Before our first practice as the Newfoundland Berserkers, management decided to have us run through the snow for cardio. I of course bonded with and ran alongside fellow countryman and bear wrestler Evgeni Petrov, but we also looped in fellow Russian Vaseline Podcalzone and 1st overall pick in the draft Aleksanders Balcers. We ended up finishing first, with the prize being the avoidance of extra push ups for losing. Turns out training in the harsh Russian winter had more benefits than anticipated. After a grueling cardio session, our coach revealed the initial pre-season lines. I was placed on the 4th line, with fellow rookies Robert E.O Speedwagon and Zach Washington. I figured the best way to get to know my new comrades was a nice beer at the pub. 8 beers later and after many bad karaoke renditions of The Tragically Hip, I think our Newfoundland 4th line is more than ready for the season.

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