Interview of the Week: Rusty Anderson

This week’s interview is with Rhode Island Seekers D Rusty Anderson.

SHL Digest: This week, we’re talking to another SHL original, a longtime blueliner currently leading the league’s newest teams toward a first-time playoff spot. Rusty, thank you for joining us.

Rusty Anderson: Thanks for having me. It’s hard to believe we haven’t done this before!

SHLD: It is surprising! But it’s a great time to talk, because we can ask you about this surprising Seekers team. The Seekers have been performing exceptionally well this season, surpassing many expectations. To what do you attribute the team’s unexpected success?

RA: It’s been quite a ride this season, hasn’t it? I think the key to our success has been our chemistry as a team. We’ve really come together and found our rhythm on the ice. Everyone is playing for each other, and that’s made a huge difference in our performance. The whole is really greater than the sum of its parts, which is basically the opposite of how it was back in New York.

SHLD: Once major surprise is how well you’re doing as a team defensively. When this team was based in New York, you tended to be an offensive-minded team, and defense was not the priority. How much of the turnaround do you attribute to having a defensive-minded head coach in Craig Werner?

RA: Craig’s been fantastic! He and I played together for a year back in Dakota, and he always struck me as coaching material. I think he’s been great at breaking down our defensive schemes into simple pieces, to make it as easy as possible for our guys to pick up on them. Like you said, defense was never a priority in New York, but with Craig’s system, its easy for guys to fit in and do well.

SHLD: Rhode Island is above .500, even though you’ve been outscored for the season, and if the season ended today, the team would be in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. With the team’s strong showing, do you believe that the Seekers have what it takes to secure a playoff spot?

RA: Absolutely. I have full confidence in this team’s ability to make the playoffs. We’ve proven ourselves against some tough opponents, and I believe we have what it takes to compete at a high level down the stretch. It won’t be easy, but I think we’re up for the challenge.

SHLD: Your contract with Rhode Island is set to expire at the end of the year. Are you interested in re-signing with the Seekers?

RA: Definitely. I’ve grown really attached to this team. I really like what Craig’s doing as a coach, and I’ve developed a strong bond with my teammates. Plus, I feel like a father figure to some of the younger guys on the team, and I want to continue to be a part of their growth and development. So yes, I’m definitely interested in re-signing with the Seekers.

SHLD: How do you feel about Providence as an SHL city?

RA: It really feels like home to me. I’d never really spent any time in Rhode Island before we moved here, but it’s my kind of town. It’s got a chip on its shoulder, and it’s charming in a funky kind of way. Plus, there’s a lot of great Italian food here, which is my favorite cuisine. I could see myself settling down here.

SHLD: On a lighter note, we’ve heard that you have an interesting offseason hobby: unicycling. Can you tell us more about that?

RA: (laughs) Yeah, unicycling is something I picked up a few years ago. It started as a way to stay in shape during the offseason, but I quickly became hooked. It’s a fun challenge that helps me work on my balance and coordination. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter!

SHLD: No doubt! Can you actually use a unicycle to ride around town, like a bike, or is it strictly a tool for exercise?

RA: Oh, I absolutely ride it. Our offseason house is out on the lake, about 5 miles outside of town, and I like to ride into town on my unicycle a few times a week. I’ll admit it’s not super-convenient for, like, getting groceries. For that, I’ll take the car.

SHLD: Speaking of cars, one last question: has Elliott Rafferty taken you for a spin in the Seeker Speedster?

RA: Oh yeah! It’s amazing the kind of reaction we get driving that thing around Providence. People honk and wave and gave thumbs-up. It’s probably the greatest advertisement we have for the team!

SHLD: Fascinating! Well, thank you for sharing, Rusty, and best of luck to you and the Seekers for the remainder of the season.

RA: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure. See you in the playoffs!

Interview of the Week: Marcel Laclaire

This week’s interview is with Hamilton Pistols GM Marcel Laclaire.

SHL Digest: This week, we’re speaking to one of the SHL’s original GMs, who sat out this year’s deadline after a season that hasn’t gone according to expectations, to say the least. Marcel, thank you for joining us.

Marcel Laclaire: It is my pleasure.

SHLD: Let’s jump right in. The Pistols, a team that made it to the division finals last year and won back-to-back Vandys just four years ago, find themselves tied for last place this season. How does it feel to see the team struggling in such a manner?

ML: It is unquestionably disappointing, there is no denying this. We had high hopes coming into this season, especially after our success last year. But hockey can be a cruel game, and sometimes things just do not break your way. It has been a tough time for us, but we’re not giving up hope just yet.

SHLD: What do you attribute the team’s struggles to this year?

ML: It has been a combination of factors, really. We’ve had our fair share of bad luck and bad bounces, which can really deflate a team’s confidence, even an experienced and capable team such as ours.

SHLD: Critics of the Pistols have said that the team is just too top-heavy, with too much money invested in stars and not enough in the supporting cast. AS the general manager who assembled this roster, how would you respond to those critics?

ML: Certainly, to the degree that our struggles are based around our roster, I must take the responsibility for that. It would indeed be foolish to claim that I have done a perfect job; only God does a perfect job. I am human, and surely I have made mistakes. But I also believe sincerely that we have the talent and the skill to compete at a high level. Sometimes, it is just a matter of getting back to basics and trusting in our abilities.

SHLD: At the trade deadline, the Pistols chose not to sell off any assets. Can you explain the reasoning behind that decision? Are you expecting a miracle turnaround down the stretch?

ML: It would be foolish to expect such things. At the end of the day, my job as GM is to make decisions that I believe will make the team better in the short term and the long term. While we had discussions with other teams leading up to the deadline, some very intense, we could not find a deal that we felt improved our roster.

SHLD: Can we dig into that a bit? With few sellers and a lot of eager buyers out there, you couldn’t find even one deal that made sense?

ML: As difficult as it may be for you to believe, it is true. I am not one to make a trade just for the sake of making a trade. We’re committed to building a team that can compete for championships, and if that means standing pat at the deadline rather than breaking up the team, then so be it.

SHLD: Fair enough. On a different note, it looks like your protege, Taylor Teichman, may be headed back to the playoffs as the GM of the Portland Bluebacks. How does it feel to see him succeed again?

ML: I could not be happier for Taylor if he were my own son. He’s always been a bright and capable young man, and I always knew he had what it takes to succeed in this league. It’s a testament to his hard work and dedication, and I have no doubt that he’ll continue to do great things with the Bluebacks.

SHLD: During last offseason, after the Bluebacks had been through three straight losing seasons, there was discussion of firing him. Would you say that their success this year validates the decision to keep him?

ML: Absolutely. Credit to their organization for sticking with him through the rough patches. It’s a reminder that success doesn’t happen overnight, but with perseverance and determination, anything is possible. And also, credit to Taylor for making an excellent coaching hire [Nick Foster]. As we have seen here with Keith Shields, if you have the right coach for your organization, it multiplies the success of your organization.

SHLD: Thank you for your time, Marcel, and for an honest interview. Best of luck to the Hamilton Pistols for the rest of the season.

ML: Again, my pleasure. Thank you for having me. I hope when we speak next, we will be on top again.

Interview of the Week: Brock Manning

This week’s interview is with Utah Blizzard C Brock Manning.

SHL Digest: Today, we’re talking to a longtime New York star who’s now enjoying a second act out west. Brock, thank you for taking the time to chat with us.

Brock Manning: Thanks for having me.

SHLD: Let’s start with your transition from the New York Night to the Blizzard. What has it been like adjusting to life in Salt Lake City after spending nearly a decade in the hustle and bustle of NYC?

BM: Well, it’s definitely been a change of pace, that’s for sure. Salt Lake City is a world away from New York City. I miss the vibrant energy of NYC, the amazing restaurants, and the endless nightlife.

SHLD: There’s only one Big Apple, definitely.

BM: But Utah has its own charm, especially with the breathtaking mountains and the opportunity for outdoor activities like skiing. It’s a different lifestyle, but I’m finding ways to appreciate it.

SHLD: Are you a fan of skiing?

BM: I’ve always enjoyed it. My family visited Whistler in the winters growing up, and I’ve been skiing practically as long as I could walk.

SHLD: Do you like the really challenging courses, the double black diamonds and all that?

BM: I used to! I still would, but I’ve got to think about my career. If I blew out my knee on the slopes, I’d really feel like an idiot.

SHLD: How would you say being on the Blizzard differs from your time with the Night?

BM: One of the biggest differences is the team dynamic. The Night had a more veteran roster with established players, while the Blizzard has a younger, more up-and-coming group. I’ve enjoyed working with the younger players and helping them develop their skills.

SHLD: Yes, we’ve heard that you’ve been working with the young centers in particular.

BM: Absolutely! Wayne Chambers, Desmond McGarrity… those guys are going to be really special. They’ve got tremendous talents, and if I’m able to teach them some of my moves and share a few tips from my own experience and help them become the best versions of themselves… it’s an honor, really.

SHLD: Would you say that the young bucks are rubbing off on you as well? Because at age 33, you’re having one of the better seasons you’ve had in years.

BM: No question about it! I honestly feel five years younger since I arrived here. Training around young legs, all that energy, pushes me to stay in top shape and keeps my energy up. There’s also a different vibe in the locker room—a bit more relaxed and less ego-driven, which I find refreshing.

SHLD: Speaking of the Blizzard, the team has been playing better in recent weeks. What do you believe has driven the improvement?

BM: I think it’s a combination of factors. We’ve been working hard in practice, focusing on our strengths and addressing areas for improvement. The coaching staff, from Coach [Flim] Dahlgren on down, has done a great job of rallying the team and instilling confidence. Plus, we’ve had some key players step up and deliver when it counts. I’d include myself in that, obviously, but also Boney [RW Boniface Carpentier], Des, Coldy [D Brian Coldivar], Lightning [D Chris Oflyng]. It’s been a real team effort.

SHLD: Do you believe Utah has a chance to make the playoffs?

BM: It’s definitely within reach if we continue to play at this level. The West is a battlefield, for sure, but we’ve got the talent and the desire to compete. We’re taking it one game at a time, but I believe we have the talent and determination to make a push for the postseason.

SHLD: So if you could tell [GM] Clint Hoxie what to do at the deadline, you’d say the Blizzard should be buyers?

BM: Always! You know us players; if we’ve got a shot to compete, even a slim one, we’re going for it. I think a good playoff run would be a great experience for this roster, even if we come up short in the end. So I wouldn’t say to go for one of those crazy all-in deals like New York used to do, but if there’s a smart deal where we can add some experience, I’d pull the trigger.

SHLD: Thank you for sharing your insights, Brock, and best of luck to you and the Blizzard for the rest of the season.

BM: My pleasure. Thanks again for having me. Hope to catch you again in the playoffs!

Interview of the Week: Landon O’Quinn

This week’s interview is with Hershey Bliss C Landon O’Quinn.

SHL Digest: This week, we’re speaking with one of the SHL’s rising stars, a player who was just named to the All-Star team in just his second season in the league. Landon, thanks for speaking with us.

Landon O’Quinn: Thank you! This is really neat.

SHLD: First of all, congratulations on being named an SHL All-Star at just 20 years old. How does it feel to receive such recognition at this early stage of your career?

LO: It’s truly an honor to be selected as an All-Star. I really never expected anything like this. I couldn’t be more excited to represent the Bliss and showcase my skills alongside some of the best players in the league. It’s a dream come true, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.

SHLD: Speaking of the Bliss, you’ve seemed to mesh seamlessly with your teammates. How have you managed to pull that off?

LO: Well, the credit for that has to go my teammates. It’s a really great team to be part of. Really welcoming clubhouse, and terrific chemistry on the ice. It’s a tremendous situation for a young player to find himself in.

SHLD: Would you single out any teammates as being particularly welcoming?

LO: For sure, my linemates, Gabe Swindonburg and Elliott Pepper have been great. Elliott, being a veteran, he’s always looking to get me the puck in situations where I can score or set up a goal. We’ve developed a great rapport both on and off the ice, and that chemistry translates into our gameplay. They’re both talented players, and I feel lucky to have them as teammates.

SHLD: That’s terrific.

LO: And on a personal level, I really have to single out Lance Sweet. He’s been terrific, showing me the ropes and how a big-league player should act. He’s welcomed me like I’m his little brother.

SHLD: Coming into this season, it was clear that the organization had a lot of faith in you; they traded Spencer Kirkpatrick, who had been a longtime team stalwart, so that they could slot you into the second-line center position. How did that make you feel?

LO: It was an honor. And I won’t lie,I definitely felt some pressure with it too. But it made me work that much harder in the offseason, because I wanted to validate their faith in me.

SHLD: You’ve certainly proven that you deserve the ice time.

LO: Thank you! I appreciate that.

SHLD: On a personal note, we’ve heard you have a unique hobby of collecting salt and pepper shakers from every city you visit. Can you tell us more about that?

LO: Ah, yes! That’s something I picked up from my grandmother. She was a wonderful lady. She used to collect salt and pepper shakers in all the places she traveled, and she kept them in these display cases. By the time she died, she probably had hundreds of them. Whenever I’d come to visit, she’d take out some of her favorites and tell me the story of her trip to that place.

SHLD: That’s a wonderful memory.

LO: Anyway, I guess I inherited the habit from her. It’s a fun way for me to remember all the places I’ve been and the experiences I’ve had throughout my career. Plus, it’s always a conversation starter!

SHLD: Looking ahead, do you believe the Bliss have what it takes to make a playoff run this season?

LO: Absolutely. We have a strong team with a lot of depth and talent. We’ve been working hard all season, and I have full confidence in our ability to compete at the highest level. Making the playoffs is definitely our goal, and once we get there, we’re going to give it everything we’ve got to make it all the way to the Vandy.

SHLD: Thank you for your time, Landon, and best of luck in the rest of the season with the Bliss.

LO: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure chatting with you. See you in the playoffs!