With another season in full swing, many rookies have been through training camp and are now getting their first taste of SMJHL action. Each player selected in the S42 SMJHL draft has the opportunity to succeed and be an elite SHLer; but as they will soon find out, this takes hard work and dedication. While some enter their first season after a brief stint as a DFA, others fresh from their minor league campaigns, and the privileged few that have had the guidance of retired SHLers before them to guide them into this new journey. However, no matter where each player comes from, they all have the opportunity to be great.
As the first week of the seasons hits full steam and players get their bearings, we are going to take this opportunity to look at the fresh new talent in the SHL. With almost 100 new SHLers entering this mix this season, we are going to profile just a few of the key rookies from each team.

Anchorage Armada
The newly branded Anchorage Armada entered the draft with the 1st overall pick and the hopes of drafting a player that can lead them back to the success they had a few seasons ago in Prince George. The Armada also picked up the 6th overall pick from Vancouver, and they used these picks to take a pair of Finnish forwards that should anchor their offense for seasons to come.

1st Overall – Jax Aittokallio
Jax is the third generation of Aittokallio to make his way into the SHL ranks. However, what makes Jax stand out from Jakub and Jason who came before him, is that he is an offensively-minded center. While Jakub and Jason were both goalies, Jax decided that he would rather score goals not stop them.

The player that the Armada got in Jax Aittokallio is strong center that is committed to improving his game in any way possible. He has spent the majority of his time focused on improving his pure scoring abilities and his edge work to be strong on the puck. You will find that Aittokallio will win you key faceoffs and pot that big goal. The Armada have got themselves a potential franchise center in Jax, and SHL scouts are bound to have a close eye on him as the SMJHL season rolls on.

6th overall – Eero Niemi
What goes best with a new franchise center? Well of course a high flying winger. Niemi is another Finnish product, hailing from Oulu. Niemi is also another player that has the benefit of learning from SHLer family that came before him. Similarly to Aittokallio, Niemi is a score first type of player; however, unlike Jax, Eero is a bit more flashy.

Niemi shocks teams with his speed and magically moves. He finds space where there isn’t any and scores goals he has no business scoring. The Armada find themselves with a strong 1-2 punch in Aittokallio and Niemi and the SMJHL should be bracing for their impending fury.

Colorado Raptors
The Raptors entered the draft this season with the 4th overall picks and their eyes on a star forward to help cement their front end after adding developing the most talented defensive core following last season’s draft. However, as the draft proceedings began, all eyes were on the Halifax GM as he got up and walked over to the Colorado table. After a few brief moments of discussion, Halifax walked away with the 4th overall pick and the Raptors now saw their first pick coming at 9 while adding picks 33 and 65.

9th Overall – Philipp Winter
With their newly acquired 9th overall pick, the Raptors selected American-born German forward Philipp Winter. The left winger made waves as a youngster when he would take the ice during his father Nicolas Winter’s practices in LA. As Philipp shot up as a child, constantly larger than the kids he was playing against, many saw him as being a future power forward in the league. Winter had another idea for his game though.

He loved the feeling of watching the puck in the back of the net, and the crowd chanting his name, so he devoted his efforts into perfecting his shot and stick work. Now Winter is in a strong position to make the Winter name proud and become one of the most elite scorers in league history.

19th Overall – Nate Forsberg
A newcomer to the league, Nate Forsberg may not have had the same hype around him entering the league as other players did. This did not stop the Raptors from taking a risk on the European forward at 19; and this risk appears to be paying off so far. Nate has been an active locker room member and active member of the hockey community; and also getting it done on the ice as well.

Through the pre-season, Forsberg put up a huge 32 points through the 50 games that were played. His efforts early on have lead to him finding himself centering the Raptors’ top line. Now with the Raptors sporting a team of mostly rookies this season, Forsberg has the opportunity to really shine as he can easily earn himself those big minutes as there are no veteran players in those spots already. Nate Forsberg will definitely be a player to watch this season.

Detroit Falcons
The Falcons entered the draft after having their season come to an abrupt ending. After seeking into the playoffs as the 5th seed, Detroit proceeded to get swept by the eventual champs, Kelowna. The entered the draft looking to find some defensive help and some quality forwards to develop for when highly touted SHL prospect Flacko Lagerfield gets the call to join the show.

10th Overall – Tig Murphy
Tig burst on the SHL scene mere hours before the commish stepped on the stage to begin the S42 draft. He then shocked everyone going 10th overall and has continued to be a huge addition to Detroit club. An offensively minded defender, Tig has showcased his strength and strong skating abilities over and over again. Through the pre-season Tig showed his offensive abilities putting about 20 points through the 50 games played. Although he has been off to a slow start during the regular season, he definitely possesses the potential to be a solid defenseman in the coming seasons.

28th Overall – Wolfhard Richter
Out of Germany, Wolfhard Richter has been a great pick so far for Detroit. Wolfhard has always been one of those players that plays with his heart on his sleeve game in and game out; and he has done just that since arriving on the SHL scene. He capped off the pre-season with 30 points through the 50 games played and has keep his offense rolling into the regular season.

Not known for ability to lay the body, Richter has made a name for himself through his sleek puck handling and offensive talent from the blueline. He is able to see that ice just as well, if not better, than many SHL defensemen and is able to anticipate the correct play moments before it needs to be made. He is always an offensive threat when he is one the ice and the SMJHL is learning this first hand. Wolfhard Richter has been a stud so far for Detroit and is showing no signs of stopping.

Halifax Raiders
The Raiders ended last season on a very disappointing note. They finished dead last in the league, by a lot, and then lost the draft lottery to the Anchorage Armada, formerly the Prince George Firebirds. This was not where the Raiders thought they would be after having a very successful S40. Thus, Halifax entered the draft hoping to find some young talent to help push them back to their former success.

2nd Overall – Leshaun King
When you have a pick in the top 3 in the draft it is hard to miss, and the Raiders for sure did not miss when it came to Leshaun King. King has stepped right into the league and thrived from the get go. Built like a tank, standing 6 foot 5 and weighing 240lbs, King plays a big man’s game. He is a dynamic center that plays a mature game on every inch of the ice.

The highest scoring rookie in the pre-season, the 3rd highest center in the league, Leshaun King is poised to be a catalyst on the Raiders’ top line for seasons to come. SHL scouts have also been very impressed with King’s showing so far as well. He has the offensive capabilities to carry a team and has also made his presence known within the community as well. King has the potential to be high pick in the upcoming SHL draft.

7th and 8th Overall – Kristof and Oliver Kovacs
Everybody around the hockey world, and a lot of people not in the hockey world, have heard of the dynamic twins from Sweden, the Sedins. While with their careers coming to end, there is a void left in the hockey world for that pair of twins that can just read each other’s mind and make magical plays. The Kovacs are looking to fill that void. Hailing from the Czech Republic and standing both under 6 feet tall, you know that these brothers are going to be feisty and looking to make huge plays whenever that can.

Kristof, the slightly shorter of the Kovacs twins, plays the higher paced run and gun kind of game. He likes to carry the puck and score goals that nobody has any business scoring. Oliver, standing closer to 6 feet, likes to hang back and find the passing lanes to set up his teammates. The twins have entered the league firing on all cylinders, however, they still have some work to be done. There are players from their draft class pushing past them but if they can get focused, they can make the Kovacs name known throughout the hockey world.

Kelowna Knights
The Knights are a team in win now, worry about the future later mode. This is very clear when you consider that their first pick in this past draft did not come until #69. With only 3 picks in the draft, and all of them being very late, it is safe to say that the Knights did not have a great draft at all. They have loaded up on top end talent to make a push for as many championships as they can before the inevitable fall comes. Thus since Kelowna does not have any notable prospects this season, I am going to take this opportunity to highlight two prospects that were taken with picks that Kelowna at one time had possession of.

45th Overall – Kiko Rytmeyr
Another newcomer to the SHL scene, Kiko Rytmeyr is one of the few Irish born pro hockey players, but he does not play like he is from a country known more for drinking and leprechauns. Kiko plays a more offensive game from the blueline, focusing more on his stick work than his hitting. He has come out of the gates hot, showing that his offensive abilities are where his game shines. Rytmeyr is currently playing on a Scarecrows team that does have some more experienced defensemen in front of him however. Thus, look for Rytmeyr to really come into his own over the next couple seasons when players like Gordie Maple, and Daniel Karlsson make the jump to the SHL.

61st Overall – Sulak O’Hritea
Sulak O’Hritea has been a nice little surprise for the Raptors at 61st overall. With past SHL experience behind him, it was a bit confusing to the Raptors that he was still on the board at 61 but they were more than happy to bring him on board. Sulak has come in been a contributing member in the dressing room from day 1. Always there to support other players and making his presence known. On the ice, Sulak has been off to a slow start but the potential is 100% there for success. O’Hritea only put up 13 points through the pre-season but that was while only averaging 15 minutes per game. With a little bit more ice time, and also some more time to develop Sulak O’Hritea can become a solid SHLer.

Montreal Militia
The Militia ended last season on a Cinderalla run in the playoffs. After dropping the 3rd overall Raptors in the nail-biting 7 game series, then they took on the well-rested Vancouver Whalers and dispatched them in 5 games to make it the finals. However, their run came up short when the Kelowna Knights made easy work of them to capture their second straight title. Although the Militia’s Cinderella run came up short, they had the fortune of having a good season with a young team, meaning that this draft they just needed to add some depth to enter S42 with a decent shot at repeating their run to the finals.

13th Overall – Pavel Pivonka
Pavel Pivonka is yet another player on this list that has had an elite family member come before him; in Pavel’s case that would be his father Michael. Michael burst into the league as relatively unknown player but quickly proved that the Pivonka name would be a name to remember. Pavel is looking to continue building on the Pivonka legacy.

Pavel Pivonka is a large player, standing taller than his father did; he also plays a bigger game. Pavel is a power forward that focuses on placing himself close to the net and working in tight spaces. He uses his big stature to take up space in front of the goalie and score those dirty goals. Thus far in Pavel’s young career has had early struggles finding the back of the net. Although he has been limited in his ice time, Pavel has played a strong game and will find his own as his experience and ice time increase.

35th Overall – Petr Vrana
Petr Vrana has entered the league in a very opportunistic spot. The Militia’s starting goalie from last season, Walter Hobbs, got the call in the off-season that he would be joining the Texas Renegades to begin this season. This left Vrana as the sole contender for the starting job in Montreal this season; and he is poised to take this opportunity and run.

Yet another player on this list from the Czech Republic, Vrana is a larger goalie known for quickness and poised game. He possesses the ability to cover the net but also make the quick reaction saves. Now although he has the opportunity to step into a starting role in just his very first season, the Militia team is full of rookies all over the lineup and thus will be looking to develop as a team this season. Thus, Vrana’s stats may not reflect the ability that he has. If you give Vrana a couple of seasons, you will begin to see the potential that he possesses.

St. Louis Scarecrows
The St. Louis Scarecrows entered the draft riding the high of another strong season. Although they were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs, they had a strong run through the regular season and showed flashes of brilliance. However, as the off-season rolled on the Scarecrows began to learn that the plans for some of the veteran players did not involve being in St. Louis come training camp. Thus the Scarecrows entered this season sporting a relatively inexperienced lineup. This however, presented the opportunity for some of their draft picks to have top line roles right from the get go.

5th Overall – Goku Muerto
The Icelandic sensation, Goku Muerto, entered the draft with high expectations to be drafted early on; and just as he expected, Goku went early. The Scarecrows’ eyes lit up when they went on the clock and Goku was still on the board. Muerto is an elite talent that is going to make his presence known in the SHL for many seasons. Right out of the gate, Goku put up 30 points in his first pre-season in the SMJHL. This point total put him 4th among rookie scorers through the pre-season.

Goku possess a set of silky hands that can work in the tightest spaces. He makes non-look, cross ice passes unlike many players in the league to date. Muerto is a smooth skater that is able to find space and make plays. His set of skills allow him to make other teams look silly and ensure that he will have a very long and successful career.

31st Overall – Nicky Pedersen Jr.
Pedersen Jr. is yet another player from this draft that enters the league righting the coattails of a senior before them. Unlike Nicholas before him, Nicky Jr. plays a strong two-way game from the wing. A towering stature, Nicky Jr. is both a strong scoring presence yet is able to play a responsible defensive game.

Similar to the other top Scarecrows’ pick Goku Muerto, Nicky Pedersen Jr. put up some impressive numbers through the pre-season. 15 goals and 12 assists for a total of 27 points which put him 7th in rookie scoring. With Pedersen’s ability to put himself in scoring positions and to find the back of the net, he has the impressive opportunity to put up some great numbers with the playmaking phenom Muerto up the middle.

Vancouver Whalers
The Whalers out of Vancouver have been a SMJHL powerhouse for a few seasons now and this season is looking to be no different. The Whalers have a strong team full of veteran players and their eyes set on a championship season. Now although the Whalers finished last season with a top 3 finish, they enter the draft with the 3rd overall pick due to a trade with the Detroit Falcons.

3rd Overall – Max Mauldin
The Whalers stepped up to the podium at number 3 and selected Max Mauldin, a left-winger out of San Jose, California. Mauldin is a big boy standing 6 foot 5 inches, and weighing 215lbs. This is combination of height and weight makes Mauldin are difficult player to play against. He places himself close to the net and is hard to move from this position. Partner is stature with his soft hands and you have the making of an elite scoring winger.

Mauldin has elite ability and the physical presence to make a large impact on this league. He does not come a hockey hot-bed which didn’t give him the best platform to succeed as a hockey player, yet he found a way to hone his abilities and become an elite player. Now, Mauldin does enter a bittersweet situation for a rookie player. The Whalers are a stacked team top to bottom and this means that Mauldin may have a hard time finding playing time and opportunities to make big plays this season. Yet, what is going to allow Max to make the next step is to utilize the opportunities he is given to showcase his abilities.

24th Overall – Carlo Russo
Russo was only the Whalers second pick this draft. He is a slightly smaller player compared to a lot of the centers in the league. However, Russo makes up for his size with his high-flying scoring abilities. He moves fast and can maneuver himself and the puck in ways that leave defenders picking up the equipment from the stands. Through the pre-season Russo did not necessarily put up the numbers he hoped to, but he falls into the same situation that Mauldin does. The Whalers are strong team with not many holes to fill. This may be a long season for Russo, as well as Mauldin, however, they are elite players that have the ability to compete when they eventually get the opportunity and playing time.

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