The Calm Before The Storm

This past weekend Commissioner Randy Geralt dropped major news onto the BHL that left the league with feelings of resentment, fear and loathing. Geralt announced that every player in the BHL will be re-evaluated, and at the time left it as such. This brought anger from some GMs, fear from some players and even the threats of stopping operations for the season.

Currently, the league has subsided and cooler heads have prevailed. We here at The Birdz Nest were able to get an in-depth interview with CO-GM Greg Ezell to discuss the BHL, Dakota's possible name changes and the World Tournament to name a few.

Birdz Nest: Thanks for taking some time to sit down with me. I know your schedule is pretty hectic with the Warbirds and now the upcoming World Tournament. So let's start off by talking about Dakota. Last week you pulled off a trade that brought Chris Bell and Priscilla Williams in while sending four players to Toronto. Why did you do it?

Greg Ezell: I had to. We had holes in our right win position and had to shore them up. Acquiring Chris immediately makes us a better team because we have a scoring winger, something we didn't have last year. Priscilla comes with more questions because she's a rookie, but I have faith in her abilities. She's been busting her ass in drills and has looked great on the ice, minus the pink skates of course.

BN: There was some resentment with the trade because long time players like Kenu Lehtinen and Johan Eriksson were shipped to Toronto. Why did you move such players?

GE: My goal is to put together the best team possible. The team that made its Thunder Cup run in S4 has run its course. We can't allow ourselves to live in the past and think that everything is gong to be ok. I believe that's what we did last year. We were to busy thinking that S5 was going to be like the season before it. I'm here to build a new identity for the Dakota Warbirds. We are not defined by one player, we are defined by a team. This team can and will be special for a number of years to come.

Ezell during a recent radio interview on WDAK.

BN: Bell and Williams signed 3 season deals that will keep them in Dakota until the end of S8. Chaz Hooker on the other hand hasn't signed anything. Given the talent you sent to New England for him, would you see it as a failure if he doesn't sign long-term with you guys?

GE: Not if we win a Thunder Cup. I am focused on winning more than anything. I would love to have Chaz around long-term because he's an exceptional player with a great presence in and out of the locker room. I would love to hand him the 'A' and say 'Help lead this team', but I refuse to give it to a player who could be gone next year in Free Agency.

BN: Speaking of the vacant 'A', whose chest do you see it landing on next year?

GE: I'm not sure. Once Kristian gets back from his business venture, we're going to sit down with Robi (Albert) and discuss it further.

BN: What is your take on the current status of the league?

GE: It's fine. I'll admit that I was as angry as anyone, but after sitting down with Commissioner Geralt and evaluating the team, I don't get what the problem was. People suspending operations, people resigning, just seemed strange to me. The league is fine however.

BN: The World Tournament is coming up, your thoughts on it?

GE: As a player I love it, but as a GM, I hate it.

BN: If invited to play for Team USA, will you?

GE: I'm on the fence really. I would love to represent the red, white and blue but I feel there may be someone more deserving out there. I have a great job running the Warbirds and I'm not sure if I can fully do that if I'm playing for Team USA. If I am invited to play for the team, I'd have to make my decision then.

BN: Any more moves for the Minnesota Warbirds?

GE: I think at this time...wait, what the hell did you just say?

BN: Oh, I was just calling you guys by your new rumored name, the Minnesota Warbirds. Is there truth to this rumor?

GE: Our team is called the Dakota Warbirds. I don't know who started this Minnesota rumor, but that's just what it is; a rumor.

BN: What about the pilots getting lost...and...

GE: Fuck those pilots. Who the hell gets lost looking for St. Paul Minnesota? I have a better idea, get out of the pilot's bar and call us. Vivian would be more than happy to give them the right address to our airport.

BN: Anyways, any more moves for the 'Birds?

GE: I don't think so. I love this roster. We may add a free agent, but I don't see that happening. For the record, Dylan Withers is remaining in Minn...er I mean Dakota.

BN: Speaking of Dylan, do you hate him? It seems he's been traded twice, then has come back due to technicality.

GE: You're really starting to piss me off...

BN: Well it's just a question.

GE: Vivan, call security. Have this man escorted out of the building, I'm finished speaking with him.

And I sit here on this rock outside of Dakota's offices, I have to say that was an interesting interview to say the least...