Playoff Preview! Nords vs Whalers
Exclusive interviews with Matty and A-Ron Lago reveal intense rivalry
The PHN playoffs start Monday and the early game at 8:00 is the Nords against the Whalers.
It’s a two game series to advance to the finals, soon game can end in a tie, and if it is a split series tie breaker rules will be applied.
It should be a hard fought series and looking forward to the big battle between second and third, we interviewed a key player from each team.
We start with young Whalers defender Matty.
Then hear from Nords utility knife A-Ron Lago.
A-Ron rejoined the PHN after a couple of seasons in the KHL.
Matty says Whalers dressed for success
How would you describe the intensity of the PHN playoffs?
The intensity of the PHN is out of this world. The stakes are high and the emotions are even higher out there. With so many high-caliber stars in this league it’s no surprise how fast games can change and how many goals can be scored.
Is this the climax of your hockey career so far?
Without a doubt. This is the most demanding league I have ever been in and I have had to adapt accordingly. Training camps, press meetings, team conferences, all of it has put me at the top of my game as a member of the Whalers on and off the ice.
What do you think of your first round match up?
The Nords should be terrified. Shaking in their boots. Looking at how far we have come since the beginning of the season when we were struggling to becoming the elite deadly force we are today it’s clear that we mean business in the playoffs. As much as we would have liked to steam roll the Caps in game one we are just as happy to destroy the Nords.
Who do you most want to beat on the Nords and why?
When it comes to the Nords there are a couple names that come to mind. One that keeps me up at night is Gerry. We were very fortunate to have him as a sub goalie a couple times and I have to say he is dedicated to his craft and dangerous between the posts with laser-focus. Beating him would definitely allow me to sleep better.
Did your Dad give you that answer?
Not sure if my dad also lies awake at night thinking about how to score on Gerry. You will have to ask him.
Some guys on the other team say you get special treatment because your Dad is a team owner. How does that factor into your motivation for this series?
I have been at the centre of much controversy since the draft because of my connection to the owner of the Whalers. As upsetting as it is, it definitely fuels my desire to show that I was drafted because of my skill and not family ties. Also, who of the other guys on the team have been saying this stuff? They should be careful, I know the owner of the Whalers quite well and could make sure they don’t make any playoff appearance at all.
One guy on other team also has red pants. Will you go easy on him because of that?
Quite the opposite. It will only increase my animosity towards that player. I want to be the best red-pant wearing player out there and that means I have to put all other red pant wearers in their place behind me. As much of a fashion statement as the red pants are, they do not beat the fancy green pant-shell thing a member of the Whalers has been wearing on the ice recently.
Speaking of colours how does it feel to have the best uniform in the league?
I wear it with pride. Very glad the best team in the league was also fortunate enough to get the best looking jersey. We are dressed for success and are ready to take on the playoffs.
Outside of hockey will your family be able to make peace in with Pags in time to attend his stag?
That will be a game-decision based on the outcome of the playoffs. As a former teammate of Pags, I know he is a wild card and anything might happen out there. Hopefully peace can be made but it is very hard to be certain of it at this point.
What’s your prediction for the series – Messier style?
Let’s start with the Caps Seals series.
Playing with Moe last summer, it would be very emotional to see the loneliest leaders in the league find some success and have the Caps take the series. That being said, predicting the Caps to win may be some wishful thinking.
Whatever happens there, the Whalers are ready to go. So we’re taking this one in two games obviously. You can print that.
A-Ron Lago says Nords train is unstoppable. Also, he hates F-150’s
How would you describe the intensity of the PHN playoffs?
Have you ever played the game Blades of Steel for Nintendo or NHL 94 on a PlayStation in easy mode? That’s how intense the playoffs are in the PHN. Everyone is flying on the ice, and the skill level is top-tier, so players can score the infamous wrap-around goal, just like in NHL 94. The PHN is sponsored by EA Sports it’s in the game.
Did you ever see your future unfolding this way in the PHN as a pee wee hockey player decades ago?
Honestly, I knew my future in the PHN would unfold the way it has. Scouts were constantly watching me and knowing that I had Lago on the back of my Jersey and had a family member who played in the NHL. It was inevitable that I would be drafted into the PHN during my rookie phase and turn pro. I have been sent down countless times to the taxi squad and traded. But look at Phil the Thril; he’s a bonafide Stanley Cup champion. I should start taping my stick again like him to start scoring more goals instead of getting high sticking penalties.
What do you think of your first round match up?
Honestly, the Whalers should be scared. Our team is stacked and loaded, just like when Maverick had his fighter jet team to go against the enemy. We are fast, skilled, dangerous and have all the weapons. The slow Wright brother’s planes have nothing against us. Who is betting on a team called the Whalers to win? That’s like betting on saying Moe’s Tesla is faster than my race car WRX.
Who do you most want to beat on the Whalers, and why?
I have one target that comes to mind. It starts with an A, but I forgot the last name. However, here’s a hint he always injures his hand and not by doing what we think he does with that hand. I want to defeat him because he drives a Ford pickup truck. It had to be a Ford out of all the trucks out there.
Did Pags give you that answer?
Does Pags wear the pants in this relationship? Oh wait, doesn’t he drive a Ford truck too? So no way that I got that answer off of him. Especially since Pags owned a Honda Ridgeline in the past, why would I go to Pags for answers lol If you only knew some of the music Pags plays in the dressing room, then you would see why you wouldn’t go to him for answers lol.
Being on the Nordiques – do you know how to swear in French? What curse do you have for the whalers or a whaler player?
Honestly, I can’t say I do. I must have been sleeping in French class back in school. However, I do blame my captains for this. As soon as they drafted the players, there should have been an educated course on French curse words. A good mix of testosterone and curse words fires up the Nords before every game. We don’t have specific curse words for the Whalers. Instead, we use a famous quote, the whalers might be great hockey players, but you’re standing on the track, and the trains are coming through buttheads.
How embarrassed was your team when Dunner walked through the whole squad and scored in your last game with the Whalers?
You can never underestimate Dunner. Anyone who wears a mask under their cage is dangerous. However, I was not on the ice for that goal and like cmmon, how can my A-level players allow that? Who was in the net? Gerry? Oh man, some reevaluating after that goal and possible trades should have come into effect immediately after the game. However, the Nords assure you that won’t ever happen again, and it looks like Dunner is a Lago’s new target.
How does having the second or third-best uniform in the league feel?
Correction we have the best jerseys in the league. You should see the tail I pick up at bars when I am wearing it. They go, oooo, you’re a hockey player? And I respond with Oui. Then when they ask what the logo means, I respond with Oui. This is what happens when your team is not educated on the French language. But chicks do dig the Nords jersey. I hope the hockey wives don’t get upset.
If you are in the finals, will you still go to Pags’ stag?
If the finals are on the same day as Pags stag. The plan is for the Nords to win the championship and bring the cup to Pag’s stag with the Tarps off.
What’s your prediction for your series – Messier style?
I already told you. Weren’t you listening?
My prediction for the finals is the same. Oui win tabernac.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM let’s play some hockey!
Who’ll take this series?
A-Ron is right, it’s time for hockey!
Nords vs Whalers 8 pm tonight!
