NHL 09 Be A Pro: The Alex King Story

[Kingerr32]

~The Alex King Story~

"Unbelievable physical specimen, all round dominant athlete, future superstar". Some of the terms I had heard most of my life from coaches in various sports. I was a high school super athlete, standing out in football, swimming, lacrosse and track, but my passion was on the ice. Although since the beginning of high school I had various coaches trying to direct my attention on their specific sport I could never turn my back on my love for hockey. I guess this started from my dad, he loves hockey, was drafted himself. He got me on skates at age three and I loved it ever since. But my love for hockey wasn't that uncommon, I was a Canadian boy, it was a pretty common thing. I always played with kids older than me. I was always strong enough and they gave me more competition. My first true test came when I was drafted to the OHL at the age of 14. I was the first selection to Brampton and the only underager in the OHL draft. I loved the excitement of the ice, the intensity of each game. I lived at the rink, and if I wasn't there you would surely find me in the weight room trying to stay one step ahead of the next guy.
Like I said before, people always thought of me as "the jock". I was considered a power forward by most. I scored a lot, but I am no stranger to the hitting or fighting game thats for sure. In juniors I led my team in points and PIMs every season. But now I was getting ready for the biggest step of my life, but the question that was on my mind was which step was I going to take? On one hand I have the NHL draft coming up, I was a sure first rounder. But on the other hand I had a life I had to think of outside of hockey. I had applied to universities and would more than likely be accepted to them all. Which step was I going to make?

[Kingerr32]

Re: NHL 09 Be A Pro: The Alex King Story

With me still unsure about my future and the NHL draft in Ottawa just days away my stock began to fall. Teams were questioning whether or not to draft me because of my possible university career. I was starting to get nervous as my name plummeted on the draft list which made my decision even more difficult. I didn't know and of course my parents being good parents were being impartial and letting me make my own decision saying, "We will stand behind you regardless". God for once I wanted them to tell me what to do and they wouldn't!

[Kingerr32]

Re: NHL 09 Be A Pro: The Alex King Story

I had attended a mini combine type camp for players who were trying to be noticed. I know people already knew who I was but I knew there was a range of guys that would be there from guys looking for Junior A signings all the way up to guys wanting a last look by universities or possible NHL franchises. I wasn't really there to impress anyone I just needed to relax from the stress and hockey helped me do that.
As everyone assumed I was the best at the combine, leading in every category.

Alex King - Left Wing/Center
Shoots: Left
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 203 lbs.
Arm Span: 76"

Skills
Hardest Shot: 101.9 mph Vertical Jump: 39"
Speed Lap: 13.9 seconds 40-Yard Dash: 4.41 seconds
Shot Accuracy: 4/5 Shootout: Scored 3/3

[Kingerr32]

Re: NHL 09 Be A Pro: The Alex King Story

It was draft day. I was still somewhat unsure of my future and the scouts knew it, so people were a little surprised to see me actually in attendance at the draft. I had made the decision to go a few nights prior, so I got my suit all ready and made the 6 hour drive from the GTA the night prior. I had my family and friends in attendance with me that day. The place was a mad house. Fans everywhere, I was actually asked for an autograph! That got me a little excited but I don't like to show my emotion like that so I played it cool and signed the hat for the little kid. I did not know where I would be going in the draft after all my trouble. People were saying I was the most dramatic person in the league and I hadn't even been drafted yet! I didn't like the persona I was being given already. I had to change that. I knew that the Toronto Maple Leafs were interested in me and that would be a dream come true for me. I grew up idolizing anyone that played in the blue and white. I even had a quick conversation with Doug Gilmour who was in attendance today. But alas Bettmann had shut his mouth and the draft was about to begin, I had met a few guys around like the concensus number one pick Steve Stamkos, and the Russian sensation Nikita Filatov. But now I had to find my way through the crowd to my table where my parents, my younger brother and a couple of my buddies were sitting. The draft was set to start.
The draft started as everyone had assumed, Steve Stamkos number one to Tampa Bay, Drew Doughty number two to L.A, But then the Toronto Maple Leafs made a move for the 4th pick, I thought this could be my shot, they were interested, my family and friends knew I thought this could be it. Then the drafted a defenseman, Luke Schenn. It wasn't me. I was devistated but I didn't show it, but everyone at my table knew it. I was beginning to sweat, I don't know why, like I said before my future was still up in the air. The rest of the first round passed and nobody took me. I was shocked, analysts were shocked, At one point I was number 3 on the board and I had a better year then Stamkos did. I was totally shocked but then my phone rang, I held it in my hands knowing this was the call, but it wasn't the Leafs pick, it was the Montreal Canadiens. I dreaded the thought of walking on stage and putting that sweater over my head. I thought about not answering, but as I answered I heard the voice of Cliff Fletcher saying he was about to select me with this pick. The Toronto Maple Leafs had made a move for the Montreal Canadiens second round pick and it wasn't posted yet. I was ecstatic! The Toronto Maple Leafs! My team! As they announced the trade followed by my name there was a mixture of cheers and heckling, but I could hear my family cheering as I walked up on stage, shook hands with Cliff Fletcher and Gary Bettmann and put a Leaf sweater over my head and placed the hat on my head. I was so excited. It was at that moment that I had decided my fate, and my fate was...The NHL.

[Kingerr32]

Re: NHL 09 Be A Pro: The Alex King Story

I was now a member of the storied dynasty, the Toronto Maple Leafs. It had been a week now and I was getting impatient. I wanted to get this under way. I knew my contract wouldn't be huge but I was hoping for a little money. Although for me at this point I was in the NHL, it wasn't really about the money right now.

[Kingerr32]

Re: NHL 09 Be A Pro: The Alex King Story

It happened! After pre-season I made the NHL roster. I was now a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. I was going to be playing a third line left wing with Jiri Tlusty in the middle and Jamal Mayers on the other side. I was so excited I could barely sleep, I wanted to be the first to tell my family and friends but by the time the coach and GM were done the 3 hour conference with me it was all over TSN and everyone had already heard. Fans had also heard I would be wearing number 13. Former captain Mats Sundin's number, I thought there may be some kickbacks to that. But I have the upmost respect for Mats, he was a big inspiration for me.

Next Update, Game 1

[Kingerr32]

Re: NHL 09 Be A Pro: The Alex King Story

Maple Leafs(0-0-0) at Red Wings(0-0-0)

It was time. I srrived at the arena around 2 o'clock. It was my first time so I wanted to be early, kinda prep my stall, take it all in, that kinda stuff. I was really just trying to shake the pre-game jitters. It was around 5 or just after as I began to get ready, although nobody else was and there were even still guys that hadn't arrived yet. I didn't suit up my top half as I never did for pre-game skate. As I skated out onto the ice with my teammates we were greeted with mixed emotion. There were some Leaf fans in the crowd you could tell. I took it all in knowing my family was up there I scanned the glass for a quick second then got to skating. I was determined not to be nervous but to this point it was not happening. I skated about 5 minutes then left for the room. I suited up and we came back out this time in a more orderly fashion. I took that step out onto the ice and knew it was all about to begin. After the national anthems we skated to our benches the coach gave our line first nod. I was out ready.

First Period
Jiri won the faceoff and I crossed ice looking for a quick break pass from Kubina. It came but was ahead of my stick, icing was waved off as it went around the end boards Lindstrom pinched it against the boards and as he did without even thinking I played my game, greeting him with my shoulder pad to his chest taking him clean off his skates and leaving him slow to get up. The Detroit fans didn't like it one bit, but now they knew I was there. The rest of the shift was uneventful minus an almost brilliant give and give and go I set up between myself, Jamal Mayers and Jiri Tlusty. My second shift came with ten left in the period. I jumped the boards and hopped into the play on defense unintentionally blocking a shot and it went straight to Tomas Kaberle who sent me a perfect pass as I took off out of the zone, it was just me and Rafalski, I crossed the Detroit blue line and wound up, letting it go and I whistled over Osgoods glove and went bar down. I had my first NHL goal! not even a period into my career.
The rest of the period was much like my first shift, back and forth play until the last minute where I went for a hit on Maltby and as I hit him he layed it off to Tomas Kopecky who let one go just inside the post to tie it up.

Second Period
It began slowly, a few shots nothing troubling either tender. Until about 6 minutes in veteran Nik Antropov faught passed the defense and lifted the puck over Osgood with just one hand. Then it slowed down again and the period ended very much the same as it started.

Third Period
The third period began with a Detroit face off win but I read it. Hopped on the puck and was in alone with Osgood. I tried going glove side and was robbed. Same shift though I put a move on the defense in the corner and broke towards the net last second dishing it off to Antropov for his second of the night. A two point night! Then just seconds later I watched from the bench as Antropov won the puck behind the net and threw it in front to Grabovski who netted another. Then the scoring slowed as the time wound out.

Three Stars
First Star - Nikolai Antropov (2G, 1A)
Second Star - Alex King (1G, 1A)
Third Star - Mikhail Grabovski (1G, 1A)

After the game I had dinner with my family but was drained. I hit the hay as soon as I got onto the team flight.

[Kingerr32]

Re: NHL 09 Be A Pro: The Alex King Story

I spent the next day on my couch moving as little as possible as I was still sore from the game before. The day felt even longer knowing that I was heading back onto the ice to play the biggest enemies in Toronto history, Montreal.

[GoldenJet]

Re: NHL 09 Be A Pro: The Alex King Story

Sick start to your dynasty man, keep it up.

[Kingerr32]

Re: NHL 09 Be A Pro: The Alex King Story

thanks for the feedback man, I tried one of these on another board once but was getting no feedback so I quit, glad to hear some for once.

[star king3]

Re: NHL 09 Be A Pro: The Alex King Story

awesome also try a slightly bigger font