(4,500 words - READY TO GRADE)

It's no secret that many of the usual suspects many would find crossing their minds for a top fantasy pick, top players and the face of the franchise is changing. With many of the long time great players from the eras of S20-25 all beginning to dwindle a little with their regression setting in, the stage is set and starting to open for the "Next wave" of star players. So if you have been living under a rock, or just plain haven't been paying attention at all, lets me educate you on some of the players you need to be keeping you eyes on. Now I will state their is no goalies being directly covered because well, most of the ones who would make such a list already have the notice they deserve because they are already their teams starters.

Timo Haas
Gerogette Pel
Jeff Kirkstone
Kyle Wahlgren :admirals:
Jason Aittkallio

Their secrets are already out so there is no real reason to have to point those gems out. What we will be covering is essentially a 3 season range (S30-32) and the real prominent rising stars who might because a true household name sooner than later when people mention top performers, trophies and straight recognition



Hamilton Steelhawks

(S30) Ben Dover - 1358 TPE - OFF D - Hamilton Steelhawks
<a href='index.php?showuser=283' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-13'>ThatDamnMcJesus</a>
Notable Strengths - DF: 99 - SC:99 - ST: 90 - SK: 90 - EN: 90 - PH: 90
Weaknesses (80 or Below) - CK: 58
- A Defenseman who is now past the half way point of his non regression years, Dover has been an absolute staple on the Steelhawks blueline since he broke into the league. Not really much of a secret anymore, Dover is looking to carve a name for himself around the league when people think of top tier D men. Looking every bit as a franchise D man for the Steelhawks, it's safe to say this player will be a long standing member of the teams blue line, and although still has some rough years ahead, he can hopefully lead them to more positive times, and start to really shine as the team begins to build around him. One can only hope it will be before his talent is wasted.

(S31) Ronnie Westbrook - 1007 TPE - PLY - Hamilton Steelhawks
<a href='index.php?showuser=2261' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-13'>Gooney</a>
Notable Strengths - PA: 93 - SK: 87 - ST: 85 - FO: 85 - DF: 87 - PH: 85
Weaknesses (80 or Below) - CK: 40 - SC: 80 - EN: 80
- Not as crazy of TPE levels as some others on this list Westbrook should not be over looked in the slightest. He has a bit of an up and down ride so far for the Steelhawks but has still been a steady hand amongst all the chaos that has surrounded the team at times. Leading the charge on forward now, Westbrook will have to lead now and show those coming to the pro level what it takes to play at the SHL level and form the identity of the Steelhawks if they hope to become a coherent unit that will breed success in the future. Despite the less than ideal circumstances currently, Westbrook should have a solid career as he will be THE GUY for seasons to come.




Manhattan Rage

(S31) Ace Redding - 1280 TPE - PWF - Manhattan Rage
<a href='index.php?showuser=31' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-66'>grimreaper</a>
Notable Strengths - SK: 93 - EN: 90 - PH: 90 - PA: 86 - SC: 97 - DF: 90
Weaknesses (80 or Below) - FO: 71 - CK: 80 (but not really)
Not really a 'secret' or a 'surprise' anymore, Redding broke out huge last season to firmly put his name on the the SHL radar. I don't think he really needs to extra 1-up here, but again in case you weren't paying attention last year....Redding is here. A power forward who can bring the offense and the physical play (something that seems to be dying in the SHL for forwards builds), he is a wrecking ball with little to stop him. Most likely many peoples top Fantasy picks, and one of the new wave players already 'here', Redding will be one of the 1st of this pack to make a big bang. Look for him to solidify himself as a Rage franchise player as long as he stays, and be one the first names off the tongue when you talk about the S31 class.

(S32) Luke Atmey - 1126 TPE - Manhattan Rage
<a href='index.php?showuser=701' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-63'>Velevra</a>
Notable Strengths - SC: 99 - PA: 90 - PH: 92 - SK: 91 - DF: 90
Weaknesses (80 or Below) - CK: 48 - ST: 73
A player who I feel hasn't got nearly enough praise after the last season he had. Playing on a less than stellar Steelhawks squad Atmey was able to put up 56 pts (with 26 being goals) good for 1st on the team, and 12 points ahead of the next closest player. Now that he is on the high powered and offensive Rage? Well this season could be a nice one up front for Manhattan. A shoot first mentality might prove to be a bit of a mixed bag with the Rage sporting a few players with that mentality, but all signs still point to Atmey keeping pace with what he has been able to accomplish so far, and should start to really carve out a name for himself in S36.




Minnesota Chiefs

(S32) Terrance Nova - 1088 TPE - SNP - Minnesota Chiefs
<a href='index.php?showuser=5' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-66'>sarmo</a>
Notable Strengths - SC: 96 - SK: 85 - PH: 92 - DF: 89 - PA: 88
Weaknesses (80 or Below) - CK: 40
On a roster that still sports some top end talent, Nova is still looking rather lonely for the 'next wave' for the Chiefs. It's not to say they don't have any promising prospects, but with the gap between Nova's growth and the rest of the pack behind him, he will be the main man upfront moving forward. WIth LPF aging a bit, Nova will be expected to handle the kings share of the word load here soon. The chiefs still have time to help build around him, but the window and timing might be just a bit off. Regardless Nova will be the leading man in Minnesota for seasons to come, and most likely take over the reigns as their leading scorer sooner than many might think. The face of the franchise moving forward easily, he still will have to wait a bit for the likes of LPF - Garbanzo and Andersson before the title is his.




New England Wolfpack

(S31) Toivo Kosonen - 1174 TPE - OFF D - New England Wolfpack
<a href='index.php?showuser=2309' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-13'>Toivo</a>
Notable Strengths - EN: 90 - PA: 88 - SK: 90 - DF: 95 - SC: 98 - PH: 90
Weaknesses (80 or Below) - ST: 78 - CK: 44
The heir apparent to Clayton, Kosonen has all the tools to lead the Wolfpack offensively from the back end. Probably the best supporting cast positionally, Kosonen will not be expected to be the direct leader anytime soon, but his potential should not be ignored. The only defenseman who is S31 or young on the roster, and almost 1200 TPE to boot has him looking very solid in the long term and when matched up with Landvik and Clayton, gives the Wolfpack a 3 headed monster on Defense that many teams could only wish for. The addition of Crutchfield makes their top 4 potentially tops in the league (Texas might have a word about that), and with an already stacked Wolfpack roster, they are poised to the favourites as we head into S36. Kosonen might have to wait another 3+ seasons to really be that #1 on the d line, but take notice now, so your not surprised later.




Toronto North Stars

(S31) Reed Laing - 1055 TPE - PWF - Toronto North Stars
<a href='index.php?showuser=32' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>GroupMeIsKindOfOkay</a>
Notable Strengths - SK: 90 - SC: 94 - EN: 90 - PH: 90 - PA: 87 - DF: 87
Weaknesses (80 or Below) - CK: 80 (again, but not really) - ST:40
Most likely the biggest direct competition to Redding for the role of top upcoming Power forward, Laing is coming fresh off her first Challenge Cup win. Having the complete package of scoring and physical play, you might see this name taken earlier and earlier in all the fantasy draft, and the name pop up in the conversations about top forwards across the league. Surrounded by less than favourable talks at times, this forward has taken it all in stride and keeps showing many people why she is one of the top forwards progressing in the SHL. Time will tell how high those highs are, but currently the projection of Laing is looking solid.




West Kendall Platoon

(S31) Pietra Volkova - 1260 TPE - SNP - West Kendall Platoon
<a href='index.php?showuser=2238' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-59'>Pris</a>
Notable Strengths - SC: 99 - SK: 90 - ST: 89 - EN: 86 - PH: 89 - PA: 85 - DF: 90
Weaknesses (80 or Below) - CK: 67
One of the few forwards to have above 60 checking, Volkova might start to really sneak up on many fantasy managers as a solid late round pick. Hitting for the next generation seems to be something lost in the masses with everyone wanting to snipe ched all day long, but "Goonkova" has never had a problem playing her game with that slight physical edge. The 1st overall pick of the S31 draft, she has seen her fair share of criticism and has had a rather slow start to her SHL career. With the conclusion of the S35 season she started to really shut some of the critics up. Putting up 36 points, and showing her ability to play a sound physical game without letting the PIM's get away from her, she has started to really make some strides. I feel like S36 will be her true coming out party as the West Kendall roster has really begun to develop and mesh finally.

(S31) Alex Light - 1179 TPE - SNP - West Kendall Platoon
<a href='index.php?showuser=2325' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-69'>Zoone16</a>
Notable Strengths - SK: 91 - ST: 85 - PA: 88 - SC: 99 - EN: 89 - PH: 84 - DF: 90
Weaknesses (80 or Below) - CK: 49
The SMJHL scoring phenom enters S36 still looking for that break out season. Still yet to crack that 30 point mark something will have to give at some point here soon. Being shuffled around the line up last season trying to get him going couldn't get this player started and now really hitting his prime it's time to really start to cash in. West Kendall can only hope he can replicate what he did in Kelowna finally and this season is the time to do it. I don't expect and EXPLOSION of offense from Light, but this is the season he starts to truly make a name for himself and move up the list of names to notice and talk about across the league for top forwards in the SHL.




Buffalo Stampede

(S31) Ludwig Koch Schroder - 1394 TPE - OFF D - Buffalo Stampede
@Myself
Notable Strengths - SC: 99 - ST: 86 - SK: 88 - PA: 85 - EN: 90 - PH: 99 - DF: 99
Weaknesses (80 or Below) - CK: 48
The leader of the pack when it comes to TPE for defenseman in his class, and clutching to many of the stats to lead the pack (but just barely) LKS has all the tools to be an effective defenseman. Lacking a bit on the physical side he is not one to play the game to physically, but has very sound positioning and rarely gives the puck up. Posting x2 - 30 pt seasons already he is looking like the PP quarterback many teams look to have, mixed with his shot blocking ability, he is starting to look like an effective TWD with an offensive flair. S36 should be a statement season for the Defenseman as to how high he can really go. Will he be a solid 35 pt D man who can eat up top end minutes? Or will he put himself in the talks with the likes of Wollker, Garbanzo, Clayton, Nuck, etc. One thing is certain for this D man, he wants to be in the talks for the stevens sooner than later. With FA looming again for this D man, many are asking will he re sign and keep his spot as Buffalos #1 D man beside Metzler like many expect or legitimately test it? Being Catfished last time around many GM's are more than likely sceptical and don't expect a thing.

(S31) Alexis Metzler - 1238 TPE - TWD D - Buffalo Stampede
<a href='index.php?showuser=2271' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-56'>Avakael</a>
Notable Strengths - SK: 85 - ST: 88 - EN: 87 - PH: 90 - PA: 91 - SC: 81 - DF: 99
Weaknesses (80 or Below) - CK: 70
One of the true TWD of the this article, Metzler is looking like the type of piece many teams would love to have. Being a more physical D man than most is something that is attractive for teams looking for that perfect pair for their shoot 1st D men, and lucky for Buffalo they have the match for Metzler. Really making some MASSIVE strides this season, Metzler has already vaulted himself into the talks of AT LEAST top 15-20 D men league wide, and is starting to make some noise for himself. With the Buffalo team improving across the board Metzler will only get better and prove his worth more. Metzler arriving via trade, looks better and better when weighing that value now, and could easily surpass LKS as Buffalo true #1 D man. Mabye ultimately not putting up the Offensive numbers LKS is expected too, the sheer value Metzler offers might just easily out weigh that when it's all said and done (Think Vlasic's worth to San Jose).