Joe McKeil
@joecool37


One of the original players who had longer careers in the league. Joe McKeil played from S8 to S32. Spanning from the inflation era to the start of the double shift era in the modern day STHS, Joe McKeil was a rare member of the 900 point club, and very well deserving to be in the top 10. Joe was drafted in S8, 3rd OA to the Hamilton Steelhawks. He would remain the member of the Steelhawks for most of his career.

Playing his rookie season in S8, McKeil came into the league with a bang. With 7 goals, 33 assists for 40 points, McKeil won the Ryan Jesster award for rookie of the year. Not only that, McKeil was 23rd in the league in points that season. Not bad for a rookie. S9 was even better, even with the start of the inflation era of the SHL. In 50 games, McKeil scored 26 goals, 31 assists for 57 points. 15th in the league in points that season. Only the 2nd season in the league and is an elite player in the league already. Impacting from the moment he stepped onto the ice.

However S10 he had a downtick. Going to 18 minutes a night to 16, he only had 16 goals and 36 assists for 52 points in S10. 39th in the league in points. S11 was worse as well. Only 13 goals, 27 assists for 40 points. Some struggles after the first 2 great seasons. However, McKeil excelled in the playoffs, getting an Anton Razov nomination and winning his first and only Challenge Cup with the Hamilton Steelhawks.
S12 would see McKeil settle into a rhythm for him. A constant threat, but now playing more. Moving from 17 minutes a night to more 24/25 minutes a night. Unfortunately right now that doesn’t mean having more points. S12 had McKeil score 18 goals, 23 assists for 41 points that season. S13, McKeil only played 41 games due to a suspension due to the user of the player colluding with another GM. But anyway, S13 was great for McKeil regardless. In those 41 games, scoring 21 goals and 27 assists for 48 points. 5th in points that season, even with the suspension. Imagine he didn't get suspended…

S14 & 15 were disappointments for McKeil. Only scoring 38 & 39 points respectively during those seasons.In the 30’s range for most points during those seasons. Only positive thing that came out was in S14 McKeil had 165 hits that season. Something that McKeil would regularly do during his peak seasons in order to descure some wins.

S16 he would gain steam though. Scoring 14 goals, 29 assists for 43 points. McKeil was 17th in points that season. Starting to gain steam again, and solidifying himself as an elite member of the SHL. S17 would mostly be the same, 15 goals, 28 assists for 43 points, good for 14th in points that season. He also picked up the hits again, with 189 hits now as well. Showing signs that he can be a two-way forward in this league.

S17 would be his first huge season in his career. Breaking out for 24 goals, 35 assists for 59 points. McKeil was 2nd in the league in points, only 1 behind Kyle Keenan for that record. He also had 171 hits as well, marking his two-way play that season. For all of that, McKeil won the Jeff Dar for best two-way player, the Ron Mexico for league MVP, and Sarmad Khan for player voted MVP. With a 1st All Star to compliment it all.

S18 would be his best season ever when it comes to pure point and goal totals. With a career high 30 goals, and 31 assists for 61 points. McKeil was 3rd in the league in scoring. Only behind CHris-McZehrl’s 62 points and Carter O’Callahan’s 63 points that season. He was also 2nd in goals that season, only 3 behind Carter’s 33 goals that season. ALong with 145 hits, McKeil was nominated for the Jeff Dar Award and the Ron Mexico award this season.

S19 would be McKeil’s best season awards wise. He led the league in anything. He scored 25 goals and 35 assists for 60 points. McKeil led the league in goals and points that season. With 9 more points than the 2nd point guy(Chris McZehrl with 51). McKeil was the most dominant player this season. For that, McKeil was awarded literally all the wins. He won the Jay McDonald, Ron Mexico, Sarmad Khan, Sergei Karpotsov, and Jeff Dar awards. He was simply the best player in the league.

S21 would be another solid performance again. With 19 goals, 37 assists for 56 points. It was his 4th 50+ point season in a row. Good for 5th in the league in points that season. 5 straight seasons of being a top 5 player in the league. For that, he got a 3rd All Star TEam. As well in the playoffs, McKeil would not go and win the Challenge Cup. But lost in the finals to the Texas Renegades. However, with 23 points in the postseason, he was nominated for the Anton Razov that season as well.

S22 & S23 would be his last seasons getting top minutes in the league. S22 had McKeil scoring 11 goals, 30 assists for 41 points. Along with 173 hits as well. McKeil was 26tth best player in the league that season. S23 saw McKeil score 13 goals, 32 assists for 45 points. His last elite season of his career. Tied for 14th in points that season, McKeil’s minutes and opportunities would drop.

Halfway through S24, McKeil would get traded in the middle of the season for the first time. Traded to the Seattle Riot. It was McKeil and an EDM 2nd in exchange for Vuro Vlaters and a 3rd. McKeil would score his lowest point total in his career. Only 16 points in S24. S25 would provide an uptick in points, with 9 goals, 23 assists for 32 points that season.

S26 offseason would see McKeil go back to Hamilton. Sent back to Hamilton for only a 2nd round pick. He is back home where he belongs.
S26 would be another shitty season. With only 18 points that season. S27 would be his final decent season of his career. Scoring 35 points during S27. However with 864 points in 998 games played, McKeil was eying a bigger prize ahead. Currently in S27 McKeil is 2nd in points only behind David Winter with 879 points in 1009 games played. With Winter retiring in S26, McKeil was in prime position to grab the #1 point spot.

The last couple seasons, from S28 to S32, he would not get many points, with S32 he only played 35 minutes that entire season. The final season earned McKeil 27 points, 17 points, 11 points, 7 points, then finally 1 point. Before retiring due to no one signing him.

With that all said and done, what made McKeil #6 on this list? A couple reasons why. First of all, his stretch from S18 to S21 was one of the best runs ever. Getting 2nd, 3rd, 1st, and 5th in points. McKeil also supplemented those peak seasons with multiple other top 15 seasons as well. McKeil also had a lot of awards during his career. With 2 Mexico wins and another nomination. 2 Dar wins and another nomination. Multiple all star teams, Jesster win, 2 Anton Razov’s nominations as well. McKeil had the achievements to be up here. Finally, McKeil was the first player to reach 900 points in SHL history. Overtaking Winter to grab the #1 spot in points. He also cemented his place in S29 by getting to 900 points that season. McKeil would hold onto the #1 spot in career points for 14 seasons, up until S41 when Anrikkanen and Erisson would surpass him in points. By the end of STHS, McKeil would be 6th in points all time as well. One of the best STHS SHL players to exist, and well deserving of the #6 spot.

As we get into the top 10, we are also going to be sharing where they got ranked on everyone’s ballots. For McKeil he had 6 Top 10(6-10) vote, x1 #4 vote, and x2 #5 votes


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PROFILE || UPDATE || RAGE.  




Luke Thomason || LW || Manhattan Rage || 2143 Max TPE
Born: 1/10/98
Height: 6'0
Weight 185 Lbs
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Regular season
SMJHL/SHL Stats
S42 | Van | GP: 50| G: 4| A: 8|P: 12|+/-: -10|MP: 457|
S43 | Van | GP: 50| G: 16| A: 19|P: 35|+/-: 3|MP: 951|
S44 | Van | GP: 50| G: 22| A: 31|P: 53|+/-: 9|MP: 1033|
S45 | SFP | GP: 50| G: 18| A: 19|P: 37|+/-: -5|MP: 1041|
S46 | MAN | GP: 50| G: 19| A: 24|P: 43|+/-: -3|MP: 1156|
S47 | MAN | GP: 50| G: 16| A: 28|P: 44|+/-: -15|MP: 1184|
S48 | MAN | GP: 50| G: 16| A: 24|P: 40|+/-: -13|MP: 1137|
S49 | MAN | GP: 50| G: 21| A: 28|P: 49| +/-: 13|MP: 1099
S50 | MAN | GP: 50| G: 21| A: 23|P: 44| +/-: 10|MP: 1157
S51 | MAN | GP: 50| G: 17| A: 22|P: 39| +/-: 5|MP: 1232
S52 | MAN | GP: 50| G: 24| A: 29|P: 54| +/-: 17|MP: 1193
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Playoffs
S42 Playoffs | Van| GP: 11 | G: 1| A: 2 |P:3|+/-: +3| MP: 101
S43 Playoffs | Van| GP: 10 | G: 4| A: 1 |P:5|+/-: -3| MP: 206
S44 Playoffs | Van| GP: 14 | G: 7| A:6  |P:13|+/-:-1 | MP:228
S46 Playoffs | MAN| GP: 12 | G: 3 | A:2  |P:5|+/-:-14 | MP:289
S47 Playoffs | MAN| GP: 5 | G: 3 | A:4  |P:7|+/-:2 | MP:119
S49 Playoffs | MAN| GP: 11| G: 6| A: 11|P:16|+/-: 5| MP:248
S50 Playoffs | MAN| GP: 6| G: 5| A: 5|P:10|+/-: 7| MP:137
S51 Playoffs | MAN| GP: 12| G: 7| A: 9|P:16|+/-: 4| MP:293
S52 Playoffs | MAN| GP: 19| G: 9| A: 13|P:22|+/-: 0| MP:438

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Transactions/Awards
S43 Named Assistant Captain for VAN Whalers
Drafted 3rd OA by San Fransisco Pride
S43 4 Star Cup Champion  
S44 Zach Miller Award for Most Dedicated
S44 nominee for the Damien Littleton award for most dedicated
S45 WJC Gold Medalist
S45 SHL Rookie All-Star Team
S46 Named Captain for Czechoslovakia
S45 Winner of the Damien Littleton award for most dedicated
S46 Nominee for Damien Littleton award for most dedicated
S49 Bronze Medal for Czechia
S52 Nominee for Anton Razov Trophy
S52 SHL 3rd Team


Arnost Holub || Vancouver Whalers GM/ Manhattan Rage Co-GM
S44 | W:27 | L:18 | OTL: 5 | P:59 | 3rd in League 
S45 | W:29 | L:17 | OTL: 4 | P:62 | 4th in League 
S46 | W:23 | L:21 | OTL: 6 | P:52 | 8th in League 
S47 | W:30 | L:17 | OTL: 3 | P:63 | 3rd in League 
S48 | W:28 | L:16 | OTL: 6 | P:62 | 4th in League 
Total | W:137 | L: 89 | OTL: 24 

Manhattan Rage  
S49 | W:33 | L:15 | OTL: 2 | P:68 | 3rd in League  
S50 | W:26 | L:20 | OTL: 4 | P:56 | 8th in League  
S51 | W:26 | L:18 | OTL: 6 | P:56 | 5th in League 
S52 | W:28 | L:21 | OTL: 1 | P:57 | 6th in League 
Totals | W:113 | L:74 | OTL: 13 
S49 Lance Uppercut Award
S51 Lance Uppercut Award Nomination
S52 Lance Uppercut Award Nomination

Playoffs
Vancouver Whalers
S44 | W: 7 | L: 7 | CF Round Exit
S45 | W: 6 | L: 6 | CF Round Exit
S46 | W: 1 | L: 4 | 1st Round Exit
S47 | W: 6 | L: 4 | CF Round Exit
S48 | W: 12 | L: 7 | 4 Star Cup Champions
Total| W: 32 | L: 28 | 4 Star Cup Champions

Manhattan Rage
S49 | W: 6 | L: 5 | CF Round Exit
S50 | W: 2 | L: 4 | Wildcard Exit
S51 | W: 5 | L: 7 | CF Exit
S52 | W: 12 | L: 7 | Challenge Cup Champions
Total | W: 25 | L:23 | 1 Challenge Cup

One of the more underrated/forgotten star players in this leagues history imho and the total lack of any posts in here more or less confirms that...

Evan Winter
Edmonton Blizzard
Player Page - Update Page

One of the more underrated/forgotten star players in this leagues history imho and the total lack of any posts in here more or less confirms that...

Is that you, Joe?

One of the more underrated/forgotten star players in this leagues history imho and the total lack of any posts in here more or less confirms that...

Certainly one I knew less about. IA user. Old enough player that most people weren't here but not old enough to be one of the 'founding fathers' type. Records got beaten after a while. Not part of a notable dynasty.

Only thing you know him from is the coaching award which doesn't say much about the player.

 
Steve Harrington | LW | Chicago Syndicate
// CHICAGO SYNDICATE //
S75 SHL75: #45 Steve Harrington
S75 Traded to CHI
===================================
// TAMPA BAY BARRACUDA //
S74 Traded to TBB
===================================
// TORONTO NORTH STARS //
S73 Signed with TOR in Free Agency
===================================
// BUFFALO STAMPEDE //
S71 Challenge Cup
S71-S72 Alternate Captain
S64 All-SHL 3rd Team
S62 All-SHL 1st Team
S62 Ron Mexico Nominee
S61 All-SHL 2nd Team
S60 Challenge Cup
S60 Helping Hand - The Maples
S56 All-Rookie Team S56 Ryan Jesster Nominee
S53 SHL Draft 3rd Overall
===================================
// NEWFOUNDLAND BERSERKERS //
S55 Brodie Witzel Nominee
S55 Four Star Cup
S55 Co-Captain
S52-S54 Alternate Captain
S52 SMJHL Draft 4th Overall
===================================
// DEUTSCHLAND //
S72 Gold Medal
S70 Gold Medal
S58 Bronze Medal
S57 Bronze Medal

===================================
// SHL //
S64 Damian Littleton (Trading Cards Team)

Certainly one I knew less about. IA user. Old enough player that most people weren't here but not old enough to be one of the 'founding fathers' type. Records got beaten after a while. Not part of a notable dynasty.

Only thing you know him from is the coaching award which doesn't say much about the player.

Yeah, he had one of those rather rare career-profiles where he came into the league, had a super dominant player and then simply left once that player was done and never recreated. And since it was before the Discord-days. people stayed in touch a lot less after leaving a locker room.

I'm still in contact with him since I know him from some other stuff, but he never showed any interest in returning when I brought it up. He is one of the people I think about when there are discussion about how league leadership and culture have improved over the years, because I think what essentially soured him on the league back then was the conduct and some of the decision of the people in power and the total lack of accountability and transparency. I think once that suspension that is referenced here happened, he was done with the league and just kept his player around a bit more for the good of his team.

Evan Winter
Edmonton Blizzard
Player Page - Update Page