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Titan · 11-23-2020, 05:21 AM

Welcome back to another episode with “Hit the Bench” and I’m your host, Reporter R! Tonight we have a young, up and coming player by the name of Christopher Ford! The young RW was recently selected in the 5th round, 52nd overall by the Kelowna Knights. He will be joining a young core group known as the Quadruplets to try and win yet another championship for the Knights! So let’s get right to it, here he is! Welcome, Christopher Ford!

Reporter R: Thanks for coming on to the show, Christopher! And congratulations on your recent selection! Tell me, what was it like getting drafted by the Knights?
Ford: I mean, it's more than I ever dreamed it would be. To finally hear my name called and added to the big board, it was a dream come true. I'm so happy that the Knights gave me the opportunity to prove myself and I promise that I'm going to give it everything I've got from the get-go.

R: I’m sure you will! People have been saying you could become the steal of the draft. Does that give you any kind of motivation or do you think it just adds some unnecessary pressure?
Ford: It definitely gives me some additional fuel. I'm not going to sugarcoat it, I've got a lot to prove entering this season with the Knights, but it's given me that extra edge to show what I can bring to the table. Having doubters is always fun because it gives you that chance to prove them wrong, you know? I think that having doubters is essential to success. It gives you something more to play for and adds some motivation to show I'm not just another pair of skates on the ice.

R: It sounds like you know how to handle pressure, which will certainly come in handy in this league! No matter where you go or what you do, doubters will always be waiting around the corner. It’s great to see that you won’t let them get to you! Let’s get to some on ice questions. You’re listed as a right winger. What kind of style do you play and what kind of skills are you bringing with you to Kelowna?
Ford: On the ice, I love nothing more than getting in the middle of scoring opportunities. Taking those chances and converting them into goals is something I work on every day, as most forwards do. But adding that physical aspect to it is crucial. It gives you that advantage over defenders that you need in clutch situations and it's an advantage that I hope to provide for the Knights out of the gate. I'd also like to say that I've taken my fair share of shots at the net to get to this point. Knowing where you have to put the puck to get past the goalie is something I've been working on improving.

R: So, you like to score goals, eh? Would you say you are more of a pure shooter or are you a “crash the net” sort of player?
Ford: Well, you know, they always say that defense wins championships, but you can't win if you don't put anything on the board. That being said, I think I'm at my best when I can bury home chances in front of the net. But above anything else, my team comes first. After all, they're the reason I'm here in the first place. If they need me elsewhere, I'm there, no questions asked. I believe I've got a stick that can get the job done, whether it's a foot from the net or 30 feet.

R: You sound little bit like a James Neal type of player. Would you say that’s a fair comparison? Big body that can score from any spot in the offensive zone.
Ford: Oh definitely. To be compared to (the) James Neal? Are you kidding me!? This is just... amazing. I'm still getting over the fact that I just got drafted to the Knights today. It's still so unreal.

R: The group you are heading in to with Kelowna are pretty young as many were just rookies themselves last season. Do you have any friends or former teammates already on the team and who do you think will have the best advice for you on becoming a pro?
Ford: Oh wow, this one's a tough one. I've actually got a couple. I mean, Malik, McFelter, where do I start? I know I'm in good hands with them and they can help me grow. I think everyone would be nervous to enter the spotlight like this, but for some reason, I feel like these guys make it look easy. That's how I hope to be one day, and I trust both them to lead me in that direction.

R: I think you will be in good hands with that team, and their management group! Let's do a little bit of rapid fire, something we like to do with the new draft picks to get to know them. Are you ready?
Ford: Bring it.

R: No fear, I love it! Ok, favorite player?
Ford: Man, that's a good one. Gonna have to go Nick Foligno on this one. A true class act, and more importantly, a quiet leader. Who couldn't love that? Though I'm from Atlanta, I couldn't resist making a couple trips up to Columbus to see him.

R: Favorite NHL team?
Ford: There's a reason I can't resist visiting Columbus. Especially without an NHL team in Atlanta nowadays, hearing that cannon after a goal...I could only imagine the feeling of being on the ice for it. The Jackets aren't a big name yet, but I sure hope they'll be soon.

R: What's your usual pre-game meal?
Ford: Three words. Bacon. Lettuce. Tomato. It's an unrivaled combination.

R: Do you have a favorite SHL team?
Ford: I think my friends at home would hate me if I didn't say the Inferno. Gotta represent ATL on this one.

R: Something non hockey related that you enjoy doing?
Ford: I love hiking. Nature is amazing and it's great to get outdoors and explore a little. Not only does it help keep my spirits up, but it's a great activity to do with friends, especially on the weekends or during the offseason.

R: Favorite vacation spot?
Ford: During the summer, it usually gets really hot in Atlanta, so I always try and make it up to New York every year around that time. I love walking around the city and experiencing all the sights and sounds. I wouldn't dare try and drive around there, but it's a change of scenery that I welcome each year.

R: Any rivals in the league for you? As in a team or a player?
Ford: I actually know Mike Kokkinju fairly well, so if I'd start up some friendly competition, it'd be against him. Other than that, Valtterri Kauppinen from Vancouver? I would love to be on the other side of the ice for a game against him.

R: Last question for you Christopher, some of your teammates were on this show last year when they joined the Knights, Cian McFelter and Vlastislav Malik. There seems to be a big disagreement on, of all things, jinxes. What is your position on them? Are they real or just fuel for a weak mind?
Ford: Jinxes, without a doubt, exist. You always have to be careful what you say, because words always come back to haunt you. I've learned to not take that risk, but rather keep my mouth shut and eyes on the prize.

R: Amazing stuff! Well, folks, that's all the time we have for today. I'd like to thank my guest, Christopher Ford, for joining us on the show today! Good luck this season with the Knights, my boy!
Ford: Thank you! I appreciate the time and I'm sure I'll see you around soon.

That’s Kelowna’s very own Christopher Ford! You can catch him in action with the Knights this season as we look to see how his career develops and where he will go in the next SHL draft! Until next time, I’m Reporter R and this has been “Hit the bench”. Be good to each other!

1441Words

@Titan 20% Knights

@Flamingo 80% Knights

*Katth* · 11-23-2020, 06:46 AM

S50 Challenge Cup Finals Game 7
[Image: gNFVjT6.png]

DeletedAtUserRequest · 11-23-2020, 10:28 AM

Very Nice!

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**leafs1997** · 11-23-2020, 04:49 PM

Roamus · 11-23-2020, 08:36 PM

Very good!

Kierkan · 11-24-2020, 12:40 PM

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