Interview with Ducks GM....
How do you feel your off season went?
I think it was a productive off season and that I improved my team from last year.
Not by a huge margin, but enough to move the meter.
Was able to also pick up few established players on good contracts (Ghost, Gallagher & Kadri) and some players with good potential (Kahun, Tolvanen, C.Brown, Tierney) and then some depth pieces (Saad, Orlov, B.Ryan, Anisimov)
The draft was a wash for me, cause I barely participated, but picking up Broissoit was a nice handcuff for me.
What do you think of my review of your team?
16TH?! WTF!!!! lol
Understandable though, I didn't really do anything earth shattering to my roster from a far, but I think I've put together a team that will compete for a playoff spot.
Having doubts about Hellebuyck though, that blue line isn't looking too good.
Did you get close to any major trades that didn’t materialize....and if so, why didn’t my sources know about it?
I had conversations with a lot of the GM's and was involved in some capacity with a lot the bigger moves that got made.
Was in on McDavid, had offered up a solid young player and two blue chip prospects, but ultimately it was declined.
Ducks management is a bit tight lipped during the off season, a lot of things can turn in the drop of a hat and we didn't want to give away our hand.
What does the 334 mean in your Dobber profile name?
When I was in elementary school I wanted an email address that was evans316, because of Stone Cold Steve Austin.
It wasn't available so It suggested 334 and it kind of stuck.
I haven't thought about that in a long time, excuse me while I go relive my child hood as an adult
https://media.giphy.com/media/nDMyoN...AuuL/giphy.gif
How did you come up with your WHL team name?
I'm a big Mighty Ducks movie fan, so it seemed only fitting.
I think we all tried the triple deke in some capacity in our life time, whether it was playing shinny or in the basement, everyone wanted to be Charlie Conway.
Screw the cake eaters!
https://media.giphy.com/media/b7Fm4DyLWdCxi/giphy.gif
You are the only team with a twitter handle....why do you think other teams haven’t followed suit?
Ahead of the curve I guess?
It's a great way to get breaking information out to our followers....wait never mind you're the only one following us, might have to have a talk with our social media department.
We also use fancy stats, but the analytics team seems to focus a bit too much on Quebec based NHL franchises, need to watch money ball again.
What is one real world (ie not fantasy hockey) accomplishment you are most proud of?
I picked up playing golf last year and last week I shot a 97 and I swear to god it was the proudest moment of my life and I shouted it from the roof tops.
The wife was not too impressed.
What is your Stanley Cup Final prediction?
I mean Tampa has to make it, don't they? Such a stacked team and they are going to be angry after the first round exit last year.
I really like Vegas to come out of the West, too.
Tampa in 4
What is your WHL final prediction?
I'm going Vancouver Voodoo.
Top-end talent at every skater position and great goal tending.
Who will win each division in the WHL?
hmmmm tough question
Probert - Vancouver Voodoo
Tocchet - Manitoba Moose
Hospodar - District-5 Ducks *homer pick*
Semin - Dryden Eagles
You may ask me one question....
Hypothetically, if every WHL team with an animal in it's name had that animal dropped in a fight to the death type scenario, which animal would win?
That may be the strangest question I have ever heard....well here goes.... the Polar Bear would eat the Muskie, the Duck would get punched out by the fighting turtle. The turtle then gets caught by the eagles talon, while the Griffin then swoops in and takes out the Eagle. Then the Griffin is taken out once it lands by the majestic Moose, who then is eaten by the Cougar, leaving a showdown between the Polar Bear vs the Cougar...my money is on the Cougar...never cross a Cougar. #expertanalysis