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JSS331 · 11-03-2020, 09:50 AM

Season 56 was a great success for the Hamilton Steelhawks. It started before the puck was dropped in the first game with a series of off season moves that can only be described as masterful by the brain trust in the front office of Hamilton. Once the season started proper, it was clear from the word go, that this Hamilton team was destined for great things.

Looking at the trades and moves before the season started it was a masterclass in how to use the cap and make the most of situations. First they were able to clear $2.5M in cap space by trading their back up goalie which would become important later. They also traded two second round picks in S57 and S58 for Ray Bork as a stop gap to replace Tig. Next, with the signing of goldenglutes as the assistant GM of the Atlanta Inferno, they extracted a ton of value from them in the required trade to move him to that team. Receiving a future third round pick, the 4th overall pick, and defenseman Guy O'Shea, who in this writers opinion is an absolute stud. Atlanta also retained $1M of Guy O'Shea's contract which would again make some other moves available to them later.

They made a quick trade for the 10th overall pick and their first round pick in S57 in exchange for the 4th overall. Definitely a smooth move to move back six spots and grab two first round picks in exchange. The biggest move (other than trading for Guy O'Shea of course) came when they signed stud forward, Theo Morgan, who would go on to have a huge season for the team in S56. Another huge move was deciding to extend an offer sheet to Bork Lazer which would cost them a first round draft pick the next season which they had just acquired back in a previous trade. A true master at his craft, Hallsy was playing chess while the rest of these guys were playing checkers.

There were some other moves including a huge contract for Michael Scarn who would put a solid 55 point season as well as locking up Nour for a couple seasons. There were many other small moves made as well that would have future benefits for the team.

Once the season started, it took a long time before Hamilton would even lose in OT, let alone in regulation. At one point it seemed like they should just call the slaughter rule and hand Ham the trophy right then and there. But things wouldn't always be smooth. About midway through the seasons, they would have some sims where they would not win a game which only fueled them for their run down the stretch to an amazing 86 points, most since the switch to the new sim engine. They came just four goals short of setting the scoring record for a season. Their goal differential of +137 is the best ever in the new sim era. They also had the fewest losses in regulation, four, in the new sim era. A truly amazing feat.

In looking at individual achievements, it is no surprise that Hamilton players lead the league in many categories. Theo Morgan justified the signing in the offseason by putting up incredible numbers and leading the league in goals with 43 as well as points at 82 (12 more than second place). Another move that was justified is the signing of Michael Scarn who led the league in assists with 42. That line was massive this year overall and it is no surprise that the numbers are so strong. If we look at plus minus, Jax Duggan led the league for Hamilton at +47 with Dick Clapper and Dale Miller at +46, tied for second. Points for defenseman, Guy O'Shea came out of nowhere to finish tied for 5th, just seven points behind Guy Zheng. Samuel Michaud finished third in the league for defense in assists.

The stats are unbelievable as you would expect from such a powerhouse team. Now on to the playoffs where Hamilton hopes to achieve their overall goal of adding another championship trophy to the franchise's trophy case. They have had a tough time so far with Atlanta but they will make some adjustments and stop giving up so many goals each game. While it may take a few more games than expected, the massive shot differential in their favor should ultimately work in their favor. The random number generator in the sim should balance everything out in the end but crazier things have happened. The team is focused and will get after it today in their two games on the schedule.

Code:
781 words +research

***golden_apricot*** · 11-03-2020, 11:28 AM

nour · 11-03-2020, 12:13 PM

**First GM in SMJHL history to win 3 Four Star Cups back-to-back-to-back**

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