After two amazing seasons in the SMJHL, Brandon Girard takes a look back on the defining moments of his career and sheds some light on what is to come in the future. He also takes a quick minute to say a few words about those who helped him along the way.


An exclusive interview with Detroit Falcon’s Captain, Brandon Girard after a tough loss this morning to Montreal in the Eastern Conference Finals.


Let’s start from the beginning. In Season 23 you were drafted by the Detroit Falcons, 18th overall.

“Yeah, I was actually surprised when they called my name that’s forsure. I wasn’t anything to scoff at back then, just a punk kid from a small town and a big dream. To be honest, Detroit wasn’t even on my radar for preffered draft locations, the Whalers and Knights were up there in my top choices, thank GOD I didn’t go to the Whalers!” Girard replied belly laughing.

So you regret being Drafted by Detroit?

“Absolutely not! I didn’t know much about the SMJHL back then and honestly do not believe there is a better team to play for than Detroit in the entire league. The Falcon’s management and players made me who I am today and I couldn’t be more grateful. I didn’t just gain friends on that team, I gained brothers.”

Along with your Falcon brotherhood, you unexpectadley joined another one, can you reflect on that?

“Assuming you mean the boys in “The Wolfpack”, yes I did. It kind of happened by mistake really, one day we were a bunch of rookies on rival teams and the next we were hungover in Vegas. After a situation like that, it brought us all closer and Randy Randleman and Patrick Brumm especially are like family to me as well. Things have died down this season after having to “grow up” after the SHL Draft, but we still keep in touch everyday and I expect we’ll be back to our drunken antics in no time.”

Describe what it was like to win the 4 Star Cup in your rookie season.

“You know, if you had asked me that last season I would have given you a different answer. After losing our chance at it this season, I realize now what a huge honour that really was! Don’t get me wrong I knew it was a big deal to win it, but after seeing how hard everyone on the team worked for it this year, it brings the honour of hoisting the cup so much closer to my heart. I don’t feel like I contributed to the cup run last season all that much, but I guess it was a team effort and we did have a legendary one! I just hope I didn’t let my Season 24 Falcons down this year and wish them all the best next year.”


The Season 23 Detroit Falcons team photo with the 4 Star Cup.


After your cup win, you went on to be Captain of the team, what was that like?

“Being passed off the Captaincy by Asbjorn Alexandersen was the biggest honour I have ever recieved. I set my sights on Captain shortly after being drafted in season 23 and didn’t stop until I got it. It was a goal of mine from the beginning and achieving it felt great. I know so many of the current players in Detroit deserve the “C”, and I can’t wait to stitch it on their jersey for whoever gets it next season. Looking back, I just hope I did enough to encourage the rookies and lead by a good example.” Girard replies with a tear in his eye.

We have also just heard the breaking news that you have also defected from Canada, is this true?

“Yes it is, I love Canada and I have nothing against Canada. I have just drawn closer to another nation from the league and think it’s in my best interests to play for them. I would like to take this opportunity to formally announce my joining of Team Latvia! Over my two seasons, I have grown to respect a few Latvian representatives and players, some of whom are Falcon alumni. I enjoy their company and would like to see them do well in the IIHF, with myself contributing. I can’t wait to get on the ice with those guys and dominate with the Pesky Lats!

You were drafted 5th Overall by the Hamilton Steelhawks, what are your thoughts on that?

“I had a few teams interested in me coming up to the draft, and I would have been happy playing with all of them to tell the truth, but Hamilton was indeed my top choice. They have a storied history, a strong respectable management team, top tier players and they were willing to trade up in the draft to get myself and best friend Patrick Brumm, that says a lot! Being in the top 5 of what I felt was a stacked draft class was also very exciting, I know there was a lot of people who deserved that recognition.”

You will most likely play for the Steelhawks franchise next season, you’ve got to be excited?

“I am, it’s a little hard to just jump onto a team like that although. If you play hockey you’ll understand the bond between teammates is unbreakable, and those guys are a brotherhood. They welcomed me with open arms in Hamilton and that felt great, I just can’t wait to finally share a post game beer with those guys and get to know them even better. As for playing up in the show, it’s a feeling I cannot describe fully as I haven’t tasted it yet. I know it’s going to be an experiece I’ll never forget though, as it’s been my dream since I was a little kid and it’s finally here!”


Girard wearing his Steelhawks jersey for the first time at the S24 SHL Draft in Winnipeg, Manitoba.


Have you anything else to say before we close, Mr. Girard?

“I’d just like to take this opportunity to thank a few people. First off, the S24 Detroit Falcon’s Team as a whole. You guys made my final season in the SMJHL a great one, it was never a dull moment. Wether it was the locker room jokes or the neverending My Little Pony references, you never failed to make me laugh and it was an honour to lead all of you guys. Most of the rookies impressed me A LOT this season and I know you’ll do well in the future, I know you don’t need it, but I wish you the best of luck!

There are so many people I need to thank, but I’ve just gone over 1,000 words and if I go any longer Randy’s going to get on my ass about how I had time to write this and not the next Wolfpack article. So, I cannot thank everyone who deserves recognition but I will thank the following…

Mook: Thank you again for another great season in Detroit, you are an unreal general manager and desereve every inch of respect I and everyone else has for you. I hope you lead Manhattan as well as Detroit and I know you will. To be honest, I’m jealous you get to look at Merica’s sexy avatar ass gifs 24/7 in the Rage LR. You’re a brother to me and a brother in arms. *salute*

Esa: You’re unreal and I always try to give you as much praise and recognition when I can, you deserve it. You made my rookie season memorable and paved the way for my career, I truly hope I am one day united with you as my leader. Good luck with Calgary, I hope Randy isn’t too annoying in the LR!

Tanner: I’d like to take this chance to thank you again for giving me the opportunity to play in Hamilton and I honestly can’t wait for next season! Even though things didn’t work out for me to get some playoff ice time, I hope you guys get that cup this season and many more with myself alongside you. I look forward to a long career with the Steelhawks especially as you’re my general manager.”

Ok, Girard, I think that’s enough we seem to be running out of time here…

“Just one more thing?” Girard asks smirking.

Alright, one more… What is it?

“GO FALCS GO, stay humble and hungry boys!”

Code:

1,417 Words

Player Page - Update Thread
[S70] - Alekss Ivanova - [NBB|MIN] - 499 TPE

Name: Alekss "Nova" Ivanova
Birthplace: Ventspils, Latvia
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 205
Number: 28
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[S69] Claimed off waivers by GFG
[S69] Traded to NBB
[S70] Drafted 31st Overall by MIN
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Career Accomplishments:
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Career Statistics:
SMJHL Regular Season:
[S69] GP:66|G:17|A:23|P:40|+/-:-16|PIM:12|FO:49.9%
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LW - Rainbow Dash - Updates
[img=0x0]https://i.imgur.com/eM6YKiW.gif[/img]
Rainbow Dash Fan S24-Present
SHL Commissioner S34-S52
New England Wolfpack GM S30-S40
Montreal Milita Co-GM S26-S29

:wub:

Where do you think Merica gets his ass avatars from

Congrats on an awesome career in Detroit and thank you for everything you've done for the Falcons both on the off the ice. You were always a class act and an awesome captain. Glad we would win a cup together your first year, some would say you were the missing piece!

WHOOSH!!!

---> ParmBorg Highlights <---



Esa Parmborg || Center || Calgary Dragons || S47 || TPE: 2000+
Name: Esa Parmborg
Age: 18
Height: 7'0"
Weight: 350 lbs
Number: 77
Born: Hella, Iceland
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Transactions:
Drafted #1 Overall - Halifax Raiders - S46 SMJHL
Auto Drafted GM - Calgary Dragons - S47 SHL
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Awards & Achievements:
S50 Challenge Cup Champion - Calgary Dragons
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SHL Statistics:
S50: GP:50 | G:9 | A:8 | P:17 | -3 | PIM:13 | H:34 | PP:0 | SOG:70
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SMJHL Statistics:
S46: GP:50 | G:6 | A:9 | P:15 | -8 | PIM:20 | H:44 | PP:0 | SOG:76
S47: GP:50 | G:12 | A:19 | P:31 | 0 | PIM:10 | H:71 | PP:6 | SOG:111
S48: GP:50 | G:21 | A:27 | P:48 | +10 | PIM:20 | H:19 | PP:13 | SOG:147
S49: GP:50 | G:19 | A:29 | P:48 | +18 | PIM:26 | H:48 | PP:13 | SOG:116
TOT: GP:200 | G:58 | A:84 | P:142 | +20 | PIM:86 | H:182 | PP:32 | SOG:450



[pbl]Esa Anrikkanen || C / LW || Calgary Dragons || S18 || 2008TPE
Esa Anrikkanen || C / LW || Calgary Dragons || S18 || 2008TPE
Age: 40
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 255 lbs
Number: 10
Born: Helsinki, Finland
------------------------------------------------------------
SHL Career Statistics:
S46: GP:50 | G:14 | A:10 | P:24 | -14 | PIM:21 | H:23 | PP:5 | SOG:126
S45: GP:50 | G:11 | A:13 | P:24 | -10 | PIM:10 | H:28 | PP:7 | SOG:162
S44: GP:50 | G:11 | A:10 | P:21 | -1 | PIM:10 | H:22 | PP:7 | SOG:115
S43: GP:50 | G:15 | A:17 | P:32 | -7 | PIM:2 | H:9 | PP:11 | SOG:137
S42: GP:50 | G:10 | A:20 | P:30 | 0 | PIM:0 | H:4 | PP:7 | SOG:128
S41: GP:50 | G:22 | A:16 | P:38 | +28 | PIM:7 | H:2 | PP:4 | SOG:123
S40: GP:50 | G:16 | A:12 | P:28 | -6 | PIM:18 | H:45 | PP:8 | SOG:118
S39: GP:50 | G:18 | A:14 | P:32 | +12 | PIM:0 | H:4 | PP:7 | SOG:187
S38: GP:50 | G:16 | A:11 | P:27 | -2 | PIM:4 | H:7 | PP:8 | SOG:143
S37: GP:50 | G:19 | A:22 | P:41 | +6 | PIM:4 | H:7 | PP:12 | SOG:224
S36: GP:50 | G:22 | A:21 | P:43 | +15 | PIM:4 | H:18 | PP:8 | SOG:201
S35: GP:50 | G:28 | A:26 | P:54 | +25 | PIM:0 | H:13 | PP:14 | SOG:205
S34: GP:50 | G:24 | A:22 | P:46 | +6 | PIM:52 | H:128 | PP:13 | SOG:208
S33: GP:50 | G:21 | A:16 | P:37 | -2 | PIM:28 | H:78 | PP:13 | SOG:207
S32: GP:50 | G:18 | A:16 | P:34 | -10 | PIM:27 | H:15 | PP:9 | SOG:164
S31: GP:50 | G:20 | A:25 | P:45 | +11 | PIM:48 | H:92 | PP:9 | SOG:198
S30: GP:50 | G:22 | A:33 | P:55 | +17 | PIM:64 | H:134 | PP:18 | SOG:232
S29: GP:50 | G:21 | A:32 | P:53 | +14 | PIM:75 | H:212 | PP:15 | SOG:239
S28: GP:50 | G:23 | A:25 | P:48 | +25 | PIM:60 | H:179 | PP:7 | SOG:205
S27: GP:50 | G:19 | A:18 | P:37 | +1 | PIM:68 | H:94 | PP:8 | SOG:135
S26: GP:50 | G:21 | A:21 | P:42 | +9 | PIM:54 | H:82 | PP:15 | SOG:200
S25: GP:50 | G:18 | A:27 | P:45 | +27 | PIM:42 | H:139 | PP:6 | SOG:154
S24: GP:52 | G:16 | A:18 | P:34 | -13 | PIM:48 | H:156 | PP:16 | SOG:153
S23: GP:52 | G:19 | A:30 | P:49 | +19 | PIM:104 | H:193 | PP:6 | SOG:162
S22: GP:52 | G:17 | A:25 | P:42 | -9 | PIM:26 | H:116 | PP:18 | SOG:156
S21: GP:52 | G:19 | A:22 | P:41 | +5| PIM:14 | H:51 | PP:12 | SOG:168
S20: GP:50 | G:17 | A:16 | P:33 | +10 | PIM:30 | H:71 | PP:8 | SOG:155
S19: GP:50 | G:10 | A:3 | P:13 | +10 | PIM:18 | H:88 | PP:1 | SOG:68
S18: GP:50 | G:7 | A:8 | P:15 | +20 | PIM:24 | H:44 | PP:4 | SOG:73
------------------------------------------------
Totals: GP:1358 | G:514 | A:549 | P:1063 | +186| PIM:868 | H:2054 | PP:277| SOG:4750
------------------------------------------------------------
SHL Playoff Statistics:
------------------------------------------------------------
Transactions:
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Awards & Accomplishments:
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Lost my sig, Work in progress.....

#1 All-Time SHL Goal & Point Scorer 
- First 2,000 TPE Player in SHL History - 
- First 400 Goal Scorer in SHL History -
- Only 500 Goal Scorer in SHL History -
- First GM to Win 5 & 6 Challenge Cups -
Esa Anrikkanen Award - SMJHL ROY - Est. S34
Vidrik Onoprienko Award Winner - S45



Esa Anrikkanen || HOF GM || Calgary Dragons || S24 || Cups: 6
----------------------------------------
Seasons: 27
Playoffs: 25
Challenge Cup Championships: 5 (S27, S29, S32, S40, S42, S50)
Cole Reinhart Trophy: 8 (S27, S29, S32, S33, S38, S40, S42, S47, S50)
President's Trophy: 3 (S30, S35, S36, S49)
Division Titles: 6 (S30, S31, S33, S35, S36, S39, S49)
Lance Uppercut Award: S36
Joe McKeil Award: S26
Joe McKeil Award: S30
Joe McKeil Award: S33
Joe McKeil Award: S39
1st GM to Win 5 & 6 Challenge Cups!
----------------------------------------
Reg.Season Record: 774 - 448 - 113 (+543)
S50: 27 W - 20 L - 3 OTL  (+7)
S49: 34 W - 13 L - 3 OTL  (+31)
S48: 24 W - 19 L - 7 OTL (+0)
S47: 28 W - 16 L - 6 OTL (+12)
S46: 24 W - 22 L - 5 OTL (-14)
S45: 22 W - 26 L - 2 OTL (-13)
S44: 28 W - 18 L - 4 OTL (+23)
S43: 27 W - 21 L - 2 OTL (+17)
S42: 29 W - 15 L - 6 OTL (+24)
S41: 29 W - 19 L - 2 OTL (+24)
S40: 31 W - 13 L - 6 OTL (+29)
S39: 33 W - 14 L - 3 OTL (+30)
S38: 25 W - 21 L - 4 OTL (+9)
S37: 25 W - 19 L - 6 OTL (+18)
S36: 31 W - 15 L - 4 OTL (+43)
S35: 36 W - 12 L - 2 OTL (+47)
S34: 26 W - 19 L - 5 OTL (+14)
S33: 30 W - 14 L - 6 OTL (+34)
S32: 27 W - 18 L - 5 OTL (+4)
S31: 32 W - 16 L - 2 OTL (+30)
S30: 35 W - 13 L - 2 OTL  (+55)
S29: 29 W - 15 L - 6 OTL  (+44)
S28: 29 W - 15 L - 6 OTL  (+28)
S27: 27 W - 18 L - 5 OTL (+13)
S26: 31 W - 15 L - 4 OTL  (+16)
S25: 29 W - 19 L - 2 OTL  (+14)
S24: 26 W - 20 L - 6 OTL  (-7)
-----------------SMJHL--------------------
Detroit Falcons GM - S20-S23
Seasons: 4
Four Star Cup Championships: 1 (S23)
President's Trophy: 3 (S21, S22, S23)
Eastern Conference Title: 3 (S21, S22, S23)
Division Title: 3 (S21, S22, S23)
GM of The Year: S23
more to follow.....

Really looking forward to seeing you in Steelhawks jersey!

congrats on an exceptional SMJHL career and good luck in the SHL!

      S76 SMJHL DRAFT 3RD OVERALL PICK     
        S77 SHL DRAFT 4TH OVERALL PICK         
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