SSJ: It is a real honor to get selected to the national team and represent the country I was born in. I am excited to get on the ice with the rest of the Team Canada members and start practicing and getting in sync with them as best I can. I have not participated in the IIHF tournament up to this point in my career and I was always on the cusp of making the final roster but never quite got over the hump. I am part of a group of six players that are new to the roster and I think we have a bright future for Team Canada. It is also a chance to get to play with my former SMJHL teammate Corey Bearss again and I am excited for that. I remember on draft day when Corey was in the SHL draft and I repeated myself multiple times to select him. Unfortunately we didn't and he has turned out to be a great up-and-coming player and it'll be fun to reconnect again. Overall I am excited to get to skate alongside some new faces and I am honored to be selected and represent this country for hopefully years to come.
Q: Predictions for this season IIHF tournament?
SSJ: It is hard for me to make any predictions because I simply don't follow it enough. I kind of go about my business in my own sheltered shell and I don't look around the league that much. I will just say that Team Canada will win and do my best to make that happen. Maybe with this being my first year in the tournament I will get into it more but at the end of the day my primary focus is on the SHL season and helping Buffalo continue the upward trend that we are currently on.
Q: How did the regular season go, managed to play on the level you expected to play on before season started?
SSJ: The regular season was a very trying season for my rookie year. It took me awhile to adjust to the speed of the game and adjust to my new linemates. I think I started out slowly and really played below my expectations for much of the season. There was a point in the season though where I started to pick up on things and the game slowed down considerably for me. I went on a nice run in the last couple weeks of the season and hopefully it was a sign of things to come for my future. During that two weeks was when I was playing to the level I expected to play at and I have to continue to grow, develop, and improve from there.
Q: Got any goals for next season?
SSJ: From a personal standpoint I just want to continue to grow and get better for me and my team. I finished last season with 12 goals and 20 assists so I would like to see an improvement from those numbers. I had a lot of tough luck in the beginning of the season with my shots not finding the net and I think after the last couple weeks where I did find the net more frequently I can continue to build off that. I want to get off to a fast start and continue to play at a high level for the entire season. From a team perspective I think our goal is simple: playoffs. From what I hear the Stampede have never made the playoffs and I want to be one of the guys to help change that. After my first season in the SMJHL and I entered the SHL draft there was one team I wanted to got to more than anyone and that was the Stampede. I knew they had a rocky history and I wanted to be one of the ones to help turn it around and we came so close last season but missed the playoffs on a tie breaker. This season I think we can and we will get over the hump and get to the playoffs. Of course I have goals that reach further than this upcoming season but we have to take things one step at a time and making the playoffs for the first time in club history is a great first step to take.
Q: Ever considered growing a mustache?
SSJ: It is hard to consider when you physically are unable to grow a mustache. I have never been able to grow much facial hair so a mustache was always out of the question. I can't even grow a full beard, it comes in patchy, so I shave it off frequently because quite frankly it looks pretty ridiculous on me. In general I am just not a very hairy guy but to that I say it makes me more aerodynamic and helps me skate faster on the ice without all this hair weighing me down.
Q: What is your favorite tv-show?
SSJ: I am big into comedy shows and then I also like some of the Netflix shows that come out and get popular. Things like Stranger Things, The OA, Orange is the new Black are some of the Netflix shows I really got into. However my main source of entertainment is comedy and I have to say my three favorite shows in that genre are Workaholics, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Trailer Park Boys. I love every aspect of each of those shows and I have finished every season of those shows multiple times. I don't think I will ever get tired of them despite seeing the episodes multiple times over and over.
Q: How´s the weather in Buffalo?
SSJ: Cold. It is fine in the summer and spring but fall and winter months it is freezing. I don't really mind it from a temperature standpoint because you just wear layers to keep yourself warm but when it gets with those heavy snowstorms and shuts everything down, then it becomes a huge nuisance to everyday life. If I didn't love my team so much I might consider leaving for a warmer destination to live in but I just say that the adverse weather makes me a stronger person mentally. If I can brave the harsh winters, I can tackle whatever comes at me on the ice.
Q: How do you feel about Buffalo going into next season?
SSJ: I feel very strongly that we have a great show at making the playoffs. We executed a great trade acquiring Jonathan Lundberg from the Wolfpack and he will be a huge addition to our top six. I think we lacked some scoring ability last season and that was our ultimate undoing but with Lundberg to bolster the top six I think we have enough offense to make more things happen. We do need to find a way to replace what Friedrich Muller provided us on the defensive end. He was incredible and was in the MVP discussions for some time so it is going to be hard to replace that. Hopefully we can grab somebody in free agency to help fill the void and round out our team. We have a couple of nice youngsters at defense in Alexis Metzler and Brynjar Tusk but both of them are more defensive oriented. I would love it if we could add a defender who can score or facilitate at a high level. We have a great chance at the playoffs with our current roster and if we can add that one thing we are lacking I think we could not only make the playoffs but possibly make some noise once we get there.
Q: Are you happy with your player's performance thus far?
SSJ: I was unhappy with the way my season started but happy with the way it ended. Like I said before, I played much better the last couple weeks of the season, and I hope to take that momentum and have it spring me into this coming season. There are always things I can and will improve on but overall it was a solid start to my career. I may never be one of t he ten best players in the SHL and that is fine for me, all I want to do is continue to get better and be a positive for my team. I want to be a guy that when you see me on the ice or even in the stat sheets you can't help but to say that I am just a solid player that does the right things and limits mistakes all of the time. I want to be the ultimate teammate but I will admit that having good statistics would be a great bonus as well.
Q: Instant Gratification or Mothership?
SSJ: For those who don't know, these are the last two albums from Dance Gavin Dance. My GM Brandon and I learned that we had a mutual liking of this band and we were both excited for when Mothership, the newest album, was released. Typically I would say that the older album is my favorite of any band because that was the album that got me into them. However, I have to admit that I sort of like Mothership more between the two. Both are great albums for people who like this type of music so you can't go wrong either way which is a great thing.
Q: What will your priorities be when you next hit free agency?
SSJ: Honestly I don't ever see myself actually hitting free agency. Unless things go completely haywire in Buffalo or both Brandon and Walrus ever step down, I see myself playing for the Stampede my entire career. As long as the franchise never gets complacent and continues to try and get better and grow towards a cup, you can count me in. For hypothetical purposes, if I were to actually hit free agency, I would probably look to win right away. I don't necessarily mean I would jump on the best and most talented team that offered me a contract but I mean I want to be on a team that has playoff aspirations and that I could help be a missing piece of the puzzle. It would also help to get paid enough each season to cover equipment costs but I don't need anything more than that from a financial perspective.
Q: Who do you think will win the cup?
SSJ: I am very surprised with the two teams that are in the cup to be honest. I thought it was going a Wolfpack title once again as I didn't really think any team in the league was as talented or experienced as they were. So it is a shock to me to see the Manhattan Rage and Calgary Dragons in the finals. I think that the Rage are going to win it all. I just think they are the better team of the two and that typically wins out. The Rage are on a magical run right now but the cup is where it stops I think as the Dragons are just a sturdy and gritty team with a lot of veterans that know how to control their emotions and play championship level hockey. It should be a great series to watch but I am going with the Dragons on this one.
Q: What's your favourite thing (in context as an SHL player) about being in Buffalo?
SSJ: The whole reason I wanted to come to Buffalo so bad was to help be one of the key pieces to turning around a struggling franchise. That was the reason I joined Colorado when I entered the SMJHL and that was the reason I campaigned so hard for the Stampede to draft me. I love seeing the development of this team and being a member that is being counted on to continue the development. There is nothing more satisfactory in sports than joining a struggling franchise, helping turn them around, and one day winning a championship. I just don't see the point in joining a championship caliber team if they have a spot because I don't feel like you truly earned it. I want to see things through in Buffalo and if we can win just one cup before I hang up my cleats I will be 100 percent satisfied with my SHL career.
Q: Who would you say that you have the most chemistry with on Buffalo?
SSJ: As of right now it would have to be Eduard Selich. We skated on the same line together all season and we really worked well together. By the end of the season we had incredible chemistry working and it really is a testament to how consistency with a line mate can pay off in the chemistry department. By the end of the season I knew exactly where he was going to be at all times and he knew the same about me. We learned how each other preferred the puck on passes and I hope that we get to continue to skate alongside each other moving forward so we can continue to build on this strong chemistry we built.
Q: Which part of your game needs the most work? Which part are you most happy with?
SSJ: There is a lot I still need to work on being such a young player. I would like to raise my shot percentage, I feel that has been a major weak point for me over the last few seasons. When I first joined the league and played in Colorado, I had a very good shot percentage, however it has taken a dip lately and I can't explain it too much. I guess I have to get more creative with my shots and shot placement. I would say the part of my game I am happiest with so far is the ability to get my teammates involved on the ice. I almost double the amount of assists I had to goals and that is something I take pride in being a center. As much as I love to score goals myself, I love to assist on them just as much. I am excited to see how I continue to grow as a player and hopefully one day I will be near the top in overall points from season to season.
Q: What surprised you most about the SHL?
SSJ: The speed of the game took me for a surprise in the beginning. The guys at this level are so much faster, stronger, and precise with their movements and puck handling it made things difficult on me at first. I was able to adjust and catch up to the game slowly but I still need to get better at that moving forward. I think the final two weeks was a testament to how far I have come and I need to keep building off that momentum. I think with more experience and comfort at this level I will only get better and become an integral part for the Stampede for hopefully a lot of years.
Q: When you get ahold of the locker room iPod, what do you usually play?
SSJ: Well a music question was asked earlier about Dance Gavin Dance, so I might play that type of music, but I also have really been into The Front Bottoms lately. I have basically been listening to their self titled album and Talon of the Hawk album on repeat for the last two months. However if I was choosing music for the whole team I would probably play something closer to Dance Gavin Dance, something faster paced, that I think would help get guys motivated to hit the ice. Of course rap music is always a fan favorite so I may mix in some of that as well.
Q: How do your teammates feel about your choice of music?
SSJ: I know Brandon is on the same page as me when it comes to music. Beyond that, I don't really know, I haven't thought to ask. I typically listen to music with headphones on so nobody really can hear what I am listening to. I would hope that they would be open to what I like to play if there ever comes a day where I am tasked with picking the music for the locker room to get us pumped up for the game.
Q: What can we expect from Steven Stamkos JR the next few seasons?
SSJ: Growth and consistency. I believe that you can never stop growing as a player and a person and if I can pair that with consistency on a day-to-day performance on the ice, I think I have a chance to become a great player. As with any player that keeps working hard on their craft, I hope to continue to improve on the ice which will translate to more numbers on the stat sheet and ultimately more wins for the team. I won't guarantee anything in terms of stats but I will confidentially say that you can expect me to continue growing and improving.
Q: Would rather win back to back challenge Cups or be in the HoF , please also expand what your reasoning was ?
SSJ: Being in the Hall of Fame is the ultimate dream for any professional athlete but if I had to choose between that or winning back to back cups, I am going with the cups. All I want to do is help take Buffalo to the promise land and all the personal accolades would mean nothing if I never were to win a cup. Heck, you could of said one cup or Hall of Fame and I would choose the cup. I want to be a part of one of those legendary teams that fans look back and cherish and remember the players who made it all possible. There is nothing better in sports than winning a championship and that will always be my number one desire.
Q: What do you want to be said about you once you retire?
SSJ: I want people to say that I was a winner. Even if I never put up Hall of Fame worthy statistics as long as I become a player that wins that is good enough for me. It's like having a quarterback that doesn't put up gaudy numbers but somehow always finds a way to win, no matter how ugly, and it is those types of player I appreciate the most. If I can find a happy medium between talented and gritty then I believe i can become the type of player I strive to be.
Q: Which IIHF nations are the favorites to win gold this season for you?
SSJ: I basically answered this already, I don't follow the IIHF so I don't have any clue what the rosters are. I am just going to say Canada since I am not part of the Canada team and hopefully we have enough talent to get it done.
Q: Do you still look at the SMJHL some times? Which teams won't make the playoffs there next season?
SSJ: Honestly now that I have reached the SHL the only thing I look at it is myself and my team. I couldn't tell you who won the cup in the SMJHL this season or who is on what team. I am very sheltered and living under a rock when it comes to happenings around the league because I really care about is how am I getting better and how is my team getting better. So, unfortunately, I can not give you a proper answer for this question and I don't feel like it would be beneficial if I tried to fake my way through it.
Q: Do you hope that one day your number will be hanging in the Stampede rafters?
SSJ: That would be quite the honor and honestly is never something I thought about until now. The Stampede are far from a storied franchise with storied franchise players so if I can be a pioneer of sorts in that view than that would be awesome. Of course I would love to see my number hanging in the rafters when my career is all said and done. To do that though I have to get better every day and be a key part to the Buffalo revival. As long as the team shows as much effort into turning things around as I do, I can't imagine be ever leaving, so getting my number in the rafters might be a strong possibility one day.
Q: There were some rumors about you playing wing next season in Buffalo if Lundberg signs? If that is true how do you feel about this change?
SSJ: I was asked if I would consider making the transition to winger if we are able to retain Jonathan Lundberg and of course I would be open to doing it. In fact I think my areas of strength may suit the winger position more than the center position. Lundberg is a great player and honestly gets overlooked playing those years with the Wolfpack. He was a key piece to their championships and I really want him to be here and help us get to that same spot. It would be devastating if he decides not to sign in my eyes so I want to do everything I can to help entice him staying with us. I just hope he has the right intentions and wants to help turn a franchise around rather than chase the money, although from what I have seen we are offering him a hefty amount. I know I could learn a lot playing alongside Lundberg and I think he could really shine as an individual getting away from being in the shadows of the multiple talented wingers in New England.
Q: Who do you think will win ROTY in S32 and which player will have a good shot at it in S33?
SSJ: I think our guys in Buffalo made a good run at it but I think it will be Timmo Haas from Los Angeles. He was incredible between the pipes this season and he will be tough to beat in the voting. With that said I think Selich had a great season and I could see him getting a lot of second or third place votes. I just believe that this award is Haas' to lose. As far as next season goes, again I don't follow much of anything outside of Buffalo, so I couldn't give you an educated guess as to who I would pick. Heck, I don't even have a clue as to who is making the leap to the SHL next season.
Q: What was the feeling this season to play with Eduard Selich on the same line given the fact that you guys played against each other fairly often in the SMJHL?
SSJ: Playing against Selich in the SMJHL helped me realize how special of a talent he truly was. I only wish I got to play with him in the SMJHL so we could have gotten a jump start on building chemistry on the ice. In the one season we did play alongside each other I think we learned a lot about each other and became a formidable tandem for a couple of rookies. I just hope to get to keep skating on a line with him because I think we can do a lot of good things in the future. He is an incredible scoring threat and I plan to be as well so if both of us keep improving I think a lot of goalies will not like it when they see the both of us racing down the ice on the breakaway.
Q: Who do you want to be linemates next season?
SSJ: Plain and simple, Jonathan Lundberg and Eduard Selich. Of course that is contingent on Lundberg agreeing to terms with us and also feeling like we can put a good enough line next to Nicolas Winter. I think the three of us could do a lot of damage if we are on the same line. I always watched the Minnesota Chiefs and what they had with Banananov and Flacko next to each other and it was explosive. I envision Selich and myself getting there one day and it would not hurt in the least bit having a skater like Lundberg bringing the puck up center ice. If Lundberg chooses not to play here, I at least hope that Buffalo continues to implore Selich and myself on the same line.
Q: What are your goals stat wise?
SSJ: I would really love to make the leap into the 40 point range. I am shooting for somewhere around 15 goals and 25 assists or some variation to that. Also a strong plus/minus rating won't hurt and I think I can get that with the teammates I will be on the ice with. One day I hope to progress into a perennial 30 goal and 20 to 30 assist player but for now I think going from 32 points to 40 points is a solid goal to strive for.
Q: How do you feel knowing I will never let you leave buffalo? <3
SSJ: I don't know if it is as much as you not letting me leave or me not wanting to leave. I like to be loyal and I appreciate players who are loyal. Even if we do never win a cup in Buffalo, I still want to be here for the entire ride, no matter how smooth or bumpy. Fortunately I believe that we are not far off from being strong contenders, even if the league might not see it that way, and I believe we are just a couple pieces away and continued growth from some of our young guys from being the next Wolfpack.
Q: Are you sad knowing Gabe the Dog died?
SSJ: Who? Sorry, I don't know what this is in reference to.
Q: Who is your biggest player rival in the SHL?
SSJ: I can't really say that I have a rival because I have never gotten into a war of words with anyone or built a rival based on competitiveness. I consider everyone to be my rival, unless you are my teammate, and I want to get the best of whoever it is on the ice opposite me at all times. Hopefully one day I become good enough that other players will start to consider me their rival because that means they want to try even harder to get the better of me because of the talent level I have achieved.
Q: Who is your biggest team rival in the SHL?
SSJ: Well coming into the SHL I did not like the Texas Renegades and what they stood for or carried themselves. Lately, I have not seen much from them and they are basically off my radar entirely. So again, much like the player rival, I consider every team that isn't my own to be my biggest rival. I want to beat everyone and stand on top of the mountain alone with my teammates.
Q: Why are Colorado and Buffalo the best teams on the site?
SSJ: I don't know if they are the best on the site but I like them the most. I did get experience in Vancouver but I felt like they weren't as close knit as we were in Colorado. I guess Colorado and Buffalo are the best in my eyes because it is basically all I know and all I desire to know.
Would rather win back to back challenge Cups or be in the HoF , please also expand what your reasoning was ?
What do you want to be said about you once you retire?
Which IIHF nations are the favorites to win gold this season for you?
Do you still look at the SMJHL some times? Which teams won't make the playoffs there next season?
Do you hope that one day your number will be hanging in the Stampede rafters?
There were some rumors about you playing wing next season in Buffalo if Lundberg signs? If that is true how do you feel about this change?
Who do you think will win ROTY in S32 and which player will have a good shot at it in S33?
What was the feeling this season to play with Eduard Selich on the same line given the fact that you guys played against each other fairly often in the SMJHL?
Are there any funny stories about the german speaking Stampede players like Wächter,Selich, Winter or Müller?
Thank you all for the amazing sigs & player cards
3. Buffalo Stampede , Eduard Selich 5 (Maximilian Wachter, Alexis Metzler) at 16:25
5. Buffalo Stampede , Eduard Selich 6 (Steven Stamkos Jr., Brynjar Tusk) at 19:48
8. Buffalo Stampede , Eduard Selich 7 (Brynjar Tusk, Alexis Metzler) at 13:55
9. Buffalo Stampede , Eduard Selich 8 (Anton Fedorov, Mikelis Grundmanis) at 15:12
10. Buffalo Stampede , Eduard Selich 9 (Dickie Pecker) at 19:43 (Empty Net)
Stamkos Is My Dad![[Image: zeus-stom-draft-night.png]](https://i.ibb.co/s3xxh3x/zeus-stom-draft-night.png)
How did it feel getting selected to Team Canada 
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