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Toaster · 03-04-2025, 06:52 PM

{{HAHA Look at that! Fancy shmancy new logo. Thank you so much to todays guest @ColonelSaunders for making it, letting me use it, and just being a wonderful human.}}

**Abrupt end to a radio commercial, without intro music or anything Scot Casters voice comes to the forefront immediately

S.C: We’re just going right into it today folks. I’m your host Scott Caster, this is 93.1 What The Puck Radio. Without a doubt in my mind we’ve got a future SHL star on the show for today’s segment of the J’s. He started hot and has stayed fairly consistent since puck drop of the Battleborn’s opening game of the 81st season where he potted two goals in an unfortunate loss. This young man is set out to prove that maybe quite a few teams made a mistake letting him fall to the 24th overall pick in the middle stages of the 2nd round where he was selected by the Nevada Battleborn. The team might not be off to the best start overall, as is expected with so many rookies and high roster turnover. However the future looks bright, and today’s guest of honor is putting in the work and doing his part. Please help me welcome Mr. Harland Sanders of the Nevada Battleborn. Absolute pleasure having you on Harland, one thing we like to do is relieve some tension, break some ice if you will, to get the conversation flowing. We’ve discussed PBJ, and Cheat meals with previous guests, but for you I think I’d like to know the go to restaurant. Anything in the world, where are you going and what’s the order?

H.S: Thanks for having me Scott, I've been listening in since I got drafted so its a pleasure to finally get on the show. Honestly, there's no place like home. Back in Ohio there is this pizza place called Six-Hundred. It's about an hour away from Columbus but it is incredible. I would go there and load up on garlic knots, pepperoni filled breadsticks, and order a couple of pepperoni pizzas for the road. And before you ask, I do like pineapple on my pizza.

S.C: Pleasure is absolutely all mine, so excited to have you on and get talking. Six-hundred you say? I’ll have to add it to my list of places to visit when I myself get back home. I’m to save that discussion for another day. We’d run out of time just arguing pineapple on pizza so we can respectfully agree to disagree. Another one on the fun side before we travel back in time to the draft; Safe to say being in the SMJHL has been life changing. If you hadn’t been picked up what would you be doing?

H.S: Hmm, I never really thought about it. I’ve been dedicated to hockey as long as I can remember. I guess I’d keep working to be a part of the next draft class, or play somewhere else, try to find another route to the SHL. I don’t know what I’d do if I wasn’t pursuing hockey, maybe see if I could go to college.

S.C: Mind is focused only on hockey, love to hear it. Don’t need a backup plan if you know the first will succeed. Might be that mindset that got you drafted quite high. So let’s go back to that aforementioned draft. The Nevada Battleborn took you in the 2nd round, 24th overall. What was the feeling like seeing your name on the draft board, going to Nevada? If I remember correctly, another Columbus Native in Hunter Cross was their first round selection. How’d you two celebrate?

H.S: Yeah it was pretty surreal. This was a huge class with a lot of great forwards, so I set my expectations around the 3rd or 4th round. I didn't expect to go 24th overall, or to Nevada for that matter. I had a great conversation with Co-GM Fancey, but it was very cordial, so I wasn't sure how much interest they had in me. Being picked in the 2nd was a great feeling, and I'm doing my best to live up to it. Hunter is actually from Toledo, but we're good friends, I was stoked for him to go in the 1st, and it made my going to Nevada even better. We celebrated accordingly before and after arriving in Vegas, and I'll leave it at that.

S.C: Hey, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, we won’t dive too far into that one. Hunter, if you’re listening, my apologies on the Columbus vs Toledo debacle. Must be something special to get drafted to the same place as a good buddy. Changes the whole first season and skips over the ‘Out of place’ in the locker room, right? A cordial conversation was all Fancey need to know you were the right pick at 24. This season might not be off to the hottest of starts which is expected with so many rookies, but how’s the vibe in the locker room been throughout it all; post draft, preseason, and now into the regular season?

H.S: Having a familiar face definitely gave me more confidence going to a new city and a new team. The vibe in the locker room is honestly really good. Our captain Beavie has been instrumental in driving engagement and activity, especially when us rookies were a little shy at first. As far as on the ice, the expectations were made clear right up front: this is something of a rebuild year. We may not be in an awesome spot in the standings, but we knew coming in that was a strong possibility. We're enjoying the wins when they come, but our goal this season is to develop as a team and as players. Especially with so many rookies on the team, the front office wants us to develop chemistry so we can be part of a strong core in a few seasons. Our time will come, I have no doubt about that. Until then, I'm just doing my part to grow as a player and a teammate.

S.C: Always good to hear that the youngsters have good leadership in the locker room to keep the ship a float even when the team isn’t in the best of standings. My next questions was going to be outside of the home state Pal who’s help the most but it seems Beavie takes that mantle. The future looks bring for the Battleborn, and for you as an individual player as long as you keep grinding away and building that chemistry with your linemates. Taking a glance at my notes here, it looks like the Battleborn didn’t have the best of preseasons, but as an individual you put up quite the performance. Nine total points in seven games, coming with five goals. How important was it to get those games under your belt, especially with such a standout performance? Did it put your mind at ease; like okay.. I belong here.. or did you already have that mind set?

H.S: I always had that mindset because I've found that it helps me with my game, but it was definitely nice to put up a good performance in the preseason. It was important to me to establish myself in the league early and let everyone know I was here and that I plan on giving the goalies a hard time.

S.C: Establishing yourself was definitely accomplished. Put teams on notice, and continued to roll right into the regular season. Started off with quite the splash, putting up both of the Battleborns only goals of the game in the later half of the third period of a six to two defeat. While it wasn’t the ideal team outcome, how relieving did it feel to start the season hot like that? Get the proverbial monkey off your back in terms of scoring to get on the right foot?

H.S: Certainly, it was nice to get the first goal(s) out of the way early so it wasn't in the back of my mind and I could focus on playing my game. Right now I'm trying to clean some things up and find a little more consistency, but whether I'm on the scoresheet or not, it feels great to don the Navy and Gold and do what I can to help the team each night.

S.C: Whilst the point totals might be below some other rookies, you’ve had some HOT games already this season. Multiple two goal games within the first five of the season. After that it seems you’ve tapered off on the goal scoring but still have been racking up points in the assist column. First one, and second for the matter, took a few games to get but that was just the beginning. In the twelfth game of the season you got two points from assists against the Tidal. Since then you’ve had two three assist nights both earning you first star honors. Was there any adjustments made to your game after the first few days that helped the assists come, or was it just luck of the draw prior that didn’t yield any apples? What were the emotions like getting those first star honors as a rookie?

H.S: I put a lot of work into my puck handling and offensive read, and that I think that mixed with some luck has played the biggest factor in my ability to make plays and help my linemates find the back of the net lately. Getting to be first star was definitely a highlight, especially so early in my career. To get it twice as a rookie felt pretty great, I can't lie. Obviously the main priority is helping the team, but when you put together a good game its nice to be recognized and encouraged for it. I'll try to make the three stars list a few more times this season.

S.C: It’s definitely paying off, look like a seasoned vet out there most games with overall poise and knack for the game, rookie errors are common and everyone has them but more often than not you look like the real deal. Bet the front office and coaches and teammates alike admire the team first mentality, but it’s still good to be recognized. In addition to the double first star performances you were also rewarded with second star in a game against Detroit. That leaves the only ‘personal’ reward to evade you is third star. You’ve had two goals games, multiple point games, multiple assist games as we’ve talked about. What other personal milestones are you looking to achieve the rest of the season? Hat tricks? Third star? Anything else you’d like to see on the stat sheets?

H.S: Oh I'd love to get a hat trick before the season ends. Even though goals have been hard to come by lately, I still think I could manage one of these nights. Other than that I'd like to hit the 50 point mark, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't keeping tabs on the other rookies, and I want to stay in the race. I think 50 points, while ambitious would be a great way to cap off my first year in the league and hopefully translate to success in the future.

S.C: It’d come as no shock to me personally if you put up a hatty before the season ends. I’d say the 50 point mark is reasonable for a rookie and definitely obtainable. Currently you’re on pace for around 43ish points, so it’d require a slight boost but nothing that’s impossible. Regardless of the points outcome, I think you and the Battleborn are set up for success in the future. Keeping tabs on others is always nice, just don’t let comparison be the thief of joy. All rookies are in different positions and have various degrees of success since this great sport is a true team game. We’re roughly half was through the season, are there any games so far that have stood out for any reason more than others; Let it be the stars, personal success, rivalries, team or teammate success?

H.S: Great points all around Scott! I’ll start by mentioning any game that Aurora Borealis plays in. They have been absolutely unstoppable for us this year and I’m definitely looking to model some of my game after them. I know the Newfoundland game was pretty emotional for our vets, as the front office traded away some key players to them on draft day. Personally, I’ve had my eye on the Ottawa games. We bested them once, but the losses weren’t particularly close. We play them one more time this season and I’m looking to make that one a win for Nevada.

S.C: I’d be inclined to agree, Aurora Borealis has been quite the joy to watch.. on pace for almost 80 points. Great role model for the young wingers. I’ll be sure to tune in for the Ottawa game and see how you do. It’s aways nice to have that extra layer of motivation. Imagine it was a good learning experience for the rookies, seeing how the Vets reacted during the Newfoundland game? Heading towards wrap up, just got the signal from the director but I’ve gone over time before, and I’ll do it again. Been an absolute blast having you on. Looking at the draft reports, you’re a Left Wing but shoot with the right, called the off-hand side for those at home. Is that something you’ve always done, and how does it set your game apart being on that off-handed side rather than someone who’s on the left, shooting left?

H.S: Thanks for having me Scott! Yeah I used to play on the right wing when I was younger, which was great for shooting on the short side, but it made it tough to pick spots on that far side. I'm sure others do it differently, but for me, being a righty on the left side puts the stick in a nice spot to shoot at all areas of the net, and really opens up my options if I wanna shoot, drive the net or set up a passing play.

S.C: Sounds like it really elevates your style of game and helps to be aggressive, love that. I’m sure it’ll pay off in the long run as you get more used to the league. Let’s hop back to some fun questions.. in an alternate universe where you aren’t playing Wing, what position would you like to play?

H.S: Honestly, I’d wanna play goalie! You can’t tell me skating between the pipes and making windmill saves doesn’t look fun.

S.C: Not sure how much skating they do between the pipes, but it sure does look fun to flail around making windmills saves and the like. Though, I’ll leave that to the professionals. I’m no where near athletic or limber for that. Theres a reason why I’m on the air, and you’re all on the ice. Everyone’s got their knacks and skills. Speaking of little knacks, is there anything you must do before games? Any rituals, superstitions, pregame meals or something of that nature that gets you ready for the game?

H.S: I have a pretty typical routine, make sure I get some carbs in at lunch and take a nap. But on the way to the rink I have to listen to 'Down with the Sickness' by Disturbed at least once. Sometimes I have it on repeat from the time I get into the car to when I pull up to the rink, really gets the blood flowing.

S.C: I’d agree that’s a fairly typical routine. Nothing too out of the ordinary expect for maybe ‘Down With the Sickness’ on repeat. I’d says that’s on the tame side of other guests we’ve had on the show; brushing teeth before games and warmups, wearing the same under shirt or socks, retaping EVERYTHING. Anyway, let’s get back on the J’s. We’ve talked about the past in the draft and the present in the regular season, how about the future. Any milestones or accomplishments you’d like to hit during your tenure in the Js before moving up to the big leagues?

H.S: First and foremost, I want to win a Four Star Cup. I don't think I could trust someone that comes into this league and isn't hungry to hoist the Cup. More specificially, I want to win the Cup with the Battleborn. This is the team that drafted me, and we've got a ways to go, but even halfway through my first season I see a lot of potential in this Nevada group. I think we'll be in really good shape in the next few years. I'm still not positive how the International side works yet, but I would love the opportunity to represent my country in the WJC. This is a talented league, so it would be a huge honor to make the cut before my time in the J is finished. You also know I like an individual accolade here and there, so I'll certainly be tuning in to the awards ceremonies. Earning some hardware for myself would be really cool, maybe a Points Leader or Top Rookie if I'm really lucky, but the priority will always be the Cup.

S.C: Very well said Harland! If you’re coming into the league and don’t want to win the ultimate team prize, what are you even doing there? Added bonus for the loyalty there, wanting it to win with the team that drafted you which I’m sure they appreciate and hopefully reciprocate. Lot of good prospects coming from America for the international leagues, but you’ve got the drive and determination I wouldn’t be surprised to see you crack the roster. Keep on path, also wouldn’t come to a shock seeing you rise up the rankings, and maybe pick up some individual hardware. Would love to see a Columbus native hold up some brass, because I sure ain’t. Think we’ve got time for one or two more here, let’s take a leap into the off-season, when things for your career could really take shape. The SHL draft takes place after your rookie season in the J’s, doubt anyone’s reached out yet.. might not be allowed; but are there any teams you’ve got your eyes on in particular? What are your thoughts on the possibility of being drafted somewhere, then having the whole team scrambled with the upcoming expansion before you even arrive?

H.S: I haven't heard anything yet Scott, but I have the same attitude I had coming into the J draft: any team that is willing to take me on is a team I want to play for. But to make things interesting, I will say this: The New Orleans Specters and the Winnipeg Aurora are my favorite uniforms in the SHL. Expansion does shake things up a bit, I'm curious to see how HO ends up sorting it out. If prospects are on the table, rather than just active players, then we have an interesting draft on our hands. I almost wondered if they would let the expansion teams draft out of this class! It will definitely give us S82 players some whiplash, but since we're staying in the J for a few more seasons after the draft, it will be easier for us than current SHL players, I wish them the best of luck.

S.C: However it shakes out, you all definitely in for a treat just like all of us watching at home. Adds to the event of it all that we still have such little knowledge about how it will pan out in terms of the drafted players. I absolutely love the mindset there; no strings attached just excited and looking forward to playing for the team that wants you as part of their roster. We’ve got similar tastes, those are up there for best uniforms and color combos in the big leagues in my opinion as well. With that… I’m at the end of my notes and questions. Been an absolute pleasure and was a blast talking with you Harland. Have any questions for me or people you’d like to shout out, or anything of that variety?

H.S: Thanks for having me Scott. I want to give a shoutout to you, you do great work here on WTP. Also to the front office and my teammates in Nevada, can't imagine playing anywhere else, #justramit.... Can I say that on radio?

S.C: Well, it’s a live show and you said it fast enough.. so even if it wasn’t allowed, who cares! Best of luck to you and the crew on the Nevada Battleborn.. keep growing chemistry this season and dominate in the future. Thank you and take care of yourself! Looks like we’re right on time, director just signaled to start wrapping it up. Started off the segment saying that I believed our guest was a future star.. safe to say I still believe it more now after getting to talk to the young man. Wish him and the Battleborn nothing but success the rest of this season and many years to come. Stay tuned everyone, on the other side of the break we’re talking about what a home run the stadium series s was for Columbus and the respective league.

{Absolute blast putting this one together with @ColonelSaunders. Total Words:3531 - My words: 2087 - Saunders Words (Italics): 1444 . Huge shoutout again for making the cool new logo for the show!}

ColonelSaunders · 03-04-2025, 07:21 PM

Thanks for having me, this was so fun to do! We'll have to see about getting the orientation on that logo fixed...

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