Mike Ochocinco and Quilha Agante didn’t have a relaxing off-season; in fact, they had just the opposite. After an early season ended with the Manhattan Rage missing the playoffs for the second year in a row, the two GMs immediately turned their attention to the upcoming entry draft. In the middle of a very extensive rebuild, the two had already added some significant young pieces like Azriel Stryfe, Ondrej Ratchitikov, and Sterling Slade to go along with some of their current players such as Arthur Grosberg, Sergei Bobrovsky and Meb Keflezeghi. However, coming into the Season 17 entry draft they knew they needed to make the right selections to help their team on the right path.

Mike and Quilha spent countless hours of their time preparing for this big event. After hearing they had won the draft lottery, the question came down to whether they would select a player with the first pick or move it for extra assets. Teams were knocking on the Manhattan Rage’s door from the moment they announced that the pick was in play. Offers came in one after another containing various pieces, but Manhattan management was unwilling to move the pick without acquiring a first rounder in the same year. Finally, just minutes before the draft was to take place, the Texas Renegades placed a bid that would eventually be accepted. Seen as quite the head scratcher at the time, the Rage had a person in mind that would be available at pick number 5. Dropping down 4 spots in the draft resulted in several other assets being sent to Manhattan that will surely help their rebuild, including an additional first round pick in the Season 19 draft. After seeing Chico Salmon taken first overall the waiting game was on for the Rage; fingers crossed that the player they had been eyeing wouldn’t be taken before they had their turn. Three more picks passed and the player Manhattan was hoping for was still their. They selected from the Detroit Falcons, forward Kein Monesti. Monesti was known as a prolific scorer, a great locker room presence and most importantly, a position of need for the Rage. Kein was also a close friend of several of the Rage teammates, so the pick was a no doubter.

However, Mike Ochocinco was not done yet. In such a deep draft like this, it’s hard to pass up any opportunity to acquire another pick. Mike Ochocinco was looking around at each of the opposing general managers to see if one might have interest in supplying him with their first round pick. After several talks fell through and it was looking like the Rage’s draft day was over, a serious proposal came in from the Calgary Dragons. Mike looked it over, nodded his head and faxed it to the league; the Manhattan Rage now owned pick number ten. Waiting and watching the players trickling away to the previous picks, the Rage had their eye on a single player that had either been passed up on or forgotten; Simeon Mars III. One of the best defensemen in the SMJHL the previous season, it was hard to believe that he had fallen from so high on the draft board. Picks kept coming through without selecting the skilled defensemen. Pick number 7; not Mars. Pick 8; still not Mars. At pick number 9 Simeon Mars was still not selected; jackpot. Mike Ochocinco was noticeably shining with glee as he approached the podium. Selecting Simeon Mars III, the Manhattan Rage would have a great top four to go along with their rebuild. He would be joining Stryfe, Keflezighi and Ravchitikov; all of which will no doubt have great SHL careers.

As the draft picks were signed and the roster coming together, the Rage management shifted their focus to free agency. Not looking to make any huge moves, they stood true to their word, signing only a few depth players to go along with their current stars.

Joining the roster from the SMJHL will be forward Brooklyn Carter and SMJHL goaltender of the year Sterling Slade. Carter, one year removed from his draft selection, will need to focus in order to stay relevant on the Rage roster. Sterling Slade may even need to focus more so if he has any chance to see action with Sergei Bobrovsky ahead of him. The emergence of two young, star goaltenders has drawn alot of speculation on whether or not the two can happily coincide, however, general manager Mike Ochocinco put rumors to rest with a recent statement:

“I see no reason why these two goaltenders can’t put up great numbers together, however, this is Sergei Bobrovsky’s team. He has played well in every regard during our rebuild and we will not be shoving him aside for Sterling Slade to take the stage. Bobrovsky is a skilled and dedicated individual sao the reins are his to take. However, having Slade in the waiting will no doubt mean that he has to stay dedicated, stay committed and be prepared to do everything in his power to assume full custody of the Rage goaltending for the next several years.”

Season 18 will no doubt be another struggling year for the young Manhattan Rage squad, but the hopes are high. Players are slowly becoming aware of the growing potential of the franchise. High draft picks and smart choices give the Rage every opportunity to take their play to the next level and there is little doubt that the players they have now are all capable of both working as a team and performing at the SHL level. Rebuilds can be tough on players, management and fans alike, but if you can be patient, be smart and be committed, the possibilities of success are endless. There is no easy way to the top and the Rage will surely have to be mindful of this in the coming seasons. Anger, frustration and hard times may ensue, but through perseverance they must remain strong. Mike, Quilha and the team have a long winding road ahead of them, and only time will tell if they can find their way to their true goal; SHL Championships for the City of Manhattan.

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Good read and good luck

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