Although we are only halfway into the S24 SMJHL season, we can already start to see glimmers and consistent production by some of the very best players from the draft class. Forwards, defenseman, and goalies of the rookie squad have all pushed one another hard to earn a spot in the prestigious rookie versus send-downs game, but of course, only one player per a position can be awarded these special positions. Without further delay, I unveil to you my lineup of the S24 SMJHL rookies, who will face the send-downs and draftees of previous season. It of course all starts with….

Center- Evandrus Jesster :impact:

My arch rival, but also someone I respect immensely and have grown to be able to call my friend. Jesster and I are currently in a battle to see who will go first overall in the upcoming SHL draft, and who will lead the rookies in the SMJHL this season in points. Thus far, Jesster has bested me in points by a small clip, and will lead to an epic scoring battle through the second half of the season. He is simply a dynamic offensive center, who can both score and pass at a very high rate. There is not a better rookie center to guide this team right now.

Right Wind- Michael Burch

Perhaps a surprise pick to many, but the 1st overall pick in the S24 SMJHL draft Robb Wind, is too busy at a Game of Thrones cosplay to join this game. Michael Burch leads all Falcons rookies in points, with six goals and eleven assists, for a total of seventeen points in twenty-nine games for the Falcons. That is very impressive, and he also has a plus-minus stat of positive six, which shows that he is also playing well on the defensive side of the ice too.

Left Wing- Zack Hoover

Hoover has been a stud, and a cog in the Whalers offense since he was drafted by the
team with their first round selection in the S24 SMJHL draft. In thirty games for the Whalers, Hoover has managed to score ten goals and be credited for eleven assists, for a total of twenty-one points on the season, which is the sixth most among the rookie draft class.

Defenseman- John Matthews

Expecting someone else to be one of the two defenseman on this team? Matthews has been the best offensive defenseman of this class. In thirty games for the Scarecrows, Matthews has managed to score four goals, and be credited for a whopping nineteen assists, for a total of twenty-three points, good for fourth among rookies; he is instrumental in the Scarecrows’ success.

Defenseman- Maria Maximova

Another really good offensive defenseman in this class is Maximova of the Knights, who is putting up very good numbers for the Whalers. In thirty games for the club, Maximova has managed to score six goals and be credited for thirteen assists, for a total of nineteen points, which is tied for eighth among rookies.

Goalie- Austin Lemieux

There really is no other choice, Lemieux has been highly respectable as a goalie for the Falcons, by leading all goalies in the class in TPE, and producing well for the Falcons, enough that they are playing very well in a tougher conference. He will most likely be the best goalie from this class.

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