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“Thanks everyone for joining us. Tonight marks less than 24 hours until the S26 SHL Draft kicks off and the new wave of rookies rush the SHL. Will there be any true rookie? Who will go first overall? Will the JK Agency fiasco have any impact on draftees, for better or worse? These are all questions we’re waiting to see what the answers will become.

Tonight we’re joined by Halifax Raiders Captain, and their first round selection last summer at the SMJHL Draft, The Scotsman, Conall Macleod” – MC

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Macleod walks up on stage and takes a seat at the table with a small Gatorade cup sitting in front of him</div>

“Thanks everyone for coming. I remember doing one of these last year for the SMJHL Draft and the crowd has only gotten bigger from that.

I just want to start off by saying how great it was to have a successful year in Halifax. Being named Captain and leading the team to the Eastern Finals with the support of All-Star teammates was a special memory for me. I’m proud in our management staff in choosing the players that I went to war with every night. From the Draft, to trade, to free agency, we built a team poised to upset the SMJHL, and we almost did in our first year against a very good Montreal Impact team. Now that the Playoffs and season is over it’s time to turn my attention to the Draft.

At this time the floor is open to all questions regarding any subject. Teammates, draft position, drama, life outside hockey, and or course my career's future. I'll also be taking questions from fans on twitter at my handle @ConallMacleod. Ask away.” - Macleod

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Why should you be drafted first overall?

"Right out of the gate with the important question I see. Alright, I'll bite. The reason why I should be drafted 1st overall? I feel coming from a Pro game to Junior has made me ready for the SHL while improving on some skills I was originally lacking, such as passing. My offensive game has gotten tremendously better, as well my defense game. I feel I took a big step in Playoffs and proved I was in the Elite talent in the SMJHL currently. How does this separate me from others you ask? Simple. I think I'm overall a more polished player. Best available? Well I'll let you decide."

Why shouldn't you be drafted first overall?

"Not sure I can really think of a grade A answer here. Perhaps my physical game? However I'm very effect right now without it and being physical isn't my role on Halifax and probably won't be my long term role as well. Could I hit more? Sure. I think I'd rather focus on getting more prepared for the grind of the SHL season and build up my endurance."


Why will the Outlaws successfully defend their championship?

"Yes we will. Between myself and Cody Black, I feel we have a strong group in place and support from other alumni not currently holding an official title with the team. It's all about developing players throughout the tournament and helping to turn them into legit prospect at the end of the day though."


Do you plan on making the jump straight to the SHL as a true rookie?

"Depends on where I go, and what myself and the GM's think is best for my development. I know Bottas and Halifax would love me back and I would love to be back. However if there is a chance I can make the jump and still remain effective then I would take it."

What do you think the Raiders' biggest weakness is?

"This year it was perhaps lack of a veteran presence. We had the talent and leadership group to make up for it though. However I can't help thinking a Vet would have pushed us past the Impact in Overtime in Game Seven. Was it a major weakness? No of course not. We managed fine. However imagine if we had someone like Lord Pretty Flacko on our roster. I think we would have won."

What is your biggest weakness?

"Mine? Like I said earlier. Checking is probably where I could use the most improvement if I had to pick an aspect of my game. However if I'm effective without it, is it really a weakness though?

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What teams have reached out to you leading up to the draft?

"I'm not in position to name names. Once you start doing that those names start to forward your calls straight to voicemail. I will say I've chat with some GM's, whether that be one or fourteen. We've had good conversations and bad conversations."

Most overrated player in the draft?

"Hmm.. I have an opinion on this but I don't think this is the time or place to voice that. Good question though."

Most underrated player in the draft?

"Underrated? I'd say my teammate Fuller. I've seen mocks with him not even on the board. Some people thinking he won't go before the third round, let alone the second is ridiculous. He brings alot to the game and brings exactly what a team and locker room need to win a championship. If that isn't underrated, then I don't know what is."

Most shocking moment of the draft?

"The SMJHL or SHL? I'm assuming you mean SMJHL. Probably when I got drafted. I knew I had a chance to go high, I just didn't know how high. It was a special moment with my family there. I was embarking on a new journey and it was something special to be the first player on board on our team that season. "

Are there any teams that you don't want to go to?

"Every team right now is tied at first for me. Same as last year at the SMJHL Draft. Like I said last year as well. I want to go to a team that wants me, as much as I want them. I'm holding up my end of the bargain, now it's up to the first team to take me up on that offer, like Halifax did, and you all saw how that worked out."

Which user do you attribute the biggest portion of your success to leading up to this point?

"Combination. Between two Whalers in Black and Wollker pushing me to be better, regardless that they're defense, and my own teammates Broadway and Ignant I think I wouldn't be able to single out just one player."

Who wins the 4 Star Cup next season?

"Halifax. Common knowledge."

Last Halifax player drafted?

"I imagine we'll all be scooped up very quickly. I don't know who that will be, or if that will even be a bad thing as we'll all go fairly high."

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How do you pronounce your name?

"Mack - Loud or Ma - Cloud. Both sound the sound when you say it. It's a traditional Scottish name. Some people struggle, but most don't. The only ones that do struggle end up just psyching themselves out when they had the name right in the first place."

How nervous are you for the draft?

"Not really. I'm excited to get going. Just like last year. I want to get to work and start to earn my spot on the main clubs roster. If I had a team I didn't want to go to, I'd be nervous."

If you fall outside the top 5 how upset would you be?

"Upset maybe isn't the right word. Disappointed would more do it. Not in myself, but in the GM's and scouting staff. I've built my game up, played at the top of my class all season long, and avoided any red flags. In a weird way, I'd feel bad for what teams would be missing out on. Wherever I go, it's because a team wants me. Once that is the case, I'll thrive."

Are you ok with staying down in the SMJHL for another season if it comes to that?

"Of course. I know everything is a long term plan and true rookies are rare. It really is the GM's call. If I do come back it'll be a good challenge waiting for me in Halifax as we're built to win this year. Really is a dream situation."

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What was your favorite memory from your first season in the SMJHL?

"Favorite memory? I have a couple. Leading Mike Ross around the city on a recruiting trip. The Playoffs and how intense it was, and also how much I felt like I was helping to push the team through. Being named Captain. Winning our first game. Scoring my first goal. It was all great. Surreal really."

What are your expectations for your career as a SHL player?

"I have high expectations for my career. Looking at some other players throughout the years make it big in the SHL I just think, yeah I have what it takes to do that. Winning the Challenge Cup, being named an All-Star, MVP, Hall of Fame. All goals of mine."

Do you look forward to helping new players get acclimated in Halifax next season?

"One of the many things. I took a position with the Outlaws to help groom future teammates and prospects. Once they come to Halifax, it'll be game on. Time to win the Four Star Cup, and we need everyone."

If your SHL organization were to leave the decision in your hands, Would you rather play a 2nd/3rd line role in the SHL or return to Halifax?

"Great question. I feel like it would come down to what type of role I would be playing on the 2nd or 3rd line. If I was a Top nine guy, then yes I would love to stay. If I was an energy guy? Probably not. It's not my game. Not that I wouldn't do it, I just feel like it would be better developing another year in Juniors playing my game, which I will translate to the next level in the future. Let's not forget the team I would have waiting for me back in Halifax either. Hard to walk away from a potential title."

Do you feel that Conall Macleod will be the greatest forward in SHL history?

"If I didn't, then why would I be chasing the dream right now? You better believe every one of these draftees think they will be the greatest ever. If they don't, then they won't last. You need to push yourself until you can't push yourself any further. Once you stop, you're maxed out."

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How far down would you have to fall before you said, fuck this, I am out! and rage quit and storm out of the draft?

"Well. I appreciate your bluntness. However no one is going to "rage quit". This is a business, not a child wish while sitting on Santa's lap."

Are there any players from your draft class you really would like to be teammates with in the SHL?

"Multiple. Aside from all my current Raiders brother, I would love to play with Wollker, Black, Grundmanis, Robertson, MacGregor, etc."

Do you want to make any bets next season?

"I'm a betting man. It's in my culture as a Scot."

Do you know what city the draft is in? I feel I should buy a plane ticket but I do not know where to go!

"I feel that is a question that you should have brought to your boss a long time ago. I imagine flights are sold out as mine is leaving here shortly after the press conference. I hope you figure it out."

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Code:

Currently: 2132 Words

Why should you be drafted first overall?

Why shouldn't you be drafted first overall?

Why will the Outlaws successfully defend their championship?

Do you plan on making the jump straight to the SHL as a true rookie?

What do you think the Raiders' biggest weakness is?

What is your biggest weakness?

Poopity Scoop
The Greatest Name of All

Ah yes, the veteran meme player. A surefire bet for maybe 400 TPE

Scoop AINEC

^^^^^ Thank you JSSSSS

^^^^Credits to Snussu^^^^

What teams have reached out to you leading up to the draft?

Most overrated player in the draft?

Most underrated player in the draft?

Most shocking moment of the draft?

Are there any teams that you don't want to go to?

Which user do you attribute the biggest portion of your success to leading up to this point?

Who wins the 4 Star Cup next season?

Last Halifax player drafted?

Obviously there's a bunch of questions here, answer what you want, leave what you don't. I just figured I'd try to get you off to a big start.

How do you pronounce your name?
How nervous are you for the draft?
If you fall outside the top 5 how upset would you be?
Are you ok with staying down in the SMJHL for another season if it comes to that?

Also I'm very happy that we put out similar articles at the same time.

What was your favorite memory from your first season in the SMJHL?

What are your expectations for your career as a SHL player?

Do you look forward to helping new players get acclimated to Halifax next season?

If your SHL organization were to leave the decision in your hands, Would you rather play a 2nd/3rd line role in the SHL or return to Halifax? (tough one )

Do you feel that Conall Macleod will be the greatest forward in SHL history?




#RaiderNation

How far down would you have to fall before you said, fuck this, I am out! and rage quit and storm out of the draft?

Are there any players from your draft class you really would like to be teammates with in the SHL?

Do you want to make any bets next season?

Do you know what city the draft is in? I feel I should buy a plane ticket but I do not know where to go!

      S76 SMJHL DRAFT 3RD OVERALL PICK     
        S77 SHL DRAFT 4TH OVERALL PICK         
                     IIHF TEAM NORWAY                      

All caught up to here. Thanks for the questions thus far everyone.