Going at things a little bit more differently this episode of my blog, at the end in the comments, Ill take any and all questions (preferable regarding draft related questions) for any SHL GMs to see. Also, just to update, I ordered a capture card to further expand these blog entrys I do from typing to me commentating (and most likely raging) over NHL games in character of my current SMJHL and SHL draftee, DJ Stanley. And the end of this once again, Ill be fielding questions so don't be shy and ask away.


Prince George Firebirds saluting the homecrowd for a great season after being eliminated on home ice after game 6.

Well, tough end to a season for us. I feel like I let down a whole fanbase. I had a great series though but hockey isn't a game of individuals. 7 points in 6 games including a 3 point game 4 and a 2 point game 1. Other than those two games, I feel like I should have played better. I know Im capable of doing so. I guess Im just trying to make reason about why Im on a flight back home to Philly and not headed to the 2nd round. On the brightside, after a coming out rookie year for me in the SMJHL, there is still work to be done. Im going to give my self 5 days to relax and Im going right back onto the ice. I got my old youth coach and his team, the Philadelphia Freedom, and hes going to let me workout with them on the occasion that I help coach and give pointers to the youngsters.

Recapping this season all together for me, I really came alive in the tail end of the season.

Originally posted by iiDJstanley@Jul 7 2015, 09:28 PM
I want to shoot for 35 maybe 40 points at the most. With anywhere between 15-20 goals and 20-25 assist. I understand that 40 is a huge stretch, but what goals of you don't try for the highest. All of that with a +5 rating and I want to go .550 in the face off circle.

Ignoring my gramatical blunder I didnt catch before, I didnt reach those goals as I thought I would catch a brighter fire if you will. But after starting the season slow, I ended with 29 points and 52% faceoff rating with a -4 rating. I think the main reason I didnt heat up more in the tail end of the season was the fact that I am easily gassed out. So Ive switched over from plain weightlifting and am taking a more crossfit approach to fitness. As well as running everyday and getting cardio in. Now, off to the post season recap. We were put up against the Whalers and boy did they show up to play. First two games felt like we were slapped in the face and took a while to react to it. But when we finally did in game 3 and 4, we fought back hard. I scored a goal in game 3 and in game 4, I just woke up that day and felt different. It might have been the wheaties but that game, I was just the definition of a Firebird. Like I said, the freaks come out at night and a 3 point performance to tie the series up was what I meant. Unfortunately that was the peak of the series for us as game 4 was not only a great game by me, but we just clicked as a team. We just knew where we were all going to be on the ice at any time. I just want to say before I continue, congrats to the Whalers, best of luck the rest of the way through.
On the flip side to that, we had 5 call downs this season. Brumm got called up already where he should for next season and so on and so forth. Prince should be staying down. And I havent heard anything about the other call downs. So we played this well with mostly rookies. So whats going to happen next season with a high pick, and already a great core of a team, This offseason is going to be a long one, but I get to spend it with my family back home in Philadelphia. We didnt get an SHL team but hopefully they wisen up and at the least get a SMJHL team here. The market is a no brainer. The fans are absoluetly die hard. Well, all Im going to say about next season for all you Firebird fans out there, is get your popcorn ready. Its going to be a show. Now that Ive landed home, I have to get to the radio station where they're going to question me about the season and about the SHL draft. Should be a blast!

Now is the press conference part, so ask me any and all questions you guys have. Thanks for reading and hope to get asked some interesting questions.

The end of the season is as good a time as any for self evaluation. I'm sure you've asked yourself this a million times, but we would like to know. What do you think was the primary factor in you going undrafted last year?

With a full year under your belt you should be coming back to next season better than ever. What are your goals for next season?
Well in the end, the goal is to improve and get better from year to year. Also a 4 Star wouldn't be that bad. I got 29 points this season, so Ill say a reasonable goal would be 35+ points, Ill try to get 53% or better faceoffs next season, and finish with a positive rating.

Similar question. What role do you see yourself in next season with Firebirds. On the ice and off it?
Well I want to take more of a leadership role in the lockerroom. If that results in me getting an A, then thats fine. But if I dont, I wont beat myself up. I want to help out some of the rookies coming in so they can repay us by getting us past the 1st round hump.

Where do you see yourself going in the S25 SHL Draft?
Anything is better than undrafted. Lol if I can really sell myself to a GM and let them know how dedicated i am to perfecting my craft, then the highest is maybe the tail end of the 2nd, early third. But the lowest Id say is late 4th. Its a huge range, but in the end I want to be where I am actually wanted and have a good locker room.

Where do you think the Firebirds can improve the most in the S25 SMJHL Draft?
I think we need to fill in the hole left by Brumm. Load up defensivley to help out the back end and Prince. We cant lose if we dont allow any goals, am I right? I dont know the future of other send downs yet, but if I was GM, I would try to build from the blue line up.

The SHL is filled with incredibly talented players, and you seem like a promising prospect. How much more seasoning do you think you need before you make the jump to the next level?
Ill be the first to admit, Im not SHL ready yet at all. This season is a must for me down in the SMJHL, and depending on a few factors. Maybe half atleast of the season after that. I understand the goal is to make it to the SHL as soon as possible and thats what they might be looking for. But when I am called up, I want to be an immediate impact to the roster. As long as I am drafted by a team thats willing to develop and lead me into the direction the team is headed, Ill be a happy camper.

How have you developed your first season here compared to your preseason expectations?
Well, looking back at the preseason, if I remember correctly, I got like 2 points.
So I didnt expect to do anything. If I was lucky, Id get 9 points. But Coach Zerchai and GM Lunaro as well as the boys in the locker room have been nothing but supportive of me and behind me 100% since I signed here and that really encouraged me to step my game up.

When the SHL looks at your build, what type of player will they see?
They'll see a well disiplined center with high upside in the faceoff circle. Pretty good playmaker developing in his shooting and defense. I know my strengths and weaknesses and if a team up in the SHL is willing to let me marinate in the SMJHL for a season or so, they they are looking at a high upside forward.

What type of player build do you think the SHL is looking for from a guy in your projected draft position?
Well assuming I get picked in the middle rounds, I think they're looking for future guys rather than 1 season send down and call up. In my eyes, I can be the steal of the draft if I am in the right situation where the GM/Coaches know that Ill be in the SMJHL for a few season so developing me, and working on my crafft waiting for the day to finally call me up.

Where do you see yourself going in the SHL draft?
As I mentioned above, anywhere between late 2nd and mid 4th maybe. Its such a deep draft that I wouldnt be upset about getting picked last. Just as long as my name is called and Im not stuck in the same situaion as I was coming into the SMJHL draft, then Ill just be alright with that.

Any SHL teams that you would like to go to?
Who has the 1st pick again? Lol, Im just kidding but SHL decided not to expand into Philly, that would have been my pick. But theres not anywhere Id say I couldnt see myself playing. Id prefer to play in the Eastern Conference. But I wouldnt mind staying close to the Prince George area at all.

What are your goals for next season and beyond?
Once again, as mentioned above. I want a cup bad. 35+ points and work on getting better in our own zone are the main goals for me next season. In the long run, Id be dumb if I said I didnt want to win as many Challenge Cups as earthly possible. To me, hockey isnt about cashing in on a 100000 point season. As long as I have enough money to put food on the table and develop me more and more. Id be happy with that.
But to answer your question as far as long term goals they go as followed;
-Win Four Star Cup (maybe 2?)
-Make it to the SHL
-Get my first point in the SHL
-Win a Challenge Cup

What do you think you need to do during the off-season to make the jump to the next level?
Id need to take steriods and get a major boost in TPE, lol. But in all seriousness, I need to start to mold myself into the player I want to be in the SHL and thats a true puck handling playmaker. I want to dominate faceoff circles, deke defensivemen and women, and I want to get assist like no tomorrow. With all that being said, I dont think Ill make the SHL next season.

With the inclusion of 2 new SHL expansion teams, how do you feel about being drafted to one of them (and playing for them rather than be sent down and getting another year in SMJHL)
I wouldnt mind that at all. Ive been very vocal about getting a team here in Philly, and although that wont happen in the near future. That certainly doesnt mean I wouldnt rule out playing in Buffalo or Portland.

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The end of the season is as good a time as any for self evaluation. I'm sure you've asked yourself this a million times, but we would like to know. What do you think was the primary factor in you going undrafted last year?

With a full year under your belt you should be coming back to next season better than ever. What are your goals for next season?

Similar question. What role do you see yourself in next season with Firebirds. On the ice and off it?

Where do you see yourself going in the S25 SHL Draft?

Where do you think the Firebirds can improve the most in the S25 SMJHL Draft?

The SHL is filled with incredibly talented players, and you seem like a promising prospect. How much more seasoning do you think you need before you make the jump to the next level?

sigs by ToeDragon84

How have you developed your first season here compared to your preseason expectations?

When the SHL looks at your build, what type of player will they see?

What type of player build do you think the SHL is looking for from a guy in your projected draft position?

Where do you see yourself going in the SHL draft?

Any SHL teams that you would like to go to?

What are your goals for next season and beyond?

What do you think you need to do during the off-season to make the jump to the next level?

With the inclusion of 2 new SHL expansion teams, how do you feel about being drafted to one of them (and playing for them rather than be sent down and getting another year in SMJHL)

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Jack Durden:

Season 24 - *4 Star Cup Champions - Vancouver Whalers*
Season 36 - *Challenge Cup Champions - Texas Renegades*
Season 36 - *Anton Razov Trophy Winner - Playoff MVP - Texas Renegades*
Season 41 - *IIHF Gold Medalist - Team United Kingdom*
Season 41 - *Triple Gold Member*
**Vancouver Whalers Hall of Fame**
**Texas Renegades Hall of Fame**
**Hall of Fame Member**

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