When I first started to consider where I might go in the draft, only 3 teams really had space to bring in a goalie. Carolina had the highest pick after Colorado, so I think I would have gone there at 23 OA if Colorado hadn't chosen me at 22 OA. In fact, given Colorado's solid starter and that I drafted By-Tor to St. Louis, I expected to go to the Kraken a little more. I could have given the Kraken a solid starter a little bit earlier into the season, which would have likely improved their record a bit. Perhaps they'd have been somewhere around 28 or 30 wins instead of 22. I think the Kraken would still have won over Maine, but ultimately I don't think I'd have been enough to really swing the tide against Newfoundland in the 2nd round. If there were a Game 6, it'd be just as likely FHM's doing as mine. Statistically speaking and accounting for the Raptors being a fantastic team, Base Pack and I are pretty similar.  (175 Words)





I did a lot better than I expected in my rookie season. In my experience, rookie goalies can get the short end of the stick a little more so than rookie skaters, especially given the usual time differentials. I didn't really know what to expect, but I feel mostly good about Shiny Shuckle this season, so I guess it was good. One area for improvement is definitely in GAA; I had a really good team in front of me, but it definitely felt like there were a bunch of games where Shuckle gave up soft goals. I always expected my GAA to be higher and SV% to be lower after looking at box scores to be honest. I'm looking forward to making some big jumps in performance in my Sophomore season. My goal for the S65 season is to break .900 in SV% and improve my GAA. I don't want to predict or make goals (ha) out of wins and shutouts because I know a lot of the anchoring skaters are being called up and we're going to be a little bit greener. I'm up for the challenge! (188 Words)


Shiny Shuckle is a walking conundrum. As he shuffles past, pads anchored around his shell and not fitted to his worm-like arms, it's almost unsettling to watch. He gives the impression of something that shouldn't be bipedal, never mind playing to the level that he has in his rookie season. It's almost a guilt trip, to have such a weary first impression as he smiles serenely and flashes his new prosthetic hands through a jerky greeting to the press staff in American Sign Language. Teammates, staff, and fans alike have touted him as the Raptors' main cheerleader through their S64 campaign, and he's as enthusiastic on the ice as on the bench. When he does have control of the crease, Shuckle is focused and flexible, posting the team's only shutout on the season and maintaining a .897 SV%, 2.74 GAA, and 19 wins in 28 games. When asked if he has plans for the SHL, he expressed cautious interest, but explained that his time in our world may be limited. "I'd like to go home," he signs. "Everyone here has been kind and I love hockey, but I miss my family and the caves in the Johto region where I'm from." Time will tell Shiny Shuckle's fate, but he's been excellent in Colorado so far. (217 Words)

+3 TPE - S64 SMJHL Milestones