Login

*slothfacekilla* · 02-11-2019, 03:57 PM

(1,647 words, ready to be graded yo--thanks!) (also before I get roasted for not posting this in SHL for x2, I thought this was more of offseason than draft related so I posted it here)

When the S45 SMJHL season opened it was obvious to everyone that Halifax was going to struggle. In a clear rebuilding year the Raiders dressed eleven rookies on opening night, and they would go on to post a historic losing streak to open the year. Spurred on both by first year GM Jearim and captain Dominic Montgomery, the young Halifax squad were able to develop as a team, and ended up finishing in second to last place ahead of the expansion franchise Lethbridge Lions and three points behind the other expansion team, the Anaheim Outlaws. The Raiders were able to eliminate the Lions in the opening round of the playoffs, but were ultimately eliminated in the next round by the regular season champions the Detroit Falcons. With the SHL draft approaching quickly, we at the Halifax Gazette decided to reach out to one of the young Raiders, assistant captain Jimmy Slothface, to check in on how he spent his offseason.

While the Raiders weren't expected to make much noise in the playoffs, Slothface was still disappointed by the second round exit. "It was tough," started Jimmy. "Nobody gave us a chance against Detroit, but after a couple of surprise wins to hold off elimination.... I just know we were starting to believe in our locker room." But as we all know, it was not meant to be. "Unfortunately I picked the worst time to have my worst game of the playoffs," Slothface lamented. Playing in front of his home fans, Jimmy managed zero points in almost 20 minutes of ice time in that fateful game six. Even worse, Jimmy was a minus one with only two measly shots on net to show for his efforts. "I let the team down and I know I'll have to come back stronger next year for my teammates." It seemed like it would be a glum offseason for Jimmy Slothface.

Slothface was pretty down on himself, but luckily he had moved in with fellow captains Dominic Montgomery and Perry Morgan earlier in the year, and Jimmy credits them both with helping him through his gloom. "I was in a weird place after that last game," explained Jimmy. "I was both proud of the Raiders for how far we had developed, but also very bummed about how our season ended. More to the point, I felt that it was my fault that we couldn't complete the comeback. Without Dom and Perry there for me after that series I'm not sure I would have even gotten out of bed for a few weeks." Jimmy credits both Montgomery and Morgan for both keeping him distracted, but also getting him to a good head space. The trio spent time playing Overwatch, Jackbox, and other various games together. Morgan and Slothface dipped their toes into Apex Legends. Slowly over the next few days Dom and Perry were able to drag Jimmy out of his funk. And luckily captain Dom had an even further cure for the blues: a captains trip to St. Clair Shores, Michigan to visit Dom's hometown.

The three Raiders captains spent just over a week in the mitten and Slothface was able to recharge his batteries on the trip. "I definitely needed that. A little time away from everything definitely helped clear my head and get me back to a good place." Jimmy pointed to boating on Lake St. Clair as his favorite activity. "Getting out on the water with Perry and Dom was awesome, we were able to just speed around, talking and enjoying the scenery. And I had a few ginger ales of course." Jimmy also went on to describe the many wonders that he experienced at Baffin Brewing Company and Pat Obrien's Tavern, although we at the Halifax Gazette do seem to think his memory was pretty hazy about those experiences. We're also not entirely sure all the IPA's are good for his offseason training routine, but Slothface claims it is "his lifeblood." Luckily it does appear that Jimmy behaved himself now that he was away from fellow Raider Troy Reynolds. At the very least we were unable to find any police records containing Jimmy's name with the St. Clair Shores Police Department. We are looking for any tips or information regarding any potential Slothface crimes in the United States, please reach out to [email protected] if you believe you have any credible information.

Jimmy did head back to Halifax a little early ahead of his fellow captains. "I love those two like family, but just like with my own family I need some time alone to recharge," explained Slothface. Blessed with ample alone time, Jimmy spent most of his time relaxing around the captains pad. "Funny enough I did a lot of what I normally do, video games mostly. I was able to get my first Apex Legends win and even got one whole kill...I'm a bit of a backpack. I also finished the Snow Crash book I started at the beginning of the season, and started my re-read of the Black Company series. And I got A LOT of sleep!" But it wasn't all relaxation for Jimmy. "I have really enjoyed my time in Halifax and even though I will eventually be moving to a SHL team, I want to lay roots here and give back to the community." Slothface used this free time to start planning the launch of his new philanthropic venture which is a combination facility: one part sloth sanctuary and one part a school for children called "The Jimmy Slothface Center For Slow Children Who Can't Read Good and Wanna Learn To Do Other Stuff Good and Faster Too." Slow animals and slow kids, what a combo Jimmy.

Now, Jimmy is looking ahead. "One of the big things Perry and Dom did for me was take my disappointment from last season and use it to push me to be great." Employees at the Halifax Scotiabank Centre have noted that Jimmy has been at the rink almost every day since he has been back in town, whether it is on the ice or in the weight room. Notably, he asked the rink manager for a copy of the rink key so that he can come in early to work on both his passing and defense 1 on 1 with a coach before others show up to get work in. "I've tried to identify holes in my game and tried to make them strengths for the upcoming season," said Jimmy. Slothface notes he has a long way to go, but he's encouraged by his progress so far this offseason.

But before Jimmy can suit up for the Raiders again, he will be representing both the British Isles in the World Junior Classic and Team World in the SHL Draftee Showcase. "First off, what an honor to make the British Isles team for the WJC. With me obtaining my United Kingdom citizenship so late I wasn't expecting to really be considered, but to make the team alongside notable vets like Rainbow Dash and Mika Mayfield is truly something I never thought would happen. Having Dom and Perry by my side at the WJC will make it even sweeter as well. Big shout out to Ed Balls." Jimmy is anxiously awaiting the WJC schedule reveal, and is using the current IIHF S45 Round Robin games to get hyped up. "It is exciting to see both the United Kingdom and Ireland sitting undefeated through the first three games, I can't wait to see how it plays out." Slothface hopes the combined British Isles see as much success in the WJC as those two squads. Also, Jimmy is eager to suit up for Team World in the SHL Draftee Showcase. "I know there were some rumors pushed out by this very paper that my teammates and I were involved in some nefarious activities, but I praise coach Anatoli Terrorov for not being swayed by such slanderous and unfounded claims." We at the Halifax Gazette have no comment on this quote as we will let our previous reporting give you the story. Jimmy continued, "A lot of good players weren't able to make it onto either roster, so I am hoping that I can take this opportunity that has been given to me and prove to the SHL squads that I'm worthy of a high draft pick." Also the Halifax Gazette must point out that StadiumGambler Productions has done a fantastic job setting up this prospect showcase, and we are very appreciative of the time it took to organize the event so the media can cover the SHL prospects.

Jimmy is hoping that all of his hard work will pay off at the upcoming SHL draft. Slothface says he's had plenty of contact with GMs, but still has no clue where he is going. "I've had a lot of great discussions with different teams, and I can't wait until the draft to find out where I'm going to go." Jimmy declined to give any specifics on his draft contacts, citing not only wanting to respect the privacy of the GM's but also the uncertainty surrounding the draft. "It's chaos really, every day you hear something different in regards to rumors in the first round," explained Slothface. "One moment you feel like you know exactly where you are going to end up, and then next minute you are back to square one." Jimmy says no matter where he is drafted he will work hard to improve as a player, and he hopes to help his future SHL team win multiple Challenge Cups. "I can't wait to get in a SHL locker room and meet my new teammates, the anticipation is killing me."

Slothface isn't sure who will eventually call his name in the SHL draft, but Jimmy hopes that his offseason has set himself up for greatness no matter where he ends up.

bilbo · 02-11-2019, 04:04 PM

The wholesome content I wish to see in the world. raiders

Hype for Jimmy in the draft! Cheers

Navigation

Extra Menu

About us