As the Newfoundland Berserkers approach the midway point of the season, having played 40% of their regular season games already, it feels apt to look upon the loaded S58 rookie class the Berserkers possess. Out of the 65 players in the S58 class, 9 of them have found homes in Newfoundland, either through the draft or through waivers. Here are the 9 Zerker Rookies:

1. Billy Brooks - RD - 246 TPE
2. Nike Kickz Jr. - RW - 232 TPE
3. Ric Charlesworth - C - 224 TPE
4. Jesse Trudeau - RW - 217 TPE
5. Shion Okamato - LD - 212 TPE
6. Leon Athanasios - RW - 204 TPE
7. Hex Rose - C - 199 TPE
8. Tim Allen Jr. - G - 190 TPE
9. Ilya Sokolov - RW - 180 TPE

Overall, a very nice split amongst positions, with 4 forwards, 3 defensemen, and 1 goalie. With Newfoundland struggling in the overall standings, sitting 21 points out of 1st place but just 12 points out of last place, it's clear that these rookies will be the future of the Berserkers organization in time. However, how are these rookies doing on the ice?

The top three rookies in this class, at least from a scoring perspective, are Kickz Jr., Athanasios, and Charlesworth, respectively. Kickz leads the rookies with a line of 3-10-13, displaying high playmaking skills. While he lacks goals, he shoots at a very respectable 15.79%. If I were the coach, I'd definitely be asking this young rookie to keep taking shots as he has just 19 shots on goal. Athanasios on the other hand, is showing signs of being a very good sniper - filling in the role he was tasked to fill when he joined the team. With 5 goals and 4 assists, and 4 goals in his last 6 games, Athanasios is beginning to find his groove and could take on a larger role on the team. Charlesworth rounds out the top 3, with 1 goal and 7 assists. While Charlesworth at a glance appears to be a playmaker as well, the stats show that he's been putting plenty of shots on goal. They're just not finding the back of the net, as he shoots a dismal 2.63%. While the young center is getting through a funk, he is still playing responsible hockey and has plenty of potential. Rose, Trudeau, and Sokolov simply don't have enough icetime to derive logical conclusions or descriptors of their play, so they're almost a wild card that the 'Zerkers possess for next season - with the trio being developed quietly in the shadows, waiting to be unleashed next season. 

The two defensemen are playing very similar styles of hockey offensively, as Brooks has a 1-5-6, and Okamato sports a 2-3-5. Considering this duo is getting 3rd pairing time, it's still a very respectable stat-line. The two have work to do with puck movement, as Okamato has 25 giveaways to only 8 takeaways. He's definitely a riskier and gutsier defenseman, and tries to make more happen offensively, while Brooks is more defensive, and almost a two-way defenseman with an almost even GV/TA differential. Both defensemen are sure to keep putting in the work in a sheltered role this season before stepping up into larger roles next season.

And last, we have Tim Allen Jr. And it's been a rough season for him, seeing action in 4 games and losing all 4, sporting a measly 0.847 SV%. But as with the young trio of wingers that don't see much action, this season is simply a time to dip your toes into the pool if you're Allen, and prepare on developing for a starting role, or at least a split-time role next season. 

Overall, the Newfoundland rookie class shows some fantastic promise, with a top trio of rookie wingers who are getting into the groove in the juniors. In time, it's fair to assume that Rose, Sokolov, and Trudeau will also join Athanasios, Kickz, and Charlesworth in the top 6 forward group, as they all show great potential on and off the ice. Brooks and Okamato will be locks for more ice time next season, but are doing well in a sheltered role this season. Allen is still young, and needs time to grow, but even he shows signs of being a very capable starter in the league.

Approved, +5 TPE @Spartan

[S72] - D - Cheeks Klapanen

Klapanen Update Thread

nice article man!

[S78] #14 C | Jon Garfield
[SMJHL] Regina Elk / Thunder Bay Walleye
[SHL] Buffalo Stampede | Prospect

[S58] #72 LD | Shion Okamoto
[SMJHL] Newfoundland Berserkers | Former Captain | S60, S62 Four Star Cup
[SHL] Chicago Syndicate | S64 Challenge Cup
[IIHF] Team Japan | S60 Gold

nice article man!

Thank you!

[S72] - D - Cheeks Klapanen

Klapanen Update Thread