<div align="center">Scarecrow Rookies

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The Saint Louis Scarecrows had a lot of holes to fill in their roster this offseason and not enough draft picks. Then managers Ryan King and Mr. Allen were active and persistent in the pursuit of free agents who made themselves available after the draft had passed. Between these signings and the picks the Scarecrows did make they added six rookies. This is the story of their seasons.

Casey Holmes – Starting Goalie – 3rd Overall

A man who has not received much attention this season was the starting goalie of the Scarecrows Casey Holmes. The third overall pick is represented by the respectable Brandon agency which has produced a number of quality players, including a Hall of Famer, and is heavily involved with the management of the Buffalo Stampede franchise.

GP: 42 W: 18 L: 18 OTL: 5 SV%: .872 GAA: 3.21 SO: 4

The 6’3’’ 185lbs Holmes had a disappointing season overall and had a hard time competing with opposing goaltenders, finishing 8th in SV% and GAA. Despite this he did make progress as the season went on and is expected to have a much stronger sophomore seasons, goalies always take time to develop.

Dos Diablo – Top Six Winger – Free Agent

The Saint Louis Scarecrows are sure happy that winger Dos Diablo chose to sign with their franchise. A new face to the SMJHL Dos Diablo quickly became a key weapon for the team, as his numbers show. He finished 9th in the league for Goals, 3rd for GWG and 3rd in rookie scoring.

GP: 50 G: 18 A: 19 P: 37 +/-: 11 PIM: 20 HITS: 51

Diablo is a well-rounded player who consistently contributes all game, focusing his game around his strong shot. While the 6’0’’ 187 lbs winger is strong and in good physical shape he is not a physical player but does play a decent two way game for a rookie.

Harry Hans – Top Six Winger – 17th Overall

Harry Hans was a solid pick at 17th overall, finishing the season 4th in rookie scoring and being a huge minute eater for the team playing the 8th most minutes in the league. He also became a bit of a breakaway sensation scoring on three penalty shots over the season.

GP: 50 G: 12 A: 18 P: 30 +/-: 8 PIM: 14 HITS: 44

Similar in frame to Diablo Hans comes in at 6’1’’ and 181 lbs. Again like Diablo he focuses his game around a solid shot and does not play a physical game. What differentiates Hans is his strong on the puck skills which have helped him draw plenty of penalties, note the number of penalty shots he has successfully taken.

Sebastian Strange – Top Six Winger – Free Agent

Sebastian Strange was yet another great free agent signing by the Scarecrows. Strange has quickly developed into a leader in the room and a likely candidate for the captaincy in years to come. Strange finished the season 5th in rookie scoring and had a ridiculous 17% shooting percentage which put him 3rd in the league.

GP: 50 G: 15 A: 12 P: 27 +/-: 8 PIM: 14 HITS: 37

Strange is the third sniper on this list of rookies but basis his game more on speed. Overall Strange is in good shape and is does not neglect his defensive responsibilities but like the other men on the list does not play physical… despite his 6’2’’ 210 lbs frame.

Michael McHale – Bottom Six Winger – Free Agent

Michael McHale comes from an agency which does not have the best reputation for turning out SHL level talent. McHale had a burst of initial enthusiasm but it seems to have dwindled over time compared to his fellow rookies. He finished 8th in rookie scoring.

GP: 50 G: 10 A: 14 P: 24 +/-: 11 PIM: 18 HITS: 41

The big 6’2’’ 205lbs McHale is the only pass first player on the list and continues the themes of being in good shape but bringing no physicality. Time will tell if McHale continues to develop into a well rounded player.

Gustav-Hans Mohrs – Bottom Pairing Defenseman – 27th Overall

Gustav Mohrs came over from Dessau, Germany with the support of future hall of famer Chris McZehrl but did not bring along any of the talent or motivation. Mohrs has drifted through the season without any acclaim to speak of.

GP: 50 G: 3 A: 19 P: 22 +/-: 6 PIM: 48 HITS: 79

Mohrs did bring a desperately needed level of physicality and was respectable in his own. He was not a complete liability when the puck was on his stick but it is surprising he managed to score three goals given the lack of aim or strength behind his shot.

Ty Justice – Second Pairing Defenseman – Free Agent

Ty Justice was a late season addition to the Scarecrows but has made rapid progress. The Edmonton native was brought onto the squad at the insistence of the previously profiled Harry Hans and has found his spot on the Crows blue line.

GP: 3 G: 0 A: 1 P: 1 +/-: 3 PIM: 6 HITS: 7

Justice is a physical defenseman but has yet to develop the rest of his game. He is weak on the puck and needs to spend more time in the gym and should look to improve defensively; though his weak puck control is covered by a decent one touch pass. Overall Justice needs some time to mature into a top pairing defenseman but this is to be expected for a player who has only played three games.

Conclusion:
The Saint Louis Scarecrows had a lot of work to do before the season started and luckily they were able to pull together a strong crop of rookies through the draft and by presenting free agents with the right incentives to sign with the team. Without the addition of talents like Diablo, Strange and Hans the crows would have been a bottom feeder in what turned out to be a very strong western conference.

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