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Conklin Owen's EOS Presser
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As the end of the season draws near, Conklin Owen is looking to get ahead of the rush of press conferences which are bound to be held in the near future.

As per usual, he'll be taking questions in regards to the performance on the ice this year, how he feels about the results of the team, what he'll be working on next training wise, his thoughts on his long term plans, and anything else the media see fit to ask.

Thanks in advance for the thoughtful questions!

Quote:Originally posted by bukss_a+Mar 8 2017, 02:38 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1' id='QUOTE-WRAP'><tr><td>QUOTE (bukss_a @ Mar 8 2017, 02:38 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Compare this season and previous. Good and bad things?[/b]
Being the type of positive guy that I am, I will start off with what I think are the good things. First and foremost, I was moved up from doubling on the third and fourth lines to the second line. The quality of my line mates increased without a doubt, and I was given substantially more ice time. Naturally as any player who has a hunger for greatness, I was happy to get more chances to prove to myself and everyone else just how good I am.

The thing with that is, of course, that I was going up against stiffer competition by way of the more talented second lines of the opposing teams... which brings me to a the bad. As tough as the transition was from the SMJHL to the SHL, the jump from competing against third and forth liners to squaring off against top 6, I would say it's just as big. I leaned on my former SHL experience, as little of it as there is, as much as I could, but I had a lot to learn this season, and I still do.

Of course, there's a silver lining to that, and it's that I've come out a better, smarter, more experience player. This year was tough for me out there, but it's the components which are forged in extreme heat and pressure which come out the strongest. That will hold true for me, and I'll come into next season stronger than ever. Last season I learned a little, this year I learned a lot. There is still a long way to go, but I'm working as hard as I can in the mean time.

The worst thing about this past season was the fact that we were out of it so early this year. There was never really a point where we had anything going, at least not enough to make us a threat to make the playoffs this season. We had a shit ton of games go into the loss column, and that is never a very good feeling. The hell of it is, it doesn't feel like we're all that far off... last year we struggled at times, but we were always on the cusp. Of course we had that big run at the end of the year, and ended up JUST missing out. Let me tell ya, it's better to have love and lost- knowing maybe 15 games in that we didn't have a shot; that was the worst.

But, our GMs made a few moves at year's end, getting geared up for next year already. We'll hopefully be able to add a piece or two- that can make enough of a difference to get a team like ours right back into the thick of things. I expect our team to contend for a playoff spot in Season 34.

Quote:Originally posted by bukss_a@Mar 8 2017, 02:38 PM<br />Was you performance like you expected?
Knowing I'd be moving up to the 2nd line for this season, my expectations were quite high. Last year I was putting in just over 16 minutes per game, playing with older inactives, and I put up 18 points. This year, I managed over 20 minutes of ice time, and I've only got 15 points with 3 games to go. I've got a little point streak going, but the best case is realistically me hitting my number last year. Given whom I've been playing with this season, and looking at whom I played with last year, coupling with the fact that my power play minutes nearly tripled... I'm pretty disappointed in my production. I've essentially ended up standing pat, and in this league, if you aren't moving forward, you're moving backward- so it feels like a failure on my part. It's a little extra disappointing since I scored a multi point game in the second game of the year, I expected a lot more of that this year, but it wasn't something that came to fruition.

On a positive note, I did put up quite a few more hits this year (although I took slightly more penalties), more than doubling my output. That's about the only aspect of my game which took a step forward, despite the fact that I've got another year of play under my belt. I'm chalking it up as a "level of competition" thing, as I mentioned earlier, but it's still annoying. Hopefully next year will be my breakout season.

Quote:Originally posted by Dangles13@Mar 8 2017, 02:43 PM<br />Can you offer any thoughts on the possible resurgence of teammate Cody Black?
I am absolutely thrilled to have seen Cody in the locker room yesterday. He has been gone way too long... He was a guy who had quickly become one of my favorite teammates in the locker room, and I'm sure I'm not alone in that sentiment. He's a good guy to have around, the locker room and out on the ice is better when he's around, shooting the shit with us. It's not just off the ice that it changes things, either. When we traded for him, he was already a very solid player, and of course the assumption was that his growth would continue. Well, as everyone knows, he ended up leveling off for a while, which was a bit of a disappointment... but now that he's back in the building, coming to practices again, I'm sure he's going to pick up right where he left off, stacking his talents upon one another, and teaching us younger guys a thing or two. He's going to be a big part of the resurgence of the Texas Renegades as a whole next year, and it won't be a coincidence when it happens.

Quote:Originally posted by Kaisonious@Mar 8 2017, 02:47 PM<br />You'll be reunited with Adam Kaiser next season. What are the pros and cons of this?
Kaiser and I played together up in Vancouver for a few seasons. I was in my second year when he showed up, and he was green as hell. It being my second year, and having all these new guys around, to be honest- at first, I paid little to no attention to any of 'em. We'd just come off a big time playoff run, in which we were beaten in the finals, and a lot of those old teammates of mine had been moved on from in order to make room for these new guys. Well, it didn't take long for Kaiser to break through that whole thing I had going on. He's a good dude- he's friendly, engaging, and always looking to help out with whatever he can. That leads me to the biggest pro of having him around, his personality will be a welcome one in the locker room. Sure, when you'rein the minors, you pop in from time to time, but when you're up with us, out there skating every day- it goes to a whole new level.

The con of it all? He's pretty raw... about the same as I was when I came in. I waltzed into the SHL with 704 TPE, and I had a tough go of it. He's up a little higher, by like 20 TPE or so, but it's not all that much in the grand scheme. The thing is, though, that's a con for anyone who is coming up from the SMJHL, it's not really avoidable. I'm sure the coaches will mitigate his weaknesses by keeping him on the lower lines, against competition which isn't over matching him so much.

Quote:Originally posted by Kaisonious@Mar 8 2017, 02:47 PM<br />What happened this season? On paper the Renegades should be a playoff team, no?
Boy, I'll tell ya what... I have no idea what went wrong this season. It just seemed like some games we'd score a lot of goals, but our defense would yield 1 more, and when our defense was playing well, we just couldn't get the puck in the net. It's been a really frustrating year for everyone involved, we've lost a lot of games by 1, and we haven't even been able to sneak a single point out of far too many close ones. We've got to get more consistent as a whole, from top to bottom, to get where we want to be.

Quote:Originally posted by Kaisonious@Mar 8 2017, 02:47 PM<br />There's rumours of rampant drug use and partying in Texas, can you speak on this?
Kinda like that ol' fight club saying... The first rule about Nightclub, is that you don't talk about Nightclub. The second rule of Nightclub is, you DO NOT talk about nightclub. So I guess there's not a whole lot else for me to talk about in that regard. You'll find out soon enough for yourself, bub. Next question...

Quote:Originally posted by Kaisonious@Mar 8 2017, 02:47 PM<br />You can add any NHL star past or present to the Renegades, who do you choose?
Well, I feel like with the season we just had, we've got some reloading to do. Not rebuilding... we're not there yet, with our roster as it sits right now, we're not desolate. So, in that case, we'd be looking to add some talent which is ready to go right now, not too young, but not too old. We weren't scoring like I think we should have been, so bringing in some offensive fire power would be great... So with all that said, I think a player like Patty Kane would be a fine addition to this squad. Truth be told, I've ran into Pat a few times down in South Buffalo when I was in town catching a Sabres game. I admire his competitive spirit, and I love the guy's skill. He'd be a great addition.

Quote:Originally posted by Kaisonious@Mar 8 2017, 02:47 PM<br />You've spent some time in our sister league the GOMHL, what was that like? Why should people consider going the GOMHL route?
Oh yeah, I've spent time there, and I know a lot of guys who play over in that league. It's a great group, a lot smaller than this league, which allows you to get to know everyone in the league, rather than just your locker room teammates. There's a lot more of an emphasis of how you plan your build, rather than just grinding away day in and day out, because everyone advances at a similar rate. As easy as it is to get better, they've only got a handful of elite players, though... something like only 19 out of 210 player have maxed out- so it's not as easy as it sounds. It's a league where if you want to rise quickly though the ranks, and take a shot at being the best of all time, there's a real chance you can do it. My buddy Alfonso Flores is well on his way right now, he just won regular season MVP and playoff MVP in a year he won their cup. Dude's a badass.

Quote:Originally posted by Kaisonious@Mar 8 2017, 02:47 PM<br />Does Texas make it into the playoffs next season?
Man, I hope so. It's kind of the pits... after I was drafted to Texas, the 2 years I spent playing down in the SMJHL, and Texas made the playoffs both years (although they lost at the hands of Edmonton both years), so that was pretty exciting. Since I came up, we've missed both years... last year was by a C hair, this year was by a mile. So, honestly, I have no idea. Naturally I hope we make it, and I'm going to do my best to ensure that I'm doing everything I can do get my job done, but I think this team is pretty talented, and we're missing. A lot will depend on who we add, how our younger guys come up, and the landscape of the West.

Quote:Originally posted by Kaisonious@Mar 8 2017, 02:47 PM<br />If Texas picks first overall, who do you think they'll pick? Who would you pick?
Pfft, I have no idea. To be totally honest, I paid attention to the draft one time... the year I was in it. Since then I've been focused almost entirely on my own game, and the goings ons with my teammates. It might sound crazy, but outside of my LR, and outside my day to day, I don't keep track of a whole lot that's going on in the league. I'm the kind of guy who's focusing on what's in front of me, and getting that under complete control. So who would I pick? A sniper. Always a sniper. We're the best kind of players, duh.

Quote:Originally posted by Slowpoke@Mar 8 2017, 05:10 PM<br />As the new guy on the roster, what do I have to look forward to?
Well I think we've got a pretty active, fun locker room. We've got a number of guys who've been around the block, and know what they're talking about in regards to on ice performance. They're ready to answer any questions, or have discussions about what you (or all of us) can do to get better. Then we've got a few guys who are super chill, and more or less looking to hang out while they happen to play a few games of hockey. It's a very approachable locker room, and you're sure to find engagement one way or another. Also, you came in at a time when we're a bit down... so you've got our ascension back into a powerhouse to look forward to. Like you, I've never been along for a playoff run with the Rene's, so I guess that's something we'll get to enjoy together.

Quote:Originally posted by Slowpoke@Mar 8 2017, 05:10 PM<br />How do you see the team developing in the future?
As I alluded to earlier, I think we're at a stage where you're going to see us "reload", rather than tear everything down and go full on "rebuild". We've got a few nice pieces in place, Allen, Durden, Vlid, Kinsler, etc. We've gotten younger over the past few seasons, and that's probably why we got set back some, but we're seeing those guys start to mature. With another solid player or two brought in, and hopefully catching some of the other teams in the West on their down stroke, we've got a chance to improve quickly. I'm hopeful for a playoff spot next year, and I'm glad we're not in a place where it's something we know not to expect.

Quote:Originally posted by Slowpoke@Mar 8 2017, 05:10 PM<br />French toast or waffles?
I've got to go waffles on this one. Maybe when I was younger french toast would have been the pick, but I've grown an appreciation for a nice big waffle, covered in fruit and something awesome like Nutella. You can also stuff waffles, which is pretty kick ass. I guess in the end, if you've got a chef with some vision, you can't go wrong with either. It's all about where you go, and who you know.

Quote:Originally posted by RHolder71@Mar 8 2017, 06:57 PM<br />Where is your favorite place to hang away from the rink, in Dallas and on the road?
When it comes to hanging out in Dallas, I actually like to stick to the quieter places. I'm only in Dallas during the season, and even then, I tend to take any longer breaks (like 3 days or more) to go down to Austin and hang out. So, because of that, I'm usually trying to get focused for games, or recover from them when I'm in town. In Austin, on the other hand, I like to get out and about. I'm not quite as well known down there, so it's a little easier to hang without the hassles of stardom. I like to head to West 5th street, hang out up and down Congress, and make it up to Lake Travis from time to time. One of my favorite places is this little dive, they make really awesome drinks, and have one of my favorite Rochester drafts on tap (J.W. Dundee Honey Brown). It's called the Crowbar, and it's mint. I hope they get a little more business from this presser, because they deserve it. The Barton Spring Saloon is always a great place to go for a cheap as hell drink. I may be getting big contracts, but there's a shit ton of expenses to play in this league, so I still shoot for dollar beers when I can.

Anyway, when we're out on the road, there's 2 things I like to do. First, grab a drink after the game. Again, I tend to stay away from the clubs and whatnot, they're just not my style. So, I usually end up and some watering hole that's been around for like 30 years, that's laid back, and where I can clean the bar with the sleeves of my coat. The other thing I like? Breakfast. Probably more than anything, to be honest. I've got a few favorite places to check out around, places where the food is served in generous portions, and the checks are slim. Gotta carb load to stay in this kind of shape, ya know?

Quote:Originally posted by RHolder71@Mar 8 2017, 06:57 PM<br />Who is Mike Jones?
He's a modern Renaissance man. If you've got to ask, you don't deserve to know.

Quote:Originally posted by RHolder71@Mar 8 2017, 06:57 PM<br />Do you ever tire of the antics of one Rick James?
Rick's antics? Nah, man. See, with Rick, it's not just antics, it's a lifestyle. He's a bird, man, and ya can't cage him. He's full go at all times, and there's just no changing it. I like to jump into the fray from time to time, get a little edgy with RJ, and go paint the town red. I usually regret it a little bit the next morning, but never enough to swear him off forever. In a league where you spend a hell of a lot of time working, and less time having fun, it's important to blow off some steam once and a while, and RJ knows exactly how to get that done. He's a good dude, a lot more involved than I think most people outside the locker room realize, and hopefully he's my teammates for a long time to come.

Quote:Originally posted by jRuutu@Mar 9 2017, 03:44 AM<br />What kind of plans do you have for next off-season?
Next off season? Well, for one, I hope it's a hell of a lot shorter than the last two off seasons I've had. When you miss the playoffs, it's tough to get through. Do you get to grinding right away, and try to come in as prepared as possible? Do you take a little time off to recharge, so you're working efficiently when you do come back? I try to do the former, but I usually find I end up doing the latter to a degree. But, with what feels like so much time to kill, it's easy to get lulled into a sleep and not get started on your preseason stuff soon enough. If we made the playoffs, all that's out of the picture... you have your run, when you're done, you've only got a little time to rest, so you know exactly when you've got to get back at it.

Wait, did you mean contract wise? Oh, right, I forgot that was coming up. At this point, I'm not too sure. I haven't put a ton of thought into it, believe it or not. I like the idea of being a Rene for a long time, but at the same time, if we don't start winning soon... who knows? One this is for sure... no more minimum contracts. I've been taking those for what'll be what, 5 seasons? I've put in the time, I'm developing rapidly, and I'm ready to be able to buy equipment with my salary, not have to grind out media sessions and make appearances to pay for it. I don't mind a certain measure of it, to pay for my training on the year, but I'm sick of having to go on 2 big media tours annually to scratch together enough skrill to buy new sticks, ya know? For any GM's wondering, I spend 8.8 million annually on equipment. That's why I've got to go to the Barton Spring Saloon and get dollar beers when I'm in ATX. I'd rather spend more time at the Dog and Duck Pub, or Kung Fu Bar. 8 mil annually would be solid. I'm sure <a href='index.php?showuser=1730' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-13'>Durden</a> and Allen will take care of me, though, so it's a moot point anyway, I'm sure.

<!--QuoteBegin-jRuutu@Mar 9 2017, 03:44 AM
Would you be honored or maybe slightly scared if I tell you that I tattooed your name somewhere on my body?[/quote]
Hey man, you know talent when you see it. You want to remind yourself every day of how good guys can be when it comes to sniping the puck. You choose to get my face on your lower back to make that happen. I can't say I blame ya, and I think I'm firmly in the "honored" category on this one.

Alright guys, that's all the time I've got for today. Thanks for the questions, there were some really good ones thrown in there, and I really don't mind answering them. There's nothing I appreciate more than being able to speak candidly at these things, without any of you guys taking what I say out of context, or anything like that. In this time of "gotcha" media, it's good to have a group of guys I trust. I'm sure you'll be seeing me around here and there throughout the off season, papa's gotta make that money... don't we all? Good luck, and goodnight.

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Reply
#2

Compare this season and previous. Good and bad things?
Was you performance like you expected?
Reply
#3

Can you offer any thoughts on the possible resurgence of teammate Cody Black?
Reply
#4

You'll be reunited with Adam Kaiser next season. What are the pros and cons of this?

What happened this season? On paper the Renegades should be a playoff team, no?

There's rumours of rampant drug use and partying in Texas, can you speak on this?

You can add any NHL star past or present to the Renegades, who do you choose?

You've spent some time in our sister league the GOMHL, what was that like? Why should people consider going the GOMHL route?

Does Texas make it into the playoffs next season?

If Texas picks first overall, who do you think they'll pick? Who would you pick?
Reply
#5

As the new guy on the roster, what do I have to look forward to?

How do you see the team developing in the future?

French toast or waffles?

[Image: horvat3.png]



Reply
#6

Where is your favorite place to hang away from the rink, in Dallas and on the road?

Who is Mike Jones?

Do you ever tire of the antics of one Rick James?
Reply
#7

What kind of plans do you have for next off-season?

Would you be honored or maybe slightly scared if I tell you that I tattooed your name somewhere on my body?
Reply
#8

Ready to Grade. Thanks guys.

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