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NoNerves · 08-01-2015, 05:35 PM

S23 ended in controversy, with GM Yousuf finding himself on the hot seat around the league for tampering, bringing in a player illegally. That made the Whalers, the picture of cheating too many new members. Many did not feel comfortable joining via draft, this lead to the league removing Yousuf from his position.

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Fast forward and GM Kit is named,along with Co-GM JHS. Kit was seen as an odd choice, and it quickly became another shit storm. Kit was seen never doing his duties, and rather partying. JHS was panicking, he had very little time before the draft to scout. The head scout had already handed his notes over to GM Kit, who ended up not even showing up. Putting JHS is an awkward place, with little to no knowledge of the draft class later on. He did his best to draft talent he felt would be great assets. He had a rather hit or miss draft, landing guys like Hoover, Allen, and Durden in any draft other than this would be considered a good haul; However given the depth of the draft and the missing being bad ones, it became a so-so draft.

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Not long after the Whalers draft Kit was removed from duty, forcing JHS to step into the role unprepared. That did not seem to faze him for those who did not see behind the scene. The Whalers went on to a perfect preseason, but controversy once again showed its ugly head. It became public knowledge that star defender D'Mour and JHS were butting heads. The feud got rather bad, as it showed JHS inexperience as a GM. Later that week D'Mour was sent to rival Knights for a first a 4th and defender Jakitis. The Whalers fans were furious,calling once again for the head of another GM. Things looked bad in Vancouver who is one of the best franchises in the SMJHL; However it seems JHS finally got something right when he brought in Originsz who was an experienced GM to help guide him. Things calmed down in Vancouver after that, but it would not be for long.

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[Image: 2818.canucks_5jeff_vinnicknhliviag1.jpg]

The season started off rather poor, but fans held out hope that the team would turn things around. The critics, however called the team a travesty and nothing without D'Mour on the back end. The season continued down the path, the Whalers looking more and more like a pretender than a contender. Most expected the Whalers to start selling off assets. The Whalers management was not done, they went on to sign defenders Volchenkov, and Pirozkhov. They also made a trade to land Crawford. Take these three and combined them with Uptuck, and Gibbs the Whalers finally felt they had a shot.They did not expect the development curve for all 3 guys.

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Continuing to struggle as the trade deadline approached, the Whalers instead of selling off added shut down center Marshall. They needed a PK center, and Marshall stepped in and helped fill that void. The learning curve seemed less for Marshall, and around the same time everyone seemed to just find their groove. The Whalers ended up catching fire, and almost caught up to the Prince George Firebirds for second in the west. They finished the season on a high note, and it had the fans believing they could do some damage.

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[Image: Weird-vancouver-canucks-1908605-500-382.jpg]

The first round was against the team the Whalers have made short work off for 4 seasons in a row. The Prince George Firebirds, this years edition however is probably one of the strongest squads they had in recent memory. The Whalers did not take them lightly, the series was a tough one that saw the Whalers emerge on top in 6 games. MVP of the series was Bure who with Durden, and Allen formed a deadly line that had helped turn the season around.

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The second round was against long hated rivals, the Kelowna Knights. They had the Whalers number until last season. Most on the Knights believe Mann was a key player in why they lost last year. A signature was made mocking the Whalers and its GM, it was only used as a motivational tool for the Whalers players. Many even used it and carried the sign around with pride, the Whalers with all the motivation they needed handed the Knights their golf clubs. Handling them much easier than the Firebirds, as they downed the Knights in 5 games. MVP of the Series is Mczherl, who seemed to be the most motivated player to hand the Knights a series L.

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The Whalers had made it once again, this time they would battle the upstart Impact. Both teams had been the worst in their respective divisions, but battled against the odds to make the finals. This was the most exciting series, of the 3 for the Whalers. Each and every game was a battle, it had hearts racing many games making overtime. The Whalers took 6 games to dispose of the Impact, it took a heart racing come from behind overtime win in game 6. The Whalers were in shock on the bench as they captured the coveted four star cup. The series was an exciting one for everyone. Vancouver didn't riot, they actually celebrated for once the refs were on their side. MVP Bure, it was a close one this series between him and Mczherl; however the hat trick that helped the Whalers win game 3 pushed him over the top.

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The season was a crazy one for everyone on the Whalers, but it was seen as a great learning experience for the rookies. It helped build character, and will hopefully teach them how to handle thing when they get drafted into the SHL.