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Hit the Bench with Reporter R: KEL's Quadruplets After the Draft! [2x draft media]
#1

Folks, welcome back to another edition of “Hit the Bench”! As always, I’m your host, Reporter R. Just a few days ago, we had the opportunity to sit down with the Kelowna Knights’ “Quadruplets”, namely Cian McFelter, Vlastislav Malik, Brennan Huff, and Robert Feltersnatch, just before the S57 SHL Draft. Well, the draft has concluded and I’m very happy to welcome these 4 fine, young gentlemen back to the show, as newly drafted SHL prospects!

Everyone: Thanks for having us again!

R: Congratulations to each of you for getting drafted in Round 1 of the S57 SHL Draft! Just for the fans watching at home, Vlastislav was drafted by the New Orleans Specters at #4, Brennan was picked at #9 by the New England Wolfpack, and both Cian and Robert joined Vlastislav in NOLA at #12 and #18, respectively. That’s quite the accomplishment for Kelowna’s “Quadruplets”! How’s everyone feeling?

Brennan: Thanks! I'm feeling great, it's been a crazy couple of days leading up to the draft with all the rumors and interviews, it feels good to be looking ahead and getting prepared for next season and getting settled with New England. It's been great getting to know the team and rookies of the same class as mine, but I also am looking forward to playing the quadruplets again in that Knights uniform.

Robert: Thank you. I feel absolutely great, I did not have many expectations coming into the draft as I was an underperformer in my first season. My parents were very proud, and I must thank them a thousand times for believing in me.

Cian: Thank you, thank you! Honestly, it's been a wild ride. I went into this process like a deer in headlights. So many scouts from so many teams, it got a little overwhelming. I was excited to hear my name called and anxious to see where I would end up, but in the end I am just glad it's over. It was becoming really stressful at the end.

Vlastislav: Really appreciate it! I don’t remember the last time I’ve felt so happy! It’s been an unreal experience leading up to the draft, talking to various scouts and GMs, hearing rumors about where everyone is heading, getting dressed for the event, hearing my name as well as my buddies’ names being called early, its been fun!

R: That’s great! I’m sure your friends and family are quite proud of each of you, especially being drafted so high! I want to speak to Cian and Brennan for a minute here. Both of you weren’t actually drafted in the previous SMJHL draft and signed as FA with Kelowna. How did you find the first experience of being scouted and then drafted?

Cian: Yeah, like I mentioned before, the scouting was a lot to handle. With so many teams interested in you and your projection being late 1st round/early 2nd round, there is a chance that any one of them can take you. So that part was a bit much for me. Hearing my name being called was such a relief, and I was shocked it happened so soon. A lot of emotions with my family were let out there. It's been a long grind to get here, and obviously the work is just beginning, but it was a relief to get drafted and see the sacrifices my family made get a pay off. I really liked the free agency experience a lot more, tho. A lot less stress involved with that!

Brennan: It was a pretty exciting experience, stressing at times for sure. I must admit I was not expecting that I would be picked as early as the 9th pick overall, but it felt great to go from free agent in the SMJHL to top 10 in the SHL draft, you feel like your hard work really paid off and was noticed.

R: I’m sure it was exhilarating! Now, Robert and Vlastislav, both of you WERE drafted in last season’s draft, at #44 by the Colorado Raptors and #16 by the Kelowna Knights, respectively. Both of you made great progress this past season and were rewarded with being drafted much earlier this time around. What do you think contributed to this rise in stock?

Robert: I did not even know that so that's a big surprise. I always felt like I was somewhat of an 18-20th pick. Seriously, like I said earlier, I had some pretty sub average stats at the beginning of the years, and I didn't feel like I was at 100% motivation for first couple weeks. After thinking about it, I know that I was pretty bummed out by the SHL ''learning curve'' at the start but it finally wasn't so bad! One other thing that I think helped me get my name going is that I am a pretty offensive and flashy defenseman. I think I am known for my speed and I always wanted to be recognized for it. So, having developed from a two-way defenseman into a fast/flashy blueliner definitely helped my stock price to go.

Vlastislav: Honestly, I’m just grateful to be picked so high. I didn’t have the best offensive season, like some of my counterparts, especially Cian, did. But I think NOLA looked deeper than that and saw my high potential and took a chance on me. I think the physical presence I bring, along with an offensive touch, is something many teams covet as well.

R: Well, it was great to watch each of you progress during your first season with the Knights! Leading up to the draft, did any of you have any idea where you were going to end up? Were you surprised at all to hear your name called by your new SHL teams?

Cian: I honestly had no idea where I would end up. I was always in talks with these fools sitting with me, and we heard the rumblings of a team trying to get us all. So that was exciting to hear, and we all hoped it would happen. But we were realistic in the thought that it would be difficult for any franchise to acquire more than just one of us. For NOLA to do what they did and grab three of us is impressive as hell, if you ask me. I spoke to at least ten teams, so it was really up in the air until my name was called. I'm thrilled it went the way it did.

Vlastislav: To some extent, yes. I spoke with various scouts and GMs, spanning most of the 1st and 2nd rounds in this draft. Pretty much all of these conversations were great! Each team had their own unique situation, and I would have been quite happy going to any of them. NOLA did stand out to an extent, considering their interest in drafting multiple “Quadruplets”. So, I wasn’t too surprised to hear my name called by them, but I also wasn’t 100% sure going in.

Robert: I had my idea as I have had many talks with both the General manager and CO general manager of the New Orleans Specters. but you never know who really will draft you, there were many surprises before me(shutout to my Kelowna partner Brennan Huff who charmed the New England Wolfpack) However, I did talk with quite a few Gm's, co-gm's and scout and everyone of them were very professional. I won't get into the specifics, but there are some very lucky team in the SHL out there.

Brennan: Not at all. I did follow the mock drafts a lot, I didn't see my name in that first round with the first mock drafts, and my ranking was about 20th in the TPE rankings, so I didn't expect to be picked in the first round at all. I spoke to 6-7 teams I'd say and had some good conversations, but nothing overwhelming that would make me think I was a guaranteed pick.

R: Well, that’s quite interesting! So, 3 of you were drafted by the New Orleans Specters. Robert, Cian, and Vlastislav, any thoughts on Brennan being drafted elsewhere, specifically to the New England Wolfpack?

Robert: I cry every night thinking about how we won't be able to train together in the next couple years. Jokes aside, I am very proud of Brennan and the maturity he showed during his Junior year. It's no surprise for us (his comrades) that he went 9th overall. Beside Huff being drafter somewhere else, I am still glad I will be able to train and share some ice time with my long-time friends in Malik and McFelter. I guess we will still be the quadruplets outside of the game. We might train together once the summer hit if we have some time for it.

Vlastislav: I think Robert’s forgetting that we’re still playing in Kelowna for the next few seasons. Don’t worry about him, he’s just very excited! Coming back to the question, I think we’re all a bit bummed out considering we were SO close to all being drafted to NOLA. That being said, it’s a great honor and opportunity to be drafted by any of these great SHL teams. Plus, like Robert said, I’m sure we’ll find ways of spending time together regardless of where our SHL loyalties lie.

Cian: Yeah, super thrilled to be with this whiny person sitting on my left rolls eyes at Malik. But in all seriousness, I couldn't be happier to have the chance to play my Jr career and SHL career with two of my closest friends. It would have been amazing for Huff to join us, but we knew going into this that the probability of us staying together was really low. With these guys being as good as they are, it was unrealistic to think that they would drop down in the draft far enough for one team to take them all. But, who knows, maybe one day we could see a trade or a free agent move!

R: Well, its good to hear you’re not taking this too hard! Brennan, any thoughts?

Brennan: I’m going to have to echo what my friends have said, it was an absolute shock to hear my name called out so early to NEW, with Malik going earlier than me. At that point, we didn’t know that Cian and Robert were also going to join NOLA. When they did, it was a bit disappointing at first, but I quickly realized how blessed we all are to join these illustrious SHL teams and all in the 1st round, no less! For now, we’ll all still together with the Kelowna Knights, fighting for the Four Star Cup. What comes after, we’ll see!

R: Well, best of luck this season in Kelowna! I’m sure you’ll all reach new heights this season! Now, Kelowna fans are quite well-versed with each of you, but NOLA and NEW fans that might be tuning in don’t know you quite as well. Let’s give them a taste of what to expect from each of you, when you do get the call-up to the SHL. Can each of you briefly describe your style of play? What can fans expect to see when you jump over those boards?

Cian: Well, I like to be a distributor to my teammates. As much as I like to score, it's more rewarding for me to see them get the goals. I need to work more on my defensive game, but that will come with time. Honestly, NOLA fans shouldn't get too comfortable in their seats. When Malik and I are on the ice, you won't want to miss what we have in store for you!

Brennan: I'm a two-way forward, looking to block shots, cause turnovers on defense, and help create plays on offense to take optimal shots. I'm not the most physical guy on the ice, but I try to play smart and create effective offensive opportunities while trying to cut passes on defence.

Robert: I will repeat my self a little there, but once again, I am a speedy and flashy left defenseman that is looking to get some PP time in my career with the knights and Specters. I train myself as an offensive/powerplay specialist and I hope my coach can get some use out of me for it. I am now known for my physicality, but I try to use my skills in my advantage. I try to get as many effective opportunities as possible with fast counter attacks and possible breakaways.

Vlastislav: On the ice, I try to be a physical presence, getting those big hits helps get the juices flowing! I have a knack for finding my way to the net and parking myself in front, looking to usually get a pass from Cian, when he actually passes, or deflect a shot from Brennan or Robert. I’m no defensive slouch either and I’ll gladly put my body on the line in order to block a dangerous shot from getting to the net!

R: Thanks guys! Now, what’s 1 skill you’ll be looking to improve during your sophomore season in Kelowna?

Vlastislav: I think I still need to work on the defensive aspects of my game. Specifically, I want to get better at reading plays and being a step ahead of the play when the puck is in our zone.

Cian: I've been taking a lot of time this off season to work on my defensive game. There's a lot to work on and as much as I like to light the lamp, I have to make sure that we aren't getting scored on when I'm on the ice. So that's been my focus. A bit more broader than just one skill in particular.

Robert: My one skill to improve, my defensive game for sure. Will I actually improve it? That's for another discussion :D

Brennan: I think we’re all on the same page here! I'll be looking to improve my defensive skills this season as well, and possibly my skating. I'll be working closely with Kelowna and the Quadruplets to improve the skills we need.

R: Well, it’s good to hear you all have a plan going into this season. I’m sure those improved skill sets will be on full display and will have KEL, NOLA, and NEW fans jumping from their seats! I know its only been a few days with your new SHL teams, but if you have to pick one player from your new team as your favorite, who would it be?

Brennan: I have to put Jonathan Granström from the S57 draft class. I played against him a bit in the SMJHL, but mostly the guy is a blast in the locker room, and I'm looking forward to playing against and with him in the future.

Robert: Lyle Odelein III for sure. No idea why, I guess I like his play style. The guy has great hockey IQ along with some nice defensive and offensive capabilities. Nice name too, what more do you want?

Vlastislav: I’ll take a page out of Brennan’s book and say Jon St. Ark. I know I definitely didn’t like him this past season, since he’s with our rivals, the Vancouver Whalers, but now that we have an SHL team in common, I’m starting to really appreciate the body of work he put in last season and what a great LR presence he is! Can’t wait to score some goals on him this season and play with him in the near future!

Cian: I don't really know that many players in the bigs. I'm more focused on working on my game and winning for the Knights. I'm sure once I hit the ice with NOLA and get to know the guys better, I can answer this question for you. But for now, I don't have one.

R: Interesting! I’m sure you’ll get to know all your teammates quite well soon enough! Now, let’s wrap it up with this last question. How long do each of you plan or think you’ll be down in the SMJHL still? Have there been any discussions thus far with your GMs?

Cian: I plan on playing as long ask I can with Kelowna. They took a chance on me in free agency and helped put together the Quadruplets, so I feel like I owe as much as I can give to that management group. It would be nice to add a few championship trophies to the rafters before I head out to NOLA.

Vlastislav: I haven’t though much about that to be honest. I think we will all be with the Knights for at least 2-3 seasons, maybe even 4. Right now, we’re all just focused on improving with the Knight and winning that Four Star Cup!

Brennan: I've had talks about spending as many seasons in the J as I can. I've been clear with GMs in interviews I wanted to spend as many seasons as I could with the quadruplets, and it seems that wasn't going to be a problem. As long as I can play with the boys in Kelowna, I'll be the first on the ice.

Robert: I guess it all depends on the Specter's need of offensive defenseman. I haven't quite had the time to look at their future and present roster to see if I have the chance to get a roster place soon enough, but I believe that within 3 years, I might do. I haven't had the talks with Joe yet concerning the possibility to player in the couple next season, I guess there are no rush. but hey, as long as I can play with my fellow quadruplets, I will be one happy player.

R: I’m sure you guys will do great with the Knights this season and for however long you decide to stick around! We’ll wrap it up here and let you continue celebrating with your families. Best of luck this upcoming season and in your bright futures! Now, be good to each other! Tune in again next time folks, this has been your host, Reporter R on “Hit the Bench”!

Word Count: 3024. To be split evenly (25% each) between myself, @Titan, @Jayrome, @Roamus.

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#2

Knights Specters

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#3

Congrats! Knights
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#4

Specters  but also  Kraken

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#5

Knights Specters hype! Great interviews from Reporter R! Always professional

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#6

Looking forward to seeing all of you up in the SHL!

Specters Specters Specters

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Scarecrows   Specters   Canada 




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#7

Knights

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Barracuda Germany Scarecrows Knights


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S50 Challenge Cup Finals Game 7
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