[2x Draft Media, 1400 words]

Hello all, it is your favorite reporters back in action after a very long hiatus.  I think last time we reported on our young star, it was the beginning of the 50th season of the SHL and the Militia had just rebranded themselves as the Krakens and moved to the USA to take advantage of a new hockey market.  In this past season, the Krakens maintained their presence within the league and managed to finesse their way back into a decent position for the playoffs before going all the way!

Hi Phineas, you and your team are riding high as is evident by the escapades that are being reported on by agencies here in Raleigh.  I hope you have not forgotten about your hometown reporters that have been dedicated to your growth since day one!  Can you briefly tell us a little bit about this last season and what went to right for this still young team?

Hi guys long time no chat.  Thanks for meeting me at one of my new favorite pizza places in Raleigh.  If there is one thing that I do not miss about Canada it is their pizza.  Who would have thought that this classic food could be made so horribly?  Last season was a bit of an up and down for us.  We started strong and about 1/3 of the season in we went on a massive losing streak to some of the stronger teams that have emerged this past season.  It was a bit of a wakeup call that it was not going to be a cruising victory straight to number 1 in the league and the finals from there.  From that moment on we struggled every game to get the spot we wanted.  We had already proved to the league that we were not underdogs, but we still had to really prove it to ourselves.  I think ending where we did was acceptable but of course we want to be number one this year.  The raptors proved they were a strong team and we were worried going into the playoff season and a potential finals against them.

Speaking of the playoffs you guys had an excellent run.  Defeating Lethbridge 4-1, coming back from a 3-1 deficit in the semis and beating the Raptors in 6 for the cup.  I know you have said it before, but please tell us one more time for the fans back at home!

Well guys I can honestly say it was a rush to have a repeat performance, but it really highlighted some of the gaps we have in our roster.  We have a strong scoring presence and a lot of guys that are shoot first and pass later.  Our strategy up to now has been to hammer our opponents with shots until their goalie makes a mistake.  The problem is that the league is getting faster, players with keen eyes for breakout passes are needed and a lot is starting to come down to intense individual skill and effort.  Our defense needs a bolster now that some of our key members have been called up or retired, and our offensive core are starting to get serious looks from their SHL teams.  The Krakens could be completely different in a season or two.

What are you guys doing to shore up some of the holes left by some of your teammates who have been called up?

Well it is a good thing that we are doing this talk after the draft.  I think our two GMs have made stellar choices in both recruiting and drafting some great talent.  I think the first thing we have to mention was the crazy three way trade that landed us Velveteen Dream as the 2OA.  We are sad to lose Ravyn as she was one of our essential keys to winning the playoffs, but a team is only as good as its pipeline.  Management wants to keep us competitive, but make sure that they do not need to do a complete rebuild.  I think this will be an essential season for our new rookies as they grow and let our Power 9 make dominating performances.  I think other steals this draft were our 2 fourth rounders Abhik Patel and Stirling MacTavish.  These were two guys that had been talked about in our locker room when we were all reviewing the new prospects one night.  We knew we did not have a lot of picks early in this draft and we had to wait to see who trickled down.  We have to put some stock in our organizations future and as captain it is up to me to grow my new rookies. 

What kind of players did you guys draft?

We drafted 6 players.  4 forward and 2 defenders.  Of those players we have 2 playmakers, 2 offensive forwards, an offensive defenseman, and a solid two-way defenseman.  Before this we had 2 playmakers total on our team, so this doubles that number.  We have a large amount of snipers, but we were getting into an issue that we had no one to drive these plays.  I am currently filling in as an offensive forward, but my play style has always been to crash the net.  I have seen these guys play and I am looking forward to their hands and vision on the ice.  These guys are natural centers and will probably see some great play time as the season goes on.  Unfortunately, Heikki who has been a staple in our last two wins might find himself competing for his 4th line slot.  Our two offensive forwards have plenty of time to develop into quality players.  As long as they remain active and interested for playing for the Krakens I think the Power 9 should be able to continue their legacy.

With preseason right around the corner, what are you looking forward to next season?

Well guys, we are definitely going to be looking to make another cup run.  If we thought the competition was fierce last season, this season will boast some strong teams becoming even stronger.  Goalies are going to catch up to the speed with which the forwards have adapted though, so good strong offensive players are going to be key in these struggles.  You can bet we will be working closely with our defense as well.  Our blue line is going to have to up their physicality.  If we can intimidate our opponents on and off the ice, it should help us develop a good stat line spread throughout the team.  We are aiming for 1st in the division this year and I honestly think we can do it.  The Falcons have had a strong core these past two years and we proved we can beat Colorado.  It is really up to us now.  Personally I am hoping to break my score of last year.  With Ricky Bobby and Alexei Rykov on my wings we grew to be a dominant force last season and we’re only going to be better this season.  I think the three of us have done some very specific training this offseason and we will have to see if we still click.  There is a chance that we will be the first line and will have to face off again the best the other teams have to offer.  I just hope we are able to use our skills to properly assess every situation thrown at us and keep our RBG pressure on.

Alright Phineas that will be all for now!  On behalf of your fans back here in Connecticut that have been following your bright future and all of us at the network we are so proud of what you have accomplished here in this league.  Now I have heard rumors that the SHL team that has drafted you is scouting you pretty hard for the season after this, do you think that will add any pressure to your performance?

Look, there will always be pressure when you are at the top of your game and the league is looking up to you as the one to beat.  I want to play for my SHL team and help them win a cup.  Between the training camps there and some of the time I have spent with the guys, I know we can do it.  They were knocked out of the first round last season, but I am hoping that when I go up we will go all the way.  Thank you very much guys!

And thank you!!!  Alright everybody let us keep watching how our young captain will do and until next time, let us hope he scores another Phineas GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOALD