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JD3gen · 02-16-2024, 01:54 AM

Newfoundland Berserkers: The Joe Degen Experiment

The Newfoundland Berserkers have caught fire as of recently posting an impressive 7-1 record in their last 8 games and during their hot streak it has come apparent that newly attained, rookie defensemen Joe Degen has found a home in Newfoundland. In a dazzling display with 2nd star of the game featuring a goal and an assist against Kelowna in a 6-0 Win, Joe Degen has burst onto the minor league hockey scene, making a significant impact in his first nine games. The talented young defensemen for the Berserkers has left the organization and fans excited about what the future holds for him.

Early Success
The Joe Degen experiment has been pretty successful so far, showcasing a well-rounded skill set that has contributed significantly to the Berserkers' recent success in the early part of the season. In the nine games played, the rookie defenseman has recorded 3 goals and 4 assists, amassing a total of 7 points. What stands out even more is his remarkable plus-minus rating of +5, demonstrating his ability to make a positive impact in both offensive and defensive situations.

Closer Look
A closer look at Degen's offensive contributions reveals a knack for putting himself in scoring positions, with 3 of his 7 points coming from goals. His shooting accuracy has been exceptional, boasting an impressive 17.6% shooting percentage. The 17 shots on goal indicate that he’s comfortable taking risks and putting the puck on net. Beyond the offensive end, Degen has proven himself more as just an offensive quarterback on the defensive side of the ice. His 4 penalty minutes suggest a disciplined player who knows when to play aggressively and when to exercise restraint. His 9 hits and 6 blocked shots highlights a toughness in being able to throw his body around for the greater good of his teammates, not typically found in an undersized offensive-minded defensemen. His positive takeaway/giveaway ratio with only 3 giveaways shows his insurance with the puck in his own and offensive zone when the puck is on his stick. Additionally, his contributions 5v5, on the power play, and often appearing on the penalty-kill has highlighted a versatility that has seemed to bode well so far for the Berserkers.
Digging into his time on ice, Degen has been logging substantial minutes early in his career, averaging 19 minutes and 17 seconds per game. His power play time on ice and shorthanded time on ice further emphasize his importance to the Berserkers’ special team's strategy, clocking in at 0:50 and 0:42, respectively.

Eyes On The Future
As Degen continues to make waves in the minor league hockey circuit, his performance in these early games signals a promising future for the young defenseman. The Berserkers have undoubtedly found a rising star in Joe Degen, whose combination of offensive prowess and defensive reliability has added a new dimension to the squad's game. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on this budding talent, eager to witness the next chapter in Joe Degen's promising hockey career.

Other Berserkers On Fire
Despite Joe Degen's contributions to the Berserkers' recent hot streak, several other players have played significant roles and have emerged as key contributors for the team in the first half of the SMJHL season.

In a stunning display of athleticism and agility, the colossal 6'11", 300-pound goaltender, Launchpad McQuack, has become an abomination for opposing teams. His recent performance has been nothing short of remarkable, posting a 4-1 record in his last five games. Launchpad's stats reflect the record posting an outstanding 1.8 goals against average and an astonishing .950 save percentage combined in those contests. With two shutouts in his last five starts, the giant netminder has proven to be an impenetrable wall, instilling confidence in his team and the fans while striking fear into opponents. Launchpad's exceptional form is undoubtedly a game-changer for the team, especially during their recent hot streak.

Mac Griddle, the formidable 6'6" power forward, has been an offensive juggernaut in recent games, showcasing his scoring prowess on the right wing. In an explosive four-game stretch, Griddle has netted an impressive six goals and contributed two assists, leaving a significant impact on the scoresheet. His standout performance was a dazzling display against the Carolina Kraken, where he notched two goals and two assists, demonstrating his ability to dominate on the ice. Griddle's combination of size, skill, and scoring touch makes him a formidable force, keeping opponents on high alert.

In the last four games, 6'5'' two-way defenseman Eric Vanderberg Jr has been crucial for his team especially in the last 4 games. Displaying his playmaking abilities, Vanderberg has notched an impressive five assists in the 4-game span, continuing his point per game pace and season high. Moreover, his crucial role extends to special teams, with an average of 2 minutes and 49 seconds on the penalty kill and an average of 3 minutes and 38 seconds on the powerplay, while handling the highest TOI on the team with an average of 23:32. Vanderberg's versatility and effectiveness on both ends of the ice make him an invaluable asset, exemplifying his importance to the team's success.

***Reno*** · 02-16-2024, 04:19 PM

its always awesome to see new players make an impact, keep it up!

***Vandy*** · 02-16-2024, 04:23 PM

Yiss go Zerks!

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