TASK ONE: Young gun defender Ostap Maksimov is a fierce, eager defender who has made a name for himself in his few seasons where's he's been in the SHL. Born out of Russia where all he did on his free time was play hockey, Ostap's only goal growing up was to make the SHL. And he did, in S39 Ostap Maksimov was drafted in the first round by the Calgary Dragons in what is known as one of the best draft classes in recent history. Quite an impressive thing to do. However it wasn't until S41 where he got his shot at the SHL. Previously playing in the SMJHL in S38,S39 and S40 with the Whalers, Ostap trained and perfected his game to show the SHL what he had when he got the call. 2 seasons into the big league and he has proven to everyone that he isn't no bust and has solidified himself as one of the best young offensive defenseman. At this rate he is going, Ostap could soon be a top 3 defender in the SHL. The future is exciting for the young gun.

TASK TWO: Randy Randleman is going to be my go to man for unsung hero of the playoffs. Randleman has been playing a very team friendly game this past playoffs and he's no doubt a huge reason why the Dragons are in the finals versus the Wolfpack right now. Some stats to prove this case... In 10 playoff games he has only served 1 minor penalty. 1! Quite impressive and forsure a clutch dude that you want on your team in important games like this. He has also been on for more goals scored than goals scored agaisnt. The Calgary forward stands at an impressive +7. Another big help to the team. 1 more example of how responsible he is in his own end is his 5 blocked shots. Those 5 blocked shots may not seem like a lot to some but it probably went a long way in getting his team to the finals. All of these amazing stats while only playing sub 20 minutes a night. Not bad
TASK FOUR: PM SENT

TASK SEVEN: For the Wolfpack, it's hard to say someone else but Piotr Czerkawski will be the top young gun for the team. After his SMJHL team was eliminated in the 2nd round of SMJHL playoff, Czerkawski finished his SMJHL career with some sadness and possibly even tears but that doesn't mean he isn't hungry for a cup. After the playoff loss to Vancouver, Piotr was called up to the Wolfpack to play in the finals. He will be eager and hungry to show the world what he has while fighting for the cup which leads to believe that he will be New England's top young gun.

As for the Dragons, Ostap Maksimov has been Calgary's top young player and there is no reason to think that he will slow down this far. He's young and eager and he already has won a cup before so he knows what he has to do to secure cup. With his experience and youth, I believe Ostap is Calgary's best youngster.

TASK NINE: PM SENT

Bonus question: Who scores the Cup-winning goal? (NOTE: This question will be graded at the conclusion of the winning-game sim of the Challenge Cup Finals, even if that happens before the conclusion of Championship Week.)

Mike Izzy