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Raven · 02-01-2021, 10:52 AM

Quote:1782 words + Double draft media bonus

Yesterday marked the season 58 SMJHL entry draft. 66 rookies saw themselves being drafted by the teams of the SMJHL and found new places to call home as they prepare for the season 59 SHL draft. The Anaheim Outlaws picked up seven prospects in this draft as they drafted in every round, with two picks in both the 3rd and 5th round. In this article these seven prospects will be taken under the loop and see what they can offer to the Outlaws.

Round one - #4 - Ryuuji Kawashima - Center playmaker

S57: COL - 30 games - 3 goals - 5 assists - 8 points - +2 - 4 PIM

With their first pick in the draft the Outlaws picked up Ryuuji Kawashima, a center playmaker from Japan. Kawashima was touted by most fans as a top 12 pick, with many brackets putting him in a top 3 spot. His most picked spots were 3, 6 and 11. However at the end of the day it was the 4h overall pick.

Scouts have compared Ryuuji Kawashima to NHL player Nicholas Backstrom. Kawashima is a player who can hussle himself into positions to set up his fellow teammates. His greatest strengths are his crisp passing game, excellent handling of the puck, his ability to read the offensive zone, move into the right channels and find his teammates and and as a center, his ability to win on the faceoff battles on the dot. Kawashima should look to improve himself in the defense zone, to provide a solid player in the defensive zone aswell.

Kawashima played for the Colorado Raptors in his DFA stint before in the draft and on the 4th line was able to record 8 points, with 5 of those points being assists. With 3 goals Kawashima showed himself to not be a one trick horse who can only set up players, but also a player who when needed can finish a goal himself.

I am just going to toot my hard here and say that the Outlaws got a steaaaaaaal picking me up at #4. I am very excited to be playing this team and have loved being a part of it so far.

Round two - #21 - Sekai Wollker - Offensive pass defender

The second pick made by the Outlaws came towards the end of the second round and with this pick they picked up Sekai Wollker. Wollker is a defender from Ireland and their game can best be described as a transitional defender linking up the backline to the offense. Wollker was projected by the public to be a top 15 pick. Being seen picked around 4, 6, 11 and 15. Looking at the mock drafts, the Outlaws picked up an absolute steal here.

Scouts have described Wollker’s game as a tough defender who looks to shut down the opposing offense and then turn the puck around quickly to set up their own offense. Expect Wollker to be in the running for assists among defenders. Their greatest strengths have been described as marksman-like passing, silky smooth handling of the puck and ability to read the offensive zone. They also feature a balanced defensive skill set. A point of attention for Wollker could be their defensive positioning to compliment their offensive play.

Wollker comes in as a true rookie into the SMJHL not having played any games yet. So it will be interesting to follow their transition into the SMJHL and how they will perform at this level.

Gaia has been a great person in the locker room so far and looks to be the defender of the future for the team. Being able to pick her up with the 21st pick has been great and the team is no doubt extremely happy to have done so.

Round three - #28 - Artūrs Tumovs - Hands so smooth defender

The Outlaws third pick came soon after their second and with the 28th overall pick they were able to pick up defender Artūrs Tumovs. Representing the nation of Latvia, Tumovs is a pretty similar player to the previous pick Sekai Wollker. However Tumovs game has more focus on the defense side of the puck, while still being able to provide offensive pressure with great passing abilities and his handling of the puck.

The scouts agree with the previous description of the player. Tumovs possesses great skill on the defensive side of the puck. He knows where to position himself on the defense and is disciplined with his poke checks. A defender you can trust as the last man on the rush to keep his cool and disarm the puck from his opponent. However Tumovs can also handle himself when the puck goes the other way. His passing is on point and his control of the stick is like no other. Tumovs is a nice balanced player, jack of all trades.

As with Wollker, Artūrs will be coming in the 58 season as a true rookie, so he has no previous SMJHL stats to look at, so it will be fun to keep an eye on how he translates to the juniors.

Arturs has had a great presence in the locker room so far and seems very eager to keep his player going strong. Tumovs will be helping wollker to keep the left side of the defense of the Outlaws one of the best in the league in years to come.

Round three - #33 - Bob Duncan - Offensive center

6 picks later the Outlaws make their second pick of the third round and their fourth pick of the draft. The pick was used on Norwegian center man Bob Duncan.

Duncan is a well rounded all around center who wins face offs and is someone who can both set up his linemates and put a shot on the goal himself. Duncan is a player who focuses full on his offensive and his movement game. Scouts described Duncan’s offensive abilities as his greatest strength and his skating is smooth, he can get up to speed quickly and will be a guy who can breakout easily.

Coming into the 58th season as a true rookie, we do not have an exact gauge on his skills. However expect this man to be able to work his way into break out positions and score 1 on 1.

Dagumpa has been in the locker room and will prove to be a solid pick up at the 33th pick. Every team wants a good line of centers and Duncan has the ability to hold down that line.

Round four - #44 - AJ Tirrell - Quarterback defender

Round 4, pick 44 has to be the nicest line of numbers. The Anaheim Outlaws were able to pick up American defender AJ Tirrell. A player who will prove to be an asset on the point for the Outlaws.

Scouts will tell you Tirrell is the Tom Brady of Quarterback defenders. This is a player who you want on the point and a player who can lead the power play unit. His biggest strengths have to be credited to his shot. His shot is accurate to a tee and his speed is unmatched as he is able to work himself positions and move the puck out of the defensive zone. Tirrell could look to improve his defensive abilities in the future to compliment his offensive skills.

With no previous experience at the SMJHL level Tirrell comes in fresh into the juniors. He is a right side defender so will likely be paired up with his fellow draftees Wollker or Tumovs. To create the S58 defender line.

Fno has been around in the locker room, but I missed out on him. Tirrell is another pick I just love here as I think he will be able to work himself into the first line duo in due time.

Round five - #54 - Jack Micro - Right wing playmaker

The 6th pick of the draft and the Outlaws are able to pick up Jack Micro. Another american player and one who provides a solid playmaking option on the wing. Likely one of the biggest steals in the draft.

The scouting done on Micro has shown that he processes a great face off ability, in combination with wicked puck handling skills and a pass game to go with it. Micro would be a great option in the center as he provides great ability to play there as well. His ability to read the offense makes Micro a great player in the offensive zone. Micro could provide the pressure on the power play. Micro is a full on offensive player and might struggle on the defensive side of the field which looks to be an area of focus to improve for Micro.

Micro is a fresh faced player to the juniors and will be playing his first games at this level coming into this season.

Wildfire has been excellent in the locker room so far and his player will be a great one for the Outlaws. Anaheim should also prove great for his player as he can do a ton of skating there.

Round five - #56 - Brantford Baines - Offensive defender

The final pick for the Outlaws, at pick 56 they picked up defender Brantford Baines. This Canadian defender is the cale makar of his generation.

Scouts have said that Baines provides extreme offense as he provides slap shots from the point, can come in with wristers and overall every aspect of his offensive play is just solid. Despite all of this he still provides a body on the defense and knows where to position himself and he keeps up with the puck in the defensive zone nicely. One area of work he has is his footwork. He provides great offense, but he lacks a good burst of speed and acceleration which helps him get into position and surprise the opponent.

Baines rounds out the 2 left defenders and 2 right defenders drafted in this draft. It’s his first showing in the juniors and will have to prove himself for first line hockey.

Baines has not been on since the draft, but he was online recently so I hope to see him return and join the locker room.

There we have it, a great draft for the Outlaws, one they can look back at and be extremely happy with in my opinion. Picked up great players in all kinds of positions. Loaded up on great defensive pieces and got two great playmaking center and winger. You never want to toot your own horn, but I am just going to do it. Let’s go Outlaws! I am so excited.

Thank you Fever, sköldpaddor and OD for the amazing sigs!

Montreal Impact/Militia Militia-Old

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***Gaia Mormont*** · 02-01-2021, 05:12 PM

Noice!

***Ace*** · 02-01-2021, 08:18 PM

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