The media has begun filing into the conference room at the Las Vegas Regency Hotel. In the back of the room, a lavish spread awaits the grubby fingers of the pencil-pushing elite, and they hardly spare a breath before filling their platters to the levels of absurdity. On a raised platform sits a handful of chairs, a podium, and an easel covered with a sheet. A man in his mid-30s comes out, wearing a respectable grey suit and tie. He clears his throat and then speaks into the podium microphone.

"Thank you all for coming here today," the man begins. "We'll give you a few minutes to get some food and take your seats, and then we'll begin the press conference."

The man leaves the stage as the various magazine and newspaper writers settle in. The first two rows of seats are cordoned off, and the media members fill the rest of the rows. A few quite minutes of eating ensues before General Manager Christoph Klose, Assistant General Manager Jason Due, and the grey-suited man from earlier appear on stage. Mr. Klose and Mr. Due sit in the chairs on the far end of the stage while the grey-suited man once again heads to the podium. When he arrives, he turns back toward the curtain and gestures furtively at it, seemingly pleading. A bespectacled man holding a large notebook cautiously steps into sight. He peers out toward the audience, then scampers to the nearest chair and flings himself into the seat. His left leg immediately begins bouncing with obvious nervousness.

The grey-suited man smiles encouragingly at the newcomer before turning to the media. "Ladies and gentlemen of the press," he begins. "Thank you all for coming to our little event today. We will get started momentarily, but first, allow me to introduce myself. I am Edward Demire, recently-installed VP of Press Relations. I am looking forward to getting to know more about the league as we move into the future. My previous experience was running the ad campaign for Squidgity Widgets, and I am sure we all have a hard time remembering how we functioned before those were invented." A murmur of appreciation and respect rose from the assembled media. "Now, without further ado, please allow me to introduce Mr. Jason Due, Assistant General Manager."

Mr. Due approaches the podium and pats Mr. Klose on the shoulder as he walks by. Mr. Due, wearing a well-cut suit adorned with a tie decorated with banjo-strumming cartoon lobsters, begins to speak. "As you may have heard by now, we have decided to relocate the team from the wonderful city of Las Vegas, whom we can't thank the fans enough, really, to Seattle, Washington. It's a place that has been long subject to rumors of a team coming in, from either this league, or others, and as a matter of fact, if you'll recall, for a short stint, housed one of our minor league teams. Also, a great place to catch lobster. Why, I remember this one time I went down to Pugent Sound, and this fishing vessel had just brought in a huge shipment of lobst -" Edward Demire leans over and whispers to Mr. Due, presumably reminding him to get back on track.

"Oh yes, Seattle," Mr. Due continues. "Effective immediately, we will be moving the team from Las Vegas to Seattle, and becoming the Seattle Riot.” Mr. Due gestures toward the sheet-covered easel, and a young man removes the sheet revealing the new Riot logo.


Primary Logo


Secondary Logo

Mr. Due gives the media the opportunity to take in the new logo before continuing. “Our draft picks will be unveiling our new uniforms for us. Seattle will host games at the KeyArena, which will seat approximately 15, 177 people. We are currently in talks about a new arena, as KeyArena is going on 51 years as a sporting arena. We look forward to many successful years in Seattle, both on the ice and in the community and business aspect of it."

He then adds, "Also, I'd like to take a moment to congratulate all of the draftees that were selected in the SHL Entry Draft this week. I hope you all do well in the future, except when you are playing us, of course."

Mr. Due pauses for a few moments as if steeling himself. "I came into the SHL 9 seasons ago," Mr. Due says, "not really expecting to have the career I've accomplished. Making the playoffs my first year, only putting up 7 points, not scoring a goal in the regular season, but scoring the overime goal in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals that crumbled the Edmonton Dynasty. Winning a Stevens' Trophy in S9, then again in S12. Setting the record for defensemen in points with 77, back in S8. Leading the SHL in points this past season, a feat never been done by a defenesman before. I've had the opportunity to play with some great teammates here in this organization, from Burke, Abdalla, O'Keefe, my buddy Raycroft, Myers, Gibby , Duds, Skovy, Old Man Chiclets, Sawyer, MacP, Perhonen, yes, I still like you , Klose who came in and is helping us turn the franchise around. To all the newer guys, like Blaine, Harden, Ben-Lev, Langdon, Merica! Isabella, Kladno, Kix, and Buch. You guys make it so fun to continue to play here. I can't thank you enough."

"That being said, I didn't come up here to bore you with my SHL life story, so, I'd would like to announce that Season 15 will be my final season in the SHL." Mr. Due's eyes are red-rimmed as he continues. "I am getting older, and would like to go out before I start embarrassing myself and hurting the team. I've never won a Challenge Cup, and if that's how it goes, then I'm ok with that. I've had 9, going on 10, wonderful seasons here with the Kings, and have played with some of the best in the league."

A very thorough round of applause erupts from the media and those on stage, almost drowning out Mr. Due's last words. "I wish you all the best. Thank you for your time."

Mr. Demire moves back to the podium, shakes Mr. Due's hand, and whispers in his ear once again. Mr. Due grins broadly and walks back to his seat with a visible bounce in his step. Mr. Due then opens his hand, revealing some sort of folded material. "Next, please allow me to introduce Mr. Christoph Klose, General Manager," Mr. Demire intones.

The assembled media applaud respectfully as Mr. Klose stands, shakes Mr. Demire's hand, and moves to the podium. "As you are all no doubt aware, we had a very disappointing record last season. We went into the season expecting to make the playoffs and up until the last 10 games, we were the worst team in the league. We moved a lot of players who were on expiring contracts and requested an opportunity to compete in the playoffs, and now we are experiencing some retirements as well. Mr. Jason Due, as you just heard, along with Yehudah Ben-Lev, who has spent his entire career with the Kings organization, recently announced his intention to retire after this season. Charlie Chiclets, who we moved at the trade deadline last season, has officially retired. We wanted to give Yehudah an opportunity to speak to the press today, so please welcome him to the stage."

Yehudah Ben-Lev appears on stage, sporting the new Riot jersey. He raises both arms up as a thank you to the media for their polite applause. Mr. Klose talks to Ben-Lev away from the microphone for a few moments, then claps the goaltender on the shoulder and steps back, allowing the Jerusalem-born athlete to approach the podium.

Ben-Lev looks confident, smoothing his tie unconsciously before speaking. "It's been great. It really has. It's funny," Ben-Lev reflects, "I made my pre-draft rankings back in S9, and Vegas was on the no-go list. I had heard bad things around the league, I didn't particularly like the city, much too hot for hockey, there was just nothing right. But as soon as I was drafted and stepped foot in that locker room, I knew I never wanted to play anywhere else." He begins to tear up. "I expected to play my whole career here in Las Vegas. But I think this is even better. Now, as I go out, I can help usher in a new era for this team, wearing this wonderful new sweater." Pinching the jersey at the shoulders and holding it up, he smiled and said four final words. "Let's. Start. A. Riot!"

The assembled media gives a respectful round of applause for the retiring Ben-Lev. Mr. Klose hands his goaltender a white handkerchief before he returns to the podium. "Adding to the list," Mr. Klose says, "I am also officially retiring at the end of the upcoming season. I have played a lot of seasons in this league, some more successful than others, but I was always eager to get out on the ice and practice. Until this past season. My heart just wasn't in it, and I wasn't having as much fun as I used to. It felt like hockey had become a job instead of a game, and that's when I started to think about stepping away."

A rapidly-increasing babble from the media finally explodes into shocked exclamations. "You're at the top of your game!" one man shouts from row 5. "You were one goal behind the league leader and finished with the most points of any forward in the entire league!"

Mr. Klose gently waves the crowd to silence. "What you said is absolutely true, but it's time. Our theme is out with the old, in with the new. I'm playing great hockey, if I say so myself, but I'm also preventing young players from making themselves into stars in this league because I'm getting all the attention. It's time for me to step back and let them shine. One of those players is a good friend of mine, and I'd like him to come out here, please."

A hulking behemoth of a man-monster pulls the curtain aside, accidentally dislodging it from 4 rungs. Gasps arise from the audience as recognition sets in. Dustin Rose, the legendary all-around athlete, is in attendance. Rose approaches Mr. Klose and engulfs the General Manager in a massive bear hug. Klose is barely visible for several moments before Rose sets him back on his feet. Mr. Klose's hair is quite disheveled. Behind Mr. Klose and Dustin Rose, Mr. Due is seen wearing a wide grin and a spotless lobster bib. On it, a lobster is wearing a chef's hat and a lobster bib. Mr. Due looks ecstatic at the gift from Mr. Demire.

"Please, have a seat, Dustin," Mr. Klose says, gesturing to his own chair next to Mr. Due. "As some of you remember, this is Dustin Rose. He played center for the Copenhagen Pagans and the Vatican Vipers in the old European Elite League, then came to North America for a season and was a star for the Prince George Firebirds. From there, he's been traveling the world, learning about different cultures and the competitive sports they play, and dominating the locals. Dustin has agreed to come back to hockey, as long as two conditions are met. First, he insists to only play with a franchise that I am a part of. Easy enough. Second, Dustin has decided that with his size and athletic ability, he is best suited to be a goaltender. I've tried talking him out of it, since he was already well-established as a center, but he is determined to be the best goaltender the league has ever seen. Judging by his past accomplishments, I believe he can do just that."

Mr. Klose brushes his hair back with his fingers, still recovering from the bear hug from his friend, who seems close to 7 feet tall. "At this point in the press conference, I'd like to introduce some of the young players we expect to become superstars in the SHL in the near future. First, I would like to bring out the reigning SMJHL leader in goals and points, forward Daniel Merica."

There is a polite round of applause from some of the assembled media. Daniel Merica has a bit of a reputation for being a negative and egocentric individual. He steps on stage wearing the new Riot sweater, the number 88 emblazoned on his back. Mr. Klose shakes Merica's hand and gestures to the microphone.


Home Jersey

"First thing I want to say," Merica begins, "is that I am honored to be in this position. When so many others didn't believe in me, the management here, Mr. Klose and Mr. Due, they did. That speaks loudly about them and their ability to manage an SHL franchise. I've only been here a short time, but I can tell you, Mr. Klose is much more than just a General Manager, he leads from the front, and that is what every team covets. He has become my biggest mentor and strongest supporter, even when you," Merica says, pointing at the press, "pounced on me like ravenous wolves. I'm sure you're wondering how this ties into tonight's events, and why it sounds like Daniel Merica is out to steal the night and make it all about himself, well that is not the case. I am here to express my commitment to this franchise, in every way. Changing cities can be very taxing upon an organization; it's a stressful yet exciting time. I think the city of Seattle is more than ready for a professional hockey team and it's going to be awesome to be a part of it. This represents a "changing of the guard" so to speak, out with the old, in with the new, a need to begin upon a fresh foot."

Merica pauses, scanning the media, as if daring them to question him. He continues, "So, with that said, I want to close by saying once again that I am honored to be here and 100% committed to Mr. Klose and his franchise. Let's Go Start a Riot."

A much more pervasive round of applause echoes in the conference room as Merica once again shakes Mr. Klose's hand, then turns to the media and points at the Seattle Riot logo. Merica then descends the stairs and sits in a seat in the first row.

"We have very high hopes for Daniel," Mr. Klose says. "He has been a consummate professional since declaring his eligibility for the SMJHL two seasons ago, and I am thrilled to have him be a part of this organization. Next, please give a warm welcome to a player who has been with this franchise since their Vancouver days, a close personal friend of mine, Mr. Thomas Duddy."

Duddy appears from behind the curtain, also wearing the new Riot sweater. His also sports the C on the chest, designating Duddy as the first captain in Seattle history. Duddy waves the media to silence before speaking. "First off, I'd like to thank the people of Las Vegas for their continued support of our franchise through the years and I want to apologize for not getting them the cup they deserved. Las Vegas was a great home for our team and our players. Also I'd like to wish Yehudan Ben-Lev, Charlie Chiclets and Chris Klose all the best now that their playing days are coming to an end. I can't say enough positives about them. I played most of my time in Vegas with Charlie and spend a few seasons with Ben-Lev. And what can I say about Klose? we go way back, the dynamic duo of the NWJHL All Star Game." Some of the older media members laugh appreciatively, remembering the combined 9 points the Klose-Duddy pairing put up in the Season 5 Junior All-Star Game.


Away Jersey


Once the crowd becomes quiet again, Duddy continues. "Now let's talk about our new home, Seattle. I think it's a perfect place for us to go to. I was part of the relocation process and I can proudly say that we picked the right town. A friend of mine played a season for the Seattle Stags back in the NWJHL days and he only had good things to say about the fans. So I'm looking forward to that. Chances are high that we might see him return to Seattle in a year or two. But that's not the point right now," Duddy says, eliciting a laugh from the press.

"I think we have a great young team that has a lot of potential on all positions," Duddy concludes. "With the addition of Rose in goal, Buchesner on D, IEO and Merica up front, and I believe we got more building blocks from this year's Draft so we can get better moving forward." Duddy rips the microphone from the stand on the podium, stretches his arms our wide, and drops the mic before walking off stage. Mr. Klose stands and applauds, breaking the stunned silence that was otherwise pervasive in the room.

"Mr. Thomas Duddy," Mr. Klose says after stooping to pick the mic up off the floor.

Mr. Klose taps on the mic to ensure its still working and shakes his head as he chuckles softly. "I'd like at this time to introduce our first draft pick of this year, Mikhail Kladno. Mikhail is still working on his English and has elected to not speak today,” Mr. Klose says as the hulking Czech makes his first official appearance as a member of the Riot. “I will say that we are extremely proud to bring a player of his caliber into our organization and believe that the sky is the limit for him. We are looking forward to seeing how he does in training camp and then will decide whether he will return to Montreal or stay with us in Seattle.”

Kladno shakes Mr. Klose’s hand, then Mr. Due’s, before sitting in the front row next to Thomas Duddy. “Moving on,” Mr. Klose says, “our second first round selection was Jesse Jacek-Kix. Jesse, come out here."

Jacek-Kix strides out and does a slow spin to show off the Riot away jersey he's been asked to wear. Mr. Klose hands him the microphone. Jacek-Kix, obviously unaware he was to speak, at first tries to hand it back but Mr. Klose steps away. Jesse stammers and then says, "I'm not really prepared to speak to you all. I was busy in the back filling Duddy's empty beer bottles with gasoline and cutting fuse cords.” There’s a stunned silence that seems to echo in the room. Jacek-Kix looks sheepish and uncomfortable as he continues. “I heard 'Merica say, ‘LETS GO START A RIOT!’"

The crowd laughs nervously. Jacek-Kix is visibly flustered and he splutters out, “Happy to be here.... Very proud to have this opportunity....Honored that the organization has the faith in me to have selected me at this particular draft spot. Committed to proving that their faith in me was justified.” He then thrusts the microphone into Mr. Klose’s hand and quickly gets to the seat next to Kladno.

“Yes,” Mr. Klose says, taken aback by the performance he just witnessed. "Next, we have a few words from another career-long King, Joey Langdon. Please welcome him to the stage."

Once again, the media applauds as the strapping Langdon appears from behind the curtain. He wastes no time as he takes the microphone from Mr. Klose and says, "It will be a change. Las Vegas was a town where there was always something going on. I could never sleep because either Raycroft or Due would be calling to go to the strip club, Blaine calling to get wasted, Isabella calling to go to see an opera or something, Klose wanting to go see a Minor league game in Reno or something, or Yibbles wanting to go for a milkshake and a movie." The reporters look pole-axed as they stare at the team's designated tough guy.

"It will be different in Seattle," Langdon continues. "There's probably a lot less to do there and there will likely be more team-oriented events that will bring us closer together. As for on the ice, I don't see how it will hurt us. Vegas was a lot of fun, and I thank our small but passionate fan base. Seattle is a huge hockey market, however, that has been sitting vacant for a long time. It'll be a lot more fun with a rabid fan base. As for the team itself, I know it will be difficult going through the rebuild, but I'm glad to be a piece in putting together a great team in Seattle for the long run. I'm excited to watch this team grow. I'm here to do whatever helps the team. I'm here for the long haul, even if it's an uphill road."

Langdon then hands the microphone back to Mr. Klose and joins his teammates in the first row. Mr. Klose clears his throat and says, “The final player that has elected to speak today is our first draft choice in the second round, Reinis Lillais. Lillais is a defenseman from Latvia, and we were very excited to see him on the board at 15. He was as high as fifth on some of our internal rankings. Reinis, you’re up.”

The smooth-skating Latvian comes out from behind the curtain and shakes Mr. Klose’s hand, then takes the microphone and enunciates in very easily understood English, “Hello.”

There is a long pause as Lillais looks as the media and his future teammates. The silence is awkward, and a low mumble comes from the media. Just as suddenly as he stopped, Lillais continues. “I'm glad to be here. I would like to thank all of the coaching staff for trusting me and picking me here. I really like this place. It is always a lot more challenging to be a part of a young new team which is still developing." He pauses again, but this time only for a moment. “You have a chance to make history here,” he says, looking directly at his teammates in the front row.

"There has been some press speculation that I might be leaving,” Lillais says after a few seconds. “I have to admit, I had hardly any interest from this team, but we have managed to sort it out. I plan to stay here for a long time. I can also confirm that I will be moving down to minors to get more playing time and experience. With all this success I had in the start of the last season, I dropped form. I thought that it’d be easy. I started to train less, which brought my form down. I will make sure I don't make the same mistake again. I hope I return a lot stronger and better next season. I have a lot to bring to this team and the fans. Thank you."

Lillais leaves the stage to a smattering of applause. A speculative look adorns the face of every media member in attendance. Lillais was close to leaving the team so soon after the draft? Mr. Klose grabs the microphone and clarifies. “I’ll speak briefly to address what Reinis just said. Yes, he expressed some displeasure at the way the draft went for him. It wasn’t specifically coming to our franchise that bothered him as much as thinking he would end up somewhere else. He and I had a long talk and we’re both on the same page, and that page is to win a championship in Seattle.”

“I’d like to wrap this up,” Mr. Klose says, “and I thank you all for your patience and support over the years. Before we go, I would like to bring the rest of our draftees up collectively, so please welcome Josh Leobshe , Alens Paurs, Spicy Curry, Paul King, Jára Cimrman, Jeremy Schultz, Hattrick Schwayze, Jorens Stepanovs, and Hans Downerpantz.” Each of the players arrives wearing alternating home and away Riot jerseys. The players who spoke earlier join them on stage with Mr. Klose, Mr. Due, and Mr. Demire, providing the press a photo op. After the pictures are taken, the players return to their seats.

"At this time," Mr. Klose announces loudly, "I would like to open up the floor to questions. I’m sure there will be more than a few. Thank you again for your patience."