Seattle Brew
(The digest with news and notes from and about the CCHL and Seattle’s own CCHL team the Reign)
The 2015-16 CCHL Season dropped the puck on action on Wednesday Septemebr 30th but just like a beaver it was quite a busy offseason. Let’s see how things look and what falling objects they must like any beaver avoid, e.g. a tree in the woods, which may crush the dreams of Seattle.
Seattle made a series of minor moves to bring in some veteran help to help bolster the depth as their playoff run was derailed in the 2nd Round last year due to a lack of scoring.
Getting more than a cup of coffee at the Soundgarden this year are new faces, Patrick Elias, Erik Cole, Andrew Ference, Marek Zidlicky, David Desharnais, Dominic Moore, Andre Benoit, Steve Bernier, David Jones and Ron Hainsey. This eclectic mix of talent may need a UN interpreter to understand what each of them are saying.
When you add them to the group of current Reign players like Malkin, Bergeron, Nyquist, Helm, Vlasic, Wideman, Abdelkader, Jarnkrok, Petry, Hagelin, Zucker, Crawford and Ramo this team may be cursing the Baylonians should things fail to gel.
Here is the highlights of the interview we had regarding the off season moves by the Reign with GM and Director of Hocey Operations Michelle Chapman
What was the decision making process in acquring all the players you did?
“We were instructed to do specific things by ownership on the day after the Cup was won by Copenhagen and that was what we did.”
Where these moves made solely at the request of reclusive owner Cam McCurdy? Was he spearheading all transactions and player related decisions?
“We are following through with ownerships requests and we support their vision”
What challenges did you have in bringing players to Seattle, if any?
“Like any decision that involves uprooting and moving across the country or in some cases to an entirely new country it can be a tough one. However we tried to instill in any prospective FA what our vision was and what their role would be in seeing that vision come to fruition. Contrary to what people think free Starbucks coffee and Microsoft products were not part of any deal.” (smiles)
Do you think this team is a legitamite contender for the Kehler Cup?
“I’m sure most of the 21 other GM’s think that is the case with their own team or they are taking steps to become one as soon as possible. We will see how things unfold early on this season to get a feel for how well the players are working together. I see about ½ dozen new players in the lineup to start the year and it takes time to get used to new coaches, a new system and linemates”
So you think you could win the Cup?
“Again we will see how things look early on in the regular season but there are a lot of very talented teams out there who will be pushing very hard to get that Cup.”
How has it been working for Mr. McCurdy, he is known to have a few shall we say different ways in doing things?
“It does take a little getting used to, he only communicates via Morse code so I had to learn that. The entire job interview was done with Rorschach cards, he simply sat in the background wearing a Guy Fawkes mask solving a Rubik’s Cube. He does treat the staff and players well and rewards people quite graciously.”
Since his sports career was cut short by injuries does he want to put his stamp or leave his mark on the type of team that takes the ice? Does he allow the scouting staff, you and the other hockey operations people to ice a team in your style?
“As stated before ownership has clearly indicated to us what they want done and we have proceeded accordingly. Everyone has input and the best decision, based on a variety of factors, is made.”
I know his estate, Paradiso, is very restricted, Mt. Rainier being on one side, no air traffic allowed over the area, military patrols along the perimeter of the 30 foot high electrified fences behind which is a deep moat which lies in front of 30 foot high stone walls but have you had a chance to visit his residence?
“The enitre organization gets to go to his estate once a year. Everyone is transported via helicopter while blindfolded to the property, all personal electronic devices are taken, everyone is forced to take off their clothes, but the entire day is fun filled and shall I say whimsical…we all look forward to it each year.”
So every one there is naked!?!?
(laughs) Oh no, no, no we change into costumes/outfits that are provided for us. It’s been a different theme each year I’ve been there. I can’t say much more due to the contracts we all sign before being allowed on the premises but if there was a “Heaven on Earth” I think Paradiso is that place. I mean this one time we….(a man in a suit with sunglasses enters the room walks to GM Chapman and whispers into her ear then quietly exits)..I’m sorry I got a little off topic there shall we move on.
Okay I understand…recently in the news were rumors that at the annual league meetings that Dayton owner Bill Corfield and Mr. McCurdy had a heated dispute on the golf course regarding the repairing of a ball mark on the green. Is this true?
“We will not respond to salacious rumors and false accusations. There was nothing unusual during the meetings in Florida.”
It was further rumored that while this argument was occurring Reykjavik owner Chris Wolter putted out of turn causing him to get involved in a rather loud argument with Mr. Corfield and Mr. McCurdy. Meanwhile as all of this was transpiring Minnesota Owner Blake Wendt was busy designing new golfing attire for the group. Would you be able to elaborate on this?
(sighs) “We are here to discuss hockey related issues for this season not create stories better suited for the National Enquirer or Weekly World News. Do you have a hockey related question?”
I think we will wait until the season is in full swing for more questions
“Speaking of swinging that reminds me of an event at Paradiso…(the door to the office swings open and a man in a suit wearing sunglasses loudly clears his throat)… oh sorry..I digress. Yes I look forward to talking to you soon.”
Thank you for your time Ms. Chapman
“Thank you”
