AP - Vancouver, BC- The season is just getting underway with a mere 13 games played this season but things are already looking in favour for the Vancouver Whalers. At season start, many had doubted that the Vancouver Whalers had the ability, the players and of course luck to hoist the fourstar championship for a third time in a row. However, let's take a look at the 13 game mark for all teams and let's let the facts back up the words prior.


The Vancouver Whalers have seen incredible success thus far.

The Vancouver Whalers are 10-3-0 this season which allows them a 6 point lead on the second place team, whom are the Detroit Falcons who have a record of 7-6-0. The next 4 spots we see in ties of 6-6-1 and 5-5-3 which go Montreal, Kelowna, Prince George and St. Louis. Now, there's many things which can be given credit as to the large success of the Whalers. Here's just few of the things we believe it could be:

1. The Vancouver Whalers have scored 12 more goals than the next team having a GFA at 4.15

2.The Vancouver Whalers have allowed the least amount of goals at 35 having a GAA of 2.69

3. The Vancouver Whalers have scored 19 more than they have let in being the only team to be in the positive other than the Montreal impact who have scored and let in 42 (+/- 0)

4. The Vancouver Whalers have the best home record (5-1-0) and best road record (5-2-0)

5. The Vancouver Whalers have 3 players in the Top 5 for most goals scored and currently are the top 3 point getters.

Lastly within this report, we had the pleasure in interviewing and receiving a statement from this seasons leading goal scorer, point getter, top rookie and player who is sporting a shooting percentage of 32.14 - The Swedish Snipe, the sickest hands right now in the SMJHL, and of course, the proud Vancouver Whaler - Magnus Jakobsen.


Magnus Jakobsen sits down for the brief interview

Q.1 Magnus Jakobsen, you were picked 18th overall, yet, you lead the lead in goals, points, shooting percentage and are currnetly not only the top rookie - but player. How do you feel?

I feel like finally I am performing to the standard that my team needed and expected from me. At the start of the season, I wasn't putting the puck in the net nor contributing to my teams offensive success. My job is to be an offensive threat every single game so it's nice to see that I am finally doing so. Obviously, it's a lot of fun to be one of the top player in the league and to achieve what I have thus far. I don't want anyone to throw labels upon me. I'm out there trying my best to win games with my teammates. Together, we are.

Q 2. Do you think people should see yourself as a steal? Or atleast realize maybe 18th overall wasnt the place for you to go?

Well, any player who goes late like that and than at this point of the season leads those who went 1st, 2nd and 3rd I think atleast deserve a better look and maybe more positive recognition among both the SHL and SMJHL. I'm not sitting here asking for praise. I'm sitting here trying to show people they were wrong in counting myself out. That Magnus Jakobsen will be the steal of the Season 16 SMJHL Entry Draft.

Q 3. Last Question Magnus before you can release your statement. Your team has seen great success thus far going 10-3-0. Are you happy?

I couldn't be any happier. I love the management we have here, the fans are amazing but most of all the players are great. Within the locker room we all get along. We haven't even seen a drop of drama and the chemistry we clearly have on the ice is amazing. If I had the oppurtunity to go back to the draft and be picked higher but to a different team, or still go 18th the the Whalers, I'd be a Whaler. My heart is here and my full 100 % effort is here.

Lastly, Magnus Jakobsen would like to release a semi - brief statement about his play, the season thus far and the Vancouver Whalers.

"First off, let me just say wow. This is incredible and so exciting. Everyday at practice or game time, there's smiles on everyones faces. We're laughing, we're joking but at the same time, but throwing in 100% effort. We're competitive. Allow we are having probably the most fun out of all the SMJHL teams right now, wer are still able to hold a level of professionalism, skill and effort. I would secondly like to speak about my play rather than the teams first. Not because I come first, but because I want you, the people, to hear last about the Vancouver Whalers na dhow successful WE are as a whole, not me as an individual. I have seen success. I've scored goals. I'm the top rookie in the league. My goal is to be the biggest steal of the year and to prove those who doubted myself wrong. Now, my fellow Vancouver Whalers. They're pretty much family. The chemistry we have right now is out of this world and I don't think that it's going to go away anytime soon. At the start of the season you all placed doubts on us and at this time, we're making you choke you on those doubts you shot our way. I'm not up here being cocky. I'm not up here saying this is how it's going to be the rest of the season. I'm telling you this is how it is now. The Vancouver Whalers are first in the league, with the most goals scored and with the TOP 3 point getters in the SMJHL right now. We are on a mission and that mission is to three - peat. I'm excited to see where the rest of the season takes us and will constantly be putting in 110% effort each and every time possible that I can to make myself better for the Vancouver Whalers. Thank You.

Any Question? Feel free to ask and they will be answered.

Quote:1,035 Words, 2 pictures