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storm · 02-20-2019, 03:53 PM

The Colorado Raptors are one of the many SMJHL teams that has seen adverse effects from the recent expansions in both the SHL and SMJHL, resulting in the loss of key players like Alexander Selich, Daniel, Steve-Craig, and that other Smeb brother I can’t remember. All of these players played important roles for the Colorado Raptors organization, but luckily they made the most out of the bountiful S46 Draft. Let’s take a look at their picks.

Round 1, Pick 7: With the 7th Overall pick in the S46 SMJHL draft the Colorado Raptors selected Antarctic left winger Juulius Smonk. This was a bad idea.

Round 2, Pick 14: With the 14th Overall pick in the S46 SMJHL draft the Colorado Raptors selected the undersized, but incredibly smart and skilled right winger hailing from the United States, Julio Tokolosh. At 14 Tokolosh is a very strong pick, as he plays an incredibly smart and well rounded game, while also showing flashes of offensive brilliance from time to time. The Raptors hope to help him develop his skills and make use of his incredibly hockey IQ to allow him to become one of the best players in the SMJHL. Going into the draft Tokolosh was praised for his above average passing and skating abilities, as well as showing incredible fitness and stamina at the SMJHL Combine. We will watch his career with great interest.

Round 3, Pick 24: With the 24th Overall pick in the S46 SMJHL draft the Colorado Raptors selected the large smooth skating defenceman from Norway, Jason Kruger. This pick, unlike their previous two, saw the Raptors taking a defenseman to help shore up the blue line as well as provide an offensive touch to their defensive players on the power play. At 6’5 and 220 lbs, Kruger is a force to be reckoned with on the ice, he can shut it down in front of the net using his large frame as well as make clean passes on the rush to help set up the offense. Kruger, surprisingly, tends not to throw that massive body around for lethal checks, but rather uses his incredible reach to make nifty plays on and off the puck, harassing opponents and shutting down passing lanes. Colorado will likely try and help him develop his defensive skills, while giving him ample time to make plays off the rush and on the power play to allow him to help the team with his strong offensive IQ.

Round 3, Pick 30: With the 30th Overall pick in the S46 SMJHL draft the Colorado Raptors selected the American centerman Jake Peralta. Again, this is different from their first 3 picks in that Peralta can play down the middle and be an absolute force on any line. Peralta is well known for his strong abilities inside the dot, as well as his talent to make passes seemingly no one else can see, which is something Colorado needs to shore up their depth down the middle. Peralta can also slot in and play a strong well rounded game when needed, but Colorado hopes to help him develop to become that strong 1 C they need in the near future.

Round 4, Pick 34: With the 34th Overall pick in the S46 SMJHL draft the Colorado Raptors selected the massive hard hitting defenceman Akashi SixNine. SixNine is expected to be a steal for the Colorado Raptors, as he is already proving he is going to be one of the next great defenders on the blue line in the SMJHL. SixNine entered the SMJHL Draft well known for his amazing ability to throw the body and play a physical game to wear down his opponent, all while playing stellar defensive hockey in his own zone. SixNine might lack some of the offensive ability that other defenseman had in the S46 SMJHL draft, which some believe is the reason he fell to Colorado, however he is one of if not the best when it comes to smart defensive hockey. Colorado might not utilize SixNine on the powerplay as much as some of the other picks they’ve made in this draft, but there’s no doubt on 5v5 play and especially the penalty kill, SixNine will shine and show his dominance. Also he wears the number 69.

Round 5, Pick 44: With the 44th Overall pick in the S46 SMJHL draft, the Colorado Raptors selected (another) #69 wearing centerman, Ja'Aj Coitus-Wagg. Wagg is another later round weapon for the Colorado Raptors, as he plays a strong two-way game and can play all situations. Wagg is known for his ability to read the play and make important defensive stops using strong stick positing, as well as being able to find open teammates and make accurate passes on offense. Colorado hopes to help Wagg develop into a strong two-way center who can be a volatile and reliable player in all situations, espicasilly holding it down on the PK as well as improving his offensive skills to be a threat in 5v5 hockey.

Round 6, Pick 54: And finally, the Raptors wrap up the draft by selecting the goal scoring left winger, Colby Weeds. Weeds, although having fallen to the 5th round, shows incredible promise when it comes to making huge plays on the offensive side of the ice. Entering the draft Weeds was highly touted for his impressive shooting abilities, seemingly always able to find that clutch goal for his team. Weeds is also a strong skater who can carry the puck 200 feet without losing possession, which is going to prove vital to the Colorado offense. However, Weeds does struggle defensively, despite this Colorado hopes to help him develop a good two-way game, while taking advantage of his natural offensive talent.

Round Up: Overall, Colorado had a very strong draft outside of the first round. They went for a mix of positions needed and best player available, leading to them possessing one of the stronger crops of prospects in the SMJHL. We look forward to seeing how each of these players develops and molds into regular SMJHL players for the Raptors.

Pingy Pingu · 02-20-2019, 03:54 PM

storm so nice <3

storm · 02-20-2019, 03:56 PM

02-20-2019, 03:54 PMPingy Pingu Wrote: storm so nice <3

weow <3

GoldenKnight · 02-20-2019, 04:03 PM

Ouuu i got praise from someone other than myself haha

TheFlash · 02-20-2019, 04:47 PM

That’s the nicest thing any has ever said about me

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