Sena Acolatse, from Edmonton, Alberta, is entering his fourth season with the Seattle Thunderbirds. Acolatse finished the regular season playing 70 games, scoring 7 goals and a recording 14 assists for 21 points. Playing against the Tri-City Americans on Nov. 1, 2008, Acolatse had a season high three assists, then two assists against the Kootenay Ice on November 28, 2008. Acolatse played in all five playoff games scoring one goal and recording one assist. Acolatse took some time to sit down with the Thunderbirds to answer a few questions.
Seattle Thunderbirds: What have you been doing, other than hockey, during your summer?
Sena Acolatse: Other than working out, I have been catching up with friends and family and getting as much ice time as I can.
ST: The NHL draft is coming up at the end of June. You are in your first season of eligibility for the draft. Is this something you are thinking about or preparing for?
SA: With it being my draft year it is something I have been thinking about. I am however not trying to get too worked up about it and right now all I can do is sit back and watch and see whether or not I get drafted.
ST: Have any teams contacted you or gave you an indication that they might draft you?
SA: Yes I have talked with a few teams but obviously there are no guarantees.
ST: Reflecting on this past season, how do you think you and the team performed overall?
SA: Well, we had a bit of a rocky start to the year but I think we progressively got better. I think with the squad we had we could have do a lot better on the other hand.
ST: You played both defense and forward last season? Did you like one over the other and which do you think you will be playing this coming season?SA: I’m going to have to go with defence since I have been playing it most of my life. As for next year, I think you can find me back on the point.
ST: What are your personal goals for the upcoming season?
SA: My goals are to have an impact season and to do whatever it takes to help the team go as far as we can.
ST: What has been your favourite memory so far in three years with the T-Birds?
SA: My favourite memory as a Bird would have to be in my 16-year-old year when we won our first round battle against Tri-City. For two reasons, playing against a guy like Carey Price, who we had meetings about how to beat him and beating him and just it being my first really intense playoff series and us pulling through with the win.
ST: How did you like playing at the new ShoWare Arena?
SA: I love the arena. I love playing there. It’s a great rink, I have zero complaints and the fans are great.
ST: What do you see your role on the team being this coming season?
SA: I see myself being an impact player and playing in all important situations.
ST: Being more of a veteran guy how are you preparing yourself for this training camp compared to previous camps?
SA: To come in really good shape and to lead by a good example.
ST: Thanks for taking time out of your summer schedule to sit down with us. We’ll see you at Training Camp.
SA: Thank you. See you there.
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