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*Carpy48* · 11-12-2023, 11:00 AM

You have probably read the news somewhere already, so I'm not going to tell anything too surprising. Many people will be surprised nevertheless after finding out about that trade that has happened. You might ask yourself "why"?

Let's start somewhere else. Right now I'm inside the arena, just cleaned out my locker and I'm about to say goodbye to people. When I was just six years old I first came here to watch a North Stars game. Many years later I would find myself inside that same arena again, wearing the same team's jersey. In a slightly different design now, but who cares about details. Next time I'll come here it won't be the same.

Looking back I remember that day very well despite only being a young kid. It still means a lot to me even today, because that's when it all really started. It was also the first time I remember leaving Finland and traveling to Canada - together with my aunt and cousins - to watch my dad play hockey. An exciting day for little me for sure. Of course I'm aware of the fact I've lived in Toronto for the first year of my life, but I have no actual memories of that time, so for me the first time going there was when I was six years old. It took several more vitis to Toronto until the city became my home too - for real. After spending quite a bit of time in and around the arena as a kid, it felt a little surreal for me to be drafted by the North Stars in S70. I knew I would eventually have the chance to return here, well, after my time in the SMJHL. Half of my family lives here in Toronto and a ton of family history was created there. After spending four seasons in Newfoundland with the Berserkers, my experience wasn't exactly the same compared to any other SHL rookie. I'm talking about coming into a new town with lots of unfamiliar faces and buildings, starting a new life and a new career. When I moved back to Toronto a year ago, together with my dog Rug, it really felt like coming home and I truly expected it to be my home for many years.

Now I'm leaving my home again to start over. This time for real. Almost as if last year was just a test run. As if it wasn't the real deal yet. During practice I was still 'the kid', because my dad was the North Stars' goalie coach. I was still 'the kid' following in his footsteps and literally everyone compared me to him - everywhere. Whether I wanted it or not. First I thought it was pretty cool to have him around so much, even on road trips, but it wasn't exactly what I had expected. Try following after a league's legend like this when you're just a 20-year-old rookie who happens to wear the same last name on his jersey. Believe me, it's not easy. Not in this city. You also never really manage to separate your private life and your professional life and who am I to say "Sorry, dad, I really don't think I can work with you anymore"?

The decision for me to leave home wasn't easy either, but I feel like I have to do this. To find out who I am and what kind of goalie I want to become in the future. To grow, to learn and to find myself - build my own legacy eventually. Without any of the pressure you feel in Toronto when you're trying to become the next Harry Carpet. That's something I just don't want to be. Don't get me wrong, I still love Toronto, both the city and the North Stars, and both will always be a part of who I am. It's impossible to ignore that part. You just can't say no to such an opportunity when it's right in front of you. Try something new, from zero, with people that support you, every step. Right now it's still early enough for me to give it a try.

Now it's time to say: Goodbye, Toronto, we'll miss you - and hello, Winnipeg and hello, Aurora fans! I'm very excited to get to work again. Rug and I will be there soon.

-Shaggy

~~~~~

Toronto was the only SHL team I've known ever since I got drafted there over 4 1/2 years ago with my first player. I've played with so many different players, worked with several different GMs, Co-GMs and coaches and I've never really wanted to be on a different team. I also never regretted my time there, because we've had such a great group of people and we've gone through a lot together. Especially that S58 roster which was the most successful season the team has had in the recent past, and probably the most fun I had. Luckily with my second player I got drafted to Toronto as well, helped initiate the whole brand refresh in S70 (still the best logo in the league!) and now season 74 is about to start and I'll be going to a new team for the first time since joining the league. While it feels a little scary (and yes, unexpected), it was also necessary for me for various reasons. Funny how things go sometimes. At least I don't seem to be the only one here (I had written this text before Corey posted his article about Chicago the other day, but now it feels like we're doing very similar things).
Nevertheless, I'd like to thank everyone who I've met during my time in Toronto and there are way too many names to mention so I won't even try to tag all of them. You know who you are. #stargang All the best for the future! Of course I won't be leaving the LR, so you'll have me around anyway Smile

I'd also like to thank everyone in Winnipeg for welcoming me there.

***boom*** · 11-12-2023, 06:43 PM

hasta la vistar was right there carpy

Best of luck in Winnipeg!

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