Today on Rookyi's interwiews, I have the honor to receive our first defensemen to the show! Last week we had the chance to talk to Jordan Lafrenière, since then he hasn't quite got the season start he wanted but I know him, he will catch the rhythm soon! So, this week, I am proud to welcome Hans Gronlund, defensemen of the Vancouver Whalers!


-Welcome Hans! How are you doing today?


-Thanks for the invite! I am feeling good, couldnt wait for this interview!


-How has your season been so far? Are you happy with your progression? You lead your team with 18 points in 22  games, for a defensemen it is impressive ! You also are an important defensive piece, it must feel good?


- I can say that I’m super happy with my individual performance, and even happier with the teams performance! We thought we we’re going to be WORSE than last season, so the fact that we’re already almost at the same win total right now has been a hell of a surprise for us haha!


-Looks like it’ll be a great season for you! Now, how has been your journey in the SMJHL so far?


- My time in the league has been amazing so far! I did discover the league back in 2019, made a goalie and started getting into it, but life had other plans for me then unfortunately. It was a friend of mine, a user here named Hordle, that actually reminded me of the league, and it took off from there! I’ve had a ton of fun so far though, Vancouver has been a wonderful landing spot, the locker room is super fun and filled with a bunch of others (like me) who don’t take things too seriously, so it’s always a good time.


-Interesting to hear that you finaly got to stick to the league and became an active player! What whould be your objectives this season?


-This season, I just want to see improvements from myself and our team. I’m building an old school, defense first kind of defenseman, and my hope is that all my defense metrics are going to skyrocket this upcoming season. As a team, I truly believe that Vancouver can improve on our horrendous last season, especially with the new rookies we brought in this past draft. I’m a big believer in the idea that there’s always something that can be done, and that there’s always something we can improve on. Hopefully that leads to more team success!


-I which you the best of luck to reach those goals, I like the idea of being a defensive minded defensemen, it is kinda rare these days haha, now, what whould be the best moment of your young career and why?
 
-Honestly, the most exciting moment so far has been the second last sim of the S79 season. We had been brutalized all season, and it felt like nothing we did had any effect on the on-ice results. But in that last week or 2, me and one of our veterans (and former GM) Dextaria played around with our lines, roles, and tactics, and we had started seeing actual improvement in games (mostly that we stopped allowing 50+ shots against for the most part, and that we were keeping games close). When that second last sim hit, we had all resigned ourselves to finishing as the worst team in SMJHL history for sure. Then the sim happens, and we win 3. STRAIGHT. GAMES. I don’t really have words to describe how ENERGIZED the locker room was after that, we were all freaking out! It was a really good time for everyone. That’s definitely been my highlight so far!


-I mean this was in some sort the end of pain and the start of a new chapter so I can definitely understand why you chose this particular moment, as players you probably always try to succed the best as possible and the end of a bad season always is something that is somehow fun. You can look towards the future and let behind the lack of success. I have another question to ask you, what whould be the best advice you whould give to the next generation of players ?


- Best piece of advice is to just get into it! Get invested in the league and your team that way you’re invested in other things. The league is a really fun place when everyone is truly invested in things, and I can tell you that the biggest reason why Vancouver was so much fun for me is because I was surrounded by other players, especially my fellow rookies, who were 100% invested in the team and our season. It’s what I think is most important for everyone to bring to their team, and the S79 Whalers are living proof that a bad season doesn’t mean a bad time.


-Might transmit this message/ advice to our last guest, Jordan Lafrenière. He is very rough on himself many times and put a much of pressure on himself to perform. Even though his lockeroom is awesome, he is always under pressure. His season is good for a rookie ! He is just always stressed that he doesnt do enough. How have you adapted to your lockeroom when you first arrived in Vancouver ?


- Well, based on everything I’ve said so far, I guess you could say that I’ve adapted extremely well to my locker room! It’s been a really welcoming place, especially since our GMs are super willing to get us involved in the team’s front office. I’ve had the opportunity to learn a ton about the SHL and FHM, opportunities that I’m not sure most GMs would give to new players. I’ve been given a great opportunity in Vancouver, I’m just hoping I can do my part to help bring success to the team.
- Great awnser, Jordan told me the same thing last time. It seems like in this league everybody is welcoming and you can really get any help you need by simply  asking to your GM or teamates! Now, who whould you consider your mentor and why so?


- I can’t say that I have had just one mentor. My IRL friend, Hordle, has definitely been a big help with getting settled into the league and learning the ropes right from day 1. The whole GM team in Vancouver, Seany and Shiamus, have also been fantastic with allowing me to be involved in learning how the FO functions for a team. HillsHaveHats has been a MASSIVE help as well, dude is super knowledgeable and is always ready and willing to help any of us with anything we need, so we’ve been really fortunate in Vancouver as far as league vets and their willingness to teach. Probably the biggest reason why 4 of us were WJC GMs this past tournament, and 3 of us S79 rookies have league jobs now!


-Interesting ! I whould like to ask you one last question before you go! How does it feel to have any kind of pressure on our shoulders ?


-I don’t really feel like I have any pressure on my shoulders to be honest! I think Vancouver is very much a team led by committee, and that’s done a really good job of making sure that no one person really feels solely responsible for the team’s success. As much poking fun as we may do to each other, the team is very much of the mindset of “win together, lose together”. Everyone understands that this is a team game, and everyone is ready and willing to do their part to bring success to Vancouver.


-Also, Really appreciate you letting me be a part of this, never felt so important lol. I think this dude here, your last guest on this show,Jordan Lafrenière. He is one of the best new players in the league, he really embodies the type of energy and enthusiasm I want to see more of in the league. Kid’s gonna go far, Kelowna nabbed a steal of a player in the 2nd, and I’m looking forward to seeing how far he goes!


- It is my plesure ! Thanks for accepting to do this little interview, I really appreciate it! Especially because it is only starting and getting a player of your caliber off the bat is something i whould’ve never imagined in short term haha! Wish you the best for your career, succes, four star cups, etc, I hope we’ll be able to meet again soon!

This is what concludes today's interview with Hans Gronlund ! Hope you liked it and see you in the next episode of rookyi's interwiews !

Great interview! Both guests have been absolute beauties, can't wait for who is next!