SB: 130

SMJHL PLAYOFF STATS
S74 DET: GP: 17, G: 3, A: 7, P: 10, +/-: 8, SH: 18, H: 16, SB: 5
S75 DET: GP: 14, G: 5, A: 6, P: 11, +/-: 2, SH: 40, H: 26, SB: 27
S76 DET: GP: 4, G: 1, A: 2, P: 3, +/-: -2, SH: 8, H: 8, SB: 8
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Can you tell us a little bit more why you make your cult followers wear bubble wrap suits?

Jean-François Bokassa


Proud Father of Johnny Wagner-Svenson


Sven Svenson Career Stats

Sven Svenson | LW | #10 | San Francisco Pride | Peak 2,259 TPE
Birthplace: Stockholm, Swedend
Height: 6' 2"   Weight: 210 lbs
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SHL
Highlights:
S51 WJC Silver Medal - Team Sweden
S52 Drafted 34th overall in the SMJHL Draft - Colorado Raptors
S52 WJC Bronze Medal - Team Sweden
S52 IIHF Silver Medal - Team Sweden
S53 Drafted 15th overall in the SHL Draft - San Francisco Pride
S53 Colorado Raptors Alternate Captain
S53 WJC Silver Medal - Team Sweden
S56 IIHF Bronze Medal - Team Sweden
Named S57 San Francisco Pride Captain
S63 Ron Mexico Award Winner


Richard Hogsworth | GM of the Colorado Raptors | S56 - S59
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Co-GM: S54-S55
Regular Season
  SEASON         TEAM          GP            W            L          OTL        P     
       54           |     COL     |     50      |      24      |    21     |     5      |    53      
       55           |     COL     |     50      |      27      |    18     |     5      |    59      
       56           |     COL     |     50      |      24      |    24     |     2      |    50     
       57           |     COL     |     66      |      33      |    27     |     6      |    72     
       58           |     COL     |     66      |      34      |    27     |     5      |    73     
       59           |     COL     |     66      |      35      |    23     |     8      |    78     
  CAREER    |                  |    348     |     170     |   140    |     31    |   385     
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Playoffs
S54 - Eliminated in the Western Conference Semi-Finals
S55 - Eliminated in the Conference Semi-Finals
S56 - Eliminated in the Conference Semi-Finals
S57 - Eliminated in the Conference Semi-Finals
S58 - Eliminated in the Conference Semi-Finals
S59 - Eliminated in the Conference Semi-Finals

  

Can you tell us a little bit more why you make your cult followers wear bubble wrap suits?

I wish I could, but that information is only made available to other members. 
If you have any interest in joining the "squad", please order as much bubble wrap from Amazon as you can, I will provide a location in a PM to follow shortly.