Swiffer steps off the Spirit Airlines plane and gives a nod to the pilot and crew, thanking them for the mediocre, albeit successful flight to St. Louis. Upon exiting the plane and leaving the terminal, he spots a sign that says, “Welcome to St. Louis, Swiffer!” Unbelievable… it’s his cousins, Michael Mop and Brandon Broom! After a quick and exciting conversation, Swiffer gives his cousins his carry-on, grabs his hockey bag from the luggage collection, and gets in an Uber towards the arena.

Many of Swiffer’s teammates are already at the arena for a small welcome party. This isn’t surprising, Swiffer is always late for the party. After finding his locker, Swiffer sits down on the bench. He pulls out his skates, a sponge, soap, a water bottle, and a bucket. Everyone looks in either awe or shock as Swiffer is furiously scrubbing his skates with a scrub daddy. Every scrub is meticulous and with purpose.

After a few minutes, Swiffer looks up at his teammates with a grin.

“Gotta have clean skates to skate clean.”

I'm having a bit of a difficult time getting adjusted here in Quebec. I don't really speak any French, but all the signs and stuff is French, and I have no idea where I'm going really. I tried meeting with the team in person, but I can't even find my way around to get to the facilities. I might have to ask one of them to take me there with the season starting so soon. I spoke to a few of the guys, got to know most of them, but I really need to find my way around this city, I haven't been on ice in way too long already. I've got a group chat running with the other rookies, and they're all nice guys, but a lot of inside jokes are being said in the main group chat, which none of us understand just yet. Maybe I should ask the other guys where they are and how they get to the arena.

Erkki Kaila was picked up at the airport by teammate Chuck Stewart. On their drive from the airport to the Kraken Arena, the two immediately bonded over the fact that Erkki had questions, and Chuck had answers. 

When the two arrived, around half the team was already waiting in the locker room to welcome the rookie. The energy and buzz in the room was infectious, and Erkki admitted to feeling very comfortable with his new team. 

The conversations in the room went over any and every topic. They discussed music they were currently listening to, video games they liked playing in their spare time, and whether or not they should place bets on the upcoming Superbowl. 

After talks died down some, the general manager Kahri entered the room and showed Kaila to his stall. She welcomed him to the team and expressed excitement in the upcoming season. Kaila shared the emotions saying he couldn't wait to get to work.

Toivo Jokinen would board the first available plane from Finland to St. Louis the next day, with only a carry of a few outfits, an extra set of toothpaste and toothbrush, and a checked bag with a couple of his sticks and skates. His younger brother would have the rest of his gear in another checked bag. The rest of his sticks are being shipped, hopefully the ones he’s personally bringing don’t snap on him before the rest arrive. Upon landing from is 17 hour travel day and 13 hours of flying he’d be greeted right outside luggage collection by an intern with the Scarecrows organization. Heading straight for the arena to drop everything off, he arrives later than some of the other projects but is hoping to not be last. He’s greeted by a mix of coaching staff, fellow rookies, and team veterans. Following brief introductions and handshakes, he’s shown his locker. His name has never looked to so good. The teams already prepared jerseys and others assorted gear, and has a name plaque above it all. While Toivo’s fellow Finnish countryman Teemu Jarvinen hasn’t arrived yet, he still seamlessly bonds with the team often returning to common topics, like excitement for the upcoming season. Before the group leaves for a team dinner, Toivo drops off his extra toothbrush and tooth paste in his stall. He couldn’t stand the thought of not completing his ritual pre-game of getting his teeth clean after warm ups; especially on this new grand stage.

After spending a couple of years hiding in the forests around a small town in Ontario known as Nipigon, Armani Dove would be leaving for the deserts of Nevada. After going hunting in the surrounding forests one last time. Despite his mother's objections, he began that nearly month-long trek that would take him across the Canada-American Border. After arriving in the desert, the first stop he made was to a specific Motel-6, one which a couple years ago he inadvertently caused the demolition of and had since been rebuilt. After that minor interlude, He made his way to his new home rink. There, he found a locker with his name on it, along with a jersey. After all the necessary introductions were given, Armani made his way to where he would be living for the the foreseeable future, this being a random tree on a nearby mountain in which he would be sleeping in.

The windy air outside the arena was blowing into the face of George, the newest member of the Maine Timber. He had just moved into the state of Maine, and luckily, it wasn’t far from his hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

He had his stuff with him, ready to find his place in the new team. His airpod was in, ironically playing ‘Maine’ by Noah Kahan. The weather hadn’t changed much compared to his home province, still cold. Some people walked by him, congratulating him, others had no idea who he was.

He eventually made it into the building, walking into the locker room. The team logo sat on the floor, it seemed to be shining bright—like when you first see a diamond, but perhaps that was just in his head. This was it, the start of his career, and he knew it.

There were a few people in the locker room at the time, the general manager, the coach, and a couple new players. The coach and the General Manager were talking, but they quickly noticed George enter and walked towards him. “How’s it going, Dankse?” Marc, the GM asked.

“Not too bad, finally came along.” George responded. They talked about the plans for George, and the plan for the season ahead before George decided to explore the arena some more. He eventually ran into a man, more interesting than others. He hadn’t seen the man at first, accidentally pushing him a bit. “Oh crap, my apologies sir.” George apologized.

“Oh don’t worry about it, no harm done.” The man’s eyes squinted a bit, before wagging his finger. “Aren’t you the new fella for the Timber? George Dankse?” 

George chuckled before responding. “Yeah, that’s me. Pleasure to meet you Mr…?”

“Mr. Dothe, Smurfunkel Dothe.”

George seemed a bit confused at first, but then his eyes went wide. “I thought I recognized you! Mr. Dothe, former member of the Citadelles, and the North Stars.” Dothe let out a small chuckle. “I’m surprised you know who I am.” 

“Are you kidding? You’re practically a Citadelles legend! I watched you all the time, I was a huge fan.”

Dothe was flattered, amazed at that. “That was a while ago now, I don’t think I’ll return.” He responded. George was disappointed, but understood. “I remember your first goal. The assist from Googoo to your stick, into the net and the crowd went roaring. God, remember it as if it were yesterday.”

“Googoo was a great passer, such a shame what happened to him.”

“What happened?”

“He disappeared, god knows where he went. Such a great teammate he was, if only we could turn back time. Experience that one more time eh?” They stood there for a bit chatting before George was called by management. 

“I gotta go, Mr. Dothe, I hope to see you again.”

“Hold on, Dankse.” Dothe stopped him, grabbing at his arm. “A career isn't made in a day, and neither is belonging. The game will test you, but in the end, it's not just about skill—it's about learning how to carry yourself through doubt and how to lift up those around you. Don’t take the game for granted, trust me.”

George took a moment to take in the words, it was very unexpected, but he nodded and continued to the person calling for him.




Long live the players Smurfunkel Dothe and Lance Googoo. Citadelles S69

---

Word Count using provided website: 557

Luke 6:27 Sig Inspiration: @HoodRatRoyalty

---

Coming over to NA was a bit hard for Victor, what from having struggles with the new language, and just the general sense of unfamiliarity. after being drafted in the 5th rd, Victor had moments of near terror of the prospect of the different culture and language that NA had in opposed to Sweden. 

After arriving in the Ottawa airport, Victor was overcome with awe of the sheer size of Ottawa, being from a remote, self named town in rural Sweden. Once he met up with the team and was introduced into the LR, Victor discarded his nerves and became giddy with joy. This was his life he had dreamed of! the life of a pro hockey player! it was exhilarating!

Smiling, Victor headed to his first ever practice with the Highlanders, ready to show the world what he was made of!

How the **** do you make a sig? 

Paul Missthenet knew that being drafted meant that he would have to move to a new city. There are no teams close to home. But he did not expect that day to come so soon. It didn't even take a plane flight to reach St Louis, it all happened so fast. Luckily, Paul's teammates were eager to welcome into the team. The very first night after arriving, they were all there to help unpack, and a little team bonding ensued. Paul had a chat with the GM who immediately helped him figure out the basics. His role, his linemates, and his duties off the ice. The next day the transition was made easy too at his first practice. No special treatment, no hazing, just hockey like Paul was used to. And wouldn’t you know it, the team offered to take him out for a nice dinner that second night too. Little did he know it was to be his rookie dinner…

From coast to coast BABY! Rawbie was quick to buy his plane ticket just hours after being drafted by Kelowna. Boarding in Halifax amidst family goodbyes he made his way onto the plane. The first of many he would be on this season. After he touched down in Kelowna he gathered his bags and was picked up by a staffer that was holding a sign. Upon arriving at Prospera Place he was escorted on a brief tour of the facilities. The arena was larger than home, and it wasn't long before Rawbie was overwhelmingly lost. He walked down interior corridors peaking into rooms. He felt as if he had walked the entire bowels of the arena until he reached a hall. The hallway was a bright white, with lines coloured in the dark green and gold running the length with the Knights logo proudly at the entrance, he followed it tracing his hand down the lines until he poked his head into what he assumed must have been the teams dressing room.
"There he is! That's my defence! Hey Rawbie! What side do you play!?" uhhh... Right. "Coach I don't care, he's my partner I'll play the left side!" Caught up in the whirlwind of conversation he was gathered up and swept into the room to meet the rest of the team. After meeting everyone, he took a moment to look around the locker room, There in the corner, beside the equipment door, was a stall with his name on it. A Knights jersey hung there. He looked it over carefully, The elaborate gold stitching, the Knights crest boldly on the front, and there, in white and gold lettering GARDNER across the back.
I'm home, he thought as he stared at his stall. His thoughts were interrupted as he was brought crashing back down to reality as an arm clapped him heavily across his back. "dude we're going to have so much fun!" Erik Johnson was still talking and hadn't missed a beat.

We are going to have fun. This is where it all starts.

   Rawbie Gardner || 42 || D || Kelowna Knights || Peak: 350 TPE

Birthplace: Halifax, NS; Canada | Height: 5'7" | Weight: 187 lbs

------------------------------------------------------------

Career Statistics:

SMJHL Regular Season:

S81 || 66 GP | 4 G | 23 A | 27 P | +15 | 108 s | 70 h  | 238 Blk * Team Leader (3rd SMJHL) 

S82 || x GP | x G | x A | x P | -+ | x | x | x 

------------------------------------------------------------
SMJHL Playoffs:
S81 || 21 GP | 1 G | 10 A |11 P | +22 | 21 s | 13 h  | 74 Blk

------------------------------------------------------------

SHL Regular Season:

N/A

   

Maximus Decimus Meridius had nothing but warm welcomes heading into the Detroit Falcons locker room. Lucky enough to get drafted not to late in the draft with that being in the 2nd round he had time to link up with his fellow teammates that had gotten drafted before him and welcome in the ones after. Luckily enough Maximus Cousin Bubba Tree had been apart of this organization before and had only spoke great things about it as they went from the bottom to the top while he was there. With all of this Maximus wasn't disappointed once joining the locker room to see all the excited faces and rookies to get started on their careers and ready to start working to make the Falcons the best team in the SMJHL. There was a nice welcome party to all the rookies in the LR once all the rookies had came in and I'm here to tell you first watch out for the Falcons in a couple of season because we're coming!

Bartholomew settled into Kelowna super easy. Not only was every single person super friendly, like @Rookyi and @Jagg102, you guys are amazing) but being drafted with back to back First Round Picks with your twin brother, Aartholomew, it made everything super easy. Arriving at the Arena the first day was surreal. It felt as if none of this was real, and we were living in a dream. The Locker rooms was the place I physically had to pinch myself to make 100% sure I was not dreaming. It was like being in a 5 Star Hotel, everything was clean, tidy, shiny, and there was hundreds on things to do, play pool, watch other hockey on the massive big screen TV’s, get a massage, or if you truly wanted, sit down and have as many Coors as you desire (not before a game of course). The best part for me was the literal ‘Hall of Fame’ walking to the dressing room. Jerseys, Four-Star Cups, and paintings legends of Kelowna’s legendary players, some that ended up becoming some of the best in the SHL too.

TORONTO GM CAREER

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trophy Case
S78 | Lance Uppercut Nomination
S78 | Joe McKeil Nomination

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regular Season

S78 | Co-GM | GP: 66 | W: 38 | L: 25 | OTL: 3 | P: 79

S79 | Co-GM | GP: 66 | W: 39 | L: 23 | OTL: 4 | P: 82

S80 | Co-GM | GP: 66 | W: 23 | L: 35 | OTL: 8 | P: 54

S81 | GM | GP: 66 | W: 27 | L: 35 | OTL: 4 | P: 58

4 SHL Seasons | GP: 246 | W: 127 | L: 118 | OTL: 19

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Playoffs

S78 | Co-GM | GP: 7 | W: 3 | L: 4

S79 | Co-GM | GP: 6 | W: 2 | L: 4

S80 | Co-GM | GP: 19 | W: 11 | L: 8

S81 | GM | GP: 4 | W: 0 | L: 4

4 SHL Playoffs | GP: 36 | W: 16 | L: 20

Aartholomew Bittokallio Lorequavius was shocked that he was taken at #7 overall. He did not think he would go this  high. He is very appreciative of this. When he arrived in Kelowna. He’s only ever been to this city once in his whole 18 years and it was by mistake. But he got a place with his brother Bartholomew Aittokallio Lorequavius in the downtown area. The whole team and city has taken us in and has shown amazing support. I can not believe the love this city and team has for us. It is a big hype here in Kelowna for this hockey team. I spoke to a lot of these players on this team before the draft, so I got too establish that rapport with the players on this team. So, day after draft day, we all went out and had a massive party at this local restaurant in the city. It was like we have been friends forever. I can not wait to start this career and this season in Kelowna. 

(194 words) 

Drafted 2nd round 21st Pick by the Winnipeg Jets in S55 SHL Entry Draft 

GM of the UCORCAL in the WJC S55

S55 WJC Gold Medalist GM/Player for UCORCAL

Management Role for Russia in the IIHF

Management Role / Head Coach for Winnipeg Aurora in SHL 

Co-GM St. Louis Scarecrows S57-S60

GM of the St. Louis Scarecrows S61-S72

S72 Challenge Cup Champion - GM

Co-GM Toronto North Stars S81

Coming into draft day, Andrew appeared as cool as ever, however on the inside he was as nervous and excited as he has ever been. When Carolina stepped up to make their pick, it took him a few moments to even realize they had called his name. It was unbelievable, drafted by his home town team! Thankfully, he was already well accustomed to the area, but he had no idea what to expect with the new team. The Kraken welcomed him and his rookie draftmates with open arms, showing them all the team had to offer. Every member of the organization has offered a helping had between getting settled, and gearing up for the upcoming season. Andrew's teammates invited him to join them gaming, and are happy to share their experience with the league t help him get on his feet running. Andrew's nervousness has faded thanks to his warm welcome, and he is geared up and ready for the start of the season.

I just got drafted to the Ottawa Highlanders! At first, I just assumed I would end up back in Anc like my last two players, but I'm excited for a new chapter to be honest.  When I got to the city, Frenchie met me at the shore (I just kinda swam up cause I'm a giant godzilla obviously), and showed me around town.  I think the whole city was excited to see their new guy, but also a little nervous I was going to destroy some shit. "that's just hollywood baby." In real life, I'm a friendly green giant who just loved a cheese danish and some sleepytime tea.  

In the lockerroom, I think the squad was shocked to be standing next to a real life zilla, a couple people kept asking me to do atomic breath, but i politely refrained and said I was waiting to use it against an opponent during the first slate of regular season games.  At our first practice it was pretty hype that they had the Ottawa symphony orchestra show up in the stands and play my theme song.  Not bad for a third round pick!

Orr 2.0, young kid from Finland just got drafted to Nevada. First thing that was in his mind: is this a dream or is this really happening? Well, all of that was true, and next day he was in the plane on his way to USA. He arrived to Nevada and it was something that he hasn't never seen before. It was a culture shock. Everything was so big, and maybe there is possible to finally change to see a Vegas, The Sin City.
Orr was a little bit worried, he doesn't speak perfect english, and hopefully his language skills are good enough to speaking with his teammates. First time when he came to the locker room, he was relieved. GM JohnFranklinKennedy and goalie Claude L'Castor warmly welcomed him and then he knew, this is the place where i belong and this is the place where i want to be. He wants to do everything for this team to win.
Now it's time to drink one beer, lift bottle up and enjoy the moment. Trip to Vegas will come later, now it's time to work, work and work.