Post by Hawks on Feb 7, 2007 21:17:30 GMT -5
Quest for the cup.
I recently had a chance to do a sit down interview with the GM of the Chicago Blackhawks, Gavin Steidele. We talked about previous seasons, this season, and season to come as well as a little about the league he helps to manage.
News: First off, thanks for meeting with us today. It is a real pleasure to sit down with you and discuss your team.
GS: Haha, no problem, I've been eager to talk actually.
News: So, first off, tell us how we got where we are today in the JGHL.
GS: Well, Jon (Aves) and I originally came from another hockey league in which we were GMs. He ran the Islanders and I ran the Sharks. It was enjoyable, but there ended up being a bit of a controversy, he and I shared the same opinion during that time and we decided to leave that league and start our own league. A couple people came with us, we recruited and had our first fantasy draft, set the ground rules, and it was off the races at that point.
News: Why did you choose the Blackhawks as your team?
GS: I'm originally from Chicago, and still a NHL Blackhawks fan to this day...despite their lack of management. There is really no other Hockey team I feel I can call "my team", so the fit was natural.
News: What was your thinking during the fantasy draft? Why did you originally choose Rick Nash as your first draft choice?
GS: My plan during the draft was pretty simple, build to go long. We took a lot of young talent that were mostly either projected top rookies or sophomore youngsters coming off good rookie years. Nash was one of the top scorers in the NHL at that time, if I recall, and since my original top pick (Brodeur) had been taken, he seemed like a fine choice to make. I got a little criticism for that choice, but I don't regret it. The biggest steal I got during the fantasy draft would have to be Cheechoo in the 13th round.
News: Describe the last 3 seasons to us.
GS: Phew, thats a tall order. The first season was about what we expected, and we finished rather low on the daisy chain, but we were going for the long haul and were willing to accept that. Season 2 our players developed very nicely and we were ready even then to make a make a strong playoff run. We made some trades to improve and we won the division but were outed in the playoffs in the 2nd round. Season 3 we were really trying pretty hard for a strong playoff run. We made some more trades to improve that chance and made even a stronger run, being removed by the powerhouse Colorado in the conference finals. It was disappointing to say the least, but we are still here and still strong.
News: So its save to assume the Blackhawks have eyes on the prize this year eh?
GS: That is an understatement (laughs). We are sick of not raising that beautiful silver cup, and are pushing HARD to get there. We have even gone so far as to sacrifice a rather large chunk of our future to get there, but it will be well worth it. We have worked hard to get where we are and put together a team that I feel can win it all, and seeing as how the contracts simply aren't going to allow for another strong chance for awhile, its Lord Stanley or Bust.
News: What is your game plan for this season? What do you find as you biggest strengths? Weaknesses?
GS: The plan for this season, was "control". Control of the puck, control of emotions (penalties), control of the game. Naming our biggest strength is a bit hard to pinpoint, we have been doing well in a lot of places so far this year. One I'd like to mention though is that we are a tough as nails team who play a very disciplined game, and thats one heck of a strength to have. The only weakness in my eyes, is depth. As long as we can stay healthy, we will be the team we want to be.
News: Which teams are you most afraid of this season?
GS: From the West, I'd have to say Dallas, Nashville, and Calgary. From the East as a possible finals match, Buffalo, Philly, or the Islanders.
News: If there was 1 player you could have on your team that you don't have already, who would it be?
GS: Sidney Crosby, that kid is amazing.
News: Final words?
GS: Keep your head up (smiles).
I recently had a chance to do a sit down interview with the GM of the Chicago Blackhawks, Gavin Steidele. We talked about previous seasons, this season, and season to come as well as a little about the league he helps to manage.
News: First off, thanks for meeting with us today. It is a real pleasure to sit down with you and discuss your team.
GS: Haha, no problem, I've been eager to talk actually.
News: So, first off, tell us how we got where we are today in the JGHL.
GS: Well, Jon (Aves) and I originally came from another hockey league in which we were GMs. He ran the Islanders and I ran the Sharks. It was enjoyable, but there ended up being a bit of a controversy, he and I shared the same opinion during that time and we decided to leave that league and start our own league. A couple people came with us, we recruited and had our first fantasy draft, set the ground rules, and it was off the races at that point.
News: Why did you choose the Blackhawks as your team?
GS: I'm originally from Chicago, and still a NHL Blackhawks fan to this day...despite their lack of management. There is really no other Hockey team I feel I can call "my team", so the fit was natural.
News: What was your thinking during the fantasy draft? Why did you originally choose Rick Nash as your first draft choice?
GS: My plan during the draft was pretty simple, build to go long. We took a lot of young talent that were mostly either projected top rookies or sophomore youngsters coming off good rookie years. Nash was one of the top scorers in the NHL at that time, if I recall, and since my original top pick (Brodeur) had been taken, he seemed like a fine choice to make. I got a little criticism for that choice, but I don't regret it. The biggest steal I got during the fantasy draft would have to be Cheechoo in the 13th round.
News: Describe the last 3 seasons to us.
GS: Phew, thats a tall order. The first season was about what we expected, and we finished rather low on the daisy chain, but we were going for the long haul and were willing to accept that. Season 2 our players developed very nicely and we were ready even then to make a make a strong playoff run. We made some trades to improve and we won the division but were outed in the playoffs in the 2nd round. Season 3 we were really trying pretty hard for a strong playoff run. We made some more trades to improve that chance and made even a stronger run, being removed by the powerhouse Colorado in the conference finals. It was disappointing to say the least, but we are still here and still strong.
News: So its save to assume the Blackhawks have eyes on the prize this year eh?
GS: That is an understatement (laughs). We are sick of not raising that beautiful silver cup, and are pushing HARD to get there. We have even gone so far as to sacrifice a rather large chunk of our future to get there, but it will be well worth it. We have worked hard to get where we are and put together a team that I feel can win it all, and seeing as how the contracts simply aren't going to allow for another strong chance for awhile, its Lord Stanley or Bust.
News: What is your game plan for this season? What do you find as you biggest strengths? Weaknesses?
GS: The plan for this season, was "control". Control of the puck, control of emotions (penalties), control of the game. Naming our biggest strength is a bit hard to pinpoint, we have been doing well in a lot of places so far this year. One I'd like to mention though is that we are a tough as nails team who play a very disciplined game, and thats one heck of a strength to have. The only weakness in my eyes, is depth. As long as we can stay healthy, we will be the team we want to be.
News: Which teams are you most afraid of this season?
GS: From the West, I'd have to say Dallas, Nashville, and Calgary. From the East as a possible finals match, Buffalo, Philly, or the Islanders.
News: If there was 1 player you could have on your team that you don't have already, who would it be?
GS: Sidney Crosby, that kid is amazing.
News: Final words?
GS: Keep your head up (smiles).