Written Option #2:

You could easily compare the makeup of a hockey team (or any pro franchise) to that of a film crew. You can look at the stars of a movie or tv show and compare them to the top players on the team. They are what the audience/fans see at the end of the day and are most often the ones that get most of the recognition for their respective group's successes, or lack thereof.
These athletes and actors alike have all been chosen for that specific reason, to elevate those around them and entertain. But we all know that there's so much more that goes on behind the scenes of both that translate to their triumphs.

In saying all of that, my choice for Edmonton's hero would be @HabsFanFromOntario. That isn't to diminish his player's (Olafur Atlason) accomplishments on the ice, because he's an absolute beast. For me, however, it has been all of his work behind the scenes while running the Blizzard that warrants this mention. His successes have been documented as he is a proven champion, and while he is no longer at the helm, he has constructed what could very well be another championship calibre team in an incredibly short time. After a championship run in S73 followed by finishing atop the regular season standings in S74 and S75, he tore down the roster and began rebuilding it from the ground up. With his guidance, Edmonton finds themselves back in the playoffs for the first time since that S75 season and in the conversation to make some noise.

It's not just his prowess at management though. For me, what sets him apart is his ability to connect with his team. Countless times, without prompting, he has reached out to check on me with an almost sixth sense like ability to know that I wasn't in a great head space. To take the time to talk and really listen means a lot to me, and I have no doubt in my mind that he extends that courtesy to everyone around him.

I've met a lot of great people since joining this league but HFFO is one that I happily call a friend and a hero, not just to our team but to this league as a whole.



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