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Richard LaFleur SHL Draft Presser [x2 Draft Media]
#1
(This post was last modified: 02-04-2021, 03:54 AM by Kierkan.)

[x2 Draft Media] 

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With the SHL draft only a few days away, LaFleur takes some time before the WJC to sit down and talk with the media. Drafted 26th overall in the third round by the Kelowna Knights, LaFleur ended the regular season with 30 points and a +24. While his production fell off during the playoffs, we saw glimmers of greatness from the rookie. 

Hey guys! I wanted to make myself available to the members of the SHL who might not be familiar with me coming into the draft. Whether you're a prospective General Manager who may not have scouted me yet, or you're a 2000+ TPE superstar wondering what kind of condiments I put on my waffles, the floor is yours. Ask me literally anything. Let's get into it!

Quote:Obviously you had a great season in the J, is there anything you think contributed to that most of all?

Yeah I don't think my end of season results were the fruits of a fantastic individual effort. Everyone on the Knights was contributing, and we were gelling as a complete unit. With everyone on the same page, things just came very naturally. There were times where I felt like I was just in the right place at the right time. With that said, I had a big focus going into this season that I wanted to be an impact straight away. Wanting to develop and earn as much as I possibly could to help my team. My biggest fear was being a liability. I want to be someone that my teammates can rely on to bring it every single night and every single shift. Consistency is king, and I plan on staying the path going forward. Hopefully it brings more positive results, especially in the post season.

Quote:And preferred landing spots in the draft? Where are you expecting to be taken?

I've had some encouraging conversations with several interested clubs. I don't think I have a particular preference on where I go. I'm just happy for the opportunity. If I had to guess where I go in the draft, I'll say probably higher than the junior draft where I was 29th OA. With so many recreates and ISFL guys in the class, it's hard to pinpoint exactly where I'll land as a first gen. Obviously I feel like I'm a high value pick, but we'll see how things unfold on Saturday. 

Quote:What type of player or you building? What stats do you see yourself putting up in 5 seasons?


I'm building a two-way defensemen, with a slight bias more towards defensive play. I'm not the biggest guy, and a huge physical presence isn't really my style. I'm hoping to be slippery, fast, with the ability to play in both ends. In 5 seasons I'd guess I'd be in my sophomore year in the SHL. If I can throw up around 35 points a season by then, I think I'd be on the right track. My immediate concern is going to be fleshing out my defensive game a little bit more. Once I get that to a level that's appropriate for my 350 TPE sophomore cap, I'll shift my focus towards the offensive side of things.

Quote:How u

Je me sens fantastique aujourd'hui, comment vas-tu? J'espère que tout va bien, et bonne chance pour la saison à venir!

Quote:1. What has been the most enjoyable aspect of your rookie season? Both as a Killowna knight and as a member of this site?

I've had a great time getting to know my teammates in Kelowna. I feel like we've meshed together perfectly. We're all motivated, hungry, and eager to win. Also the time when Teddy tried to fight a zamboni. In regards to the site in general, I really enjoy how everyone just loves hockey. I haven't noticed much negativity or people being wieners. It's a fantastic community and I'm proud to be a part of it. I plan on having a long and prosperous career, and seeing how things develop over time.

Quote:2. What are your goals as a player?

I want to continue to develop my game and see how far I can go. Making new friends while pushing for the cup. I'd really like to win one in the next few years I still have in junior. I'm going to continue the pace I'm currently on, and do everything in my power to be as best as I can be for my team. 

Quote:3. Is there any truth to the rumour that you and #A-Rye got accidentally locked in the back of a paprika warehouse, missing the first 3 minutes of a game against Maine?

That is a pretty spicy rumor. No comment. You can ask #A-Rye about it. Trees.

Quote:In all of Lafleur's seasons in the J you've had many captains. Who is your favorite and why is it not Teddy Park?

As everyone knows I'm a grizzled veteran of the SMJHL. Definitely not an inexperienced rookie. No way. I've seen many players don the C, some more deserving than others. None stand the equal of Teddy Park in terms of quality, experience, ability to lead, and taking bathtub selfies. Paired with a fiery desire to fight even the most inanimate of objects, he's been a guiding force for all of us in the Kelowna locker room. He will be sorely missed. At least we can take solace and look at the various holes he's punched into the walls in the back of the arena. It's a shame he could never hit his opponents that hard. I actually saw a linesmen jump in and break up a fight during the intermission. Teddy swore up and down that a T.V cable tried to trip him. Luckily, the linesmen intervened before any lasting damage was done to our captain. The initial rumor was that the cord had Teddy in side control and was moving for full mount just before the zebra got between them.

Quote:What are your thoughts on the SHL draft process relative to the SMJHL? Are you enjoying the run-up to the SHL draft more or less than the J?

Yeah the first time around in the junior draft, there was just so much going on that it was overwhelming at certain stages. Having no familiarity with the site, or simulation leagues in general, I wasn't really sure what to expect. This draft, however, I'm more familiar with the process and how everything works. I'm able to relax a little bit more and enjoy the experience rather than scrambling around making sure I haven't missed anything. I'm very eager to tune into the draft on Saturday to see how it all plays out.

Quote:If you were to take advantage of a double media week which one would it be and how would you go about earning your extra cash? Please use as many words as possible, I would like a thorough explanation.

Making money is one of the most important aspects of player progression. You are almost required to splurge SOMETHING resembling words to pad your word count. Sometimes, unfortunately, the process almost seems artificial, and takes away from the authenticity of what's actually being written. There's only so many times you can repeat the same thing about statistics, or your goals for the future. It almost feels ingenuine, and like you're doing this amazing community a disservice by not contributing well thought out material. But what choice do you have if you want to be the best you can be? You have to write something and get involved, but if you have no ideas you're kind of stuck having to write something completely impromptu and hope it makes sense. With all of that in mind, it's especially important to take advantage of double media during the draft. There's a loaded clip of generic draft related questions that you can just ask a player, and they will usually parrot the same things they've always said. As I mentioned before, this process seems unhealthy for the quality of some of the media posts. If I was going to go and find an optimal way to earn money during one of the double media events, I would most definitely use a pre-draft press conference. Not only does it minimize the actual creativity required, as I don't have to think of any of the questions myself, but I can usually respond in a convoluted and sometimes bloated manner in order to earn as much money as possible.

Quote:Texas has a pretty bare prospect pool with no one newer than S56. Do you think you'd want to join Texas and lead the next wave or prospects once all of their current prospects are called up next offseason?

I'm not ruling out any club for the draft. As I mentioned briefly above, I've had some positive conversations with several different teams. If Texas needs some younger players to come in and revitalize their roster, they know where to find me! I'm hoping my body of work in is enough to speak for itself if any teams are wondering what my ceiling is, and if not, my inbox is always open!
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#2

Obviously you had a great season in the J, is there anything you think contributed to that most of all?

And preferred landing spots in the draft? Where are you expecting to be taken?

What type of player or you building? What stats do you see yourself putting up in 5 seasons?

Armada pride Armada pride Armada pride Armada pride


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#3

How u

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#4

Hello!

1. What has been the most enjoyable aspect of your rookie season? Both as a Killowna knight and as a member of this site?

2. What are your goals as a player?

3. Is there any truth to the rumour that you and #A-Rye got accidentally locked in the back of a paprika warehouse, missing the first 3 minutes of a game against Maine?

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#5

In all of Lafleur's seasons in the J you've had many captains. Who is your favorite and why is it not Teddy Park?

What are your thoughts on the SHL draft process relative to the SMJHL? Are you enjoying the run-up to the SHL draft more or less than the J?

If you were to take advantage of a double media week which one would it be and how would you go about earning your extra cash? Please use as many words as possible, I would like a thorough explanation.

Texas has a pretty bare prospect pool with no one newer than S56. Do you think you'd want to join Texas and lead the next wave or prospects once all of their current prospects are called up next offseason?


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