Task #1:

Unfortunately, the Manhattan Rage's late push to make the playoffs fell just short, but we put up far more of a fight than most people expected. I don't think that we're super far away from making the playoffs or even making some noise once we get there. Looking at the team, we could use a couple upgrades to really boost our team to the next level. Tokek Takshak, as much as I love Geck, probably shouldn't be a first pairing defenseman for us as a highly competitive team, so that would be the first upgrade I would make. A star goalie would be incredible, but luckily, Scottey Crawfling is still a young enough goalie that we can still expect growth and development. I think that we're in a really good spot as a team, and a defenseman would be the only upgrade I would do to make the team better. 

(155)

Task #3:

1. Both former Dragons players will have a significant impact on their teams this season, the last before they are expected to become part of the one of the announced expansion teams, but I expect that Kurczewski will play a larger role. Despite the Blizzard being successful before his arrival, Kurczewski’s acquisition put the Blizzard over the top this season and has been a true difference maker on the ice. His play will move the needle if the Blizzard win the Cup. (81)


3. Rex Kirkby is the young gun that has the opportunity to really make a difference for the Platoon in this year’s final. He’s had a year to develop after last year’s disappointing loss to the Winnipeg Jets, and that experience at the highest level of the game should set him up well to be a key contributor for the Platoon. (61)

4. Both sets of GM have had some incredible success with their teams over the past few seasons and this matchup should be one for the record books. With the way Karl and Keygan have managed to create a true powerhouse in Edmonton as well as the consistency that JR and Wongy have with West Kendall, my slight edge would have to go to West Kendall. JR and Wongy have shown that they can win these games year in and year out, and I think they get an edge because of that. (91)

5. West Kendall is a team that comes in battle hardened and with the experience of being here yet again. Their squad is full of veteran players and that should serve them well. However, they have a completely outmatched pair of forwards that Edmonton should exploit heavily if they ever hit the ice. Mirio Togata and Steve McGirthensons are two players that would be lucky to get ice time in the SMJHL, much less the SHL, and if they get ice time, Edmonton should dominate possession and play when those two are on the ice. (94)


Task #4:

Sent

Task #6:

The bucket list for Alex Winters is pretty simple. I was lucky enough in my career to win the 4 Star Cup with St. Louis and the WJC Gold with Czechoslovakia, so completing the quad would be the ultimate success. I think that Manhattan is well on the right path to win the Challenge Cup in the next few seasons. With a young core and free agency creating an opportunity to improve our team on a year to year basis, the Rage are well on their way to getting that part of my bucket list completed. As for the IIHF Gold, I think Czech success last season was a preview for what kind of success we can have in the future, with lots of young talent about to hit the big times as well as established stars carrying the team currently. As a last personal goal, I would love to win the Jesster for ROTY with Winters, and I think I have a real shot at it.

(167)

Task # 10:

Alex Winters’ season did end up finishing earlier than he had hoped, but it worked out well given how busy his summer is expected to be. While he will be spending time with the Czech National Team at the IIHF World Championships (and is fact currently there), the big event of the summer for him is expected to be his wedding to American actress Natalia Dyer. The Stranger Things actress and the Czech rookie met at an event in New York, and she has been a fixture at Manhattan games throughout the season since. The wedding is expected to be a veritable who’s who of SHL talent with stars such as Brady McIntyre, Jax Aittokallio, Gary Grease, and DeMaricus Smyth expected to be in attendance, as well as young stars such as Luke Thomason, Andrew Martin, and Tig Murphy with whom Winters played with in Juniors. Teammates from the Manhattan Rage as well as the Czech National Team are also expected to be in attendance. We will certainly be keeping an eye out for our invitation to the event, and we hope to report more when the time comes.

(189)