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ShadowFenix · 07-10-2024, 06:38 PM

“Tentacles moves the puck up the end boards, passes it to Tomlander who quickly tosses it to the slot! Fenix swings at the puck! HE SCORES! It’s another rookie goal-scorer!”

Similar variations of this quote were told all season as the rookies carved through the ice at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. When a substantial seven prospects joined the Argonauts roster for their rookie seasons, fans had high expectations. Finally seeing glimpses of the end of the Seattle rebuild, those expectations were met—and exceeded.

The beginning of the season started strong off the bat when the Argonauts earned themselves a 4-2-0 record. One of the rookies, Will Tomlander, had a staggering 16 points across these six games. This was the first sign that fans had that this season was going to be different. Although the Argonauts team record would diminish as they ended the season 20-45-1, individually, many players gave fans something to believe in.

For starters, Tomlander, Fenix, and Tentacles ended up leading their team in points, ending the season with 78, 76, and 61 points respectively. Tomlander and Fenix, in particular, led rookie scoring by a significant margin, and their results have had many fans agreeing that one of the two of them deserves the coveted Rookie of the Year trophy, but those same fans have been unable to decide on which one they think deserves it more! In addition, this was when their fellow rookie line mate, Squidwardo Tentacles, had a slow start to the season. After he started heating up, fans started to realize just how incredible this line pairing was. Some fans were even arguing that it was Tentacles whose "intangibles'' created space for his teammates, allowing them to reach their point totals.

From the defensive side, two rookies in particular also had great showings. Kal Akar Kekkonen, and Jimothee Penjiman, showed numerous strides on defense. Both of these rookie defenseman showed their ability to be in the right spots on the ice, shot blocking prowess, and considerable poise with the puck. Kekkonen in particular, showed his ability to create a lethal power play, receiving the puck while scanning the ice to look for the perfect setup play. Penjiman, who once seemed like he wouldn’t make it to the SHL when he went unsigned by the Minnesota Monarchs, was picked up as a free agent by the Argonauts. And although he still shows much room for improvement, since being picked up by Seattle, he has shown steady improvements, and his future in the SHL should have no doubt, should his skills keep increasing.

Rounding out the rookies were winger Gwemba Stolemamoney, and goaltender Henri Losanov. Stolemamoney stole the show, coming in at a hefty 6’4, and slotting into a much needed position on the second-line, where they would often be utilized in a “shut-down” role, minimizing the chances of some of the best players to play the game. The team felt that Losanov would better benefit from a season in the SHL rather than spend a fourth year in the minors with the Regina Elk. This ended up being the correct choice as Losanov stood tall as the starting goaltender for Seattle most of the year. They ended the season just under a .900 save percentage with 0.896, however, there were noticeable improvements with positioning, and rebound control. Tremendous athleticism was also shown in their ability to recover, as well.

The rookies didn’t receive all of the admiration of fans this season, however. In his final season of a storied Seattle career, fan favorite Landon Fischermann had his best season since Season 71, scoring 42 points and blocking 177 shots. In a touching moment during the last game of the season, fans gave a standing ovation to the Seattle legend during a video highlighting Fischermann’s career. While the hearts of fans weep at the end of an era for the team, they were also rubbing away the tears in their eyes to glimpse the passing of the torch to the new generation. The Seattle coaches spoke of the tremendous help that Fischermann and other veterans have brought. It’s hard for a young player to pave their way in the SHL, but it is made a lot easier with the help of the Seattle veterans.

One member of the new generation, Rence Sykut, also showed strides in his Sophomore season, particularly in his defensive game on the previously mentioned shut down line. His offense held just as strong as it did in his rookie debut, and he ended the season with 55 points. Update Portal, also in their second season, had worried fans after an apparent stagnation in ability. Before long into the season, a seemingly renewed effort came forth, and Portal began to show the new heights and potential that they were initially scouted for. Sometimes prospects for teams don’t pan out, but Seattle has shown great ability in developing their prospects, and keeping them on the right path for improvement.

For this Seattle team, management can only conclude that this season was an incredible success. All around the team, improvements were made. Prospects panned out, the last big draft for the Argonauts took place, and veterans of the team were able to hold their heads high again. For the fans, a new era has begun. What was once a cloudy and rainy outlook after back-to-back championship wins, has now made way to a new day, where hope is shining bright, and fans are beaming with joy.