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cowbutch · 02-05-2025, 05:49 PM

The press was crammed in the humid banquet room next to the rink; doubling as the away locker room, the sliding wall did little to block out the chatter of the boys preparing for the next game. The journalists talked amongst themselves while a young crew scrambled to put a podium together. The next player up, the alternative captain to the losing team, stood next to the platform, shaking hands with an alternative of the winning team. He thanked the crew as they scurried off the stage.

Cowboy Casanova had an easy confidence as he walked to the table. He gave subtle nods to those he recognized he took his seat. He took a sip of water as he waited for the room to settle back down.

A person in the front row raises a hand. Casanova could have told you the question they were going to ask before he entered the room.

Reporter #1: How does it feel being a first round exit?

The player let out a scoff and tried to keep his emotion gathered as he answered.

Casanova: Well, it doesn’t feel good. I hope those boys go on to win the championship. They proved to us that they deserve it.

Reporter #2: Is there anything you would do differently?

He sighed, looked to the ceiling, ran his fingers through his hair, and resigned to the typical questions that come with defeat.

Casanova: I save thinking like that for the intense moments. I don’t want to get caught up in options.

Reporter #1: Does that not hinder your game in any way?

Casanova: Instincts change the game. Beyond goalies- no matter the position. I use the drills we do in practice to grow my instincts. It’s easier to solve problems when you know what tools and help you have, right?

Reporter #3: Are you willing to modify this way of thinking as you go forward in your career?

Cowboy paused, as if he had to think about it. He thought this was common knowledge about him, or at least he hoped.

Casanova: Till someone proves me otherwise. I don’t see any problems so far

Reporter #3: What are you looking forward to going through the draft?

A mischievous grin spread across his face and his eyes sparkled. A bouncing energy swelled in the room,

Casanova: Oh, I can’t wait to be proven wrong again.

The energy released in a woosh in the form of chuckles. Casanova set his face straight.

Casanova: I mean that, by the way. You don’t learn without the mistakes.

Reporter #4: What do you bring to the locker room? How did you get the A?

Cowboy looked to his chest as if the letter were still there with a smile. He looked directly at the journalist as he answered.

Casanova: I’m good in the darkest of moments. The lowest of lows. I don’t mind the weight. on my shoulders and I don’t mind not being in the spotlight. I’m an optimist. I’m realistic. I throw my weight around. I think I’m a good example of an underdog most nights. I want me and my team to surprise everyone- including ourselves.

Reporter #3: You’re passionate. Do you think it impacts your play?

Casanova: I am the first to tell you that it impacts my play. And I rely on my teammates to keep me in line, sometimes. But I know my passion fires them up when I channel it right. I remind them that sometimes, forcing overtime is sometimes all you can do. And I get us there. I’m not necessarily the guy that finds the game winner, but I can give one of my guys the opportunity to find it.

Reporter #5: What franchise are you looking to be drafted by? What do you want to bring to a team?

He shrugged, an indifferent look coming across his face- if not entirely blank.

Casanova: I don’t really have a preference. I’d love to be a key and impact player. But I understand you have to earn that sort of responsibility. And I’m more than willing to work for it. I’ll work even harder to be in the East. Maine or Quebec would be fun, I think.

Reporter #2: Is there a reason you want to go East?

Casanova: I grew up in red dirt. I’d like to make a career closer to it- if not in it.

Reporter #4: You have your hometown listed as California, no?

Cowboy nodded earnestly and explained simply.

Casanova: I started playing hockey once we moved to California. It doesn’t feel right to say anything else.

Reporter #5: You started playing a little late and you were originally a winger. Does this have any impact on how you see the game?

Casanova: I started playing as a winger when I was ten. My coach told me I’d be a hell of a defenseman. I think my experience on a third line gives to my offensive flair.

Cowboy offered a charming smile to the reporter, just in time for cameras to flash.

Reporter #1: What made you start playing hockey?

Casanova: I got told by Pops that I had to go to school, get into trade, or be good enough at a sport. Rodeo wasn’t working out well for me, so I decided to step on the ice. Haven’t gotten off and I don’t plan on it anytime soon.

Reporter #3: What are your long-term goals in hockey?

Casanova: Like I said before, I’d like to be a foundational piece. A building block of a dynasty. And I don’t need to be the face of a franchise. I’m open to change. I don’t think anyone can predict my ceiling right now. I understand the grit it takes to win and the drive it takes to bring a team there. I’m focused on bringing my team to the top and staying there through it all. I’m not worried about records. Although, breaking a few would be very cool.

The sincerity in his voice carried through the two questions. The room held attention until he cracked the joke at the end. Naturally, the next reporter carried that energy into their question.

Reporter #2: What record do you think you’re most likely to break?

Casanova: Most PIMs?

The room laughed again as the interview eased into its resolution. Cowboy leaned forward again, his entire attention devoted to the final question.

Reporter #4: Before we wrap up, do you want to try to explain the name? Is there anything else the people deserve to know about you?

Casanova: My parents got married by an Elvis impersonator in Mississippi. Is that enough? …Pops thought it was funny and Momma trusted him to sign the certificate. I just hope I live up to the grit and charm of the name!

***HabsFanFromOntario*** · 02-05-2025, 05:54 PM

Hell yeah! Cowboy can earn his lasso license in the offseason but I'm excited to see how they do in the SMJHL!

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