The St Louis Scarecrows might have lost their previous GM in JKortesi, but that didn't slow them down this past season. The Scarecrows finished second overall in the standings, boasting a record of 31-18-1. Offense didn't seem to be an issue as they racked up a league leading 157 goals. Despite second-yeear netminder Billy Sorokin posting good numbers for a first-year starter, St Louis also allowed the most goals against in the SMJHL, but still somehow managed to have a positive goal differential. The St Louis faithful had their eyes on a different set of players going into this season, however, and that just so happened to be the Scarecrow's second line. The season started with Michael Fox centering Tyler Tougard and Gordie Boomhoover, though Gordie found his way onto the team's first line by the end of the season, with Fork Spoon taking over the absence on the second line. 

The St Louis faithful weren't the only ones with their eyes on that line. The management of the newly minted SHL expansion team New Orleans also had their eyes on that line, mainly on center Michael Fox. Fox, a second round pick of New Orleans in last season's SHL Entry Draft, was primed for a breakout year after spending the offseason working on skills that would help his transition to Center. New Orleans still plans on using him as a winger when he gets called up in a few seasons, but Fox only seemed to be worried about one thing last offseason: putting himself in a better position to help his current team succeed. After finding himself in the top-10 in SMJHL scoring in the preseason, it looked like Fox was going to do just that. 

Fox started the season slow, however, finding him and his linemates being outscored by the team's third and fourth lines. This didn't last long though, as Fox got hot at the right time, helping St Louis through their midseason tear that saw them win 17 games in a 20 game span. While finishing fourth on the team in terms of points, Fox set new career-high's in goals, assists, points, and the same for his special teams stats. However, Fox doesn't seem to be focused on those things. Instead, he finds himself focused yet again on getting St Louis back to the 4-Star Cup Finals. St Louis has a tough road ahead of them to get back to the finals, but everyone on the roster seems to be on the same page: take things one game at a time, don't look ahead. While not the prettiest of mantras, they've followed it to the T the past two seasons and found themselves on the top for both. St Louis looks to become only the second team in SMJHL history to win three 4-Star Cups in a row, following in Kelowna's footsteps from seasons 40-42. At the center of their playoff run will be Michael Fox, and he seems ready for the challenge. 

We managed to snag an interview with Michael Fox after the conclusion of the regular season.

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Tripp Forslund: Congrats on making it through your second season in the SMJHL, Michael. How does it feel?
Michael Fox: "Thanks, Tripp. Honestly, it felt like this season went by a lot faster than last season did. I mean, its nice, but at the same time I kind of wish it had taken a little longer. Right now though, I'm trying to watch as much film as I can to prepare for whoever we face in the first round."

TF: You started the season slower than a lot of people anticipated. You were handed your first Game Misconduct in the preseason and then you were a part of a line brawl against Colorado in the regular season. Was something bothering you mentally that set things back a little to start?
MF: "If it were anyone else asking me this question I'd probably brush it off. Unfortunately, I had some person things going on there in the beginning of the season. I don't know what got into me when I got tossed in the preseason, I thought that would be enough of a wake up call but I think it might have made things worse. As for the Colorado fight, Michael Scarn and Basil Magnicotta started fighting away from the puck, I didn't see what happened but Basil isn't one to start a fight for no reason. Nick Brain cross checked Basil, I don't know how the refs didn't see it, but I'm not about to let someone mess with my team and get away with it, not with a cheap shot like that. While I had some personal shit going on, that didn't play a part in that fight in my mind. I was just trying to stick up for my team. I ended the preseason on a cold streak and then started the regular season ice cold. I started slipping a bit but after a talk with a few close teammates and friends, I got back on track and, well, we see how our season ended and that's what matters."

TF: Do you think you'll see yourself in the box for fighting more often in the future?
MF: *chuckles* "Probably not, at least I hope not. I don't know how I didn't lose that fight, but as long as no one f---s with my teammates like that then I won't have a reason or desire to fight."

TF: How has it felt playing center this season after playing wing for so long?
MF: "Honestly, it felt a little weird to start, but I've gotten used to it throughout the season. I wouldn't mind staying at center but I know New Orleans has plans for me on the wing. Right now though, I'm focused on playoffs and making sure I play the best I can at the position I'm at."

TF: Well I'l let you get back to gearing up for the playoff run. Good luck Michael!
MF: "Thanks Tripp."