As the page turns on another season in the SMJHL, the talk of the latest and greatest newcomers looking to break into the SHL begins to ramp to a fever pitch. From league offices to dive bars, owners, coaches, and fans revel in the excitement of who may declare, what types of players may be available, and if any of these youngsters have what it takes to elevate a team from a contender to a Four Star Cup Champion.

As of today, twenty-four youngsters have made the bold step of signing with an agent and declaring for the S48 SMJHL Draft. Although it is far too early to tell who might be the most prized prospect in this pool, we can definitely begin to see what kinds of players will be available to GMs this year. These numbers are subject to change as more players declare in the coming weeks.

S48 will include a slew of forwards, with seventeen declaring as a center or winger. What is most telling is that this is a shoot-first group: eleven of the seventeen available skaters have invested significant time and resources into their shooting. It looks like the junior net minders will have their gloves full when this crop of skaters enter the league this season.

It is an anything goes free-for-all when it comes to predicting which defensemen will shine in this group of prospects. With only four players declaring for blue-line responsibilities, teams in need of defenders will need to act quickly if they wish to call for reinforcements for the upcoming season. However, with only one player hiring an agent with prior Challenge Cup experience, the race is wide open for new player-agents to make their mark and improve their draft stock for the SHLs S49 Entry Draft.

[304 words]

Whoops. Ignore the typo in the title.

Get hyped for our draft class!

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Bane - Defense - Nevada Battleborn - 345 TPE
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Birthplace: London, UK
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 225 lbs
Number: 3
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SMJHL Regular Season Statistics:
S55:
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Transactions and Awards:
Drafted 54th overall by the Nevada Battleborn in the S55 SMJHL Draft

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