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maymay5280 · 08-03-2019, 03:17 PM

857 word count, 2x first article bonus

This past Thursday at the Centennial household was a spectacle. Outside, cars line the cul-de-sac where the childhood home of Tucker Centennial is found and an air of excitement surrounds the neighborhood. Today feels like a cross between the 4th of July and a graduation, and most people are acting accordingly. Kids are running around the backyard, burgers and hot dogs are being served by Tucker’s dad, groups of friends are messing around with hockey sticks and a soccer ball. But in the middle of all this merry making is a stoic young man. He sits in a lawn chair taking in the scene. There is a slight nervousness on his face, but you wouldn’t notice if you weren’t looking for it. Tucker is nervous today because today is his draft day.

It could be said that Tucker got his start right here, in this very cul-de-sac where this party is being held. He recounts, “I remember the first time I ever touched a hockey stick was when we would play three versus three right here.” Soon Tucker would upgrade from ball hockey on roller blades to making a name for himself on the ice. When asked about what kind of player he hopes to be, his answer is telling. “A useful one” Tucker laughs, “I just hope that I can contribute and make whatever team I’m on better, I want to compete for silver, you know?” He says that he sees himself as a strong, two-way defender. “While I have never been a prolific scorer, I do take pride in my passing and my presence on the puck. I may not have the sick nasty dangles, but my dangles usually result in finding a forward.” but it’s not just his offensive game that has made him a prospect that has caught the eye of a few different GM’s out there. He is as solid in the back as anyone in this draft. “Yeah, that’s what I am here for right? Goals and assists are fun for sure, but honestly my main focus is keeping an organized and stout defense. We give our forwards a much better chance if we are minimizing the time that we spend in our own zone. I’m here to make sure that happens”.

As the barbecue continues and the draft grows nearer, I ask Tucker where he wants to go; if he has a specific team that he is looking to get drafted by. “No not really. There are a lot of good teams out there, so I’m sure where ever I go I will be happy.” At this point, his brother chimes in, “Yeah, he says that but we all know that Detroit is s***, and even though they are not in the SMJHL, Minnesota is a joke. No one wants to go there!” Tucker apologizes for his brother as he jokingly pushes him back to the party and away from our interview. Then he admits that he has seen some interest from a few clubs. “I have been contacted by a couple teams. The [Anchorage] Armada have been looking into me, and I had a nice conversation with the Halifax [Raiders] GM. But to be completely honest, where ever I end up is the right place for me. I feel I have the ability to show up and help whatever team I get drafted to.”

Finally the moment of the draft comes, and as Tucker is surrounded by all of his friends and family, a hush falls over the party. At pick number 90, Tucker Centennial is drafted by the St. Louis Scarecrows. The party erupts into cheers and dancing. As everyone continues the celebration, Tucker takes a phone call in the other room. He comes back out with a smile on his face, and after he talks with his friends a bit I see if I can grab another word or two with him. I ask him how it feels to be drafted by the St. Louis Scarecrows. “It’s amazing, it feels unreal, honestly” Tucker says breathlessly. “You know, you always hope that you’ll get picked, everyone says you’ll get picked, but you just never know, do you. There is always this little part in the back of your mind that maybe others skate faster, hit harder, and are just better. Then this happens and you know that you are here for good reason. I work hard and play hard so I know that this is deserved.” I ask him if he has spoken to the club yet and he responds, “yeah, I just got a call from the GM @TML99. We had a nice little conversation, he welcomed me to the team. I’ve gotten texts from a bunch of my team mates welcoming me to the club as well. They have all made me feel really welcomed and confident in the role I am to play with the team. I want to, and I aim to be the future of this teams D core.”

Only time will tell just how Tucker Centennial’s career will turn out, but it seems to be on a nice trajectory as of now.

DeletedAtUserRequest · 08-05-2019, 10:31 AM

Love it.

+1

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