Michael James Ross, otherwise known as Mike Ross, is a college prospect that has just finished up his season with Harvard. Mike was a cornerstone player for the University and led the NCAA in points with 67, notching 52 goals during the process. It was a shock that Mike was not drafted in the NHL draft, and an outraged Ross declined Entry Level Contracts with many different teams including the Toronto Maple Leafs as Mike Ross, in the heat of the moment, decided to take his talents to the SHL and is in the process of hiring an agent to negotiate his entry level contract.

Mike Ross is a player that can go out on the ice and score the winning goal at any given moment. Defined as a wizard with the puck, it is very hard to get the puck away from Ross when he is rolling. Often compared to former National Hockey League player Pavel Bure, Mike has the speed, drive, and skillset to get to where he wants to go, and where he wants to go is the SHL.

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Mike Ross has given time out of his busy schedule to sit down with us today on "Off The Record with Michael Landsberg" and take an interview.

Michael Landsberg: Good morning Mike, how's the SMJHL team hunt going?

Mike Ross: Good morning Mr. Landsberg, it is going alright I suppose, but I could use help with an agent.

Michael Landsberg: So you have been handling contracts yourself?

Mike Ross: Yes, for the time being, but I am actively looking for an agent so any agent watching, give me a call and we can see where it goes.

Michael Landsberg: So lets move onto some other questions, such as why the SHL instead of the higher ranked National Hockey League?

Mike Ross: It's simple, it seems as if my talents would be wasted in the NHL, and the SHL seems like a better fit for my skill set and is more intriguing to play in rather than the NHL.

Michael Landsberg: So it had nothing to do with the fact that you went undrafted in the NHL?

Mike Ross: No, that definitely played a small part in it, but that's just more motivation for me to be great and to showcase my aptitude.

Michael Landsberg: What do you hope to accomplish in the Simulation Hockey League?

Mike Ross: I want to be the best. It's a simple statement but it is going to take a lot of work to come true, but I believe I am up to the challenge. I believe that I can be the best there ever was, from winning individual awards, to the big ones like the Challenge Cup to the IIHF Gold medals. I want to be the best at everything, and I am willing to put in the work to get there.

Michael Landsberg: A doubt on your skill set is the fact that you're a bit of a puck hog, is there any truth to that statement?

Mike Ross: There is a bit of truth to that statement, but I believe I'm the best option to create an opportunity and I take advantage. I may be a puckhog, but I get it done and that is all that matters at the end of the day.

Michael Landsberg: Maybe so, but your teammates may not appreciate that.

Mike Ross: I have a good understanding with all my teammates and they more or less agree with me. At the end of the day, we all just want to win, and if we have that understanding then we're going to get along fine. In the SHL, I am sure that it will be more of the same.

Michael Landsberg: How good do you think you will be starting out in the SMJHL?

Mike Ross: I think I can come in and be a Top 10 player in the league.

Michael Landsberg: A top 10 player? This may be a junior league but it has top tier talent, I hope you realize that goal is very unlikely.

Mike Ross: I believe in myself and I know that it won't be easy, but over time and at the end of the season I believe I can be a Top 10 player, maybe even higher.

Michael Landsberg: I guess we'll just have to see how the season plays out. At what draft position do you hope to be drafted?

Mike Ross: I hope to be drafted first overall, it seems unlikely at the moment as I just declared, but I am determined to be the best player of this draft class in due time.

Michael Landsberg: You may be in for a rude awakening. Do you think that line of thinking will lead to you having problems with other draftees?

Mike Ross: No, I don't.

Michael Landsberg: Care to explain?

Mike Ross: No matter what others may say; deep down everyone is competing for the same goal, I may just be the only one who makes it public, letting the world know my goals for my career.

Michael Landsberg: That may be a misguided direction. What team would you like to sign with in the SMJHL?

Mike Ross: I do not know, I am still learning the ropes of the SMJHL and hope to sign with an agent or an adviser to help me out during my career, however I did receive a few offers.

Michael Landsberg: Oh, did you? Care to tell?

Mike Ross: I believe I owe it to the teams to keep it private, but I have not given an answer just yet as I feel I do need some advice on the matter.

Michael Landsberg: Are you sure you played hockey at Harvard? I don't recall seeing you.

Mike Ross: Yes, of course I'm sure. What kind of question is that?

Michael Landsberg: Sorry, not sure where that came from. Do you believe you can continue your astounding Harvard Career in the SMJHL?

Mike Ross: I do, yes. I am more than capable and if you do not believe that then you may be in for a rude awakening yourself as I believe in myself and I know I am destined for great things in the SHL. If you do not believe that for whatever reason, it is your opinion and I respect it; but I am willing to go the extra mile just to prove you wrong.

Michael Landsberg: That is what you've been saying all show long, I will believe it when I see it. Ladies and gentlemen, that is all the time we have today for Michael James Ross, good luck with your SHL Career, I hope you succeed.

Mike Ross: Thanks, Michael.

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Michael Ross is looking for an agent, if interested please message "Suited", if you sign Mr. Ross, you will be guaranteed an astounding client for many seasons to come as Mr. Ross is very capable of fulfilling his potential. Thank you for watching everyone as this was Off the Record with Michael Landsberg.

The Next Day

Michael Landsberg: Hello again Mike Ross, I have heard that you decided on a team to play for in the SMJHL, would you like to tell us who?

Mike Ross: I have decided to play for the Halifax Raiders for a contract worth a total of $500,000 for one year.

Michael Landsberg: Ah, I see you aren't as great as you made yourself out to be.

Mike Ross: What does that mean?

Michael Landsberg: It's $500,000, the league minimum.

Mike Ross: Money isn't everything, other factors came into play such as total playing time, relationship with the teammates, along with respect of the GM's. I got to know some of the guys on the team as they gave me a call, and they seem like they're all united for the same goal and we share similar visions. The General Managers also seem very classy and helped me out a ton in making my decision as playing for a General Manager you respect is very important to team success.

Michael Landsberg: Were there any other teams that were interested in your talents?

Mike Ross: There were a few other teams to which I'd like to say publicly, Good luck this season and thanks for the offer and the class.

Michael Landsberg: Will you declare for the SHL Draft soon?

Mike Ross: I will wait it out a bit as I am not sure how many seasons I would like to spend with the Halifax Raiders and in the SMJHL. It may come down to what I accomplish in the SMJHL, for example if I win the championship with the Raiders along with the scoring title, it may be enough for me and I may decide to take my talents to the SHL. It will all come out in due time though, as I would just like to play in the SMJHL for now and make a difference for the Halifax Raiders and the #RaiderNation

Michael Landsberg: Do you think you will ever regret your decision to sign with the Halifax Raiders or #RaiderNation as you put it. For example if one of the teams that you chose not to sign with won the championship, would you regret making that choice?

Mike Ross: I don't believe I will ever regret signing with the Halifax Raiders as I believe in the process that we are working on here. However, if one of those teams were to win the championship, they would have to go through us and that would not be an easy task. We would work very hard to ensure that they would definitely not repeat as champions in this scenario.

Michael Landsberg: Some say you are a very competitive guy, is there any truth to that statement?

Mike Ross: Yes, I am a bit of a competitive person as I do not like to lose.

Michael Landsberg: Thank you very much for joining us today, good luck.

Mike Ross: Thank you.

GAME DAY

Mike Ross is looking to play well here in his debut for the Halifax Raiders and has completely bought into the excitement as the Raiders face off against the Kelowna Knights and the Vancouver Whalers today. The Raiders have been on a bit of a losing streak, but the newly acquired Ross hopes to be the difference to help return the team to its winning ways on home ice. Ross appeared on Off the Record with Michael Landsberg again for a short cameo.

Michael Landsberg: And joining us live from Halifax is Mike Ross who will be looking to make his debut today with the Halifax Raiders. How are you feeling Mike? Nervous?

Mike Ross: There are some butterflies in my stomach but nothing overly excessive as I feel good and I believe I can make the difference tonight.

Michael Landsberg: The Whalers are a tough team, do you think the Raiders can prevail?

Mike Ross: Of course I do, when we get rolling; the Raiders will be the best team in the league.

Post Game Interview

Michael Landsberg: Today, we have Mike Ross joining us of the Halifax Raiders who just had his debut a little while earlier, how is it going Mike?

Mike Ross: It's going well, we had .500 day today and I think we could have done better.

Michael Landsberg: Yes, you specifically had a goal and an assist in those two games. Did that performance surprise you?

Mike Ross: No, I know I can be one of the elite players in this league and these kind of performances will just keep happening as long as I stay on my game.

Michael Landsberg: Your first career goal came in less than 2 minutes into your debut game and on your first shot of your career. How did that moment feel if you could take us through what was going on in your mind?

Mike Ross: It felt amazing, I had been talking all week of how I would surprise people despite joining the league late and it was nice to see a good performance backing up what I said. It felt like I had finally "made it".

Michael Landsberg: Well, you're probably tired after that performance, go on and hit the showers. Enjoy that one.

Mike Ross: Thanks Michael.

Michael Ross will also be looking to open questions to the floor as the press conference will officially be taking place starting now.

Mike Ross is arrested

Mike Ross: Those are false implications and there is no truth to them. Mike Ross does not have any criminal background and has cleared the background check. On that note,

What are you looking for in a locker room?

Mike Ross: I believe that a key to a locker room is a team that is bonded and will fight for each other out on the ice and will push each other to be come successful. I am looking for a locker room that will help me succeed in the way I know I can help any team in the league succeed. Activity plays a huge part as well, along with GMs that know what they are doing and are capable of putting the best team on the ice.

Any teams interest you?

Mike Ross: As stated before, I have been looking for an agent, but some teams are interesting me, most are the teams that have offered me contracts, and others that are atop of the league in need of the sniper that can win them the championship.

Does Mike Ross love Mike Ross?

Mike Ross: Yes.. no..? Maybe.

What would it take for a gm to sign you on?

Mike Ross: If I knew, I wouldn't need an agent (need to know how the world works, what teams are the best etc.), but playing time and a team capable of winning the big one would play large parts in signing me.

What is the most important thing for Mike Ross.. Scoring goals? Winning championships? Being a 1st round pick?

Mike Ross: I want to win championships. Plural. That is the highest achievement on my list and I will do whatever it may take to achieve it. Scoring goals will come with winning the championship as I know that I am a key part to the eventual championship team. I also do strongly believe that at the end of it, I will be a first round pick despite starting later and signing for less than all rookies.

What song does Mike Ross listen to in the locker room before he hits the ice?

Mike Ross: No other answer other than The Greenback Boogie.

You'll be joining the Raiders nearly halfway through the season, do you think there will be any signs of rust?

Mike Ross: Absolutely none. I took care of myself and I am in the best shape of my career, I do believe that my college success will translate to the SMJHL and it will translate quickly. The Halifax Raiders just signed the most lethal weapon in the SMJHL, it's just no one knows it yet.

What were your thoughts about signing with an expansion team?

Mike Ross: It's historic. I'm in the history books of the first ever expansion championship team.

What about Halifax excites you the most?

Mike Ross: The team, the city, the GM's, everything really. I'm truly blessed to be here and I'm going to bring this city a cup, with the help of my teammates of course.

Who else had sent you offers before you decided to come to Halifax?

Mike Ross: I had received two other offers from the St. Louis Scarecrows and the Montreal Impact, both offering more money than Halifax. Ultimately, however Halifax became my home.

Has anyone stood out to you in the Raider locker room and how has that impacted your short career to this point?

Mike Ross: The team captain, Conall MacLeod has been a huge help in the locker room and from the phone call discussion we had earlier. Others include Toast, vbottas17, and Swimbizzilin.

Expectations for tomorrow's sim?

Mike Ross: 2 wins. 3 goals.

Both games tomorrow are home games, how instrumental will that be in helping you get off to a quick start?

Mike Ross: That will definitely help as the home crowd will cheer us on and get us out of our funk. That city in Halifax loves this team and will cheer for us through thick and thin, I have no doubt in my mind tomorrow will be another one of those days as we notch 2 wins and wow the crowd.

Have you started looking or found a place in Halifax? Did any of your teammates offer to be a roommate for the rest of the season?

Mike Ross: I have yet to start looking for a place in Halifax, I'll be flying in today. None of my teammates did so yet, however I have yet to talk to any of them face to face.

Looking ahead to the SHL Draft, what are your thoughts?

Mike Ross: I want to go as high as I can possibly go. Whether that's 5th overall or 1st overall. Anything after the first round is an embarrassment.

Any teams that interest you?

Mike Ross: None yet. I've barely started to get know the SMJHL teams.

Thoughts on Draft position?

Mike Ross: I want to be first overall. It is highly unlikely as I started late, but I believe I will at least go in the first round if I continue to work to my position.

Do you feel the Raiders are the best SMJHL by picking to sign with them?

Mike Ross: I definitely do think the Raiders are one of the best SMJHL teams and have potential to be the undisputed best. The depth on this team is fantastic and the GMs are the ones to thank for that.

What adjustments, if any will you have to make coming from College?

Mike Ross: I don't think I'll have to change a whole lot, it is a similar game and is still hockey. I will have better teammates to play with though.

3151 words

mike ross is arrested

Good luck! Hope you choose

Good luck!

You could be that type of elite player in Halifax!

Also, I am looking for an agent/adviser, and it was not just for article purposes.

What are looking for in a locker room?
Any teams interest you?
Does Mike Ross love Mike Ross?

Updated to here.

What would it take for a gm to sign you on?

Great first article. This will give you an early advantage on other new players and will allow you to catch up to the S26 SHL Draft Class.

Good luck man !

Stavros Kondos || F || Seattle Argonauts



Theo Kondos || F || S77 HoF - Jesster & Darr - CC x2 || 
-- CAREER STATS --
-- SHL Regular Season --
S58 - GP:66 | G:17 | A:36 | P:53 |  SOG: 130 |  HITS:35  |  TOI: 17:32
S59 - GP:66 | G:14 | A:36 | P:50 |  SOG: 181 |  HITS:41  |  TOI: 18:15
S60 - GP:66 | G:19 | A:37 | P:56 |  SOG: 184 |  HITS:44  |  TOI: 18:34
S61 - GP:66 | G:32 | A:26 | P:58 |  SOG: 188 |  HITS:48  |  TOI: 19:50
S62 - GP:66 | G:21 | A:32 | P:53 |  SOG: 207 |  HITS:57  |  TOI: 20:36
S63 - GP:66 | G:23 | A:40 | P:63 |  SOG: 297 |  HITS:90  |  TOI: 22:00
S64 - GP:66 | G:27 | A:59 | P:86 |  SOG: 237 |  HITS:110 |  TOI: 21:30
S65 - GP:66 | G:39 | A:46 | P:85 |  SOG: 240 |  HITS:161 |  TOI: 21:59
S66 - GP:66 | G:39 | A:65 | P:104| SOG: 230 |  HITS:134 |  TOI: 22:08
S67 - GP:66 | G:27 | A:38 | P:65 |  SOG: 177 |  HITS:164 |  TOI: 21:40
S68 - GP:66 | G:19| A:41 | P:60  |  SOG: 177 |  HITS:159 |  TOI: 19:51
S69 - GP:66 | G:16| A:41 | P:57  |  SOG: 143 |  HITS:110 |  TOI: 19:21
S70 - GP:66 | G:11| A:37 | P:48  |  SOG: 120 |  HITS:123 |  TOI: 18:40
S71 - GP:66 | G:30| A:36 | P:66  |  SOG: 199 |  HITS:126 |  TOI: 20:46
-- SHL Playoffs --
S58 - GP:12 |  G:2 |  A:7   |  P:9   | SOG: 16  | HITS:6  | TOI: 17:35
S59 - GP:16 |  G:6 |  A:10 |  P:16  | SOG: 33  | HITS:4  | TOI: 19:39
S60 - GP:9  |  G:0 |  A:5   |  P:5   | SOG: 23  | HITS:11 | TOI: 18:55
S61 - GP:19 |  G:6 |  A:12 |  P:18  | SOG: 47  | HITS:18 | TOI: 19:21
S62 - GP:24 |  G:9 |  A:11 |  P:20  | SOG: 75  | HITS:34 | TOI: 20:55
S63 - GP:9  |  G:0 |  A:3   |  P:3   | SOG: 37  | HITS:20 | TOI: 22:21
S64 - GP:13 |  G:3 |  A:10 |  P:13 |  SOG: 58 | HITS:31 | TOI: 22:55
S65 - GP:17 |  G:3 |  A:7 |  P:10  |  SOG: 46 | HITS:46 | TOI: 22:21
S66 - GP:14|  G:8|  A:12 |  P:20  |  SOG: 56 | HITS:22 | TOI: 21:59
S67 - GP:7 |  G:0 |  A:4  |  P:4  |  SOG: 18  | HITS:9 | TOI: 22:01
S68 - GP:15|  G:5 |  A:12 |  P:17 |  SOG: 56 | HITS:27 | TOI: 21:45
S69 - GP:7|   G:1 |  A:6 |  P:7 |  SOG: 14 | HITS:19 | TOI: 19:59
-- SMJHL --
S54 - GP:50, G:7, A:7, P:14, SOG: 47, HITS:31, TOI: 11:22
S55 - GP:50, G:13, A:16, P:29, SOG: 98, HITS:35, TOI: 18:09
S56 - GP:50, G:18, A:26, P:44, SOG: 128, HITS:35, TOI: 16:53
S57 - GP:66, G:26, A:26, P:52, SOG: 220, HITS:48, TOI: 19:05
-- AWARDS --
S54: Drafted 6th Overall - Anchorage Armada[SMJHL]
S55: Drafted 5th Overall - Texas Renegades [SHL]
S57: Four Star Cup Champions - Anchorage Armada [SMJHL]
S57: DeMaricus Smyth Award for Top Forward - Dach [WJC]
S57: Brady McIntyre Award for WJC MVP - Dach [WJC]
S58: Ryan Jesster Award - Best SHL Rookie [SHL]
S58: All Rookie Team [SHL]
S59: CHALLENGE CUP WINNERS [SHL]
S62: CHALLENGE CUP WINNERS [SHL]
S64: West All Star [SHL]
S64: 2nd Team All Star [SHL]
S65: West All Star [SHL]
S65: 3rd Team All Star [SHL]
S65: Darr Nominee [SHL]
S66: West All Star [SHL]
S66: Darr Winner [SHL]
S66: 1st Team All Star [SHL]
S68: Bronze Medal - Austria  [IIHF]
S71: West All Star [SHL]


Ostap Maksimov || D || Retired || Challenge Cup x3 ||
------------------------------------------------------------
SHL Regular Season Statistics:
600 GP - 325 P - 3 Cups
--------------



Ales Smirnov RW/D || Retired || Ron Mexico MVP: S35 ||
-- CAREER STATS --
REGULAR SEASON GP: 857 G:210 A:389 P:599
-- AWARDS --
S21: SMJHL Presidents Trophy & Four Star Cup | Kelowna Knights
S21:Elias Armia Trophy (Award in Excellence Given By The League Commissioner.)
S22: Four Star Cup Champs | Kelowna Knights
S22: Ted Lindsay Award (SMJHL MVP)
S22: Brodie Witzel Trophy (Playoffs MVP)
S23: SHL All Rookie Team
S26: IIHF Gold (Russia)
S28: IIHF Silver (Russia)
S32: IIHF Bronze (Russia)
S35: Ron Mexico (SHL MVP)
S38: IIHF Gold (Russia)

Beauty read =D>

Hope you choose the Mammoths :->

Big props to OrbitingDeath for the sig

I don't think you're going to find an impartial agent on here. :lol:

Just listen to the GMs and see what fits you best.

Originally posted by Toast@Sep 3 2015, 04:16 PM

LW - Rainbow Dash - Updates
[img=0x0]https://i.imgur.com/eM6YKiW.gif[/img]
Rainbow Dash Fan S24-Present
SHL Commissioner S34-S52
New England Wolfpack GM S30-S40
Montreal Milita Co-GM S26-S29

Originally posted by Dangles13@Sep 3 2015, 01:21 PM
I don't think you're going to find an impartial agent on here. :lol:

Just listen to the GMs and see what fits you best.

Following this piece of advice starting now.