Managerial Power: The Struggles of a Rookie GM - Rookie Workout

PART III

The practice ice was cool as the three of them casually walked onto its slick surface. There was nothing fancy about this ice, unlike its newer companion in the Frank Barron Pavilion. There were no ads along the boards, there was no logo sitting in the middle of the ice and to be quite honest, there was no soul.

He walked onto the ice first and quickly made a dash to the “away side” of the ice, skating furiously without much care for the other two who have quietly made their way onto the soulless surface. They stood there without much to say, watching him skate along the circumference of the ice. After one full lap, he met them at the center ice dot.

He stood tall above them, 6’4” on skates, and through his clear visor peered at them with a piercing look. This was the first time that this has ever happened in Minnesota, but he made it clear to me that this was the first of an annual tradition: The rookie workout.

Sawyer Withers and Priscilla Williams were the “new” guys to the team, and although players have come in after their arrival in Minnesota, they will be the new guys until the season is finished. He stared at them, wondering what type of hell he should put them through to see if they have been keeping up with the heavily-structured offseason workout.

“Get the pucks” He told Withers and then set his eyes upon the beautiful grace of Williams.

“Get the cones.” Echoed throughout the empty practice facility as the sound of ice skates meeting ice cut the through the deafening orders.

He and the rookies setup cones in the “away side” of the ice, but their first challenge was to come full force.

“This is the first of what will be an annual tradition. Being a new GM in this league, there will be a certain level of play that I expect from my rookies. You are allowed to make mistakes, you are allowed to screw-up, but you are not allowed to fail. Today, we’re going to work on some skating, but more importantly, we’re going to work on offense.”

He met eyes with me and motioned towards the bag of pucks. I stumbled my way across the ice, barely able to hold myself up as I clutched the bag and tossed them in his direction.

“You,” He said as he pointed to Withers. “Get a puck, it’s 1-on-1 time.”

Withers took a puck out of the bag and put it down on the ice. He looked up at his GM, who was already in a defensive position waiting for him to make his move. Withers took a deep breath.

“1-on-1 drills against the BHL top defensive defensemen. One rule, you can not shoot from above the face-off dots. Come into the zone, make a move and score at any will.”

He nodded to Withers as Withers took another deep breath. He kicked the puck out with his skates and came into the offensive zone. Ezell waited, watching his rookie go from forehand to backhand. Ezell moved up in the zone and Withers tried to move left, but Ezell shove his stick underneath Sawyer’s and lifted it.

Williams was next as she kicked the puck out to begin to 1-on-1 drill. Ezell moved back as she wound up. Ezell stood there, waiting to block the shot as she faked the slapshot and tried to go around him. He poked the puck away.

“What the fuck? Will you guys play some fucking hockey!?” He screamed as I felt a shiver run down my back.

Withers kicked another puck out and started to skate towards Ezell. Sawyer began to flip the puck between his backhand and forehand and suddenly lost the feel of the puck. He put his head down, looking to align his shot as Ezell barreled over him. His body hit the ice like a bag of meat being tossed up against a wall.

“Keep your fucking head up.”

Williams was next and once again kicked the puck out. She flew towards the big man and made a nifty deke from right to left and made Ezell lay down to try and block the shot. Quickly, she shot the puck in the top left corner as a small red light went off. He got up and brushed the ice from his jersey and nodded in approval.

Good job.

Ezell then had the rookies line up at the other side of the ice and skate between the cones. He stood there with a stopwatch, clocking their times. The only way they get to stop is when they hit their time goal.

“Keep going. Again! Keep going. What the fuck did you two do this offseason?” Repeatedly came out of his mouth as he looked down at the stopwatch after each rookie completed their time trial. They kept on for 45 minutes until both rookies were able to meet their goal.

He looked at them and watched as they carried themselves off of the ice. 2 hours from when they began practice, they were battered, beaten, hit and sore. Withers was driven into the ice twice and Williams had to skate penalty laps for turnovers.

He was hard on them, but with good reason.

They are important to him and they are important to the future of this franchise.

Minnesota Finds Themselves in Hot Water

- Brock Stevens, The Art Of War

The Minnesota Warbirds would find themselves in the news, this time in regards to the arrival of state police and the FBI.

In what has become a media blitz, the disappearance of a stripper believed to have suffered foul play had authorities searching all leads. One of which would have them show up on the WarBirds doorstep with questions, and having the media in tow.

The girl disappeared a few days ago, and one of the last appointments she had listed in her dayplanner found on her computer at her home, had listed a team event with the Birds.

Greg Ezell would quickly hold a press conference confirming why the police were there, however downplaying any real involvement by the team or anyone associated.

“ There was an arranged team function, to which this person had attended. Police are just doing their job running through leads. A few players were spoken to, and that’s it. There’s no scandal or anything here.”

Later in the day however, Dylan Withers and Chaz Hooker would both be traded from the Minnesota team leading to much speculation. Withers was the player who’s birthday the team had been celebrating, while Hooker had since coming to the Warbirds been involved in some strange incidents all on his own.

According to unconfirmed sources the party involved the missing stripper and a cake.

Speculation and rumours abound, especially since word of the cake surfaced. One of the teams making the trade was none other than Castlegar, home of the notorious cake pilfering Will Kemp. Interestingly enough it was Withers going to the Castors in the deal. No one has heard any comment from the Castors organization, and further no one has been able to confirm the whereabouts of Mr. Kemp during this timeframe of the alleged disappearance.

One purported story has the cake not even making it to the Warbird dressing room leaving one to wonder if Kemp’s fingers aren’t sticky once more with icing?!

And where and what has become of this missing woman?

A Sitdown With Minnesota's Newest Bruiser

Newly acquired defenseman Chris Hie on the practice ice.

The Art Of War: How does it feel being in Minnesota?

Chris Hie: It feels great, Minnesota is definitely a place I have wanted to play for awhile, the team atmosphere and comradery is amazing. I'm really looking forward to hitting the ice with my new teammates.

AoW: There seemed to be some falling out with then GM Adams Stevens in Toronto, can you comment on that?

CH: To be honest, there was never really any personal amnimosty between Adam and I, I felt that my time had come and gone in Toronto, and that it was time for me to move on. I talked a lot with Adam through out the entire process, Adam is a good guy, a great gm and a good friend. I'm glad we're going to get a chance to play along side each other in Minnesota, as I said to him when I left Toronto. It was nothing personal, it was just business.

AoW: After the S5 finals, you were traded to Castlegar, what were you feelings on being a Castor?

CH: Mixed at best, I was happy to be going to a team who had long time friends on it like Chris "Ochir" Walters, and I was happy to be going to a team with a winning tradition, there are likely some things that I would have done differently if I had the chance to do it over, but for the most part I was just happy to have a place to play.

AoW: Any predictions for Season 6?

CH: (Chuckles) I think The Warbirds are going to do very well this season. we have great depth on defense and even better depth up front, This team is a special and I think its going to achieve special things this season.

AoW: Pick one for a pairing. Marosi, Ezell, Baily, Ng or Shimbashi and why?

CH: Thats a tough pick, really. They are all great players, but I guess if I had to pick one it'd be my old buddy Greg Ezell, We've been trying to get on the same team since the F-L days so we could play together and its now finally happened, although all those guys would make GREAT partners, Greg holds a special place in my heart.

AoW: Ok, last question before I let you go, Alpines, Raiders, Freeze or Pharaohs

CH: Freeze had the best uniforms, Raiders were sex on ice though.

AoW: Alright, well thanks for taking some time and welcome to Minnesota!

CH: Thank you! and I'm glad to be here

Warbirds Add Final Pieces To The Nest

Despite controversy, players retiring and World Cup news, the Minnesota Warbirds are still on the hunt to put together one of the deepest teams in the BHL. Today, Minnesota pulled a string of trades that may bring Minnesota one step closer to its final goal, winning a Thundercup.

Officially, the Minnesota Warbirds have come to an agreement with both the San Fransisco Seals and Castlegar Castors and pulled off a three team trade. Each team saw a great player move and is probably one of the most even trades of the season.

Castlegar acquired C John Desouza, San Fransisco acquired C Charlie Hooker and Minnesota acquired D Chris Hie.

In a seperate deal with Castlegar, their newly stripped captain Patrick Albanese has joined the Warbirds as Minnesota send defenseman Dylan Withers to the Castors.

Minnesota GM held a press conference earlier today to announce the acquisitions and welcome them to their new home.

"I want to welcome everyone here today as I am meet you all with a mix of happiness and of sadness. As you already know, we've traded two players who I felt were a key component to this team. It is with great saddness that I have traded them, but in the business of hockey, you always need to find ways to improve. I feel that I've done that today.

First, Chaz Hooker is officially a San Fransisco Seal. Chaz came here at the draft and immediately caused a buzz unheard of in Minnesota. He's a special player that demands a certain amount of respect when he walks into a locker room. I know he'll lead San Fransisco to great things, especially with Phil Alkievicz and Eric Eveloch.

Secondly, Dylan Withers is now a Castor. It's no surprise that I've been shopping Dylan around since I came on board in Minnesota. Dylan is a fantastic defender and a great student of the game. I feel that he needs to step into a situation where he will ultimately shine." Ezell said as he turned to his newest Warbirds sitting at a table beside him.

"Chris Hie is a dear friend of mine and we've known one another for almost 10 years now. I've wanted to play on the same squad as Chris since our F-L days together, and when that situation came about, I had to jump on it. Chris immediately takes care of our defense by adding another player who can score, but also isn't afraid to throw some bodies around."

Hie stood up and approched the mic.

"I'm very happy to be apart of the Warbirds franchise and very happy to be playing along side long time friends in Greg Ezell and Adam Stevens, I can't wait for the season to get started and we can start our flight to the Thundercup!"

Hie and Ezell unvieled a #36 Minnesota Warbirds jersey as the cameras snapped pictures. Ezell then returned to the podium.

"Patrick is another guy I've known for awhile. To fill Chaz' spot, we needed another play making center. Once Patrick was stripped of his C from Castlegar, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to pick up a player of his caliber. He's a playmaker, through and through and, along with Chris, bring Thundercup experience as he has his name steched into the hardware."

Albanese then stepped up to the podium to address the media that silently awaited his word.

"I am pleased to be joining the Minnesota Warbirds and look forward to working with Greg, the coaching staff, and the rest of the team. This is certainly a change of scenery for me, given how long I was in the Castlegar organization, but it is a welcomed change. While I'll miss my former Castor teammates, coaches, and fans, I wish them the best in the future. I'm just glad to be leaving one great organization for another, and I look forward to making a run for the Thundercup this year. Hopefully myself and Chris can bring a little of last season's luck with us to Minnesota this year!"

Ezell and Albanese held up a home Warbirds jersey.

Chris Hie has confirmed that he signed a 1 season extension with Minnesota that will keep him a Warbird until after S8.

The Warbirds are slated to open the season against the Toronto Vipers.

A Look At Minnesota's Offseason Moves

Minnesota's wheelings and dealings earn Ezell an A.

The Season 5 offseason seems to be coming to a close as teams are getting ready to start training camp, players are working out for their national teams, and general managers and coaches are now talking strategy instead of acquisition.

Today's entry will look at Minnesota's offseason, from potential trades, to management moves, to offseason acquisitions.

Minnesota comes into the season as one of the strongest teams in the Wilen Conference, if not, the BHL. Led by 1st time GM, Greg Ezell, the Warbirds have been overhauled from their S4 Thundercup Finals team after taking a new name and new identity.

There is no question that Ezell's heart is in right place, but did he make the moves to put the Warbirds over the top and win the Thundercup? We'll look at the moves and signings.

KEY ADDITIONS:
C Charlie Hooker (acquired from New England)
C Adam Stevens (signed via free agency)
LW Chris Bell (acquired from Toronto)
C Priscilla Williams (acquired from Toronto)

These four additions were the biggest additions that Minnesota made during the offseason. Minnesota's biggest need was a goal scoring center, which is something they got in Hooker and in Stevens.

#23 Charlie Hooker

Charlie Hooker was acquired on draft day and will be a big part of the Warbirds season. Last year, he had a very strong start before cooling off in the second half, but still had 22 goals and 9 assists for 31 points. Hooker will potentially be playing with Miika Kemppenin and Chris Coogan so his assists should change. Hooker’s contract has a player option at the end of the season, but many believe that he will be one and done in Minnesota.

#84 Adam Stevens

Adam Stevens may be the biggest pick-up for the Warbirds in the offseason. Stevens signed a 2 season deal and is the potent goal-scoring center that the Warbirds lacked last year. Many within the organization believe that Adam will be teamed up with Chris Bell and Matt Mahoney, another potent scoring tandem. Stevens led the BHL in scoring, posting 25 goals and 14 assists for a total of 39 points. Stevens has a proven track record as well, leading the Toronto Vipers to the S5 Thundercup finals as their center and as their GM.

#26 Chris Bell

Bell, who was traded to Toronto earlier in the offseason before coming to Minnesota, will be apart of the top 2 starting lines after a great offseason with the Castors. Bell brings grit, determination and a some positivety that was lacking last year with Minnesota. Bell posted respectable numbers with 4 goals and 5 assists in 22 games, but really made a case for himself in the playoffs, notching a hattrick in Castelgar's final game. Chris has already meshed with his teammates since coming to Minnesota and was appointed co-head coach for the ‘Birdz training camp.

#21 Priscilla Williams

The wild card here will be Priscilla Williams. This is her rookie season and was packaged with Bell in the deal due to their relationship off of the ice. She has the ability to play a big role on the checking line for the Warbirds and will most likely be partnered up with Zac Abrams and fellow rookie Saywer Withers.

KEY LOSSES:
LW Jordan Swance (traded to New England)
RW Tuomas Kiuru (traded to New England)

C Johan Eriksson (traded to Toronto)
LW Victoria Kloske (traded to Castelgar)
RW Brian McDonald (signed with Gem City)

The two biggest names on this list are Victoria Kloske and Brian McDonald. Kloske, who Ezell has mentioned as one of his favorite teammates and one of his closest friends on the Warbirds will be missed. She brought vigor, grit and a work ethic that has yet to have been surpassed by anyone in Warbird history.

McDonald, who came to Minnesota via trade at the trading deadline, will also be missed. It was rumored for a while that he was heading back to his original home of Gem City and decimated the Warbirds wing position before the acquisitions.

Biggest Addition: Adam Stevens
Biggest Loss: Brian McDonald

Overall, Ezell made some moves that will make the Warbirds a strong team this season and for many seasons to come. After a great draft and some very good trades, Ezell has put this team into position to make a run at the Thundercup in S6.

Grade: A

Training Camp To Begin Shortly

The Minnesota Warbirds will begin shortly as Coach Kristian Marosi has announced the two "teams" that will be competing in the inter-squad workouts. The two squads, aptly named Team Frank Barron and Team Ed Murphy, will square off in numerous "white vs. brown" games as well as drills and other activities.

We asked Coach Marosi where we came up with the names for the teams:

"Ed Murphy and Frank Barron were the originators of hockey in Minnesota. The Warbirds have always believe in tradition. As Dakota, we payed homage to the Dakota Tribe that founded the land and since our name switch to Minnesota, we want to pay tribute to those that introduced the game that we play."

Each squad has its roster in place.

The Ed Murphy team will be coached by alternate captain Matt Mahoney. The line-up for this team consists of:

Team Ed Murphy
Charlie Hooker  C 85
Chris Coogan  C 85
Matt Mahoney  LW 75
Scott Edmonds  LW 75
Matt Todd  LW 65
Zac Abrams  RW 75
Dan Torsiello  RW 70
Ryan McDonnell  RW 65
Kristian Marosi  D 90
Greg Ezell  D 85
Brad Terry  D 65
Oscar Lindtröm  D 65
Robi Albert  G 85

The Frank Barron team will be coached by both Patrick Ng and Chris Bell, which should prove to be something different as Ng has only been a Warbird for 1 season and Bell is new to the team.

The team consists of:

Team Frank Barron  
Adam Stevens  C 80
Ryan Sassaman  C 75
Priscilla Williams C 70
Miika Kemppinen  LW 85
Sawyer Withers  LW 75
Jon Roger  LW 60
Chris Bell  RW 80
Kenneth Lehtinen RW 80
Brent von Rist  RW 65
Eric Baily  D 85
Dylan Withers  D 80
Patrick Ng  D 80
Jamie Shimbashi  D 70
Patrick Walford  G 65

"I feel confident in having these players coaching the squad," Said Marosi. "Eric (Baily) and I will have absolutely no input during the inter-squad games. We will save that for the meetings and drills, but during the squad games, it is Matt's, Patrick's and Chris' call."

The inter-squad games will be open to the public, however, they will be the only public access throughout training camp.

"We have a plethora of new talent so we don't want them distracted while going through practice." Marosi said in a short interview.

The Warbirds are gearing up to welcome the Toronto Vipers in to the Frank Barron Pavilion to open the season.

Interview w/ Coach Kristian Marosi

The Art of War sat down with player/coach Kristian Marosi to get his thoughts on the offseason moves, the current Warbird team, the upcoming season and rumors of love.

The Art Of War (TAW): Thanks for taking some time out of the training camp preparation to do this interview. What is your outlook for this team, based on the moves that the management has made in the offseason?

Kristian Marosi (KM): I see an extremely bright future for this team, not only for this season but for many more seasons as well. I can't find any real holes in our squad and we have a great group of players. It's easy to coach these guys with the character they're showing on and off the ice

TAW: The roster looks marginally different from last season. Some key Warbirds are no longer with the team, but new faces like Chris Bell, Adam Stevens and Chaz Hooker have come on board. How do you feel the locker room chemistry is going or will go throughout the season?

KM: So far, I can't find any issues with our chemistry. Bell came and took a quite big role immediately with excellence. Hooker and Stevens has played a lot of seasons in this league, they know what it takes to play on a high level in this league. I feel our chemistry will be tremendous this year but some more activity from the less known players wouldn't hurt.

TAW: The Birdz' haven't missed the playoffs in their existence, do you see that streak continuing this year?

KM: No doubt about it. We're the best team in the Wilen conference.

TAW: Where do you see the team at the end of Season 6?

KM: I see us lifting the Thunderdcup for the first time ever.

TAW: It has been known that you are still a big fan of the "old" Dakota Warbirds uniforms, how do you feel about the new Minnesota Warbirds?

KM: I really like what Chris Coogan has done with the new jersey, I can easily wear the new jerseys with pride.

TAW: The defensive corps hasn't been touched this season and is pegged as one of the best in the BHL, what are your feelings on that statement?

KM: I couldn't agree more. There's no team in the league that can match or defense, with still having the two S5 award winners on the roster it will be hard for the opponents to score on us.

TAW: If you could play for any other team than Minnesota, where would you play?

KM: No where else, I would rather retire.

TAW: There are rumors that you're linked with Nathalie Kelley...are these true?

KM: Haha, I wish that would be true, but I've someone else on the hook. Talk with Eric Baily or Greg Ezell for details.

TAW: Well thanks for sitting with me today.

KM: No problem. Minnesota will WIN S6, there's no team that can match us.

The Minnesota Warbirds will open the season at home against the Toronto Vipers and debut their brand new, state-of-the-art home named the Frank Barron Pavilion.