"So, kids. I know that your parents and teachers might have told you that I am here to talk to you about the life of being a hockey player and how you should never quit your dreams. Unless your dream is to be a bonafide ninja because the school would rather have its' school time incidents be more on the grounds of that time little Jay shoved a potato on one of the toilets in the men's bathroom and less something like, say, Ruaraidh hitting a shuriken at his classmate's left eye because he was having a laugh at the Glasgow Rangers. But really, kids, the problem is that would be very, very, very boring. So instead of spending two hours in this small room telling you not to do something bad, why don't we go outside so I can show you why you should prefer a rather ordinary profession? Worst case scenario, I'll be getting myself some pupils."
Decades later, some believe that the rise in ninja-related activities in Ireland spawned from this one moment. Bloody Yoshimitsu messing things around like usual.
Former Players: Yoshimitsu McCloud (LW, #64) - Won a Four Star Cup once, knew ninjutsu, picture editors hated him, never tried free agency
Anton Harrier (LW, #90) - Won WJC gold, liked skateboarding a lot, went to the finals with Manhattan, kept his seat glued in LR
As a now full-fledged superstar in North America, Markus' father Chrigel, who still has ties with the University of Bern, even with his new duties in Newfoundland, invited him to hold a Q&A with university students, about life abroad, what it was like being a sports superstar in a large American city, and what it meant for me to represent Switzerland as much as possible (the finer observers in the league will have noticed Tegernako's red cowbell with a white "plus" symbol etched on it, imprinted at the bottom-right of the back of his helmet, whereas his number 42 flanks the bottom-left side.) He went there with now assistant coach for the Minnesota Chiefs, and long-time scout for HSC Bern, Tanja Haller, and things went beautifully with the students, as they were curious to see how the sporting side can still shine a positive light on the Swiss people.
Markus was delighted to have the opportunity to answer questions from such vibrant young man and women, many of which are currently playing in youth development teams in Bern, or even in his hometown of Köniz - he actually took the time to go back to his old rink, once the University Q&A was done, to reconnect with the now elderly rink manager, as well as the new coach for the U13 program of the town, a young, svelte fellow named Jurgen Haas, who grew up in Frankfurt before coming back to his mother's hometown. It was a good time for Markus to unwind, and simply chat about his passion for hours. He came back to Minnesota, refreshed and relaxed, ready to undertake another hard season of work between the pipes for the Chiefs.
Bork Lazer was asked to go back to his local elementary school to talk to third graders about motivation in life. Bork Lazer decides that he has to be straight with these dumb ass kids. Listen you little fucks you cannot be a simp. You start simping and thinking anyone will just give you what you want you are dead in the water. You have to be like me Chad Daddy Bork Lazer. you have to be a chad and take what is yours. Like your simp teacher is not going to stop me from giving you little shits a god honest truth in speech. Here comes the principal trying to escort me out of the building but that simp did not realize he ordered from popeyes chicken cause he just ate this two piece from Bork Lazer. So you see kids take what you want and if not given violence is the answer, I mean it works for the united states of america in conflicts.
"Guys, here's the thing about it all. When I was your age, I was just some kid, who wasn't very talented, or well-liked, or personable, or handsome, or cool, or funny, or even very in shape. Most people would say my name wrong. Most people took note of my peers playing hockey who were simply much better than me in every facet of their game. I sat exactly where you are all sitting, here on this gymnasium floor, just your average kid. But over the course of time, look at me now! I'm not very talented still, or likeable or good looking, I'm still routinely compared to my peers, be it teammates or rivals, who are better than me, and people still can't quite get my name right. But now? I get paid a fuck ton of money to be this way!
(what's that? I can't swear because they're 8? I'm sorry that's my bad on that one).
Thanks for having me everyone!"
**First GM in SMJHL history to win 3 Four Star Cups back-to-back-to-back**
puolivalmiste Player Progression Director
Posting Freak
07-28-2020, 06:04 AM(This post was last modified: 07-28-2020, 06:04 AM by puolivalmiste.)
Translation for those who don't speak swedish (including me): If you want to get off this island, you have to do something about it. So stop complaining for nothing.
Honestly, I don't if my player Philipp Winter would be the right person to give such an inspirational speech - not because he isn't good with words, but because his backstory isn't particularly inspirational. Coming from a family of hockey players who were well off financially, Philipp didn't face a lot of adversity on his path to become a professional hockey player. Sure, he still had to work hard and has some lessons to teach on how to be a successful athletes, but there simply are other players out there who made more out of much less who can probably give a way more inspiring talk to some young kids who are trying to scrape together the money for their first pair of skates or who are struggling to get into a team. On top of that, Philipp had to change schools a few times as a kid due to his fathers job and his own junior career, so there actually isn't really such a thing as "the one high school" where he spent most of his childhood and learned a ton. That doesn't mean that he won't be happy to come speak at one of his former schools though if invited back, even if his path to the SHL wasn't as hard as that of some others, Philipp still has some good stories to tell and advice to give...
Rocco headed back to his private high school in Switzerland during the offseason and did his best to write up a riveting speech that would inspire the next generation of Swiss superstars, on and off the ice. Although he didn't think that he was that big of a deal, the school was very excited to have him come through and talk to the kids. The main points that he wanted to touch on in his speech were to never give up. Switzerland hasn't exactly been known as a hotbed for hockey in the past, so it was important to Rocco that he communicate the value of pushing for your dreams. He also wanted to convey the fact that moving away from home and over to North America is a fun experience. Although he was worried during the process that he may not fit in or that he had different values, he wanted to tell the kids that it is a safe environment in which he felt comfortable and had a lot of fun.
07-28-2020, 08:46 AM(This post was last modified: 07-28-2020, 08:49 AM by DeletedAtUserRequest.)
For Mike Izzy, coming back to talk to the kids is what its all about... as we see here in the video above as the Augment visits his #Throat-Izzy foundation.. for children with shitty tracheas. Look how he inspires the great young youth!
Carlos doesn't like speaking in public and such an engagement at his old school surely would tie a knot in his stomach. After graciously accepting the invitation he'd probably spend the following weeks curled up in a ball in his bed dreading what's to come. Sure, he can play hockey in fronts of tens of thousands of people. But a speech in front of a bunch of high schoolers? That's the stuff of nightmare for a typically reserved Carlos.
Nonetheless he answers the call in the hopes of inspiring perhaps a child or two to follow in his footsteps and drop out of school to follow a career path where most people fail to make any sort of living as they try to play a literal game for money. He ended the afternoon by berating the school staff for inviting him rather than a successful businessman or something, what do kids gotta learn from a privileged hockey player really.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Jr., gets a call from his former highschool principal, Mr. Dinklewoods of Bladins International School, a well renowned establishment in Malmo, Sweden. The principal has asked Ibra jr, that it would be an honor if he can visit his hometown and give a speech to young kids to inspire them. Without a hesitation, Ibra Jr., flew to his hometown. As a man from a strong pedigree, Zlatan was not shy and he was very confident. The way he spoke mesmerized the kids and put them in awe. They were just astonished and petrified at the sight of such manliness. The famous quote that Ibra jr. used to inspire the kids was the following "Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." by Sir Winston Churchill. The kids went silent upon hearing that and they all told Ibra Jr. they want to become a self made man like him. Ibra Jr. was pleased to see kids with such determination but one student stood out. His name was Liam Nelson and he told Zlatan that he will become the best Swedish Military Intelligence agent. There was no kidding with a name like that. Whereas all other kids wanted to be hockey players, this one stood out and said something very different. Ibra Jr., was sure this boy will achieve his goal.
Since Vorian did not have his education on this planet, but was homeschooled by his father, the Titan Agamemnon, he decided to visit one of the schools in the Los Angeles neighbourhoods. The kids were excited at first that a Los Angeles Panther would be coming to their school. They couldn’t have been more wrong. The speech given to inspire the youth, turned out to be a history lesson about all the wars Atreides has fought in and how he beat the thinking machines, a threat that no one in this world even vaguely understands. With his monotome voice, the kids were fast asleep until their parents came to pick them up. So while the teachers thanked Atreides for the easiest workday ever, I doubt the kids will come back for part 2,3,4 and 5 of his speech, because he wasn’t done by a longshot. That is what living for over 10000 years does to you.
A funny thing happened at the LeGrande household last Saturday. While mowing the lawn, a big SUV pulled up to the house and a couple of suited men climbed out. Both wearing dark sunglasses, I thought I was having a flashback to some “Men in Black” movie. As they approached Mr. LeGrande, they looked intimidating to say the least. Then, they stopped walking towards him, took a stance and didn't say a word. Guy was wondering what the fudge are these guys doing and what the fudge to they want. Right when Guy was going to engage with them, the rear door opened and out popped a very young man. He trotted over to Guy with a smile and said, Mr. LeGrande, would you please give a short talk at the Jean Grey School for gifted youngsters? Shocked by all the tension and drama of the apparent body guards, Guy was relieved to here those words. Guy grew up at that school, being gifted at certain physical features only his hairdresser would know about. “ I would be honored” Guy relied, and they loaded back up and took off.
With a week to come up with something clever and interesting to say to a bunch of highly gifted youngsters isn't easy. Guy figured that they were interested in his hockey career and how I fit in with the general public. So that's a start, Guy could wing it as he ran down that topic path.
Well the day came and sure enough, the same “Men in Black” came knocking at the door. I guess they didn't think Guy could drive or forgot the way. Who knows, saved the gas money and had two wordless body guards taking him to deliver his amazing speech.
Guy wanted into the main hall, a bit nervous, to rattle off a bunch of something that might turn into something of a speech. As he walked in this massive room, there was a surprise waiting for him. That young man was the only one in the whole room. All he wanted Guy to do it show up and talk hockey. Well the stories were told and the kid was happy as can be. Even the suited men were laughing at some of the off color stories Guy was telling. I think the best part was when Guy told the young man that it's okay to be different, it's okay to not be like others. Be who you want to be and make the best life you can.
Guy was driven home by the suits, this time they wouldn't stop talking and asking questions about the SHL. Guy was glad for that event to be over but had a great time with only one person from a private school wanting to talk to him.