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*Wally* · 09-24-2024, 09:15 PM

It has definitely been a couple long months... not to mention the months preceding that. However, I'm happy to be back to talk to all the friendly people here. I'm excited to get back to activity and move on to my next chapter in the league, especially with the last ending so abruptly.

Never did I think I'd be stepping down from Toronto as that was going to be my only stop and a place I'd eventually retire from the league altogether. However, here we are... but it doesn't go without wanting to touch on a few things North Star.

First, I want to give a sincere thank you to the Toronto Locker Room. We had our ups and downs, sure. I wouldn't have done it any other way with any of you folk that were on the path. Goals were definitely not met when I left, but I'm confident that Grids and Jay will lead that roster to the next step.

As for @mcgriddleluver thank you for being my rock man. I always find it weird how we can evolve such amazing friendships in such small corners in this world, but I'm truly grateful for the friendship and support that we not only had... but continue to have.

Here's where I don't know where to start... The sheer volume of folks that road into our surge in the mid-late 60s, man I can't say enough for the support y'all provided and the presence in the locker room. My time in Toronto was essentially broken into two chapters... The first being the push during this time and then the second being the rebuild.

@Grapehead @CptSquall @Dextaria @Carpy48 @Pickle Juice @Valpix @Dangles13 @dogwoodmaple @unconfident69 and honestly there are others from rentals to literally just some brain fog. You guys were awesome and I probably would've spent more picks if it were up to me to keep us competitive instead of blowing it all to smithereens.

As for the second chapter... Boy, was that a loooooong train ride that I'm so happy to see many of you decided to continue to ride out.

@leafsftw1967 @st4rface @JustAnotherHockeyFan @CloudRobot @Fluw @fubaguy @Akoustique @swoosh @hockeyfan @Dindog @Pyro182 @Jumbobone19 @Ultimatedestroye @Cobbenstein

Each one of you left a lasting impact in this GM's heart on various levels. I was so proud drafting y'all and honestly will continue to cheer for y'all. There is a part of me that felt (and still feels) that leaving when I did meant letting everyone down even though I knew it wasn't under my control. It wouldn't have been fair for me to stay while checking out from activity and leave Grids with no help... So I truly felt like I was making the best decision considering.

In saying that... Life on SHL has never been an easy road for me if not in a GM role of sorts and I'm sure I will want to itch that again here at some point. It's weird how we evolve what we get out of the league and how we go about doing it... and management has always been a continued desire of mine. At some point I will return, but for now... well I need to figure out how to earn funds.

So will take any questions from y'all about any subject really! Love y'all and happy wishes for everyone... Pumped to be back!

P.S. I'm sorry for anyone in Toronto I missed :(
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Presser Questions:

Why did you decide to go with a winger this time around?

Essentially I went back to the Bender Junior well that I started with my last recreate. When we ended up being top heavy in forwards with Toronto, I had to make the call to switch Bender over to defense. Sort of defeated the offensive storyline he had up until that point and never really got to see what he could do offensively once Toronto started the upswing.

Thoughts on the upcoming SHL & SMJHL drafts?
Honestly, my break was a true break. With everything on my shoulders I really didn't check in at all. I looked at records, but that's about it. The one I know who is in the upcoming SHL draft is @ztevans which was pretty awesome to see that he came back to league. Aside from that, pumped to get to know some of the folks in the SMJHL class... It was a warm welcoming when I joined and am excited to share more cat pictures lol

Why am I a massive bum?
Lol... Well where do you want me to start. Just kidding. You know the love is always there. Toronto experience had its moments that is for sure, but I respect the competitive nature and grind you have. Nothing can take away from that. I look forward to our paths crossing in the future again Smile

What was your favorite thing about the Toronto North Stars?
I could always depend on a @Carpy48 good morning. Toronto has never been super active, which there was nothing wrong with that as the average age there was a bit closer to me. Not close to mine... but closer and with that I'd say we never had mass communication/activity. It would go in spurts and for the most part that was pretty consistent. I think one of the biggest things I cherished was all of the support thoughout the locker room. Everyone was always working towards a similar goal and folks were flexible in regards to roles. It made my life easier, just wish it could've come together in those 66/67 years in the form of a championship or I didn't have to make an abrupt departure in leaving before the rebuild matured.

Thanks for the questions @ValorX77 Smile

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Welcome back Wally I've missed you! What do you think is the next steps the North Stars need to take to finish what you started in building a championship caliber team?

I know you and I talked about this in good length many of times... as it seems like yesterday when the pieces came together. Essentially Toronto is at the point of now just sticking it out long term and letting the chemistry build to that 'Legendary' in game status. There will be pieces to fill along the way, but those will be smaller holes to fill should the bulk of the roster stick together. That window is here and the next three to four seasons is key now that the core is ready.

Go kill it! @leafsftw1967 miss you bud!

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ValorX77 · 09-24-2024, 10:52 PM

Welcome back Wally.

Why did you decide to go with a winger this time around?

Thoughts on the upcoming SHL & SMJHL drafts?

Why am I a massive bum?

What was your favorite thing about the Toronto North Stars?

st4rface · 09-25-2024, 05:54 AM

Thanks to you as well and best of the luck with the new player.

*mcgriddleluver* · 09-25-2024, 08:52 AM

Love you man. I’m so happy you’re back

Whikadoodle · 09-25-2024, 09:06 AM

Welcome back wally!

*Wally* · 09-25-2024, 09:35 AM

09-24-2024, 10:52 PMValorX77 Wrote: Welcome back Wally.

Why did you decide to go with a winger this time around?

Thoughts on the upcoming SHL & SMJHL drafts?

Why am I a massive bum?

What was your favorite thing about the Toronto North Stars?

Thanks for the questions!

**leafsftw1967** · 09-25-2024, 12:41 PM

Welcome back Wally I've missed you! What do you think is the next steps the North Stars need to take to finish what you started in building a championship caliber team?

Jumbo · 09-25-2024, 01:42 PM

So great to see you back!

CptSquall · 09-25-2024, 04:25 PM

Welcome back Wally, good to see you.

*Wally* · 09-25-2024, 08:49 PM

09-25-2024, 12:41 PMleafsftw1967 Wrote: Welcome back Wally I've missed you! What do you think is the next steps the North Stars need to take to finish what you started in building a championship caliber team?

Thank you for the questions!!

***Dextaria*** · 09-26-2024, 12:02 AM

Wally <3

Pyro182 · 09-26-2024, 10:21 PM

Wally <3

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