The Anaheim Analyst

McCloud: "We respect the Militia but we want to win"

Outlaws' assistant captain talks about the opposition in a good light after a key victory

As the Outlaws managed to squeeze an overtime win to keep the series alive in 3-3, Anaheim's assistant captain Yoshimitsu McCloud took some time to answer media questions regarding all matters on the Outlaws as they play what certainly is one of the peak moments of Outlaws' hockey, let alone Anaheim hockey as a whole.

What do you think about the opponents?
Honestly, I haven't interacted much with any player of the Militia but I think the proper reply would be that they're a really good hockey team and would be a totally deserving champion side. That said, we want to win just as much. I'm sorry, gentlemen, we do respect you, but we want to win this Cup just as much and we'll do everything in our capacity to win it. I guarantee it, sirs. I guarantee it.

When you left Ireland, did you think you'd reach a final this early in your career?
I put it to the amazing roster that we, the Outlaws, have. I fear I'm still not the best player I can be but I do think that I'm decent enough to help my team. That said, I'm amazed to have the opportunity of playing the finals. To that, I'm thankful to the Outlaws' GM for believing in me despite me being... well, me.

Are the Scarecrows overrated?
I don't think I agree with that belief. Sure, they didn't go through ourselves in the Round 3 but they did put up a valuable fight, which is something that shouldn't be understated. I don't think they're overrated, but the league as a whole has a bunch of great players sprinkled throughout the teams. Every team should be taken seriously at all times, that's what I believe.

People on Trim are apparently very proud of you. Did you know that?
Honestly, I didn't. I still get letters from my family back home... well, the ones who didn't make the trip. They usually don't talk a lot about how things are going in the town itself, but I do get updates from them. I'd rather not elaborate on where they are and what they do, those are things us ninja shouldn't talk about. That said, I'd like to say thanks to the folks from Trim. I apologize if I didn't know what you thought about me and my career so far, but I'm very appreciative of it.

What do you think about your teammates?
Wonderful people all around. Some of the finest players I ever have seen playing, I consider it an honour to be here thanks to the talents that are in Anaheim. It'll be a heart-breaker once we're all on the major level but... hey, if we win the final game, that's something to remember with pride. If you catch my drift.

Predictions for Game 7?
I don't know. I hope we win. We put a lot of effort to get here and I hope it'll ultimately pay off. Don't you?

603 words

Player Page - Update Page

Former Players: Yoshimitsu McCloud (LW, #64) -
Won a Four Star Cup once, knew ninjutsu, picture editors hated him, never tried free agency
Anton Harrier (LW, #90) -
Won WJC gold, liked skateboarding a lot, went to the finals with Manhattan, kept his seat glued in LR

Nick Connolly || LW #9 || Chicago Syndicate || 1457 TPE

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 195 lbs

Number: 9

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Career Milestones:

S48: Drafted 9th overall by Chicago in SHL Entry Draft

S47: Drafted 6th overall by Anaheim in SMJHL Entry Draft

S47: Won Four Star Cup with Anaheim

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SMJHL Career Statistics:

S47 ANA | GP: 50 | G: 2 | A: 6 | P: 8 | -6 | PIM: 6

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SMJHL Playoff Statistics

S47 ANA | GP: 18 | G: 1 | A: 1 | P: 2 | -2 | PIM: 2

Nick Connolly - Update Thread