Early Look at Rookies (663 words, first article bonus)

The S45 Regular season is underway in the SMJHL and with this season came an influx of rookies due to the recent recruitment drive. One of the largest drafts in SMJHL history happened this past December bringing in a total of 117 rookies into the SMJHL across 15 rounds.

Leading the way with 3 goals, and 8 assists in 13 games is, right defenseman Karlstrabe Scholz of the Kelowna Knights. Scholz was drafted 2nd overall and is showing that high end skill he was touted for by scouts. Scholz is currently tied for 2nd in the league by defensemen in points. Scholz is 4th in points on the Knights, and is shooting at 15% while playing 23 minutes a game playing in all aspects of the game.

While Scholz is alone in first there is a three way tie for 2nd in points by rookies. First is another defenseman; Osbert Whacker drafted 30th overall by the Anaheim Outlaws. Whacker has 3 goals and 6 assists in 13 games. Known for his defensive prowess, Whacker has also been used in both the power play and penalty kill. Whacker has blocked 12 shots and plays a little more than 20 minutes a game.

Tied with Whacker is left winger, Raino Kyllonen of the Detroit Falcons. Kyllonen was drafted 18th overall and has matched Whackers production despite playing 16 minutes a game on a third line roll. He has posted a respectable +4 and 11 hits.

Last of the three players tied for 2nd with 3 goals and 6 assists is Dick Clapper. Clapper was an undrafted free agent signing by the Kelowna Knights. A big 6 ft 4 in two way forward with skating to boot. Clapper has came out of nowhere and been a force on the ice showing leadership qualities.

After these rookies comes a number of players tied with 8 points. Among those is the leading rookie goal scorer Kit Smeb of the Detroit Falcons. Kit Smeb was drafted 41st overall and has 6 goals in 13 games with Clifton Outlaw of the Halifax Raiders not far behind with 5 goals.

Other notable rookies include top secret agent by night, SMJHL rookie and Office manager by day; Michael Scarn. Scarn was drafted 14th overall in the 2nd round. Known for his all around play, Scarn is the 2nd line center for the Colorado Raptors with 1 goal and 7 assists in 13 games.  Scarn is a playmaker through and through wanting to pass the puck and draw in players with puck handling. Responsible in his own end as well with a +8 while logging 39 minutes of penalty kill minutes.

With the flux of rookies has come a number of rookie goalies as well. The Anaheim Outlaws, Lethbridge Lions, Vancouver Whalers, and St. Louis Scarecrows are all teams with two rookie goalies.

A few of these rookie goalies have taken on a starting position. Yuri Ushakov of the Colorado Raptors is leading the way with 11 games played. Ushakov was drafted 44th overall and has 6 wins while posting a .910 save percentage and a 2.21 GAA. With a smaller sample size Tibuk Soonika of the Anaheim Outlaws has posted a .921 save percentage in 5 games played which currently leads rookies. Soonika was drafted 40th overall.

Another rookie starter is Mike McKorsy drafted 47th overall by the Halifax Raiders who has played 13 games on a very young team. Drafted 34th overall; Casimir Stevens of the Vancouver Whalers has also started 13 games as a young goalie.

Total Rookie Count by team:

• Anaheim Outlaws: 11 players, and 2 goalies
  
  
• Anchorage Armada: 8 players, and 1 goalie
  
  
• Colorado Raptors: 13 players, and 1 goalie
  
  
• Detroit Falcons: 7 players
  
  
• Halifax Raiders: 13 players, and 1 goalie
  
  
• Kelowna Knights: 12 players, and 1 goalie
  
  
• Lethbridge Lions: 13 players, and 2 goalies
  
  
• Montreal Militia: 9 players, and 1 goalie
  
  
• St. Louis Scarecrows: 8 players, and 2 goalies
  
  
• Vancouver Whalers: 9 players, and 2 goalies