Task 1:

The Colorado Raptors probably took the most unexpected and more difficult path to the 4 Star Cup Finals. After extensively trading at the deadline to move expiring contracts and players that were set to move up to the SHL next season, the Raptors were set to face off with their bitter playoff rivals, the Montreal Militia, in the first round. Perhaps stunningly, the Raptors rolled over the Militia in 5 games behind the stellar play of goaltender Scottey Crawfling. The second round against Detroit was much of the same. Scottey Crawfling standing on his head and putting together a dominating performance in a gritty, difficult series against the Detroit Falcons. Clutch performances and key goals from players such as Alexander Selich, Cassius Darrow and Kjell Spolander (this was the single most unexpected player who scored timely goals) and from deadline acquisitions Lillie Jacobs, Xavier Cross and Veikka Toivanen, the Raptors put together a dream run that sadly came up just short in the end.

Word Count: 166

Task 3:

Alex Winters' big highlight from this season was the final one. Every player in the SMJHL dreams of winning the 4 Star Cup during their time in the league, and Alex was lucky enough to earn that in his final game. Unfortunately for him, it came in a 4 game sweep over his former team: the Colorado Raptors. It was a bittersweet feeling for him to go through the handshake line at the end, wearing that Champions hat and seeing the faces of players and friends he had battled with for over half the season before he was traded. It was a tough series, closer than the sweep reflected. Alex hated that it had to be over his old team, but sometimes that's how the cards fall. That didn't stop him from lifting that Cup high above his head though, and that final team picture with the Cup will be on his mantle for all time. 


Word Count: 156

Task 4:

Sent

Task 8:

2. Which GM in the finals do you believe has the tactical/Managerial advantage and why?
So I know that I am literally in my first season as being a GM, but I think that Kimmy and I had a bit of an advantage over Joe and the Crows in the finals. While they should have been commended for taking a favorite to the finals (not an easy thing to do), Kimmy and I were able to turn a team with 1 capped player (our goalie) into a finalist after beating the best team in the league in a seven game battle. (86 words)

4. Choose 1 young player from each team.
The two young players to really keep an eye on in the Challenge Cup finals are Troy McClure III and Rex Kirkby. Kirkby in his rookie season with West Kendall and McClure III in his sophomore year, the two are highly talented and skilled defensemen for their teams. They both have the chance to be legends in their organization if they can get off to a good start with a Cup in the first few seasons. (76 words)

5. Where would you watch the game?
West Kendall is essentially Miami right? As much as a trip to South Beach sounds appealing, I actually prefer the cold and comparing the way the Panthers are supported versus the way the Jets are supported, a trip to Winnipeg for a Cup finals game is an easy choice over the warmth of West Kendall. (55 words)

Task 10:

Two Man Mini-Pod with JY