Johnny FourStar has met defeat again. Season 78 was a tough year for Johnny and the Winnipeg Aurora. The team managed only 26 wins, it's second year in a row with that win total. However, for some reason this is good enough to get into the playoffs. But, after only four games, the Aurora were bounced by the Texas Renegades, and the team was sent home to play golf while the rest of the league battled it out for the Challenge Cup.

"It's a hard pill to swallow," said FourStar to the media after Game 4. "You try to stay optimistic, believe that anything can happen in a seven game series. I try to hold onto hope until the end, even in a series like this."

Winnipeg fans are surely frustrated after the first round sweep, marking a significant fall from grace since their amazing period of success, leading to multiple Cup Finals appearances. But the Aurora Faithful understand the ebbs and flows of the SHL world as much as anyone. 

"It always hurts, and it's never easy" said longtime SHL commentator Dick Shivers, "but it's better for a teams long term success to understand it's window has closed and commit to a full rebuild. Spending years in the doldrums only makes it tougher to land young, elite talent. The Aurora will get there, but it is likely still seasons away."

Thats a tough pill to swallow for FourStar, who has just started to enter his prime. 

"I want to start off by saying I love being a member of this team. This is my home in the SHL. But it's hard watching the players who have taken me under their wing hang up the Skates or leave for greener pastures." FourStar continued, "I know hockey is a business, but that doesn't make it any easier on days like today. We came up short, and I feel I owe it to the fans to win hockey games. I'm sorry we couldn't pull it out this year." 

FourStar looks onto the offseason, where he has committed to just as much work off the ice than on. 

" I don't think my troubles are any big secret," FourStar said with a smirk..  "the media is well aware of my money troubles. I have to spend some time this weekend figuring out my Financials so next season I can focus 100% on my play on the ice."

It is rumored that FourStar will be moving on from his longtime offseason coach and nutrituonalist, who was acquitted on charges of fraud stemming to allegations that FourStar was over charged millions for his services over the past 8 years. 

FourStar sarcastically alluded to this case during his media availability when he said "Can I get the best training in the world for less than $28 million this offseason? Or should I find a way to come up with that amount so I can stay at the top of my game?" 

Once a Challenge Cup winner has been declared, the hockey world will shift its focus quickly to international play. Two seasons ago, Sweden shocked the world when Johnny FourStar was left off the roster. FourStar made the team again last season, but played some of the worst hockey of his career in that span. Johnny was fired up when asked whether he would make the team this year.

"I don't know, I just don't. I don't want to talk about it. I can't control the federation's decisions. I will keep working every day from now until the rosters are announced preparing for the tournament."

When asked if he would pursue transfer opportunities if he misses the roster this season, FourStar dodged the question. 

"I am proud to put on swedens colors and play for my country, just like my agent and his many players before him have for decades. Missing another year of the tournament hurts our chances to build chemistry. I trust the federation will field the best team available, and I look forward to hearing my name called."

The IIHF tournament happens in a few short weeks, when players will be arriving to Switzerland to begin group play. Sweden will be looking to bounce back and compete for a medal this year.

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