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As the SMJHL season nears the fourty-game mark, the sample size for games played reaches real significance for performance changes over time. At the beginning of the season, the Halifax Raiders struggled mightily. They couldn't score goals, they couldn't block shots, and they were getting rolled over by more physically experienced players. This was to be expected; the leadership in Halifax was openly vocal about taking their team through a traditional burn-it-down rebuild. Part of a rebuild is playing mostly rookies with a few veteran players, so a rough season was expected. However, the rookies have started to adjust to the play of the league, and their record is beginning to show it. The rookies look more confident on the ice, they're starting to score, and special teams are waking up. Defenses tighten their play, goalies adjust their angles, and teams have gelled together at this point.

It has become abundantly clear that a rebuild was the way to go for Halifax. Too few returning players would have forced the team to rely on IFA players for short term success, which would've led to long term problems. If the Raiders commit to their rebuild, the influx of new rookies with the gluttony of returning veterans will lead Halifax to success for years to come.

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It's been an interesting year so far for the Halifax Raiders to say the least. If you asked anyone with a brain before this season started they would have projected the Raiders to be in last place. To be fair, it was pretty hard to put anyone below them due to the large number of rookies on the starting roster. I don't think it is surprising to see them in the bottom spot as we are nearing the close of the season, but even from last place Halifax players are making a name for them self across the league. Their top 6 up front, and 3 of the top 4 defencemen are all rookies. Keeping in mind that despite the lack of a veteran presence in the top 2 lines (forwards and Defense) its pretty great what the Raiders have been able to accomplish. Yes, they are in last place.. Yes they have a terrible win rate.. and yes they have a pretty horrendous goal differential.. but what they do have.. is a bright future. Through most of the season Yuri Boyka Jr, Bar Downski, Cody Fletcher and Lukas Muller have made up 4 of the top 10 rookies in overall scoring. Dwane "The Twane" Wyder has been at the top of the league, and is currently leading the league in hits. Lukas Muller and Trucker Grogan are among the leagues best shot blockers this season. It will certainly be fun to see how the Raiders perform next year as they build on the strong core they are starting to build.

Lets go Raiders!

So far this season, the Detroit Falcons have been average, but have been doing better than expected by most, holding a playoff spot 40 games into the season. We started decently slow but as other teams struggled we took advantage and zoomed up towards the top seeds, but lately we have struggled. Currently we are 20-18-3, holding 5th place in the league, but only 3 points behind 3rd and 4 points above 7th, meaning we could go from holding a top seed to not even being in the playoffs very quickly, but considering our recent struggles, being 4-6-0 in our last 10. St. Louis is just clicking in all facets of our game right now. The Detroit Falcons' main issue is that they do not really have a star man, but to compensate they have quite strong depth and no group of players stand out above another. While most teams have some strong top lines, we struggle to match their ability at the top end, but our rookies and bottom 6 guys are much better than most teams and we've been able to play everyone around the same amount and dominate lower lines this season. The Falcons don't have the privilege of having a near secured playoff spot, but if we play the way we know we can, we can get there in no time.

Grindle Waters-Johnson || LW || Great Falls Grizzlies || 241 TPE
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 210 lbs
Birthplace: Rimouski, Japan

Transactions
S78: Drafted by Great Falls Grizzlies with the 5th overall pick in S78 SMJHL Entry Draft
S78: Signed to a 5m rookie contract by the Great Falls Grizzlies

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