Nova spoke with the SHL media post and said the team certainly hasn't missed their cup window after the very average season. "Nah" Nova answered. "You can go back to media  and talks and people said, 'We are a rebuilding team or players aren't going to stick together' Then we won the league and became the best team in the SHL. Anyone can literally go around and say stuff like that. The truth is,  you're on the battlefield and its not just a hockey rink. "

Critics and even fans believe the Minnesota Chiefs missed their last title chance for a long time after last season and to add to that...the Chiefs have lost a key veteran Eero Hamalainen due to retirement and have yet to resign Alonzo Garbanzo and Fedor Shirobokov. The beat is getting louder for the Chiefs' haters but that's all just noise for the Chiefs top center.

Nova does not think he is wrong or being bias  considering how quick they became contenders through S38-S40, surprising many fans after seasons of mediocrity. Early in the offseason,  anyone can talk down on a team that struggled early.

"Things will settle down," Nova answered. "We have enough voices in that lockerroom and a good management,  leaders to balance everything back out."


Nova bites into solid gold in S39 after a big run with team USA, in the offseason following a run to the finals against the Panthers and winning his first Challange cup, while leading the SHL playoffs in goals.

The Minnesota Chiefs managed to find their balance with a blockbuster trade, acquiring Noro Wozy to replace a disgruntled Dick Skillstedt and signed a major player, Bobby Watson, filling in the void for Lombardi this offseason. They are expected to add multiple defensemen so the roster is definitely not complete yet.

"Personally, I like to keep my options open," the team's management said earlier tonight after the Watson signing. "I think teams move to fast and try to make things how they want at opening of free agency... you don't need your best looking SHL roster a day after FA starts,  you need it in game 1 of the quarterfinals. " @Shmurph