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pizzarony · 05-12-2016, 02:42 PM

Detroit Falcons S29 Depth Chart Analysis

Center
(S29) C - Maximus Sarone - 328
(S28) C - Wiljian Zjang - 326
(S30) C - Nucky Toohoots - 166

Out of training camp, Maximus Sarone seems to be neck and neck with Wiljian Zjang for the #1 spot. Watching a few practices, you can see Sarone has really worked on his shot, in the off-season. Watch for him to shoot more, this coming season, for the Falcons.

Zjang appears to be his same old scoring self, as we mentioned earlier, he's fighting for the top line job with Sarone. Zjang has a little bit of the off-season weight gain going on, but we anticipate he'll be in full hockey shape by the time the season gets rolling. During practices, Zjang and Sarone were actually lined up on the same line, both taking turns on the wing, in addition to the center spot.

New to the Falcons center squad, is Nucky Toohoots, who is spending his first season in the SMJHL this upcoming year. His youth hockey stats are phenomenal, and we can't wait to see what he has in store for this season, and the many to come. Look for him to potentially be one of the biggest SHL draft steals, when the time comes.

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Left Wing
(S29) LW - Alex Berkis - 334
(S28) LW - Rising Hippo - 278
(S29) LW - Hans Moleman - 247
(S28) LW - Kalid Dermot - 219
(S28) LW - Alexander Ødegaard - 194

My, oh my. What a sizable group of left wingers. Fortunately for the Falcons, everyone here has right wing experience as well, so they're not afraid to shift anyone over. Even some of the centers have moved to the wing before.

Alex Berkis leads the left wing crew in skill, after his astounding rookie season, for the Falcons. He has clearly put in the most work out of anyone, this off season, and we are predicting he and Sarone will be leading the team in points, and possibly one of them could even lead the entire league.

Rising Hippo has gone through some busy times with his schooling. It's unusual for a juniors player to go to school at the same time, but Rising has been dedicated to the books, and hopes to finish up a degree this summer. He's majoring in Electrical Engineering at the University of Detroit. He's known as one of the wisest players to ever come through the SMJHL, as he finished high school at the age of 14, and should be done with college by 18/19.

Hans Moleman spent the off season in Bermuda, teaching children how to play hockey. He's said to have had the first ever hockey camp there, for the past couple years. Bermuda isn't exactly a hockey haven, but there's no wonder he wants to spend his time there. It's a beautiful place. Look for Hans to have a breakout year this year, as he's said he's feeling fresher than ever.

Kalid Dermot has had some bumps and bruises throughout his time with the Falcons, and although we have him fourth in our left wing depth chart, he could still see time 2nd line time. He has the experience that a lot of coaches like to see. He just needs to capitalize on his healthy moments, and get some good training in.

Alexander Ødegaard might not be with the team this season, as he's had a troubling off-season. Alex was arrested for marijuana possession, that he claims wasn't his. It's still up in the air whether or not he'll see a suspension from the team or league. If he does join the team, we can't imagine him seeing an abundance of ice time, unless he gets his act together.

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Right Wing
(S26) RW - Ben Klinkhammer - 234

Welcome to the barren land of Detroit Falcons right wingers. The Falcons have only one true right winger listed on their roster, and we're not entirely sure he'll even be with the team this season. Ben Klinkhammer has been sitting in the SMJHL for quite a while now, and hasn't shown up to any of the training camp practices.

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Defenseman
(S28) D - Prince Daniel James - 330
(S26) D - Justin Novastar - 270
(S29) D - Edvīns Bērziņš - 229
(S29) D - Tobias Thorvaldsen - 214
(S30) D - William Pendii - 155

Prince Daniel James should be back on the #1 spot for the Falcons this year, as he had a stellar season last year, and no real competition for the title of 'best defenseman' on the team. He'll likely see Edvins or Tobias with him, but we'll wait and see what happens during the rest of training camp.

Justin Novastar is another one of those questionable players, for the Falcons. While skilled, we just don't have enough info on him to comment much more than this. Maybe you'll see him in Falcons red, or maybe not.

Now for the Falcon with the worst name for sports writers, Edvīns Bērziņš (honorable mention to Alexander Ødegaard). Ed seems to have a slight edge on Tobias Thorvaldsen, at training camp. He's been seeing the most first pairing time, with Prince Daniel James. A couple of successful scrimmages and pre-season games should lock up the top pairing, but it's really his to lose at this point.

Thorvaldsen is one we anticipate to turn on the jets, this off-season. If Ed slips up at all, Thorvaldsen could absolutely jump him, and take that top pairing spot with PDJ. The Falcons are counting on one of these two to be support for James, this coming season.

William Pendii is the only new defenseman, for the Falcons, this coming season. He's had mixed success, stat-wise, in his youth career, but his pure athleticism is what got him the call from the Falcons in the Entry Draft. William has no troubles in the weight room, or on the ice, for extended periods of time. We're thinking he may be a sleeper for rookie defensman of the year.

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Goalie
(S29) G - Sivy McSieve - 205
(S30) G - Jari Ohvo - 171

The goalie situation in Detroit could be a little better. Sivy McSieve didn't quite put in the work Falcons management wanted out of him, last season. This off-season is key for him to show the management that he deserves the number one spot over newcomer Jari Ohvo.

Jari looks to be one of the most promising young goalies, as he's already competing for the starting role. If he focuses on himself, and doesn't worry about sitting a few pre-season games, we could see him make an early regular season jump to that starting spot. I know it feels like we've suggested the Falcons could have several other 'players of the year,' but surely, Jari could be the standout rookie of the year, if he works at it.

Steelhead77 · 05-12-2016, 02:48 PM

S29 Falcons looking good!

Falcons

WHOOSH!!!

---> ParmBorg Highlights <---

#1 All-Time SHL Goal & Point Scorer
- First 2,000 TPE Player in SHL History -
- First 400 Goal Scorer in SHL History -
- Only 500 Goal Scorer in SHL History -
- First GM to Win 5 & 6 Challenge Cups -
Esa Anrikkanen Award - SMJHL ROY - Est. S34
Vidrik Onoprienko Award Winner - S45

Dragonite

vbottas17 · 05-12-2016, 02:51 PM

Nice write up pizza!

Detroit is looking strong.

Snuffalupagus · 05-12-2016, 02:58 PM

Damn. Is this the type of stuff that will be posted to the SMJHL media forum? This is so neato burrito! Can't wait for the season to start! Best of luck, buddy and co!