This is my first article, just letting whoever grades this know :D
After a disappointing loss to Detroit and subsequent exit from the S34 playoffs, Montreal is now back and looking to be a top contender for the S35 Four Star Cup. Luckily losing only one player to the SHL, Montreal is back with many progressing young players and exciting rookies. The team will be looking for new players to step up into leadership roles as their alternate captain, Tim Elliott, moves up to play with New England. Losing Elliott is a tough loss to swallow for the team; especially with his history of playoff heroics, but Montreal has no worry that players will be able to step up and fill the gap left. Montreal managed to once again show that they are a team to be reckoned with, finishing 2nd overall in the preseason. Now a third of the way into the regular season, Montreal sits 5th in the standings, though with a game in hand on the 4 teams ahead, they need only a win to jump ahead to 3rd.
Key Players to Watch
Scotty Steele, the recent 8th overall pick in the SHL Entry Draft, looks to fill the role left behind by Elliott on the top line. The speedy two-way forward is one the most well-rounded wingers in the league, equally adept at creating offense for his team and stopping scoring chances generated by the opposition. He is being given every opportunity to show his talents this year, playing heavy even strength and special teams minutes. Steele has taken huge steps forward this season, especially offensively. Putting home 6 goals and 12 points, he is currently placing him 7th in league goal-scoring. Montreal was lucky to hang onto Steele for this season, though they may not be as lucky next year, as Minnesota will be looking for him to join them in the SHL.
Jack Hansen, another sophomore returning to Montreal this year, was the second Militia player taken in the last entry draft, going 21st overall to Toronto. Last season he proved to be a rookie sensation, tying for the rookie scoring lead with 37 points, while also making his way into the record books with a +/- of +39, good for 2nd-best since S25. Hansen has stepped into an even bigger role this year, moving up to top-pairing minutes, along with claiming the alternate captain spot left behind by Elliott. Currently averaging the 2nd most minutes in the league with over 23 per game, Hansen has showed his excellent all-around play so far in this regular season. In fact, at one point he was leading the league in scoring. He currently leads the league in assists with 11 in his 13 games played, adding 18 blocked shots to lead Montreal.
Thaddeus Prince, Montreal’s elite netminder, is participating in his 4th and final year in the SMJHL. Prince has been nothing short of spectacular for the Militia in his tenure; twice winning the Josef Heiss Award as the top goaltender in the SMJHL. Combining with rookie netminder Coren Volden, the two goaltenders led the preseason in combined shutouts, and Prince has continued his stellar play into this regular season. Back-stopping an every-improving lineup, Prince looks to end his SMJHL career with a bang as Montreal has the their sights set on the Four Star Cup.
Elias Lindstrom, the slick offensive forward from Sweden, is another Toronto draftee. Leading the Militia in scoring last season, Lindstrom’s offensive skillset was on full display. A smooth skater that could dangle in a phone booth, Lindstrom finished 2nd on the team with 12 goals in the preseason. Looking perhaps a bit snake-bitten so far in this regular season, with only 2 goals in 13 games, Lindstrom has not been the scoring machine he showed he could be the year prior. Nobody on Montreal is worried though, as Lindstrom is primed for a hot streak at any moment.
Newcomers
Coren Volden made a name for himself in the preseason, winning 7 of his 12 games. With a save percentage of .918 and a goals against average of 1.79, Volden did everything in his power to win the games he started. Arguably the best backup in the league, Volden will be an important piece for Montreal moving forward, as he is expected to step into the starting role with the departure of Prince next season. Look for Volden to play more games than the average backup this season, as he has proven that he can play lights out.
Luisa Koller, Montreal’s first pick in the past SMJHL Entry Draft, has started off the year already playing on the top pairing. The solid two-way defenseman looks to have no real weaknesses, and has shown he is perfectly capable of playing against top-line competition. Look for Koller to improve greatly as the year goes on, as his usage will also increase.
Gilfred Alfredsson is another defenseman taken in the Entry Draft that looks to bolster Montreal’s blueline. Don’t let his height fool you, this defensive defenseman is already one of the strongest players in the league. Alfredsson slots into Montreal’s second pairing, as well as already garnering top penalty kill time. Alfredsson currently sits 2nd on the team in blocked shots, with 15. He has also shown to be a physical monster, easily leading the team with 31 hits, good for 10th most in the league so far.
With tons of new exciting talent, the Militia are as hungry as ever for the Four Star Cup.
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