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M-Dawg · 08-03-2015, 05:39 PM

Mark Longford has grown into a solid top 6 forward in the Simulation Hockey League. Drafted by the Edmonton Blizzard in the 2nd round of the S20 Entry Draft at 32nd overall, Longford has exceeded expectations and looks to be part of a strong Blizzard core that will rise in the next few seasons. We sat down with him and posed a few questions.

First of all, congratulations on your new contract extension that runs through S29. You've really risen as a great two way forward over the past few seasons. However, we're curious as to see why you're taking a lower salary than your first contract that you signed when you were drafted, back in S20.
Well, money's never been an issue for me. I'm getting paid a lot of money either way to play the game I love, and $3 million a year is more than enough for my expenses. Low maintenance, you know? But aside from that, I'm putting the team first. Tez and Keenan aren't going to be able to maintain a solid roster if I'm taking up a good chunk of the cap. This mentality extends to everyone on the team, as well. JRT and Kane are taking less than $3 mil a year. There's no question that we want this team to be successful, and that comes first before money.

Speaking of success, Edmonton really struggled in S24, after a magical Challenge Cup Final run that ended in heartbreak after taking a 2-0 series lead. Finishing last in the Western Conference, despite possessing forward depth and star D-men. Do you think the Blizzard are bound for a bounceback season in S25?
Oh yeah, definitely. S24 was a result of bad luck, lack of line chemistry and missing a star centre in Yousuf [Scherbluk, who was suspended for the first 25 games of the season]. We have tons of promising prospects in the pipeline, and 2 of the best GMs in the league in Tez and Keenan. This franchise is heading up, it always will be as long as those two are in office.

About Yousuf Scherbluk. You and him go way back to your Whalers days, when he was Vancouver's GM and led them to a Four Star Cup in S19 that you shared with your teammates. How tough was it, seeing him criticised around the league for his costly mistake that resulted in a half-season suspension?
Very. I know Yousuf is not the most liked person around these parts, but he's been a friend since S19, and really helped me develop into the player I am today. Even moreso when he signed with us in S23. Us playing on a line together was what pushed me into scoring 35 points that year. He's an unbelievably great player and person, who made mistakes that unfortunately painted an image of him around the SHL. Not a good one, either. We haven't talked much since the season ended, but I really do wish him the best in Portland. The Admirals look to be poised for success right off the get-go.

With Kyle Keenan playing in his final season, management are rumoured to be naming you as one of 3 full-time first line players to fill Kyle's shoes. Thoughts about that?
I'm absolutely thrilled, obviously. Keenan carried the team offensively for many, many years, and to be even one-tenth of the player he is would mean the world to me. I was already getting first line minutes last season, but I'm excited for an expanded role. I'm seeing Kaner and either Ratzon or Miles [Berger] as the first line for us next year.

Thanks for conducting this interview. We can't wait to see the Blizzard return with their revamped roster next season/
Thanks for having me.