In a Season 17 draft with great early round depth, it was tough to tell where individual players would end up. For Walter “Heisenberg” White, the dream of being drafted by an SHL team became a reality. It was the second pick and the Minnesota Chiefs were on the clock. White sat with his family of four and waited anxiously. That was when he heard his name called.

-Thanks for joining us, Walter. When you heard Minnesota general manager Kurtis Hunter call your name as the second pick in the draft, what were you feeling?

“It was an indescribable feeling. One moment I am talking with my son, and the next I hear my name called throughout the arena. I was not expecting to be the second pick; that caught me off guard. It really is an honor to be such a high pick amongst such great talent in the class around me.


Walter, upon hearing the news he has been drafted.

-What does it mean to you to play for the Minnesota Chiefs?

“It means the world. This is a franchise with such great history and tradition. The fan base is incredible and I have already gotten some tweets my way from those fans wishing me the best of luck. To be able to wear the logo that some SHL greats wore is something that I will always honor.”


White with his contract money. He signed a 4 year, 20 mil dollar deal with the Chiefs.

-Surely the Chiefs could not have been the only team interested in you. Did you see interest from other SHL organizations who wanted to draft you? Did you prefer one of those teams over the Minnesota Chiefs?

“There were other teams who contacted me, and don’t call me Shirley. I really did not have a preference as to where I wanted to be drafted. I can honestly tell you that no team had an advantage in my mind over another. I could not be happier to be a Minnesota Chief and I look forward to wearing this jersey for a long time.”

-In the past, the Chiefs had some talented blue liners such as Niclas Wastlund, Jon Doran, Jackson Turska, and Sean Stevenson. Do you believe that you can one day play at the same level that these players did?

“It’s a tough act to follow, there is no doubt about that. However, I do believe that with hard work and patience I can get to their level. I have looked up to those defenders amongst others over my life, and I strive every day to play just like them.”


Heisenberg hopes to one day see the same success other Chiefs defensemen saw.

-Experts are saying the Chiefs had a good draft overall. Along with you, the Chiefs selected forwards Saoul Commeunebotte and Thor Ludvigsen. They also selected goaltender Gustav Grimm, whom you played with in the juniors on the Vancouver Whalers. What are your thoughts on your fellow rookies?

“I cannot even begin to explain how excited I am to be playing with these guys. Playing against Saoul and Thor this past junior season, I saw first hand just how talented and hard to stop these guys are on offense. Definitely glad to not have to defend them anywhere but in practice this upcoming season. And it is great to once again be on a team with Grimm. I was extremely happy to see that the Chiefs selected him with the twelfth overall pick. Grimm is a goalie who deserves the chance to start for an SHL team someday. He works harder than anyone and I know that he will do whatever it takes to start for the Chiefs.”


Gustav Grimm will look to one day be a top SHL goaltender.

-The Chiefs have been in a bit of a rut the past few seasons. Last season, they finished fifth in the Eastern conference with a record of 17-30-3 and failed to make the playoffs. Do you foresee a bounce back year from the Chiefs, and what will you do to help the Chiefs reach the playoffs?

“I watched some Chiefs games on television when I had days off. It was a tough year for them, but I saw a lot of heart on the ice by those players. I sure do see a playoff year for the Chiefs and season 17. With the returning talent and new talent coming in at the same time, I believe we have a great shot at making a run for the cup. I really like what management has done. They have put the Chiefs in a great position to succeed, and now it is up to us players to combine our talents on the ice and show the SHL what we are made of. As for me personally, I am just going to play my game. Plain and simple. I cannot try and do too much as a rookie. I will do what the team asks of me and execute my defensive style of play each and every game.”

-There have been some rumors out of draft day that you and now Seattle Riot defenseman, Vladmir Bodnar, have a rivalry. Care to comment on this?

“Haha I thought you might bring this up. Bodnar and I were chirping each other a bit at the draft tonight, in the same way we did on the ice. I guess you could say it’s a rivalry, although it is all in good fun. We get along really well, and I have looked up to Bodnar and the way he plays the game of hockey since we both took part in the SMJHL draft. I look forward to playing against him in the SHL and wish him all the best with the Riot.”

-With the Whalers, your team was swept by the St. Louis Scarecrows in the SMJHL finals. What happened in that series for that to be the outcome?

“I hate thinking about that series. For us to play as well as we did throughout the regular season and in the second round of the playoffs, only to be swept by the Crows in the finals, is really disappointing. We believed in ourselves, and knew we could win it all. In the end, you have to give the Scarecrows a ton of credit. They came out and played their hardest every night, and just gave us no breathing room on the ice. It was a tough series but I am still so proud of our team.”


The Whalers were swept in four games by the Scarecrows

-Continuing with the Whalers topic, you were the Season 16 captain, what did that mean to you and do you believe that your leadership can carry over to the SHL?

“When I was named the captain of the Whalers, it was truly an honor. There were a lot of great teammates around me who I believed could have been excellent captains. Wearing that C on my jersey was something I embraced and honored every night on the ice. And going into the SHL, I do believe that my leadership qualities will transfer over well. Of course I am not saying that I should be a captain of any sort, but I plan on showing my teammates my dedication for the team by doing whatever it takes.”

-Thank you for your time, Mr. White.

“Please…say my name.”


1173 words
5 pictures

Walt at the draft......



Walt at his contract signings.....

Don't say I didn't warn you about Minnesota and having HFFO as a coGM!

We already caused him to lose his hair!

Originally posted by Toast@Feb 18 2014, 11:10 AM
We already caused him to lose his hair!

Thanks for pointing that out, I am sure nobody would have gotten that from my post :facepalm:

>

Between all the money, HFFO, and Spangs, I don't know how anyone couldn't lose their hair!

Originally posted by Banjo Kazooie@Feb 18 2014, 11:16 AM
Between all the money, [b]HFFO, and Spangs, I don't know how anyone couldn't lose their hair!
HFFO
HFFO
HFFO
HFFO
HFFO
HFFO
HFFO[/b]

Originally posted by 701@Feb 18 2014, 11:19 AM

Who?

Originally posted by Banjo Kazooie@Feb 18 2014, 11:29 AM

Who?

Not too sure :lol:

Originally posted by 701@Feb 18 2014, 11:36 AM

Not too sure  :lol:

jk ily HFFO

Who's HFFO?

“The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again. ... There are neither beginnings nor endings to the Wheel of Time. But it was a beginning.”





Ólafur Atlason| C | SMJHL Prospect | Future Edmonton Blizzard
Birthplace: Reykjavik, Iceland
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I'm almost kinda pissed at the 2nd picture because I'm not that far into the end of the series. Season 4 finale tonight for me!!!

Thanks Jove for my sig