{1416 Words, posting from my phone hopefully it formats right. Wanted to create a fun lil format I can come back to time and time again with the radio show, but also maybe show Toivo might not be getting a ton of draw prior to the draft from media}

** Radio commercial fades out** Welcome back to 93.1 What The Puck radio show, I’m Scott Caster. The S81 SMJHL draft is less than a week away, we’ve gathered a few questions from listeners and compiled a few of our own for recent draft commit Toivo Jokinen. The six foot two native of Forssa Finland has been in skates since he could walk, or so we’ve been told. Let’s get right into it. 

S.C: Thanks for coming on Toivo. We all know the nerves you must be feeling heading into this upcoming draft, how are you handling everything?

T.J: I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t any nerves, but all things considered I’m feeling pretty good. More excited than nervous, you know? Like a kid on Christmas just excited to learn where I’ll shake out and land in the draft. If that’s a team that’s already a wagon, that’d be fantastic. However if it’s the underdogs, I’ll step up to the challenge and try to help set the tone in the locker room. 

S.C: Tell us a little about yourself on the ice, what do you bring to the table for the ‘lucky’ team that selects you?

T.J: Well if you are listening to the critics, I’ve got nothing. A forward that doesn’t get the puck in the net often. Who’d want that? That’s not where I’d say my game is. I don’t have a wicked wrister, nor do I post up and hammer home one timers. I’m fine with that, I’ve grown my game around that and have gotten to this point without it. I don’t care to be the rockstar goal scorer of a franchise. I thrive being the one behind the scenes. Being a strong force on the puck, getting it away from the opposition and setting my teammates up with passing has always been my game. They can light the lamp and get the praise, I’ll rack up assists and celebrate with them. As long as the team is having success, that’s a win for me. 

S.C: What about your weaknesses on the ice? Everyone can sing their own praises, but not everyone can self reflect. 

T.J: The critics don’t get their material from nothing, right? Like I said earlier, I know I don’t have the most wicked of shots. Might pot a couple here and there but it’s not my focus, that’s moving the puck around, breaking up plays, and setting up those who do possess a lethal shot. Another weakness you could say is the defensive side of the ice, I wouldn’t leave my team out to dry and do my due diligence but it’s nothing to brag about. I try to use my strength and vision to break up their structure and work off that. Not afraid of throwing the body around when necessary. 

S.C: Last one from us here in the studio then we’ll switch to some questions from listeners, some serious some fun. So we know who you are on the ice, what about off the ice. Who are these teams getting in the locker room?

T.J: Remember earlier when you asked if I was nervous for the draft? Think I’m more nervous being on the show and the main focus. My on ice play sort of reflects that, feeding up teammates so they can shine. Im a goof ball, try to find the humor in every moment instead of wallowing in the bad. Joking around is a constant until that puck drops, then that’s the focus. Intermission? Back to cracking jokes trying to keep the mood level during good or bad games. 

S.C: Sounds like the dream fit in any locker room, guess all that’s left is what team your play style would fit with. Alright, now we’ll switch to some questions from the viewers. First is from Connor, nine years old. He wants to know if you have any pregame rituals or superstitions. Connor says his is that when getting dressed the helmet goes on before his skates.

T.J: Nine years old and already into the superstition side of hockey. Love it Connor. Wouldn’t say I’ve got anything too out of the ordinary in terms of getting dressed or meals. Always gotta have fresh teeth though, so if anything my pre-game ritual is a good brush before heading out for warm ups. Just doesn’t feel right without it. 

S.C: Brushing your teeth before games. Must be a dentists dream, minus the risk of losing a few of them in a game. Next question comes from Sarah. She wants to know how you ended up playing on the right wing?

T.J:  I’ve never heard any dentist complaints, but my mother would be a train wreck if anything happened to my teeth. Growing up I always envisioned myself as a center but hit my growth spurt late so I was always smaller than others growing up. Coach stuck me on the wing, dabbled back and forth on the left and right so I’m comfortable on either but prefer being on the off-hand side. Gives me more options around the middle of the ice. 

S.C: Well you’ve definitely caught up to your peers, I’d say six foot two hovering around 210 is a nice place to be for a hockey player looking to get drafted and advance their career. Last question from the listeners, we’ve really appreciated having you on Toivo. This one actually comes from your mom. Sounds like she just wanted to come on here and embarrass you.

*It’d cut to a recorded call in of Mrs. Jokinen* 

M.J: Toivo! We’re so proud of how far you’ve come from our little dude swimming in his first set of pads to now. Love you so much. 

S.C: How sweet, anything to say Toivo?

T.J: Oh man, that gets me emotional. They’ve been here for me no matter how difficult. Bringing me to practice, showing up at every game, sacrificing their time and money to let me try and live out my dream. Hope I can just repay them for everything and more in the end. 

S.C: Regardless of how the draft plays out, sounds like they’ll be your number one fans like they always have been. Thanks again for coming on here, spending a little time with us, and hopefully this gets out there. Sounds like you’ll be a great fit in the league, hopefully next time we get you on here it’ll be celebrating a successful start to, or complete season. 

T.J: Appreciate it Scott, as nervous as I was this was fun. 

S.C: That’ll wrap up this segment here on 93.1 What the Puck Radio show, coming up next we’ll be back with updates and story lines for the on going IIHF Tournament. Thanks for listening. 

**background music would fade in before cutting to a commercial, probably something sports betting related because that’s life now**

{Edits for grammar/spelling/formatting. Nothing added/subtracted content wise}