I want to write about my team for my 2nd Deep Dive. With the expansion draft coming up, one or two of the teammates below will be getting a chance to build a legacy on another team. But all thirteen rookies on the Nevada Battleborn have been incredible and will be all over the SHL draft this year.

The SMJHL season is coming to a close, and while some players are focused on putting together a playoff run, players on other teams are focused on making themselves a prime target for the SHL Draft. Nevada is boasting an incredible thirteen rookies. And while they were by far the worst team in the league, these players improved, weathered adversity, and made each other better. So let’s dive into why your team should draft a Nevada Battleborn.

Melvin Majestik-Moose – RD – 282TPE
First up Melvin, the 2nd overall pick in the entry draft and for good reason. Melvin has shown impeccable leadership on and off the ice. Nearly last in PIMs for the team and in the top 10 in shots blocked in their rookie season. An impressive +/- of -19 considering how many goals Nevada has given up. Melvin is also tied for 1st in TPE among rookies. At a defensive position, I would not be surprised to see Melvin go first overall in the SHL Draft.

Doug Glatt – RD – 257TPE
With the 1st pick in the 2nd round (13th overall), Nevada took another defensemen in Doug Glatt. Doug is inside the top 20 in rookie TPE and inside the top 10 for rookie defensemen TPE. While he was on the 3rd defense line for Nevada, he managed a solid 61 defensive grade and a very impressive 14 PIMs, almost the lowest on the team. A surprisingly level-headed defensemen is a solid pick for any team.

Willie Miller – G – 272TPE
Mr. Willie Miller, what can I say? Taken 6th overall in the draft. Willie may be the best player to come out of the SMJHL S60 draft. An instant leader in the locker room, Nevada’s GMs made him Assistant Captain. The only goalie in the top 20 for rookie TPE and he is in the top 5!! What’s more is how much he has learned in S60. Willie has been totally battered, but has made it through a tough season with an incredible 1916 saves. If a SHL team needs a goalie, they are in luck. Willie is a career goalie and a joy in the locker room.

Wing Wang – LW – 248TPE
Rookie All-Star Wing Wang is major surprise for Nevada. Second in points behind Nevada legend JLC. Wing Wang has left his mark on the Nevada Battleborn as their most promising offensive prospect. 32 points in 55 games is very good considering that is about one-fourth of Nevada’s offensive production. Wing Wang is also a light in the locker room, and shown leadership as the 2nd Assistant Captain. A solid pick here at Left Wing.

Patrice Bergeron Jr. – C – 238TPE
Nevada was busy post draft, signing undrafted rookies. PB and J has been a pleasant surprise as Nevada’s 3rd Center. A solid TPE for a rookie and a player who excels in the faceoff circle and defensively.

Conner Snooks – LW – 237TPE
Signed the same day as PB and J. Conner Snooks has really been playing with a chip on his shoulder. While the 3rd and 4th line winger hasn’t been on the ice much (lowest on team) he has managed to put in an impressive 9 goals, 6th on the team. Dubbed the Trashman, by his teammates, Snooks has certainly made defenses think twice about leaving him open.

Ahlo Kysoka – C – 232TPE
Ahlo Kysoka was Nevada’s 37th overall pick (4th round). Despite being drafted low, Ahlo has been Nevada’s number one center and has proven to be a 1 in 2 producer with 27 points in 55 games this season. A playmaker at heart, All-Star JLC certainly has Ahlo’s puck dishing skills to thank for his team leading 24 goals.

Jalal ad-Din Afinogenov – LW – 235TPE
Jalal was taken 51st (5th round) in the entry draft. Playing mostly on the opposite wing with Wing Wang, Jalal has shown hockey intelligence with their ability to get open and put away on opportunity. Boasting a 15.6% shot percentage. Jalal has been a staple on the 2nd line and is another quick, smart winger that is giving SMJHL defenses headaches.

Peanut Butter – RW – 223TPE
Peanut Butter was drafted 33rd overall, and has been the glue rounding out the Nevada offense. Despite being near the bottom in Time on Ice. Peanut Butter is in the top 10 on the team in points. An impressive 12 goals and 18.5% shot percentage, shows that Peanut Butter can put the puck in from anywhere.

Sam Siege – RW – 194TPE
Sam Siege went 45th overall. Nevada got a solid all-around player here. Looking an Sam’s stats, they could play anywhere on the ice. Lately, Sam has been finding a rhythm with line mates Patrice and Conner, in what has become a formidable 3rd line for Nevada. Sam has also been a very present in the locker room, showing captain qualities.

Pavlov Dogsyuk – C – 179TPE
Pavlov was signed shortly after the draft and has been the 2nd C for Nevada. Solid new player with a good balance in stats, but has unfortunately only updated once. We will have to see if there’s more in store for this player.

Throat Goat – C – 155TPE and Jake Suthermer – LW – 155TPE
Unfortunately both these players are still at 155TPE. We will have to see if they come back.
 
There you have it. Your S60 rookie class from the Nevada Battleborn. SHL teams will be chomping at the bit soon and it’s unfortunate these rookies will be split up. But nothing can take away your first season in the league with Nevada. This group has a bright future ahead in the SMJHL. This squad will be formidable in a season or two and will be the players to see Nevada win their first playoff series someday.

Approved, +5 TPE to @Aleris