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***ThisSeemsFishy*** · 10-09-2024, 05:31 PM

With an incredibly successful draft behind them, the Colorado Raptors look towards the future. With 5 rookies joining the club, as well as two veterans brought in for a season, the Blue Dino Team is sprinting towards the start of the season. And they’re ready to tear apart the competition. Today, we’ll be chatting with each of the new acquisitions to see how they’re getting ready for a big season ahead.

Colorado Raptors Draft Recap

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2nd overall: Rocky Gislason, Center @Jumbobone19

1. You got the opportunity to play a handful of games with Colorado last season. I’d imagine it wasn’t very shocking that they used a draft pick to bring you back. But were you expecting to go as high as 2nd overall?

Honestly I had a good idea that if Colorado wanted me then they would have to take me at #2. Since other teams were showing alot of interest. It is amazing to be selected that high. It shows a team really believes in you. 

2. You’ve already established yourself within the locker room as a reliable player. With so many strong personalities, did you find it difficult to stand out?

 Not really. I think it's very important that everyone is themselves. Having the personalities is a great way for LR diversity. Everyone will stand out individually. Be willing to do what you find interesting and take part in all that interests you. 

3. With the departure of Nathangus McExplosion, the Raptors are left with some big shoes to fill in their forward core. Do you think the lineup is ready for that responsibility?

Nathan McExplosion left a big hole on the ice and in the the LR (figuratively speaking). I think we have the group to collectively make up for that. If we can live up to McExplosion that's a huge win

4. The Raptors finished 3rd overall last season. Do you believe the fans are expecting a similar season from them this time with all of their new additions?

I think that's a fair ask. I feel we've added a solid group  of rookies to pair with the returning players to be a contender again. With the GM tactics we are setup for success. 

5. Tell us about your game day routine. The fans would love to hear about the number 2 pick’s pre-game rituals.

Game day routine. Wake up and go for a light 10min jog. Then eat a light breakfast mainly fruit. Then I head to the rink. Work on stick handling drills, and shot placement. A quick protein shake and sandwich for lunch. Then it's film and gameplan time. Rest up til game time. I'm ready

Its an earlier game, I'll slam an energy drink to get going

6. If you could turn into any animal to give yourself an edge in a hockey game, what animal would you become, and why?

Maybe a polar bear. A big animal that is very used to icey situations. It has no predators. Think that a polar bear would be a force out on the ice. Perfect for Gislason.

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7th overall: Enlightened Centrist, Center (obviously) @aleks

You went 7th overall to the Colorado Raptors in a very deep draft. Were you expecting to get picked that high?

It's hard for me to say. I hadn't had any team outright express explicit interest in me leading up to the draft, i had a rough idea of being in the 5 to 15 range, but i am very happy at going 7. I know i bring a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the shl in general, along with experience in IIHF and the J, so I know picking my player is high value.

What was your initial thoughts when your name was called?

I was very excited to be back in Colorado, as my first player was drafted to the Mammoths 7 years ago. I was very happy to see my old emotes still being in the discord as well. 

As an Enlightened Centrist, do you take a position on anything?

I take a position on everything. Its just that that position is of equidistance to every other position.

Colorado has an impressive cast of forwards on their roster this season. Do you have confidence you’ll gel with the squad, or do you think there will be some growing pains?

Obviously with chemistry there will be some growing pains but i can see us being monstrous within a season or two. 

What is your favourite way to pass time on long flights between cities?

I watch the mandarin dub of frozen

Is there anything else you’d like fans back in Denver to know about you?

I will be the greatest center ever

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8th overall: Tiny Princess, Defence @DarthDaevin

1. With the 3rd of 3 1st round picks by the Raptors, they selected you at 8th overall. Were you anticipating to be selected so high?

No I wasn't! I was honestly excepting to go early in the 2nd round

2. There’s rumours circulating that you’re already familiar with fellow draftee in goaltender Darth Daevin, as well as the defenceman drafted a few seasons prior, Cadmael Ixazaluoh. Are the three of you excited at the opportunity to play together? 

I am very excited to play with them, and I think that we can form a strong defense

3. Walk us through draft night. In such a massive draft class, what were the vibes in the room like? 

It was fun! Everyone was very hype and very friendly. We were all congratulating each other and having fun

4. Colorado still has some holes at defence to fill with only yourself and Ixazaluoh on the roster at the moment. Do you feel you’re ready for the responsibility of leading your own pairing? Or would you rather be paired with a veteran like Ixazaluoh for a season to learn the ropes?

Either way works in all honestly. Either leading my own pair or assisting Ixazaluoh, I feel like me and my partner could get the job done no matter what

5. Aside from hockey, what is your favourite pastime?

Getting way to invested in sports statistics

6. Is there anything else you’d like the fans at home to know about Tiny Princess?

Not ony can Tiny Princess bake a pretty good cheesecake, but I also will bring the Raptors the cup

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33rd overall: Meowlnir Kittenson, Goaltender @Andy

1. You were the first goalie selected in the S80 draft. Did you expect that or did it come as a shock? 

Honestly I had myself ranked as one of the top two goalies in the draft. Coming into it, myself and Martin Macklemore were mostl ikely considered the top picks. Based on who you spoke with were whether I was first or he was first. It was a close conversation but as we got closer to the draft, it appeared that Meowlnir had taken a small edge and got some traction from the last few days of interviews. What he learned was that hanging out is usually the best way to the GM's hearts. Everyone gets promised the next Brodeur and thats risky, but you tell them that you're the next Jonathon Quick or Fourfour, which is a good goalie for a long time, they tend to like tht better

2. Colorado picked 2 goalies in the same draft. Are you keen on the idea of sharing the net with him this season? Or are you hoping to have the starter role?

I think for Colorado its a smart move. Picking two up and comers allows you to start developing for the future. Like most two goalie situations, one eventually becoems the starter and the other becomes the back up. Looking at skills currently, Kittenson definitely has the edge. That isn't to say that it will change in the future. You also never know if kittenson gets called up before DarthDaven that there is a season where Colorado may only have one. The oppossite of course is true. For Kittenson, he had no idea where he was going to go in the draft. He had interviews from all over, and even got interviewed by teams that weren't going to take him who just wanted to check in. So sharing the net was something that he was open to and still is open to. The question is if DarthDaven can keep up (which I hope that he does)

3. It’s not very often a team runs two rookie goaltenders in the same season. Are you confident that you’ll be able to handle the responsibility laid out?

I think so. Being a goalie in the SMJHL not only is about the goalie but about the defenseman in front. Looking at Colorado's roster, the forwards will definitely need to step it up on defense. However, having good pairings that develop chemistry can also help me out. I think for the rookie goalies, we both will have our own growing pains and will probably have very ugly .GAA but wins are wins whether they are pretty or they are ugly

4. Colorado finished 3rd overall last season. Do you think there’s expectation to try and run that back? Or do you believe there will be a bit of growing pains for the relatively young core?

I think if we can play shootout hockey, then we definitely will be in good shape. Having two young goaltenders will definitely make it more about winning games 6 - 4 and less about winning games 2 - 1. Hockey at its core is about scoring more than they other team and we have a high octane offense that I think will be able to do just that

5. If you weren’t an ice hockey goaltender, what would you be doing instead?

I think I would have made another defenseman. Keeping it different is always what makes the SHL so interesting and fun to be a part of. I think for Kittenson, if he was a defenseman he would have been Kittenstrong or Kittens blood or something more strong and powerful to crash into forwards with.

6. What would you like Raptors fans to know about you ahead of the 79th SMJHL season?

That I am here to win the starting job. I know that I said I was hear fro the good vibes and in all honesty I am here for that as well. However, winning does lead to good vibes. I think Kittenson will be a name that Raptors fans remember for a long time when all is said and done. Being a goalie takes a while to develop and so I most likely will give my best next four seasons to Colorado and hopefully bring him a cup.

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49th overall: Darth Daevin, Goaltender @triscuttt3

1. You ended up being selected pretty far down the draft with many fans of the team touting you as the biggest draft steal after being selected at 49th overall. Were you expecting to fall so far? 

Overall I was expecting to be drafted around where I did to where the other goalie was selected. Around that range were my expectations. Being the biggest draft steal kind of expected for the raptors draft but I did stop watching the draft after I was drafted due to a headache. So could have been close with another pick.

2. Colorado selected another goaltender in Meowlnir Kittenson. Are you looking forward to sharing the net with him?

Meowlnir Kittenson is a great person to share the net with. Just the name alone is a great reason to have him as my goalie partner. Sharing the net with such a great player will be amazing.

3. You got drafted alongside Tiny Princess who you are apparently already quite familiar with. Are you excited to play for the same team? 

Yes Tiny Princess and I are familiar with each other so it is a pretty unique experience. We have met over a free hockey game and playing for the same league in that game. We have not played on the same team but it’s a very small community. There are a few others in this league who also play this game. Vice the one who got us all into it by shared it within the leagues discord and we all joined. Overall very excited to be on the same team with Mr. Princess.

4. The Raptors went into the draft with no goaltenders and are leaving with 2 rookies. Do you feel like you will have a good hold between the pipes between yourself and Kittenson, despite both being rookies?

 I expect a solid performance from the goaltending in the Colorado raptors franchise. Im not 100% confident in my ability to goaltend at the slightest but I hope that confidence will grow during the season. As for my partner I expect the same probably better performance.

5. What made you decide to play goaltender over any other ice hockey position?

I decided to play goalie because of my love for the position in all sports I’ve played tendy for soccer but never for any other sport but I love the position in general. I’ve always wanted to play goalie in hockey but have never, because ive played forward my whole life and switching isn't very easy and it’s very pricey. 

6. Is there any fun facts about yourself that you’d love for Colorado Raptors fans to know about you?

Not much here but as stated previously I do play hockey and play forward. My favorite food is chicken no favorite type just chicken in general is great. I live in Southern Ontario east of Toronto.

Acquired in trade

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Sam Volta, Center @Tripl3tsGamer

1. You were part of a big trade between the Raptors and the Nevada Battleborn which saw you and teammate Gina Pinard headed to Colorado. What was your initial thoughts to being traded? Did you know it was going to happen, or was it unexpected?

I knew it was going to happen. In fact, the Nevada GM already told me that there's a possibility that I will get traded. So I know there was a lot of chance that I will get traded for the benefits of everyone, and I'm glad to come in Colorado with that trade!

2. You’ll be joining a Raptors squad that finished 3rd overall in the league. Looking around at your new teammates, do you think they’ll be able to have similar production?

I think so. In fact, most of the team have a lot of veterans that have a lot of potential on and off the ice. I'm pretty sure that Colorado is a strong team this season.

3. What has been your favourite part of the locker room in your brief time since joining the team?

I mean, all the team was welcoming Gina and I very warmly, I really like that. They know we were traveling a lot teams by teams (it's our third team now). Also, since it was before the SMJHL draft, we also welcomed the new rookies who got drafted by Colorado, and will play alongside us before we go to the SHL. It was truly a great welcoming experience.

4. You finished out last season with 66 points in 64 games. Do you think you’ve hit your peak, or is there another gear we haven’t seen from you yet?

 I think I haven't hit my peak yet. In fact, my first season in the juniors, as a Tidal, I finished with 71 points in 66 games. Which was the most amount of points by a rookie in the S77 class. With that in mind, I know that I will try to reach another point per game average this season.

5. Outside of the realm of ice hockey, what gets you up in the morning?

I do watch a lot of news. Especially the real ones. But also the hurricanes. They are such a facinating systemto watch. I do watch a lot of the trajectory of hurricanes/typhoons also. Apart from that, I do listen to a lot of music and making music too.

6. Are there any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like Raptors fans to know about?

Well if you see the render, it's Shaddow the Hedgehog. The mysterious and most underrated hedgehog in the entier Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. If you know the story of Shadow, well he's kinda powerful. Also, my most hidden talent of all, is I make music. In fact, I made music since I was starting highschool, but I produce music since last year. Maybe my songs will be on the warmup playlist during the warmup routine in the arena lol.

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Gina Pinard, Left Wing @JURT

1. You were part of a pretty big trade between Colorado and Nevada. Did you expect to be shipped out or did it catch you off guard? Do you think the return for Nevada was worth it?

It did take me by surprise a bit, even moreso that it was the same two players who had arrived in Nevada together, leaving together again after one season. It was worth a shot for them to get one season out of us and the rent us back to recoup some of what they paid first. Rental prices aren't great, so 3 thirds for two veterans seems like average market value over the past few seasons.

2. You’ll be joining a pretty beefed up top 6 in Colorado. Are you looking forward to playing on such a stacked top 6? Which player do you expect to have the most chemistry with? 

Obviously playing with Sam Volta first in SDT and then in NBB should mean we'll have a bit more chemistry than with the other players, but we'll see how it goes.

3. Colorado finished 3rd overall and drafted 3 times in the first round in an extremely deep draft. Do you think they’ll be able to have a repeat season? Or do you think it will take some time to get the rookies up to speed?

I think defense will be the big puzzle to solve in order to have another great season. Some of us will probably have to play D even if we're listed as forwards.

4. You had a bit of a setback offensively last season, picking up 55 points in total. A 7 point downswing from the previous year, and 12 points lower than your best. Will we see a resurgence to form? Or have you hit your peak?

Hopefully I can finish my J career on a high note.

5. We hear you’re already well regarded in Colorado’s locker room. Did you anticipate this?

Yes.

6. Are there any fun facts about Gina Pinard you’d like the fans in Colorado to know?

Never heard of her.

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Ready for grading. Please give the pay for this media to each player listed in their specific code section

jason97 · 10-09-2024, 08:13 PM

Got the chills ready this, go RAPTORS Raptors

Jumbo · 10-09-2024, 11:05 PM

Amazing draft. Raptors

***micool132*** · 10-09-2024, 11:42 PM

:coolorado:

Tripl3tsGamer · 10-10-2024, 07:32 AM

W draft, W article. W Colorado. Raptors

Andy · 10-10-2024, 07:42 AM

10-10-2024, 07:32 AMTripl3tsGamer Wrote: W draft, W article. W Colorado.

This! Just this

***JBeckQuest*** · 10-10-2024, 12:40 PM

Great inside look into a team's draftees! Fun read.

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