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dogwoodmaple · 01-24-2021, 06:12 PM

A few weeks ago, I posted this tweet and it received an overwhelming response. Because of that, I've decided to split this article into multiple parts as we start the Twitter Requested Media series.

What could be more fun than talking about some of the league's most notable players? Nothing!

Welcome to the final part of Twitter Requested Media! If you signed up and were left out, shoot me a DM either here or on discord and I'll rectify the mistake.

LW TURG TURG – Anchorage Armada @ThisSeemsFishy
First up in this final installment is TURG TURG from the Anchorage Armada! TURG was incredible on the ice for Anchorage this season, finishing the regular season with 46 points. They netted 18 goals and added another 28 assists, showing they are both an elite scorer and a top-notch setup player for their fellow members of the Armada. The 5’11” 180 lbs Canadian also did great work on defense for Anchorage. TURG racked up 105 hits and 65 blocked shots and was one of just two players on the team who finished with more than 40 points and 100+ hits on the year. TURG more than proved their worth as an elite winger who can excel on both ends of the ice. They also flashed some impressive discipline, instincts, and positioning, which led to only 16 penalty minutes, despite playing more than 19 minutes per game. Whether it’s scoring, setting up easy opportunities for teammates, or laying the lumber to opposing attackers, TURG TURG can do it all. Incredible skills for an incredible player!

G Mat Smith – Quebec City Citadelles @Matteo
Next up we go to the net with Mat Smith of Quebec City! Smith was absolutely phenomenal for the Citadelles and distinguished themselves as one of the top goalies in the entire league. Smith ranked second in goals allowed among all goalies with more than 35 starts (2.38) and finished the regular season with a .920 save percentage. With six shutouts on their resume, a figure that was second-most in the league, Smith consistently put the Citadelles in a position to win. What sets Smith apart from some of the other goalies is their reflexes. When it comes to quick redirections, last second shots, or deflections, Smith is a master. They’re also always in the perfect position and know how to command the entire defense in front of them. When you’re trying to beat one of the top goalies in the league, you better not come at Smith with weak shots or poorly placed attempts. The only way to beat this elite net man is with a perfect shot, and even then it’s no guarantee that you’ll set off the horn. Nothing comes for free against Smith and they’re constantly a headache for opposing attackers.

LW Paul Binder – Anchorage Armada @CaptainCamel
We’ll stay in the J-league and Anchorage’s winger Paul Binder! This Armada forward finished the regular season with an impressive 27 points and was both a capable scorer and elite passer. They totaled 9 goals and 18 assists and were one of the main catalysts for one of the best offenses in the entire league. There are few players who were able to make such a massive impact relative to their time spent on ice, but Binder definitely fits that bill. 27 points and a crucial five power play assists is great in its own right, but when you account for Binder’s roughly 13:30 average time on ice, is shows how elite this rookie winger is. They also chipped in with 56 hits, showing to their coaching staff and fans alike that they’re not a one-trick pony when it comes to gameplay. We could be looking at future multi-year All-Star and potential MVP candidate if Binder continues to perform at this level. Truly one of the games brightest young stars.

LW Zoltan Topalo – Tampa Bay Barracuda @Rangerjase
Another forward, but this time we head to the SHL and Tampa Bay’s Zoltan Topalo! Topalo was a major contributor for Tampa Bay this season, getting more than 21 minutes of ice time per game. In the regular season, Topalo finished with 26 goals and hit the double-digit mark in both goals (11) and assists (15). Despite that huge minutes number, Topalo was rarely whistled and spent only 12 minutes in the penalty box the entire season, thanks to their discipline and overall on-ice intelligence. On the defensive end, Topalo made a name for themselves as a fantastic shot blocker with 78 on the year, which ranked fifth on the team among players with at least 26 points. It was that shot blocking ability combined with a solid 23 hits that helped Topalo carve out such a crucial role on the Barracuda this year. Topalo also ended with the second-best plus/minus on the entire roster and looks to be a major piece to build around for the future. It wouldn’t surprise me at all to see this elite American go down in history as one of the best all-time Barracuda by the time their career finishes. What a player!

RD #A-Rye Izzy – Kelowna Knights @~~Mike Izzy~~
Next up we have one of the best rookies around, #A-Rye Izzy of the Kelowna Knights! Izzy was a constant fixture for the Knights this season, averaging more than 19 minutes of time on ice per game which ranked 4th on the team. During that time, Izzy put up 18 points thanks to an incredible 13 assists to go along with five goals. Izzy also did fantastic work when the Knights were down a player, scoring one goal and adding a pair of assists while shorthanded. On defense, Izzy was everywhere for Kelowna and ended with 57 hits and 27 blocked shots on the year, while racking up just 12 PIM the entire season. There aren’t many players who have a better overall understanding of both the offensive and defensive ends of the ice as Izzy, as evidenced by the major role they played and impressive stats they posted. Whether it’s seemingly always being in the right place, the ability to find an open teammate, or simply their stunning physical endurance, Izzy has shown to be a future star of the league. Remember the name!

RW James Truong – Edmonton Blizzard @"James Truong"
From British Columbia we head to Alberta and James Truong of the Blizzard! Edmonton’s do-everything winger had a sensational year and put up some impressive numbers along the way. Truong finished with 29 goals, 30 assists, and was tied on the team for best plus/minus (a mind boggling +47!). Truong did more than just pour in goal after goal and help run the offense in Edmonton, though. They accounted for 78 hits and 50 blocked shots, thanks to their incredible defensive instincts and overall athleticism. This 6’2” 230 lb Canadian was also a constant force for the Blizzard and was one of the most accurate shooters on one of the league’s most impressive offenses. Truong ranked third on the roster in shooting percentage among players with 125+ attempts and was constantly putting pressure on the opposing defense. That pressure helped open up the ice for Edmonton and led to some consistently great performances from the Blizzard. From doing the dirty work on defense to being an absolute star on the offensive side of the ice, there’s simply nothing this elite winger can’t do!

C Mitchell van der Heijden – New England Wolfpack @bluesfan55
We continue our Easterly move as we go from Edmonton to New England and Mitchell van der Heijden! Van der Heijden was an offensive machine for New England this year, finishing with 48 points and 20 goals, which ranked 3rd most on the team. MvdH also showed off their impressive stamina as they spent nearly 24 minutes on the ice each game, helping lead the Wolfpack offense night in and night out. On the defensive end, they showed off their all-around skill with 83 blocked shots and 62 hits in the regular season. Van der Heijden was counted on consistently by the Wolfpack coaching staff and they answered the bell with high-level play and some of the best on-ice awareness in the league. That led to ven der Heijden with a miniscule 10 penalty minutes (yes, you read that correctly), which is just further evidence of their status as an elite two-way player. This Dutch superstar has an incredibly bright future ahead of them and has a skillset that any young player would do well to copy. Elite, elite, elite!

G Leo Bloomfield – New England Wolfpack @BloomeyGB
We’ll stay in New England, but head between the pipes with goalie Leo Bloomfield! Bloomfield was stellar for the ‘Pack, posting the fourth highest save percentage in the league among goalies with more than 20 games played (.921). Thanks to some of the best reflexes of any goalie in the league, Bloomfield also gave up just 3.22 goals per game and was outstanding game in and game out for New England. The British star was straight up unflappable this season, remaining cool while commanding of the defense and keeping New England in virtually every single game. It’s not just fantastic glove work and quick reactions that set Bloomfield apart, though. They’re absolutely incredible when it comes to rebounds, both limiting their number and stonewalling second and third chances on a consistent basis. As a whole, Bloomfield repeatedly broke the hearts of forwards who were convinced they were about to trigger the goal horn and made life miserable for nearly every attacker headed their way. When you put Bloomfield in the net, you know you’ve got a good shot to not only win, but to frustrate the opposition beyond belief. Good luck scoring!

RD Andrej Doskočil – Manhattan Rage @Citizen of Adraa
From one player in the northeast to another, we’ll now highlight Andrej Doskočil of the Manhattan Rage! Where to start? This defensive star put up insane numbers for the Rage this season and was a big reason for their overall success. On the year, Doskočil eclipsed the century mark in both hits (110) and blocked shots (140) and was among the league’s best overall defensive players. They were the only player on the team to have 100+ in both categories, and just one of just 21 players league-wide to accomplish that feat. On offense, Doskočil was no less impressive. They totaled 31 points thanks to an incredible 23 assists and eight goals. It’s rare to see a player with such incredible skills on the defensive side to also be able to change the game on offense. Not to mention that Doskočil rarely spent any of their more than 22 minutes of ice-time in the penalty box (just 20 PIM). From being a lockdown defender to constantly setting up teammates with offensive ingenuity and creative passing, there’s simply few that are on the same level as the Rage’s Andrej Doskočil. They can do it all!

RW Kev Kevens – Quebec City Citadelles @Keven
Did someone ask for a Quebec City winger? Well you’re in luck – it’s time for Kev Kevens! Kevens was almost unstoppable for the Citadelles this season, scoring 17 goals and adding 27 assists on the year. The alliterative superstar also added six power play points and even managed to net a goal and an assist while shorthanded. On the season, they also had an absurd +39 plus/minus, proving to be one of the most impactful players in the entire league. Their accomplishments didn’t stop with offense, however. They logged an impressive 49 hits, but really shined as a shot blocker with an incredible 81 on the season. That figure was second-most on the team among players with 15+ goals and one of just eight in players in the entire league to accomplish that feat. The 6’3” Canadian proved time and again that they are one of the top overall wingers and can change the game in a multitude of ways. Pour in goal after goal? Check. Precision passing to setup teammates? Check. Sacrificing their body to block shots? Check. Superstar!

C Goku Muerto – Winnipeg Jets @Muerto
From one elite forward to another, here’s Goku Muerto from the Jets! Muerto was absolutely fantastic for Winnipeg this year, posting an eye-popping 65 points on the season. Muerto was one of just 20 players in the league with more than 20 goals (22) and more than 40 assists (43) and was one of the most dynamic forwards in the game this year. They did great work on the power play, logging 18 points thanks to 13 assists and five goals. The 6’1” Icelandic star as also one of the most prolific shooters in the league, finishing the season with 227 shots on goal, which constantly setup teammates on ricochets and opened up clear lanes thanks to the constant pressure they applied to the defense. They also more than helped on the defensive side of the ice with 58 blocked shots and 29 hits on the season. Muerto also spent nearly 21 minutes of time on the ice per game and seemed to get stronger as the game went on, thanks to their incredible conditioning and some of the best stamina in all of hockey. Muero works tireless at their craft and it shows on both the statsheet and with how beloved there are in Winnipeg. One of the best players in the league at any position!

RD Magnus Liljeström – Winnipeg Jets @roastpuff
What’s better than one Jet? How about consecutive Jets, which is exactly what we’ll do here with Magnus Liljeström! Liljeström was outstanding for the Jets this season and spent more time on the ice than any other player on the roster (22:56 per game). And despite that, Liljeström was only whistled for eight penalty minutes, thanks to their elite positioning and some of the best instincts in the league. Never out of place, Liljeström was constantly helping out on both ends of the ice for the Jets. On offense, they finished with 33 points, thanks to 11 goals and 22 assists. When they weren’t setting up teammates or finding the back of the net themselves, Liljeström was helping to setup the entire defense. They finished with 71 blocked shots and 23 hits, but more importantly had a positive takeaway/giveaway ratio, which further shows off their smooth stick handling and tenacious defense. Liljeström was also counted on heavily during power plays, which led to eight points with the advantage, including a pair of goals. This 6’2” Swede is dynamic, ultra-talented, and a true league-wide star!

G Strom Chamberlain – Winnipeg Jets @"Geekusoid"
What’s this? Another Winnipeg player? Of course! It’s Strom Chamberlain! We go to the net for the final player of this series and what a way to end it. Chamberlain finished the season with the 3rd highest save percentage among goalies with 50+ starts (.920) and added five shutouts for Winnipeg this year. With a 2.51 goals allowed average, Chamberlain put the Jets in a position to win every single game and consistently made highlight worthy saves. Whether it was turning away rocket shots or blocking quick deflections, Chamberlain was always in the right place at the right time and made the opposition claw tooth and nail for goals. They’ve got a unique combination of lightning quick reflexes, near-perfect positioning, and outstanding recovery ability that truly sets them apart among net-men in SHL. This 6’2” 260 pound American is already proving to be one of the best overall players in the league and has an MVP-level future ahead of them. If their progression keeps up, lookout. We could be looking at an all-timer.

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