What lies ahead for the former ALH star? Daisuke Katsu came to play in North American hockey because it was his best shot of being famous and play with the best player of the world of hockey. He hustles, forechecks and is getting to the front of the net, but clearly the frustration of not getting numbers after two years is getting to him. And along frustration came laziness.

“I would have loved to see Katsu get mad during a game,” Toast said during a phone interview. “How many times did he just give up on a play … got to the bench and made a soft changeup? He started high and finished dead last.”

Daisuke Katsu was selected late in round 5 by the Kelowna Knights. Instead of training like any other prospect, his lack of English knowledge made him wait for a phone call that never came. Katsu didn’t even made it to draft day and it wasn’t until his former GM, Donini, called him to negotiate the contract that he knew he was selected at all.

“I had some trouble at first,” Katsu told our reporter. “I actually received a letter to make sure I trained hard enough with the draft invitation but I couldn’t read it so I discarded it and waited for a phone call… which never came.”

Starting with two strikes, he came to Kelowna with one goal in mind: play well enough to impress the big shot at SHL for a chance to play high level hockey. Then, like any other players would react, his lack of points made him frustrated and he used his frustration well dishing 143 hits in 40 games (which is also a team forward record) and led the Knight to the Cup finals against the Impact. The Knights lost the Cup but Daisuke Katsu reached his goal: he played well enough to be projected a round 2 material.

After being selected in Round 2 by the Minnesota Chiefs, the Asian grinder future was all his to take; but somewhere down the line, he lost his grip and let go. His scoring problems arose again but this time, instead on focusing on hitting; Katsu started playing softer and softer.

“You don’t see it at first,” Katsu continued on. ”I came to play each game like it was my last, but for everyone around I came playing like I didn’t cared. It’s a strange and humbling feeling when you realize that you were part of the problem and not a solution.”

His first SHL season number won’t impress anybody and his lack of dedication didn’t impress either.

“It wasn’t until the season ended that I realized that I did nothing at all. I let down my organization and my teammates. That was the hardest part to accept” he said with regrets. “I was even sure I would be traded away, but no one wanted a struggling player that is invisible.”

With Season 14 under wrap, Katsu is seen more and more at the gym making sure he won’t repeat past mistake. Will it be enough to shine his star again? Only time will tell.

“The big picture looks bleak, but one season can turn everything around. And that’s what I am looking for”, Katsu said before driving away.

#BelieveInKatsu

That path to survival is the path of KATSUUU!

“The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again. ... There are neither beginnings nor endings to the Wheel of Time. But it was a beginning.”





Ólafur Atlason| C | SMJHL Prospect | Madison Valkyries
Birthplace: Reykjavik, Iceland
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Transactions
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Awards
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Achievements
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SMJHL Season Stats
S76: GP: 0 | G: 0 | A: 0 | P: 0 | 0 | PIM: 0 | Hits: 0 | |
SMJHL Playoff Stats
S76: GP: 0 | G: 0 | A: 0 | P: 0 | 0 | PIM: 0 | Hits: 0 | |
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SHL Season Stats

Going to have a MONSTER year!

Well I hope so. Player build is coming along nicely.

I'm glad you're not done with the league. I think you have a bright future and hope you stick with it.

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