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Leoben · 09-08-2019, 09:47 PM

Ready for grading.

Josef Kubinec wasn't sure if tonight would be his last game in the Scotiabank Centre when the game started. It was always a possibility but not one that occupied his thoughts. His teammate Esa Parmborg probably had the same thoughts but pushed them aside to focus on the game.

Alas, it would be their game, both in the Scotiabank Centre and as teammates. Parmborg heads off to Calgary while Kubinec heads to Texas. One's future is bright as he will certainly be a star but the other's is less certain.

We caught up with him before the game.

"I know I have a few seasons where I can contribute something. I probably won't have much success right away but I need to make sure Texas knows that I was worth the pick and let other people know I'm not a bust. I was called that right after the draft and it stuck with me. I needed to let Halifax know I was worth the money and Texas to know I was worth the pick, even at 53 overall."

A major injury after his first season of junior play set back his development so it is no surprise he went as low as he did. Factor that in with a checkered past, his interest in the game and his team was non-existent. "Only one or two people knew what was going on and I really didn't want to talk to anyone. I watched the draft from a hospital bed and watched my name not be selected over and over again. "I figured I'd just retire then and there, but then I got a text message from the Texas Co-GM. Someone was giving me a shot."

Kubinec struggled in his second season coming off injury before finally getting to be a started late in the season. He turned it up for his last two seasons in Halifax becoming one of the leading scorers next to the likes of Parmborg, Cody, Atlas Rush, Tanner, Finn-Rhys, and others. Still behind in his development and likely to never have a full career, he still thinks he can contribute in Texas.

"I have a solid six seasons before the regression kicks in I think so I need to make the most of that time. I've had setback after setback but finally feel like things are moving in a positive direction."

Post-Game

Montreal defeated Halifax 2-1 after a hard-fought back-and-forth series. Halifax had a pretty good season coming in third and a deep play-off run the season prior. Kubinec may have had his last game as a Raider but he definitely brought his best game the last two seasons.

"I am really pleased with my performance the last two seasons. I didn't shatter any records and don't expect to have a jersey hung up but I think I proved my worth. I had a great time here and even if we weren't always winning, I think we finally changed the culture here. We're not a meme any longer and when people face us, it's not going to be a wash. Even though some of the key pieces are moving on, there is plenty of talent left to fill those spots."

There was a bit of frustration in the locker room after the loss. Players blaming themselves and others bargaining that the loss of Klozoff hurt their changes. All of that certainly has weight but it also takes away from the accomplishments of Montreal. Kubinec didn't give it too much thought. "At the end of the day we didn't do enough to win. We lost by one goal and we had ample time to get that. Montreal were the better team for this series and they deserve to advance. There is no shame in this loss. No shame in going out like that. One stray puck goes our way and it's a different game. That's just the sport."

"I'll probably clean out my locker tomorrow and prepare for my last WJC tournament. I'm not even sure what team I'll be on next year. I was on some combined team last year so I expect the same this time. I'm more focused on my first season with the big boys. I have a lot of work to do."

"If I have any last words for the people of Halifax and the Raiders, it's probably just...Be excellent to each other. I think that's from a movie or something."

Kubinec was the first to leave the locker room after the game. He game the room one last look and left a letter on the bench beside his locker. The envelope read "Raiders."

Team Captain Atlas Rush picked it up and opened it. He read it to the team.

My Dearest Raiders,

If you are reading this then a few things may have happened. I might be dead in which case keep reading. I may have just forgotten it, in which case please let me know so I can pick it up. Or I may have left it by my locker for someone to find after I snuck out so you can read it aloud as a team like I'm some dramatic high-schooler. You might even be listening to some post-game music and I might have selected a specific song for dramatic effect before I left. In which case keep reading.

So Raiders, as you read this we are either champions or we are not. But know this much. You don't need a Four Star Cup Trophy to be champions to me. Some say the real Four Star Cup is the friends you make along the way. Actually, I don't know anyone who has said that except me. Either way, we don't need to define ourselves by our championship accomplishments (thank Christ or I'd be screwed). We define ourselves by...(it looks like Kubinec meant to leave this part blank until he found a cool word in the Thesaurus)...So with that said, that's what you are to me...(again he was going to use a metaphor of the first word).

This has been an adventure. It has had its ups and downs. One would say a roller coaster but I think it would be more like a Ferris wheel. But whatever carnival ride you use, the result should be the same, unless those make you sick. So a pleasant adventure in which no one gets sick.

There are many people I want to thank after my time here in Halifax, and some I will see again in Texas. So let me go down the list, in no particular order.

@FinnRhys - My multi. You are probably crying already and that's okay. Just let it out. We can stay in touch. I also left my Axe body spray collection in my locker. It's all yours buddy. You were a great teammate and I look forward to following your career.
@Keygan - We always seem to cross paths in this league. That says a lot about you that you put up with my crap all this time. It's always a pleasure to play for or with you. Good luck in Edmonton. I left my loofah in the showers. You said you liked it so its all yours.
@Steelhead77 - It was great getting to play alongside a future legend. To you I leave my helmet. Let it represent protection of the head. Thanks for the leadership and positive words after each game.
@Rublic - The Captain. You're probably the one reading this letter. Much like Parmborg, you were always there for motivation. Pleasure playing with you. I give you my left glove.
@C9Van - I know we didn't play together long but you really left a mark while you were here. Best of luck in the future. To you I leave my right skate.
@Winter is Coming - I feel like a bridesmaid playing alongside all these future legends. Best of luck in the future. Cody is going to be a killer. I give you my left skate.
@Whikadoodle - You get my right glove. Again, another stud I was playing alongside. Thankfully we get to play in Texas together some day.
@charlieconway - It was fun playing with you for a season. Keep at it. I leave you my mouthguard.
@CementHands - Again, I barely got to play with you but it was good while it lasted. You and charlieconway are the future of Halifax and need to help the new rookies stay active. Best of luck. I leave you my hockey stick. It's signed. Sell it now because it'll be worthless in a few seasons.
@Flareon and @Citizen of Adraa - Pleasure playing for you. I leave each of you my lucky socks. I wore them all playoff series, never washed. You can each have one. Come to think of it, maybe they weren't so lucky.
@Jearim - Thank for signing me so long ago. Both in Halifax and getting Texas to draft me. I am going to play my ass off for you and @dankoa going forward. I know I had a rep preceding me but I just want to move forward with the league. Thanks for letting me do that.

To anyone that I left off, I apologize. There are just too many to name. But that's the way it goes. We are all just spokes in a wheel and once one breaks or gets old, you replace it with another. That's not just hockey, that's life. Once you get old and rusty like one of those boomers, you just get replaced by a fresher model with a new coat of paint. Hockey, work, life, cars, it all works like that. So cherish the time you have on top because the fall can be brutal and it's filled with famine and war and sadness.It's been a lot of fun and hopefully I get to watch your success continue next season. As they say in Halifax, Raid On!

Sincerely,
Josef "The Bridesmaid" Kubinec

Rush put the letter back on the bench. "Who wants lunch?"

Steelhead77 · 09-08-2019, 10:14 PM

This is beautiful! It was an honor and a pleasure playing alongside you the past few seasons in Halifax. We had some great moments and you always buried my passes, even the bad ones! I have no doubt Kubinec will go on to have a successful SHL career and continue to be an awesome teammate and locker room presence. I loved my time in Halifax also for many of the same reasons and people, it was and remains a special group. Thanks for leaving me your helmet, I'll put it on my mantle next to my bronzed parm!

raiders

---> ParmBorg Highlights <---

#1 All-Time SHL Goal & Point Scorer
- First 2,000 TPE Player in SHL History -
- First 400 Goal Scorer in SHL History -
- Only 500 Goal Scorer in SHL History -
- First GM to Win 5 & 6 Challenge Cups -
Esa Anrikkanen Award - SMJHL ROY - Est. S34
Vidrik Onoprienko Award Winner - S45

Dragonite

charlieconway · 09-08-2019, 10:58 PM

Glad we got to spend a season together. Thanks for the kind words, and good luck in the big leagues!

raiders

Rublic · 09-09-2019, 07:57 AM

the raid continues!!! raiders

C9Van · 09-09-2019, 08:21 AM

"If the real 4 Star Cup is the friends me made a long the way then I have never won anything and never will win anything..."

( <3 t'was a pleasure)

CementHands · 09-09-2019, 09:59 AM

We'll do you proud

Jearim · 09-13-2019, 06:32 AM

Time to make the league regret passing in you. Welcome to Texas my friend. You did us proud both in Halifax and Texas and we are happy to finally see you come up to the big club. Let's help you leave your mark.

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