Now put your hands on the SHL rulebook. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Say I do!
Answer : I do

Please tell us your real first name and where do you live right now?
Ryan Answer: Ryan. I currently reside in Ottawa, Ontario. I grew up in Toronto.
SL : What do you miss the most from Toronto, aside for family maybe?
Ryan Answer : I miss going to the Jays games in the summer.
SL : I greatly miss the baseball in Montreal too! We had the greatest logo! Baseball game in the summer is hard to beat! Sound of the ball hitting the barrel. Diving catch or a perfect throw to home plate! Smell of the hotdogs or scream of the vendors. No clock! Perfect place to have a chat! On and on and on….

When and how did you first find out about the SHL?
Ryan Answer: I joined the SHL in 2012. Wow, it has been 10 years already. That’s crazy. I was looking for a simulation hockey to join and I think I stumbled about the SHL through a hockey forums board post.
SL : Nice catch! Hit the jackpot from the get go! Greatest league around!

Here Steve question : What made you chose Kent Johnson over Mason McTavish?
Ryan Answer: Honestly, I think they are both talented players. I chose Johnson over McTavish because of his ability to pass the puck and get in space.

For a 4th year in a row, looks like you will be a lottery team. Do you feel like you are turning this thing around?
Ryan Answer: For a number of years, or the Crosby years, we competed for the playoffs, but continuing to trade top prospect talent and draft picks took a toll on the prospect cupboard and the finances. Once I traded Crosby it was time to rebuild. I am happy with direction the team is going. We will continue to build through the draft and make key free agent signings.
SL : A man with a plan!

Is Thomas, Dobson, Johnson and Lapierre are the cornerstone players you want to build your team around?
Ryan Answer: That is the plan. We will continue to build around these young players. We will likely sparkle a few vets in the mix. I like the young core and we will wait for them to develop.

Who is your favorite NHL team?
Ryan Answer: Toronto Maple Leafs.
SL : Not another one..We will stop the interview right now….Nah. I’m joking!

Who is your favorite player of all time?
Answer: Doug Gilmour

Who is the person you would like to meet (dead or alive)? Feel free to explain!
Ryan Answer: Gord Downie. He was a great Canadian musician. His band’s music resonates through Canada. His push for reconciliation continues to be important in this country.
SL : Very true! Saw the Hip at Place des Arts here in Montreal! At first though i though it was an odd venue for a rock band but they sounded so great! Loved his solo album The Great Bounce!

Question : If you could catch a GM asleep and steal one of his players, who would that be?
Ryan Answer: As a Leafs fan, I would love to have Auston Matthews or Mitch Marner. I think they are great players. As a homer, I would love to have them on my team.
SL : Looks the GMs that have them on their team don’t like to share!

You get first overall to start a league, which player would you choose? And why?
Ryan Answer: Connor McDavid. He is an exceptional talent. Best in the world.

What’s the best way to approach you about a trade request?
Ryan Answer: As a rebuilding team, I am looking at the player’s current situation in the NHL and whether the value matches up to the player moving out.

What annoys you when a GM approaches you ?
Ryan Answer: Usually when they asked what do you want for X. I would rather have the team make an offer and we can negotiate from there.
SL: But you are ready to get some sort of low ball offers? That could happen!

I know the SHL rulebook is a near perfect work but if they was one rule that you would change or add, what would it be?
Ryan Answer: I would love to see a redistribution of wealth. It will never happen, but a team that never makes the playoffs will never get playoff revenue. It is hard to compete in this league without cash.
SL : I see your point. If you are close to make the playoffs you get some bonus dollars and writing some posts will bring you some money. But I’m with you. You have to be patient! Or sell your first and 2nd round picks at the right but it takes some luck!

If there was no stupid virus around, and you have an unlimited amount of cash, where would be the first destination you travel into? Could be space!
Ryan Answer: I would love to visit Australia.
SL : Australia is beautiful! Spent 3 1/2 months over there. The Aussies are great too! “I’ll slip an extra shrimp on the barbie for you”!

What gets you these days! Sports event, TV Series, your cat, anything?
Ryan Answer: If I am not watching hockey, I am usually playing video games or hanging out with the family.

Any questions, queries, comments or dark secrets you want to add before we leave?
Ryan Answer: I regret drafting Damian Brunner. I thought he was he next great Swiss hockey player. Oh well.
SL : Are the Sens still regretting drafting Alexandre Daigle. Or NYI with Dipietro! These guys are getting paid to make these choices…we don’t!

Thanks a lot for answering all my questions! Now! Who would you like to hear about next and what should be the first question?
Philly Chris.