TASK 1
You are at the airport awaiting a flight to meet back up with your team after spending the day being honoured as a 'Hometown Hero' in the place where you grew up! Tell us about your day... what did they have planned for you? Who did you see there? What were you given? How did it turn out? ... In 150 words or more, tell us all about this big moment as hometown hero.

Landing in Minnesota, I was able to meet up with both of my parents Olli O'Koivu and Pietra Volkova in Minneapolis shortly after our Game 7 loss in the SMJHL Finals. While life was generally normal, my family still owns a cottage in Warroad that we gather at from time to time. After brief chit chat, we actually went and checked out the State High School championships and definitely found myself in the limelight with these two.

The crowd frenzy was amazing when the two SHL champions walked into the building and lines formed for impromptu autographs. Following the hockey games we stopped over aat the Mall of America, where I visited Lego Land and constructed the SHL franchise logos with local fans as a promoted event. The event raised funds for local Boys & Girls Clubs. Everything worked out until the San Fran logo broke on multiple occassions... Must have been the bricks. Not sure, was looking pretty fragile.

TASK 3

If you are in the SMJHL then you have been there for at least a few seasons and its likely that a promotion to the SHL is coming soon. The question is.. are you ready?.. what areas of your game do you believe are SHL ready and what areas are you concerned about? what things are you sad to leave behind and what things are you excited about when moving to your parent club. (Must be 150 words or more)

I have been with my Montreal club now for some time, waiting in the wings for Hamilton. Not quite sure when I will be called up, so at this point I will just keep on coasting. I enjoy many of my teammates, but I'm a pretty quiet guy when it comes to locker rooms. I've really been just keeping my head down and pushing forward... focusing on what I need to get done in order to take the next step.

Hamilton seems to be on the verge of some changes as they recently had some retirements announced. No of which really effect me, but I'm sure will create some changes out on the ice. I will be ready when the call is made, whether as back up or as the starter... I will just keep preparing for the phone call. Regardless, the future has potential in looking forward... whether with Hamilton or someone else, it is up in the air.

TASK 5

1. Breakdown this finals matchup for us, how will it play out? who will be the stars of this series, what will the outcome be? (*tag anyone involved)

I really think it will be decided in the depth of the teams. Calgary, while recently committing to a rebuild has come out of nowhere to be a force once again. But where I think they lack is in the depth of the roster... yes that is absolutely in the works to change... But I don't think it is enough for this series.

2. A major managerial showdown is about to take place Between WKP's (Jr95, Wongy) and Calgarys (Steelhead77, C00kies) which set of GM's have the tactical/managerial advantage in this series and why?

Tactically... I would go with Steelhead. He has crafted a resurgeance of an early rebuild and rode the rebuild. Tactics only go so far when you are facing the talent that West Kendall possesses. At some point the magic runs out and I think it will be here.

3. Which player in the finals should be considered their teams playoff MVP and which should be considered their teams unsung hero thus far and why?

Beaujeaux Biscuit... Hands down. The man has been on fire in the playoffs. A .941 save percentage... are you human? Not to mention the only goalie to go sub-2 in goals allowed and carries 4 shutouts. As for unsung... The entire defensive effort of the Platoon. There is a reason why the Platoon have been so dominant and it hasn't just been Biscuit's glove hand.

4. Which player do you believe will be the differance maker in their franchise winning the title here in S47?

Beaujeaux Biscuit... The Platoon aren't going to be this offensive juggernaught. They will be looking to shutdown Calgary in their defensive zone while making the most of the opportunities on hand. Biscuit will need to continue to keep up his stellar play should the Platoon desire to win another cup. Chance of this happening... Likely.

5. After trading off there best players and declaring themselves in a full rebuild back in S45, The Calgary Dragons have made it to the S47 finals.. just 2 seasons later. Choose: ('No surprise', 'mild surprise', 'major surprise' or 'in shock') and explain why.

Mild surprise... SteelParm is the King of efficiency. He drafts players who buy into his plan and his plan revolves around efficiency of builds and line exploitation. He has taken a rebuild and jump started it in two seasons and because of this he will find a couple of FAs to further boost his chances next season.

8. Star netminders Kata Vilde and Beaujeaux Biscuit have both carried there teams into the finals. Which franchise goalie has a better chance to carry their franchise to a title?

I would lean towards Biscuit due to his experience... and play up to this point. Vilde is a beast himself but definitely has a hole or two infront of him when it comes to depth and that hurts his chances. A goalie is only as good as his defense at this level. As biscuit stares down his own sunset, I think he shines one more time as he looks back on an amazing career with West Kendall.