Fight Club

SAN JOSE - There are rivalrys within the Original Six, but there is also a huge rivalry in the sunny west. Last offseason, San Jose's GM Marco Christ started to bring the Sharks back to the MRFHL playoffs, while the GM of the Los Angeles Kings, the also Swiss born Rafik Soliman celebrated his first title with the Manchester Monarchs' run to the Calder Cup.

"He's a GM with great experience in that business, so everyone can learn something from Rafik and that's why I really respect his work in LA. Everything else is not part of the discussions around the MRFHL playoffs", GM Christ answered critical questions concerning the relationship between the two GM's of the Sharks and Kings. What most of the fans do not know: There was a bigger dispute between these two guys in another league which ended with Soliman retiring from his team. If the Sharks GM feels like LA's public enemy now, the californian press wanted to know from Christ. "I absolutley do not see myself as a public enemy and honestly: If Rafik has a problem with me, he can talk to me every time he likes. We generally meet each other once a year for the draft of another leagues prospects. So, no problem to have a beer with him and discuss some issues, but actually I think we should focus to this playoff series where the Kings are favourites. But the Sharks are hot and especially Jonas (Hiller) wants to show that he's the number one from all Swiss MRFHL goalies. So, be prepared to see my team ready to fight for a surprise", Christ answered.

The Sharks had an average season with a good start and brilliant performances by their rookie goaltender, Jonas Hiller, who led the league in GAA for some weeks. In january and february the problems for the Sharks started. The offense was almost inexistant, key players like Michael Nylander and Ryan Malone seemed to be tired and as everybody thought that the Blue Jackets and the Coyotes will play for the 8th playoff spot, San Jose came back after the trade deadline with three new players and a winning streak. "I think it was very important to add some new blood to the team", Christ reported. "Giving up highly touted prospect Josh Bailey for adding scoring winger Marek Svatos to the pro roster was not an easy decision, but we wanted to keep our chance to go for a playoff spot and that's why we did it". "If Svatos is hot, he can maybe lead the Sharks to a surprise" the GM hopes.

Seems that everything is fine with LA and San Jose.... For now at least!

For Swiss MRFHL Section, this is Mischler Maxe reporting.