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After a 4-3 record in Stage 1 and losing their first round playoff matchup to the Vancouver Titans, the Boston Uprising seemed to have a clear path forward. Keep on grinding, focus on scrims, and scrape by on just making playoffs. That’s what most teams would have bunkered down with. But conventional wisdom isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.
In a move that surprised Overwatch League observers worldwide, the Boston Uprising traded fan favorite off tank Lucas “Note” Meissner to the Dallas Fuel for fellow off tank Richard “rCk” Kanerva. Note, one of the few holdovers from Boston’s season 1 roster, was lauded for his consistent and serviceable play. Conversely, rCk had a reputation for his ability to flex off the traditional DVa role. Importantly, the Finn could play Sombra, the very kryptonite used against the Uprising all season.
With the trade happening just days before Stage 2, rCk had little time to join the Uprising and adjust to the new surroundings. Interestingly, he had just ended Stage 2 by being reverse swept by his new teammates. That had to make the whole situation just a bit more stressful. Boston Sports Extra got the opportunity to speak to rCk about how the trade and transition happened. We also got to speak about the future of the team.
Boston Sports Extra’s LoadScr33n: What was your first reaction to hearing you were being traded to Boston?
Richard “rCk” Kanerva: My first reaction was kind of sad and confused at the beginning because I didn’t understand why I was being traded to Boston after performing well with Dallas. But after a couple of days of practicing, I felt like this was going to be good after all and I would be a good fit in Boston.
LoadScr33n: What were those few days like between being told you were traded and the start of stage 2? What did the team do to integrate you given the short period of time before the first match?
rCk: I was scared because I only had 4 days of practice with a new team in a completely different work environment. The team did a great job of welcoming me in and I felt better after a few days. Everyone was super friendly and understanding and we got along straight away.
LoadScr33n: In your first match against Atlanta, on Eichenwalde, you were left alone on the payload as overtime started. Everyone else had been picked off and the Reign were steps from pushing the cart to win the series. What went through your head as you picked off Poko and hit a 2k with the self-destruct? How do you stay focused in high pressure situations like that?
rCk: The only thing that went through my mind was that I needed a big bomb to be able to clutch the situation. I needed a new mech because I had no health left and I needed to get picks with the bomb and hope that my teammates would respawn fast enough to give support afterwards. At that point when I used Self-destruct I knew there was no place for them to hide after using all their abilities/cooldowns. To be able to stay focused in a situation like that you just have to focus on your fundamentals and how badly you want to win and find out your enemies’ weaknesses.
LoadScr33n: Boston became the first team to pull off three consecutive reverse sweeps. Having been on the receiving end of one of them, what’s it like being on the winning end of not one, but two since you joined the Uprising?
rCk: I’ve always been a competitive person and I understand the hunger of winning while you’re at a disadvantage. It’s the best feeling ever to be able to reverse sweep and win the series like that but it’s the worst feeling to lose like that. I was hoping to win both matches that we reverse swept with Boston in a clean 4-0 but reverse sweeping not once but three times is pretty exciting.
LoadScr33n: How would you describe your role on the team after the first few matches? How has the transition been?
rCk: I kept the same role that I had in Dallas that I was very comfortable in and I’m happy to bring it to Boston with me. I think my communication skills are great so I help with shot calling and making plans. Also, because I’m a really flexible off-tank player with a large hero pool, I help the team by changing my playstyle depending on what composition we play against. The transition has been very good and I’m liking the fact that I can be more of a playmaker for them.
LoadScr33n: What do you think is a realistic expectation for this team in this upcoming stage and for the season? What do you see as the biggest challenges to accomplishing those goals?
rCk: I think we are a great team and there’s tons of potential. Like every team, we have a few small issues but if we work hard and we put in the time and overcome them we could be a top-5 team for sure. Our whole team thrives to be better and continue learning. The biggest challenge is to understand that everything good comes with hard work and those who practice more in the right environment will improve greatly. #BostonUp #RiseUp
Everyone at Boston Sports Extra appreciates rCk taking the time to speak with us. At 7-7, Boston sits at 12th place in the league. Missing the Stage 2 playoffs, the team has its work cut out for them. Stage 3 begins next Friday, June 7th at 8:45pm. Uprising are hosting a free watch party at the Hard Rock cafe for fans. Get there early.
For more Boston Uprising content and gameday banter, follow Loadscr33n on Twitter #BostonUp