Adam Falk holding a press conference, freshly shaven, following an emotional loss to Vancouver in OT.
"It's the end of my rookie season, uh, been really a learning experience. It's been a wild roller coaster of ups and downs and I'm excited for what next season will bring... Go ahead and shoot me some questions."
Any idea who may draft you in the upcoming SHL draft?
Haven't really thought much into it, although I'll be thinking about it a little more now that the season & playoffs are over I've had a few teams contact me already inquiring about my thoughts on their team and my ambitions for next season and beyond. But other than that? Nope. I'd like to think I'm a top 10 player this draft, but we'll see how it falls when the time comes around.
Thoughts on Montreal's season?
I think we had an excellent season; you couldn't ask for much more other than winning the championship. I knew from the start we were a championship caliber team and this year we proved it; from being able to hang in the bEast with Detroit & St. Louis to actually making the finals. There's always room for improvement though, and we'll shoot to remedy that for next year. We're losing some REAL key pieces in Killington and Lidstrom, along with some other folks, so filling those positions and finding the right players to step in will be pivotal... within the team or from the draft.
Thoughts on the Montreal LR?
I've never stepped foot in another team's locker room before (like Wind,) but this is such a great community; we're like a tight knit family. Everybody willing to help one another to further their careers, everyone is so upbeat, always active, and even the alumni spend time in there and getting to know the new players like myself. It's a great organization and whomever we draft this year will get the same treatment.
Do you think you will be sent down next season?
Yea there's no doubt about it. Unless someone sees something that I don't, I'll be with Montreal next year. I think it's needed too, there's a lot left in my game to fill out and more to improve on before making the leap to the SHL at some point. I'd like to think I'm on the right course, but time is my friend right now... just need to marinate a little bit and potentially win a Four Star before moving on to bigger and better things.
What do you hope to improve on next season?
My defense was lacking a little bit this year, but my offensive numbers made up for it. Taking pride on my two-way game has always been huge for me, I'd like to put up better +/- numbers and more blocked shots next year, while not sacrificing any of those goals and assists I got this year. Might be hard, and probably won't happen, but I'd like to work hard towards it. Also to get stronger, I was tossed around a lot this year and would like to use my frame to make things a little easier on myself.
Any teams you would like to go to in the draft?
Eh, well there's a few that catch my eye. I really like a team with an active locker room and somebody that has interest in me. Not a fan of just "falling into someone's lap." I'd like a team that has faith in me and help me further myself as a player for the team. So, yes; there are about 3 teams I'd really like to join.
Favourite moment of S24?
Long season, but I think there are two moments that really stand out for me. One, during the middle stretch of the season we finally got ourselves together and went on a 9 game winning streak. I think that's when everything started to finally click and our lines got some chemistry going. Jesster had fallen off before that and was able to get it going again. More importantly, Flacko was able to go on a 5 or 6 game scoring streak, despite having a bad season... that's what I can't wait to see next year from him. And second, our constant comebacks against the Falcons. When you are trailing late, and especially against the defending champs, hungry for another cup... and constantly come from behind to win? That fueled us and pushed us into the finals, too bad we couldn't take it all the way though.
Any goals for next season and beyond?
Just continue building as I have been, nothing too special. Don't want to keep changing my attitude and goals year after year. I'll be maxing out my training early on next season with any luck, and just continue to train in anticipation for a transition to the SHL in a year or two.
What do you think went wrong in your series against the Whalers?
Well, I think our biggest downfall was our inability to execute defensive security. By that I mean... going into this series, we knew their offense was POTENT, there was little chance of stopping their top six effectively. But, we also knew their defense was weak. So, if we were able to stop SOME of their firepower and counteract with a quick offensive rush, we would be able to pot some goals and hold down the fort the remainder of the game; true defensive style. We kind of threw the first part out the window and the entire series turned into who can outscore the other; that's why each game featured at least 7+ goals combined. That's what did us in.
Any people you want to be drafted with?
Really, anybody from this draft class would be amazing to be a teammate with... but that's really just the "canned" answer. If I had to choose one player in particular, it would be between Flacko and Welch. Jesster would be great because I would have a world-class talent at center to play alongside for the foreseeable future, but I think Flacko and Welch also have incredibly high ceilings. We would be an awesome 1-2 punch on the wings of any center.
Are you surprised with the way you've been producing in your rookie season?
Absolutely. I came into the season not expecting to break 30 points, maybe 25 at best. To finish with 40 was spectacular from my standpoint, and to finish 3rd in rookie scoring just behind Jesster and Wind was a huge boost of confidence. Something I hope will translate to next year and another cup run.
What can you take away from that tough loss in the finals against the Whalers?
Well, it's tough. You work all season long to get to that point and to leave empty handed just hurts. It's hard to think of anything else besides that right now, but if there's a lesson to be learned I guess it's to push through 100% of the season & playoffs. Can't give up once you've reached that point; there's still work to do, and still room for improvements. Always are.
What did you learn most do you think from the team veterans and the alumni that were in this years locker room?
How to actually build a solid player, in terms of training. Myself and the fellow rookies were often posting projected builds in there and would get constant advice on what to train on & etc. It's a real help learning how the league works and how to be successful in it; the veterans and alumni play a huge and helpful part of the MTL locker room.
What was your personal highlight of the past season do you feel?
I'm going to roll with a tie between the mid-season winning streak and "cardiac kids" series against Detroit, as I mentioned in an earlier question.
How did it feel for your avi to become the Impact's rallying cry in the playoffs?
It felt like we needed to pound the fucking body, and that's what we did... 'murica.
Argar and Blues drafted a truly amazing class the past season. What areas will they need to focus on to repeat that feat and propel Montreal to the cup next season?
I think we need to focus a little bit everywhere. If I had to pick a huge problem area, I'd go with defense. We're more than likely losing Vliddy and that leaves us pretty thin on defense, with the exception of Morenov, Wolff, and a few others. We ewere unable to hold off the Vancouver attack in the finals and it truly doomed us. I'd like to see some depth players too, and especially more centers. If Jesster doesn't return next season, we're really in trouble down the middle when you get past the first line... If they could grab a center, some defenders, and a goaltender or two I'd be thrilled. This team will be in the finals again next year regardless, but those choices would make it easier.
In your eyes, who do you see going top 5 in the draft?
In no particular order I'd say Jesster, Wind, Maximova, Flacko, and Clayton. They're all elite talents and will eventually play huge minutes at the SHL level. I think Clayton is a borderline top 5 rookie, there are a couple of others out there that will give him a run for his money at the fifth spot but I'm confident he'll hold there. I'd like to think I'm in the conversation for it, but the GM's will decide that.
I know you transitioned to be more of a center halfway through the season even though you're a winger, but when your SHL team drafts you would you still be willing to upgrade yourself in the center role if need be?
Honestly? No. I'm a natural winger and I'm still willing to play that role for Montreal if I have to, but for the long-haul I'd like to play at my natural position so I can focus my training on something more useful for my build than face-offs. Perhaps in emergency situations or even on the penalty kill, sure I could do some time at center... but as a full time gig? I'd rather not.
Who would you say was the MVP for the Impact during the season? Playoffs?
For the regular season it's a tie for me, between Jesster and Ciarelli. Jesster fueling the offense for us and Ciarelli holding down the back-end behind a young defensive corps. There are a few mentions of Wagner of Killington though, they both had huge years as well and helped us keep up with Detroit and St. Louis. For the post-season it's Mr. Playoffs himself, Teddy Bear. I can't think of a game where he didn't thrive in the clutch for us.
Top 6 time on a downward trending team, or bottom 6 time on a playoff bound team?
Either or, doesn't matter too much. Everyone wants the championship but everyone also wants ice time. For the team's sake, I'd go with bottom six time on a playoff bound team. For building my career, I'd roll with top six on a bottom feeder. I've always loved the idea of being a centerpiece of a building franchise though, so I really wouldn't mind the idea of playing huge minutes on a rebuilding team; I'd love it.
No other questions, just wanted to say good luck in the draft buddy :-x
1. What did you learn most do you think from the team veterans and the alumni that were in this years locker room?
2. What was your personal highlight of the past season do you feel?
3. How did it feel for your avi to become the Impact's rallying cry in the playoffs?
4. Argar and Blues drafted a truly amazing class the past season. What areas will they need to focus on to repeat that feat and propel Montreal to the cup next season?
In your eyes, who do you see going top 5 in the draft?
I know you transitioned to be more of a center halfway through the season even though you're a winger, but when your SHL team drafts you would you still be willing to upgrade yourself in the center role if need be?
Who would you say was the MVP for the Impact during the season? Playoffs?
Top 6 time on a downward trending team, or bottom 6 time on a playoff bound team?
No other questions, just wanted to say good luck in the draft buddy :-x
NJBadApple![[Image: Sean_Couturier.jpg]](http://www.rotorob.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Sean_Couturier.jpg)
Any idea who may draft you in the upcoming SHL draft?![[Image: IeEV7Iv.png]](https://i.imgur.com/IeEV7Iv.png)
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