5 for fighting - Chat with Damiano

Kevin: Damiano, first off, tell us a little about yourself.

Damiano: Certainly. I'm a busy father of two, both of whom are highly active in soccer and track and field. Balancing the demands of work with ensuring I'm present for all of their practices and games is my top priority.

Kevin: Have you played hockey before or coached in any capacity?

Damiano: My experience lies predominantly in ball hockey, I ran a competitive ball hockey team for 15 years. Many current RSHL GMs were on the squad - those were great times.

Kevin: Who is your favorite NHL Hockey team and why?

Damiano: Being born and raised in Vancouver, my loyalty naturally lies with the Canucks. The deep-rooted connection to the team from my upbringing ensures they'll always hold a special place in my heart. I try to catch as many games as I can and go to the occasional one. Took my daughters to their first game last year and during warmup, J.T. Miller pointed at me, with a little nod and flcked over a puck for each of them. We were standing on the stairs about 10 rows up and put them right in my hands. Never had an opinion on him before that, but after that cool moment, he has become one of our family favourites.

Kevin: Any other sport(s) that you follow?

Damiano: Absolutely, I'm an NFL fan, but really only pay attention to the New York Giants. Been a die hard fan since I was 12 years old. Watch their games every single week, whether it's live or an evening PVR session. Despite my passion for professional sports, my daughters' athletic pursuits take precedence. Their games and meets come first, then I fit in the pro games when I can. Which is a big reason a lot of the Giant's games get PVR'd. But then the 3 of us watch the game together to close off the weekend, so it works out well.

Kevin: What goals and expectations did you have going into this season?

Damiano: My approach is more about adaptability than rigid expectations. Monitoring my NHL players closely and embracing the unpredictability of the simulator allows me to navigate the season with a flexible mindset, aiming for success while embracing the journey.

Kevin: You were quiet on the trade front. Are you satisfied with your current lineup?

Damiano: While I'm open to strategic trades that could enhance our team, my commitment to maintaining a cohesive roster dynamic means any moves must align with our long-term vision. I prioritize loyalty to players I've grown fond of while remaining open to opportunities for improvement or adding someone that I've had my eye on.

Kevin: Your team didn't make the playoffs this season. Are you contemplating a rebuild or something else?

Damiano: A complete rebuild isn't on the horizon. I prefer incremental adjustments, strategically tinkering with our lineup to optimize performance. Balancing veteran leadership with youthful talent usually ensures sustained competitiveness without drastic overhauls. Unfortunately, it sometimes leads to missing the playoffs.

Kevin: Any surprises as per your team good or bad?

Damiano: Within the RSHL, there was no real surprise with our team's performance. However, in the NHL, the decision not to bring up Brad Lambert, our first-round pick from last year, by the Jets was somewhat unexpected. Especially with some of their injuries, I was hoping for a few games up in the big leagues. Nonetheless, I remain optimistic about his potential impact next season.

Kevin: What's your take on the RSHL draft?

Damiano: The RSHL draft is the pinnacle of anticipation and excitement for me. Conducting thorough research and uncovering hidden gems, then witnessing their development into key roster players, is incredibly gratifying.

Kevin: How about the RSHL free agency system?

Damiano: The current free agency system serves its purpose effectively, providing a valuable avenue for acquiring talent to bolster our roster as needed. It's a seamless process that ensures teams can address their specific needs efficiently.

Kevin: Reverse arbitration? Are we using it in a realistic fashion? Or does make it too easy for player retention long term?

Damiano: While reverse arbitration may not mirror real-world scenarios perfectly, it serves a crucial role in maintaining salary cap integrity within the league. Since the cap always stays the same, preventing exorbitant salary inflation ensures a level playing field and promotes long-term stability.

Kevin: Who is your favorite player past or present?

Damiano: Reflecting on cherished memories, Pavel Bure's electrifying performances during the peak of the Canucks' glory days stand out. His ability to captivate audiences and ignite excitement with every possession remains unparalleled in my eyes. We had season tickets, for a while, back the 90s and he would bring you out of your seat with every touch of the puck.

Kevin: Name two things about the RSHL that you love?

Damiano: Firstly, I relish the opportunity to track the progress of my players in the NHL, eagerly analyzing box scores each night. Secondly, the meticulously crafted player ratings system add depth and authenticity to the league, enriching the overall experience for all involved. Whoever came up with those deserves an award or something.

Kevin: Name two things about the RSHL you would change if you could?

Damiano: While I'm content with the current structure, I would advocate for the exploration of new ideas to enhance the league further. One concept I've proposed in the past is integrating a fantasy hockey element, injecting additional excitement and engagement into our community.

Kevin: Any out-of-the-box ideas that you have that you believe would help benefit the league as a whole?

Damiano: Absolutely. As I just mentioned, I've long pushed the idea of incorporating a fantasy hockey component, allowing managers to dress lineups from their RSHL rosters and prospects, then amass points based on real-time NHL performances every night. We could assign points for goals, assists, hits, PIMS - you name it. This innovative addition could elevate the league's appeal and foster a deeper sense of camaraderie among participants. Whether it's made mandatory, or not - simply for bragging rights or maybe put a couple of bucks into a pot, it would really increase the overall excitement.

Kevin: Any shoutouts to the league?

Damiano: I extend my utmost gratitude to everyone who contributes to the league's operation. Special recognition goes to the individual responsible for the ingenious player rating system, a true cornerstone of our league's success.

Kevin: Ok, thank you, Damiano, for taking the time to speak to us today. It's genuinely appreciated.

There you have it, folks, insights from Damiano Loconte, the GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Up next, we'll hear from the GM of the New York Rangers, Dennis Reghenas. Until then, remember to stay in the game, or you might find yourself in the box for Five For Fighting.

Kevin Bieksa