Login

***Jexter*** · 07-30-2024, 10:12 PM

The Winnipeg Aurora have continued their massive rebui- ow, ow, Ace, stop hitting me, ow, okay fine - retool with a bevy of picks in S78 with 5 picks, 4 of them in the first round. Let us take a look at what the Northern Lights picked up.

Whalers

Ville Sato-Maki
First up, the massive Finnish center from the Vancouver Whalers was picked fifth overall. VSM already has chemistry with the current top prospect of the Aurora, NoNo Jo and just won the Four Star Cup in their first season. With already a massive bank and a high degree of skating ability, VSM promises to be a highly effective two way threat and already scored 41 points as a rookie. As a center, VSM could end up being a focal point of the Aurora in a few seasons and could potentially already have their linemates drafted already.

Solaire of Astora
Picked sixth overall, Solaire is looking like the next big thing on the blue line for the Aurora as poor Juan Tymer is currently the only Aurora not a send down that is on the right side of the S70 mark. Solaire also boasts a large bank, but has an immense investment in high skating physical abilities as well Defensive ratings, especially shotblocking. On the Great Falls Grizzlies, Solaire had 25 points and a -2 plus/minus, but already has 53 takeaways and 54 blocks.

Berserkers

Jett Labyrinth
At tenth overall, Jett is a well balanced newer player with an extremely high ceiling. With 48 points, 14 of those being goals, Labyrinth was a bright spot on a rebuilding Newfoundland team. Labyrinth boasts extremely balanced stats in offensive abilities with everything except screening and shooting range already being a 14. As another center, Labyrinth could be moved to the wing or could edge out VSM for the center position. With many, MANY centers in the pipeline, the coaches and GMs of the Aurora will have massive questions to answer in a few seasons time.

Scarecrows

Ozzy Bradford
The sixteenth overall pick is also a big banked defender with high defensive stats, but unlike Solaire, Bradford is more balanced in offensive and skating, but those stats seem to be ready to be worked on in the future as they continue to train. What really makes this player stand out is their high hockey IQ in both offense and defense. With 31 points on St. Louis, 87 blocks and 108 hits, Bradford will be a fantastic workhorse for the blue line of the Aurora. It is unknown at this time who will end up being Juan Tymer’s linemate, but it very well could be that Bradford and Solaire will end up being on the same pairing.

Christov Kovalev
The third round pick and 46th overall pick, Kovalev was a member of the Nevada Battleborn who were off to one of the hottest starts in SMJHL history. Officially listed as a center, Kovalev had 38 points playing out of position in their first season, but has high stamina and physical ratings to pair with a balanced build and no shortage of bravery. Kovalev could be a massive steal for the Aurora if they keep up their two way play style.

Welcome to Winnipeg and we are very happy to have you.

Aurora