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Whikadoodle · 06-19-2019, 11:10 AM

In the early throws of the S48 Juniors Season, the Halifax Raiders have proved to be a streaky team. Through eight games, the Raiders find themselves at .500. Fans do not seem to be downtrodden, as the four losses Halifax has suffered this season came during a skid between games two and six. Most critics have attributed those losses to a lack of chemistry and are hopeful that the Raiders will become a cohesive unit by the time the Four Star Cup playoffs roll around.

One player who has struggled to find chemistry in his new city is forward Ricky Spanish. The playmaking specialist has failed to create in the offensive zone, which has caused him to go scoreless through both the entirety of the preseason and the first stretch of games where it counts.

I had a chance to catch up with Spanish after the Raiders 3-1 win in Vancouver yesterday.

"I don't know what it is, but I can tell you it's a bit embarrassing. I've tried everything, but nothing seems to work. Some call me a superstitious person; I've thrown away so many socks and boxers for bad luck over the past couple of weeks that I had to go out and buy more. I heard that players on winning streaks don't shave or cut their hair, so this is my first time clean shaven in my entire life, and let me tell you, I'm clean shaven everywhere."

Spanish did take some time to praise his teammates and management for their efforts on the ice.

"I'm very happy that we've been able to right the ship over the last couple of games. After the close loss to Colorado, I think the team was a bit defeated and had trouble getting over it for awhile. Coach has told me all season that I need to have a short memory and just play the game shift-to-shift, but the only thing I could think about during the losing streak was how I wasn't contributing to the solution.. .

Esa has been a great leader on the ice and has given the rookies someone to look up to. Cody has also had a great start and is a great presence in the locker room. We have a lot going for us, and I want to be part of what makes this team contend."

Halifax coach Perry Morgan was much more positive in his review of Spanish's play so far in Halifax.

"The kid came in with high expectations and I think the league has humbled him a bit. He's learning his role on a real grind it out line, and he's started to lay the body and get to the dirty areas. I think he needs to realize that the level of play in this league is higher than he's used to, and it will take some time to adjust. Spanish is a project, but one that we're happy to see through to the end. I have no doubts he will shake the monkey off his back soon enough."

However, the Nova Scotia faithful have been a bit less patient with Ricky Spanish's development. I, and mean this literally, ran into an inebriated woman at a local bar who had some strong opinions on the junior.

"TWO WORDS, HE'S TOO SOFT FOR THE LEAGUE. THE BIGGEST BODY ON OUR WING AND HE'S TOO MUCH OF A WUSS TO GET INVOLVED. HES TRASH"

Ricky is trying not to let the things he hears in the stands and on social media bother him.

"Yeah, I see and hear some of the things people are saying. It's kind of hard not to, but I've taken a break from Twitter and I'm just focusing on my game, finding things to tweak here and there. I'm also bag skating anytime Coach doesn't strictly forbid it, so I hope that will have an affect and get me more opportunities. Right now I'm just trying to have fun and hope that gets me out of the funk.

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Winter is Coming · 06-19-2019, 11:12 AM

You're not struggling in my heart. Heart

We will score many goals together in Halifax. raiders

SlashACM · 06-19-2019, 11:16 AM

FR get your defense stat up

Whikadoodle · 06-19-2019, 11:38 AM

06-19-2019, 11:16 AMSlashACM Wrote: FR get your defense stat up

Im redistributing most to DEF. This current build is hot garbage.

Rublic · 06-19-2019, 03:03 PM

You gonna be a beast soon enough whiki <3

Whikadoodle · 06-19-2019, 03:03 PM

06-19-2019, 03:03 PMRublic Wrote: You gonna be a beast soon enough whiki <3

<333

jason97 · 06-19-2019, 05:11 PM

It's a tough world out here in the SMJHL

~~PenKnight~~ · 06-19-2019, 05:33 PM

06-19-2019, 05:11 PMjason97 Wrote: It's a tough world out here in the SMJHL

No doubt... I am on pace to be crushed getting hit by a 3-1 ratio per game!
Not to mention it looks like I am on pace to be the worst D-Man on Montreal!

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