TASK ONE: Pick either of the teams currently in the finals. Which player had to overcome the most adversity to get where they are at now? What did they have to endure before finally getting their crack at the Cup? Must be 150 words and include two specific situations that player experienced en-route to the Cup finals, whether this season or at some point during their career.

The player I think who has gone through the most adversity to reach where he is at right now is undoubtedly Manhattan Rage forward Luke Atmey. Atmey was originally drafted by the Hamilton Steelhawks 2nd overall in the S32 SHL Entry Draft. However not long after, the Steelhawks claimed that Atmey was a cancer to the team that had no future with the organization and unceremoniously shipped him to the Manhattan Rage along with a second round pick in exchange for a first round pick.

Upon his arrival in Manhattan, Atmey was expected to fill the scoring void left by the departure of VLAD McZehrl. This was no small feat but was a lot to expect of a young player who had just been traded. Lastly Atmey faced controversy this season. After a poor preseason showing he was demoted to the second line. Atmey has had his second worst season is his career (other than his rookie season. Despite this he has put up a strong performance to lead the Rage to the finals!


TASK TWO: Who is your choice for the unsung hero of the S38 playoffs up to this point? Must be at least 150 words and include at least two statistics in support.

The Manhattan Rage have really got to this point in the SHL finals due to a team effort. While it is easy to talk about Jason Aittokallio 93.6 save percentage or Luke Atmey’s 13 points in 14 games, one player who has gone quietly under the radar is defenseman Hunky Monkey.

The Manhattan Rage blueline has some big names who have had big performances. The big 3 of Wollker, Windsor, and Nuck have 13, 11, and 9 points respectively. Hunky Monkey is only one point behind Nuck with 8 points and has been able to step up to give the Rage a very formidable top 4 this playoffs. Monkey also sits at a plus 4 plus/minus rating and has played a physical brand of hockey with 30 hits in 14 games. He also sacrificed his body plenty with 19 blocked shots. While his name may not be as well known as the other 3 Rage defenders, he has been equally as important thus far in the playoffs.

TASK FOUR: What rookies or young players are looking to make a name for themselves during the Finals? How have they contributed to the team on the way to the Finals? Must be at least 150 words, and include two statistics.

The Manhattan Rage have a number of young players who are looking to make a name for themselves in their first ever playoff appearance!

Luke Atmey makes his playoffs debut this season after missing the playoffs every season previously with the Hamilton Steelhawks and the Manhattan Rage. Atmey has quickly shown he is a playoff performer. He leads the Rage in goals with 6 and has 13 points in 14 games. A very impressive performance that will need to continue if the Rage hope to hoist the cup.

Atmey’s linemate Crossfit Jesus and Brett Kennedy are also making their SHL playoff debuts. Jesus has been a solid contributor with 3 goals and 2 assists thus far and has boosted a +5 rating. Kennedy has also been very solid with 6 points thus far and has been a menace physically dishing out 45 hits.

This young line for the Manhattan Rage has undoubtedly made a name for themselves with their playoff debut which bolds well for the future.

TASK SIX: You’re the coach of a team in the finals. What changes would you make to the roster, lines or strategies of the team to give the team a better chance at winning the series? Must be at least 150 words.

If I was the coach of the Manhattan Rage, I would make one key to change to the lineup that would ensure we would win the cup! Manhattan’s leading scorer Luke Atmey has been playing on the second line. This is obviously just silly! He should be playing on the first line as he is the team’s leading goal scorer, it is just logical. Also, he should be getting much more ice time. Atmey is currently averaging 21 minutes a game. That is 5th among Manhattan Rage forwards. In comparison, Calgary Dragons superstar Randy Randleman plays 25.5 minutes a game. This is more in the range of minutes that Atmey should be playing. This will obviously lead to more goals for the team. Lastly, I would also slightly increase the minutes of the third line. Colt, Razin, and Jones have been a plus 5 through the playoffs and have played well despite their limited role. I would give this line more of a chance to step up and shut down the top scorers of the Dragons.