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Kris · 01-17-2018, 04:08 PM

NOT READY FOR GRADING
Detroit, MI

It is now known that a 4 season Detroit Falcons veteran Francesco Bellucci is moving on to play hockey in Europe.
"I just want to be closer to home. Right now I have been offered a professional contract in the Switzerland league, and I feel like that would be the best move for me," said Francesco shortly after announcing his retirement from NA hockey.
"I have spent 4 great seasons here, learned a lot, won a cup, and made great friends. What more can I ask for? It was a great time."

Meanwhile, a new prospect has fallen into SMJHL team radars. Maybe some of you remember a former Montreal Militia player from Iceland, Kristofer Hallfredsson. He spent a few good seasons there as a rare pure defensive defender, and then moved on to play for West Kendall Platoon, where he didn't get much playing time. His son, Gylfi, is also a rarity - he's a MASSIVE 6'10 and 295 pounds center, who looks to get drafted in the S39 SMJHL draft.

"My father taught a lot to me in terms of defensive, play, and I spent the last season in Detroit working with my and Kristofer's friend Francesco on my offensive game. I know my physical attributes are not common in today's game, especially with the focus being on smaller, faster, more skillful players. However, I look to make the most of what's given to me by playing physical hockey and wearing out opponents. I'm aiming to play in the SMJHL soon. "

The two Latvian internationals are now hosting a press conference together to answer any questions regarding their past/future.

<a href='index.php?showuser=2873' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-34'>karey</a> My player Viktor Marius really looked up to you, no question here, but he wanted to reach out and thank you for everything you did during his rookie year and hopes that we find success in this last hoorah together during the WJC/IIHF!

Thank you! I am very proud to be a part of this team for the last 4 years, and this last run was no exception at all. You along other rookies were amazing and I think it's time for you to lead the team to a winning season. And you're right there! We still have 2 tournaments to play, so we'll have time for farewells.

<a href='index.php?showuser=2724' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>bluesfan55</a> Gylfi, is there a SMJHL team you especially want to go to?

Actually there is, yeah. I think I have stated before that I spent last season here in Detroit, playing for a local juniors team while my father hooked me up with Francesco who was glad to help. I spent most of my time with him in individual trainings, but I was here to watch the season 37 finals and I went to almost every Falcons home game in season 38. I studied the game a lot and honestly, I was in awe from the support the fans give to their city's junior team. I have to say, some pro teams don't get this kind of support. It's incredible. I hope that answered your question.

Francesco, where in Europe will you be playing and for which team?
Like I've said, after I play out the World Junior championship and IIHF tournament, I'm flying back to Italy at first, and then going to Switzerland, city of Lugano. It's fairly close to my home in Milan, so I'm going to be able to drive home at breaks easily, and fans from Italy could come over to watch too. I'm excited to play there and hopefully I can continue to play some quality hockey and bring home silverware!

Francesco nods his head suggesting that the questions can continue...

<a href='index.php?showuser=1492' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>linsangeles</a> Gylfi, why it would be valuable for the team to draft you not someone else?
I already stated before that I know which team I would prefer to play with, and I'm sure I would get valued highly there. However, to answer your question generally, it's simple - I'm just not your typical center. In the league there are some players with similar physical build, and they are quite successful, take Ace Redding for example, and I believe, that if I get put in a similar environment, I can bring the same impact to a team.

karey · 01-17-2018, 04:59 PM

My player Viktor Marius really looked up to you, no question here, but he wanted to reach out and thank you for everything you did during his rookie year and hopes that we find success in this last hoorah together during the WJC/IIHF!