The Knights rookie class being as close as they are, the thought of doing one press conference each sounded absurd to them. The team organized a joined presser for Jonathan Lundberg, Ivan Koroviev, Nikolaus Scholz and Maria Maximova, who will be taking questions about the Knights.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with those four players, here are a few facts:

Jon Lundberg came into Kelowna as a free agent during the preseason. He plays as a left winger, on the third line with Hugh Johnson and Ivan Koroviev. He currently has two assists, 41 hits and plays an average of 8 minutes per match. His linemate Koroviev has a total of 12 points, 4 goals and 8 assists as well as a +/- of +1. He plays an average of 11 minutes per match. He was drafted in the third round by the Knights, 15th overall.
Drafted in the fourth round, 22nd overall, Nik Scholz has been underestimated ever since he started playing in the SMJHL. Determined to prove people wrong, the German center’s hard work has helped him get promoted to the second line, centering Reginald Howard and Dr. Timeturner Whooves. He keeps improving in the faceoff circle as well, posting an average of 51.09%. He is also reliable defensively, having a +/- of +2. He scored 3 goals and has 5 assists for a total of 8 points this season. He plays an average of 11 minutes per game.
Maria Maximova was drafted 10th overall, in the second round, to the surprise of all who completed the fantasy draft. She is currently playing on the second defensive unit, alongside fellow Russian Ivar Ogorodnikov. She also plays on the first powerplay defensive pair with veteran Stacker Pentecost. 15 of her 23 points were scored on the powerplay. She plays an average of 16 minutes per match.

QUESTIONS:

How are you enjoying Kelowna?

IK: I like a lot this place. Is very calm, and is nice to drive outside of city. The fans are great too. Our season is ok, but the fans are always very good.
JL: The area is nice. Not quite as large as I would like. I prefer to live in a bigger city. The fans have been the best part. Kelowna is so passionate about this team, it is a lot of fun to be a part of that. I’m really grateful to be here.
MM: I agree, the fans have been great! The Knights are such an important part of their lives and it really shows. I did not think a junior team could get this much attention. The city is also amazing. I am not really into technology so I like being outdoors and this place is perfect to spend time outside.
NS: Loving it. The weather is hot, the girls even hotter and I get to play hockey for a living. Life can’t get any better than this.

Any projections to where you will be taken in the SHL draft?

IK: I don’t know… I think I score not as much as I can, but every week I improve. I score in two games this week against St. Louis, so I feel good about rest of season. If I score more points I think I can be top three rounds. If not… I will be… how you say? Sdelka?
MM: Yes, my friend, you will be a steal! As far as my expectations go, I try not to have too many. I have read some very flattering things in the last couple of weeks concerning my game but it will depend on what the SHL teams need. There are also a lot of very talented defensemen in our draft class so… we will see. I just try to focus on what I can control and I do not really care where I am taken. The Knights picked me tenth and a lot of people questioned that selection. I think I delivered. I will again with whichever team gives me a chance. I have been contacted by one team already so it gives me a lot of motivation to keep improving.
JL: I try to be realistic about my expectations. My numbers have not been good, and I was not even drafted in the juniors. I don’t think there is any way to know where I will be drafted. For me, I think it comes down to if a team thinks that I have potential to continue to improve, because there are so many players in this league who are playing better than me. Even on this team, these three are all well above me, I’m sure.
NS: I’ve been trying to refrain from unrealistic expectations. Everyone wants to go in the 1st round and it no different for me, but if I had to guess I’d say late 2nd, early 3rd. The center class is deep with talent and I’m a little way down the depth chart. I need to continue to improve and more importantly try to get more involved to increase my value at the draft.

What is your pre-game ritual?

IK: I try to relax, and focus. Is important to be calm and focused. Sometimes I listen to music, or focus on tactics, and uhh… vot gde mne nuzhno byt… where I need to be? Is not so hard to do now; I know how Lunds and Hugh play, so is easier to be in right place.
JL: My pregame ritual starts at home, or in my hotel room. I lay what I’m going to wear out on the bed in the morning so that it’s ready for me when it’s time to change before going to the game. I’ll do a short round of stretching before changing to go to the game. Once I’m at the rink I make sure my sticks are taped the way I like. Next, I will do another set of stretches, this time when I get to the end, I reverse the order and do them all again. Next, I’ll get changed, always in the same order. For each piece, left side first, then right. After I’ve got my gear on, I take a couple minutes and close my eyes. I will think about what I want to do on the ice and talk to myself in my head, to get myself motivated. When we line up to go to the ice, I think about my breathing, in and out, in and out, to keep myself calm. That’s it, ritual is over as soon my first skate touches the ice..
NS: I am extremely predictable pre-game. It’s starts with my pre-game meal. Pasta, chicken, broccoli and marinara sauce for flavor. I got pounds of the stuff in the pantry (thanks Costco). After that I get dressed and head to the rink. I’ve worn the same watch to every game. It’s the watch my pop got me for my 15th birthday. As I gear up I have a very specific order. First it’s underarmor, then pants, socks and skates. I’ll slap on the chest and arm guards and won’t even touch my jersey, helmet and stick until game time. I don’t know why, I just do. I guess if it works, don’t change it!
MM: That is super interesting guys. I do not have a pre-game ritual.

Maria, can you confirm the reports of a romantic relationship with one of your teammates?

MM: No. I am not dating anybody. Next question.

To the guys: do you feel like such a relationship is a distraction for the team? Or are you all supportive?

JL: I don’t really think this is something we should be talking about.
MM: Damn right, Jon.
IK: If Maria is happy then we are happy. Is you guys make big deal, make lies, make her not happy.
NS: Doesn’t bother me. It was bound to happen. 1 woman and like 20 dudes. It’s like the bachelorette with bad dental.
MM: You would get a rose, Nik.
NS: Damn right I would.

For the team, how would you rate your individual performances this year as compared to what you expected?

IK: I want more—want better performance—but I think I improve now. I score three goals recently, so that is good. Still, I want more, but is much hockey to play.
MM: I had pretty low expectations when the season began so yeah I am happy. I am getting good minutes on the ice and I have more points than I expected. I am glad the coach is satisfied with my game and has decided to put me on the first powerplay unit.
JL: I’m not at all happy with how I have played so far. I know other people don’t have huge expectations for me, being undrafted and all, but I need to do more on the ice. I’m doing as much as I can to improve every week, but I haven’t gotten the results I want yet. I just have to keep working, hopefully things start to come together for me.
NS: Decent. Little disappointed with my production, especially since my linemates have been producing at a much better clip, but my peripherals like plus/minus and face off percentage have been good. Ya, I’ll say decent.

Also for the team, who would you want to be drafted with (other than each other)?

IK: No teammates? Then… I like Evandrus Jesster. I talk to him and is nice guy, very good hockey player. I have respect, and I think we can work together.
JL: The only players I want to be drafted with are my teammates. I guess if I can’t choose them, I don’t really care who I’m drafted with. I just want to play with players that compliment my style, and I compliment theirs. Also, can we take a moment to recognize how much better Ivan’s english is now? You can really tell he’s been working at it.
IK: Thanks, dude.
NS: I was going to say Maria #lionpride. Outside of that it’d have to go with shoot first winger. I like to pass the puck, so a scoring winger would be great as we could climb the depth chart together.
MM: I would obviously like to be drafted with any player on this team. Nik and I have been together since we arrived in America so I would be extremely happy to play with him again. Koro is the one I have been hanging out with the most and Jonathan, the more I get to know him, the more we get along. We each have good chances to be drafted with other Knights but obviously we will not all be picked up by one SHL team. Really, it saddens me to know that we might all go to different places. For the sake of the question, I think it would be fun to play on the same team as Cynthia Taylor. We will play together in the S24 vs S25 draftees tournament and I am really excited about it.

Randleman Trivia:
#1. What vehicle did I drive to my first Knights practice?
IK: ocelot.
MM: I have nothing.
JL: It was some crappy old Toyota.
NS: Shit-box ‘87 tercel… (I had help).

#2. Who was the first person in the Knights organization to contact me?
IK: GM Ocelot.
JL: Dan Carlsson was the one who contacted me, so probably him.
NS: David Benson. Randy was one of the first to reach out to me, so I reckon the last captain did the same.

#3. Who was the first Knights player that I met at my first practice?
IK: Pssh… Abo? Benson? Ocelot?
MM: I will go with Benson too.
JL: I heard this story. It was Danny Phantom, I think.
NS: Double up on Benson, Bob.

#4. What is my favorite meal for breakfast?
IK: Lemon ball and eggs Woodhouse.
JL: Gummy bears and scotch? Not a very good breakfast.
MM: Damn, I don’t know any answers.
NS: Good ol’ Canadian breakfast! Eggs, toast and some sweet sweet bacon.

#5. How old was I when I started playing hockey?
IK: You play hockey? Oh, I did not know this.
JL: I have no idea.
MM: When you were still in the crib?
NS: Trick question. You never started, you were born a hockey player.
MM: Nik, you kind of sound like a stalker right now.

#6. What other sport could I have gone pro in?
IK: [to group] He ask this like we do not know. Sport making burger, haha.
MM: WAIT. I KNOW THIS ONE. LACROSSE.
JL: I think everyone in Kelowna knows this one.
NS: Oh oh oh, I know it, I KNOW IT. Lacrosse.
MM: Of course you know it I gave the answer already!
NS:: You’re just jealous I’m winning.

Captain Randy: Nik, we should talk. Are you stalking me? Nik got the first one right, Lundy got the second one right the first person to contact me from the Knights, and actually from the league at all, was Dan Carlsson, formerly known as Jon. Lundy also got the next one right, Danny Phantom made me carry his gear first practice. Now I am disappointed you didn't get my favorite breakfast right, what kinda of stalker are you Nik? Ivan got it, The answer was Eggs Woodhouse. Nik, good answer on the last one but I was 4 and YAH I COULD HAVE GONE PRO IN LACROSSE!

@Lundberg, Koro, and Maximova: if you had to choose one game to sum up your season thus far, which game would it be and why?

IK: Hmm, I think is not hockey game—is lacrosse game! I play with Randy first time, I think ‘I got this, I got this… uhhhh, I don’t got this!’ I think season is more difficult than I hope, but in last few games I am scoring, playing well… I think in lacrosse game I am good at end too, haha.
JL: For me, it is the first game of the season. It was my first time on the ice as a Knight. It was a home game, and the fans were going crazy. Being on the ice for the first time was such a huge rush. I wasn’t really ready for it. I think that is what the season has been like for me. Lots of excitement, but tempered by the realization that I need to improve a lot if I want to be competitive.
MM: Match seven against the Detroit Falcons. I scored my first goal then. It is a season of firsts for a lot of us so this is a special moment for me and I will always remember it.

Ivan—What do you think you have improved most (game-wise) since the beginning of the season?

IK: I keep the puck more now. First I think this league is very hard; some players are very big and strong, and keeping puck is not so easy, but now I am stronger, and I not lose puck so often. This help me to find pass, or to score like against Vancouver. Good pass from Jonathan help too!

Nik—Do you think you have a chance at cracking Germany’s roster this year?

NS: Gotta remain hopeful, but realistically I don’t see myself making the roster this off-season. Germany has a deep pool to select from and I bet you’ll see much bigger surprises not making the roster than yours truly.

Nik—How do you feel playing on the second line?

NS: It’s great! I enjoyed my time on the 3rd line, but I feel more at home on the 2nd. I’ve got a pair of wingers with loads of SMJHL experience, which will help me progress in this league. I’d like a chance to jump on the powerplay, but with the man advantage clicking like it is I understand I’ll need to patient and wait.

Jonathan—What do you think is one change you could make to your game to see better results on the scoresheet?

JL: There are a bunch of things I need work on. Just one though, it has to be my passing. It is something that I have been working on, and will continue to work on. I need to be able to make good passes consistently, and I don’t think that I’ve been able to do that so far this season. Too many turn overs, and maintaining puck possession is so important if you want to succeed.

Jonathan & Ivan—How do you like playing with each other on the same line?

IK: Yeah, is good guy. I think we need time to learn to play together, but now we understand more, and we give some goals to team.
JL: Getting moved up to the third line was a big step for me. Getting to play with Ivan and Hugh is great. I do my best to make space on the ice for them. Ivan is really smart with his passing, so we’ve had some success when I’ve been able to give him room to work with.

By now, you’ve all had a chance to taste the rivalry between Kelowna and Vancouver; what have you made of the games between the two sides?

MM: It is during matches like this that you really learn what it means to be a Knight! Fans are happy when we win against St-Louis but are almost flipping cars when we beat the Whalers.
JL: I try not to get caught up in rivalries. I know the fans really want us to beat Vancouver every time, but I feel that way about every game.
IK: Is interesting. If we play Vancouver is always very loud from fans; is fun to play these games. I score against Whalers, and is feeling I never forget. Is important to win every game, but against Vancouver is special; is very important to fans.

Of all your teammates, who is the scariest?

IK: KRISTJÁN.
NS: Agreed. First impression I’d give to be Weber, the dude is a friggin’ mountain, but Kristjan is just something else once you get to know him. He has a very “unique” personality, but I guess it’s necessary when you’re the only viking in the entire league.
JL: I don’t think anyone on the team is that scary. I guess Kristjan is probably the scariest, but I don’t really find him that scary.
MM: The fact that my former defense partner Pentecost never says anything kind of freaks me out.

...and the cuddliest?

IK: Adam. Is how you say… at heart, big softie.
NS: WOW, the mind is just running with different names. Not really. I’d say Randy. He is a very caring captain. He’s the locker room “dad”.
JL: I think Oggy, the goalie. When he’s got all his pads on he’s like a big stuffed animal.
MM: I feel like if I answer this there will be rumours of me dating even more dudes on the team so I will just pass.

What are your thoughts on the recent SHL expansion?

NS: I’m very excited. The expansion means more roster spots for everyone in the increasingly popular SHL league. In turn I imagine it’ll also free up some roster spots in the SMJHL since there should be less send-downs every year, which seems to have become a growing concern over the last few seasons.
JL: It had to happen. I’m really interested to see how the expansion draft will go down, and how that could affect the entry draft. It should make for an entertaining offseason.
MM: It makes more room for everybody. Teams might have a real need for their early picks and for the SMJHL, it means more playtime for actual rookies. Everyone wins.
IK:Is interesting. Right now is not making big difference; I want still to play good, to win trophy, and then I think about draft, and maybe playing in SHL. Maybe we will see rookies play in SHL, maybe they will stay in SMHJL… I don’t know.

Favourite color patterns for a sports team that we don't have in the SHL?

NS: There certainly is a lack of yellow/gold. I wouldn’t want to see it as a primary color, but perhaps the secondary color (nashville predators) or trim (ottawa senators, buffalo sabres). Pair that with royal blue or black and it would look really good.
JL: The one that is the most noticeably absent to me is purple. Yellow or orange too, but I don’t think that they would be as good as a primary color for a team, but I’m no expert.
MM: Purple as the main colour for sure. Secondary, black or yellow would look good.
IK: I have no favourite, but yeah, is not so much purple or gold. Orange I don’t like.

Choose a city you believe would be fit to receive an SHL team and elaborate on why.

NS: With only 1 team in California I figure we’re due for another. Perhaps San Jose or Anaheim. I imagine it’d create a solid rivalry with Los Angeles.
JL: I think Chicago. To me, the three big iconic cities in America are New York, LA, and Chicago. It’s also a great hockey town with great fans. I don’t really feel that strongly about it, Chicago just stands out the most to me as the city that should have a team.
MM: The province of Québec needs a team. Either promote the Impact or have one in the city of Québec. All four of us were drafted in Montréal and we saw how much they love hockey. We get to play there often as well and I am certain they could support another team. My other option, Québec city, have been waiting for decades to have a professional team. The city is also unique in America so it would be awesome to play there. I would have gone with British Columbia because we have no SHL team here and I absolutely love this place but it would probably be in Vancouver so… no :lol:. Definitely in Canada, though.
IK: I agree with Jon. Chicago is big city—everyone in Russia hear about Chicago—but no SHL team? Maybe is time.

Would you guys prefer to land all on the same SHL team and continue the peacefulness or diverge in your paths and stir up a rivalry?

IK: I want to stay together. These guys are teammates and friends also; I know how they play, they know me… can only be good to stay together.
NS: I’d love to land on the same team as any of these guys (and girl). I’m aware the probability of all of us sticking together is slim, but it’d be a blast. If we do go our separate ways I can’t imagine much of a rivalry. If anything we would keep in touch and congratulate each other on our achievements/milestones.
JL: I would much rather be on the same team. It really isn’t realistic for that to happen though. In the inevitable event that a lot of us do end up on different teams, I have no interest in stirring up any kind of rivalry. I want everyone on our team to be successful, and I hope we all remain friends.
MM: Stay on the same team. No doubts about that. I do not know how it is in other locker rooms but being on the first or fourth line matters little. Everyone is active and congratulates each other on important career events and we are just glad to play hockey together. I hope I will find the same level of camaraderie in the SHL.

Which SHL player do you consider to be your role model?

NS: David Winter. He was the first person to welcome me to the league. His player has many similarities with what I hope to achieve in the SHL, including playing for the German national team and ultimately GM’ing it.
JL: I’d say Randy Randleman. I know he hasn’t played in the SHL yet, so maybe that doesn’t count. If not, I’d choose Ales Smirnov. I’m looking mainly at guys who came in as undrafted free agents to Kelowna, like myself. I want to follow their example, and keep the undrafted free agent legacy of Kelowna going.
MM: I really admire Darian Scherbluk. Have you seen the type of career he had? If I can achieve half of that, I will retire believing I have done a lot in the SHL. We are pretty different in every way, especially physically, but he made the most of the talent he had with hard work and dedication and that is exactly what I want to do. I hope he will win a championship before he retires.
IK: I don’t have role model, but Ales Smirnov I like very much. I see him on Team Russia, and I think he play like me. Also he plays… played? Played for Kelowna, and in first season I think is like me: maybe twenty points? Then very good in second season; many more points, winning awards... so I hope I will do this also.

How has your player development compared to your initial expectations?

NS: It’s been going smoothly. I’ve learnt a little more about what each category brings to the simulation and have tried to react accordingly. I’ve tried to remain focused on faceoffs and passing, but will need to buff up my others skills accordingly as I go such as defense, skating and puck handling.
JL: This is actually tough to answer. I didn’t really have any expectations to begin with. I only really care that I enjoy the time that I spend here, which I do. My player is still very much in a transitional state. I’ve still got a long way to go, but I’ve got a plan in place for 350 TPE that I’m working towards. I still need time to get him to a place where he can be effective in the juniors.
MM: There is still room for improvement of course but I think I am on the right track. I have been branded as an offensive defenseman since I arrived here and with good reasons I guess. Lately, my defense has improved a lot so I am really happy with that. I want to be useful to my team on both ends of the ice.
IK: I have no expectations. I think first is difficult; I have to learn language, I have new city… now I think I improve, am happy with performances, am scoring… I have surprise at strength of players in SMJHL—this I not expect—so I have to train more, but that is only surprise I have. I think is best to not have expectations, then do your best and try to be best you can be.

What type of player do you think the SHL needs at your position?

NS: Short of looking through every team I’m going to go out on a limb and assume most centers focus on scoring/playmaking, myself included. I imagine there is a demand for a more defensive minded grinder type center for a 3rd/4th and PK role, but it won’t be me to fill that need.
JL: I think the most important thing a center can do for a team is to win and retain possession of the puck. Keeping the puck on your teams’ sticks, and off the other teams’. I think that is what teams will want from a center.
MM: They would probably need more defense-oriented players but points speak to people more. You will not see much ice time if you cannot put up good numbers.
IK: I hope not someone with good English, haha. Really, I don’t know. I know only some SHL players; is a lot for me to move to new city, to learn language, and play good hockey. I focus on SMJHL, but maybe next year I look more at SHL.

Thank you all for your questions! Article is ready to be graded .

Profits for karlssens, Rich701, Alucard and me please !