In this article, I’ll be covering every season that the New Orleans Specters have been a part of the SHL including their drafts, their regular season finishes, their playoff matchups, and any accolades they receive. I will also be taking a season by season look at Atticus Hale’s performance once he enters the picture along with my commentary on how it aligned with the lofty goals I had set for my player and his team.

The Simulation Hockey League has just wrapped up its 76th regular season as of this writing. The playoffs are set to begin with 16 of the league's 20 teams prepared to lay it all on the line for Challenge Cup glory. One of those teams, the New Orleans Specters, are celebrating their 30th season as an SHL franchise. Finishing the regular season with a 38-24-4 record and 80 points was good enough for second in the Central Division and fourth in the Western Conference, their best finish since Season 69. They will take on their division foe, the Winnipeg Aurora, in the first round of the Challenge Cup Playoffs. But how did they get here? Over the span of thirty seasons, the Specters have endured their share of success and failure; hope and despair. It all started back in Season 46.

Season 46

SHL Expansion

Season 46 saw the Simulation Hockey League expand from 14 to 16 franchises. There were many interested parties but JKortesi81’s bid was one of the two selected and he would become the GM of a fledgling franchise in New Orleans and would tag TheDangaZone as his Co-GM. The idea was that the SHL had a solid foothold in the northeast and on the west coast so they wanted a location somewhere in the midwest that wasn’t a traditional hockey town. Atlanta and Kansas City were tossed around as potential locations but it was ultimately New Orleans that stood out above the rest. Not only was this a fantastic location steeped in history and lore, but as one of the most haunted cities in America, it fit the name that JKortesi81* had in mind perfectly. This would also give them potential geographical rivals in the Texas Renegades and West Kendall Platoon. And so the New Orleans Specters were conceived.

* I will refer to JKortesi81 as “Joe” from this point forward.

Expansion and Entry Drafts

The new GMs would get to work right away preparing for the expansion draft as well as the upcoming entry draft. The expansion draft lottery would award the first pick to the Specters over the Chicago Syndicate, the other expansion franchise. With the first pick in the expansion draft, New Orleans would select the future hall of fame goaltender Aleister Cain making him the first ever Specter.

They would follow up what would prove to be a solid expansion draft with an equally solid entry draft, selecting Jimmy Slothface as the 6th overall pick and Michael Fox at 20th overall. Two future foundational players and top-tier members of the community. Slothface would go on to play 18 seasons in the SHL, 9 of those with the Specters. Fox would play 13 seasons in the SHL, 8 of those with the Specters

Regular Season

At this point, all that was left was to play games! The New Orleans Specters didn’t exactly light the world on fire in their inaugural season, but they would finish with a respectable 27-19-4 record and 58 points. That was good enough for a Southwest Division title, 2nd in the Western Conference, and 6th in the league.

Playoffs

First Round: The Specters finished 2nd in the Western Conference and received a first round bye.

Second Round: A date with the Los Angeles Panthers was on tap for the second round of the playoffs. This series went back and forth with the Specters leading three games to one before the Panthers would win two straight to force a game seven. In the deciding game, the Panthers would score to tie the game in the third period and eventually force overtime. Unfortunately for the Panthers, their efforts would be futile as Specters regular season point leader DeMaricus Smyth would score 3:17 in to seal an exciting game and series for the Specters.

Third Round: The Specters were faced with the task of dethroning the best team in the Western Conference and offensive powerhouse, the Minnesota Chiefs. Fresh off a four games to two series victory against the Calgary Dragons, the Chiefs were set to stop the expansion Specters fairytale playoff run before it started. With a 4-0 loss in game one it sure looked like the Specters were overmatched. However, a hard fought 2-1 overtime victory in game two was the spark that New Orleans needed. They would win the next two games to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. Minnesota dominated game five to the tune of a 5-1 victory but the Specters weren’t looking to repeat the second round. They would go on to a 1-0 shutout win in game six and a 4-2 series victory. In an unlikely turn of events, the New Orleans Specters were going to the Challenge Cup Finals in their inaugural season!

Challenge Cup Finals: The Buffalo Stampede were the best team in the league and came out on top of a tough and competitive East Conference. Thus far, they had walked through the competition with 4-1 series victories over both the Hamilton Steelhawks and Manhattan Rage. Buffalo were heavy favorites against the upstart New Orleans Specters who had scrapped their way to victory in the first two rounds. The first game in Buffalo would turn out to be a 7-2 statement victory for New Orleans. They were clearly not going to roll over. The series would go back and forth with the Specters holding a 3-2 series lead heading into game six. New Orleans would even hold a 3-2 lead midway through the second period before Buffalo scored two unanswered goals which would turn out to be the deciding factors in a game six victory for the Stampede. Buffalo would ride that momentum in game seven. Scoring two quick goals in the third period to take a 4-1 lead, the Stampede didn’t look back, going on to win the game 5-2 and becoming the Season 46 Challenge Cup Champions.

Awards

John McBride Trophy - Best Goaltender nominee: Aleister Cain
Aidan Richan Trophy - Most Improved Player nominee: Aleister Cain
Anton Razov Trophy - Playoff MVP nominee: Joe Kurczewski
Lance Uppercut Trophy - Best General Manager WINNER: JKortesi81 and TheDangaZone

Season 46 Final Thoughts

Not a bad start for a new franchise! A solid regular season capped off by an unimaginable playoff run all the way to the finals. Sure, it was a heartbreaking way to end the run but it had to give everyone that was a part of the New Orleans Specters pretty high hopes for the future. The pressure would surely be high to come back in Season 47 even stronger.

Season 47

Entry Draft

The New Orleans Specters would only have one selection in the entry draft, taking Charlie Serpe at 10th overall. Serpe would go on to have an eight season career, all with the Specters. Those seasons would be serviceable, but not what the Specters were hoping for out of a top draft pick.

Regular Season

The Specters would improve over their Season 46 finish with a 33-14-3 record and 69 points in the regular season. That would net them a second straight Southwest Division title, their first Western Conference title, and a second place finish in the league, five points behind the juggernaut West Kendall Platoon for the President’s Trophy.

Playoffs

First Round: The Specters finished 1st in the Western Conference and received a first round bye.

Second Round: Division rival the Texas Renegades would be the first obstacle for New Orleans in their quest for back to back Challenge Cup Finals trips. It would turn out to be bitter disappointment as the Specters would squander a 3-2 series lead. The Renegades would win game six in overtime by a score of 3-2 and score two unanswered goals in the third period of game seven to win both the game and the series 4-3.

Awards

Jay McDonald Trophy - Most Goals WINNER: DeMarcius Smyth
Sergei Karpotsov Trophy - Most Points WINNER: DeMarcius Smyth
Ron Mexico Trophy - Most Valuable Player WINNER: DeMaricus Smyth
Sarmad Khan Trophy - People’s MVP WINNER: DeMaricus Smyth
Bojo Biscuit Trophy - Best Defensive Defenceman nominee: Clint Eastwood
Bojo Biscuit Trophy - Best Defensive Defenceman nominee: Richard Physt
Aidan Richan Trophy - Most Improved Player nominee: Piotr Czerkawski
Lance Uppercut Trophy - Best General Manager nominee: JKortesi81 and TheDangaZone
Joe McKeil Trophy - Best Coach nominee: JKortesi81 and TheDangaZone

Season 47 Final Thoughts

As favorites to represent the Western Conference in the Challenge Cup Finals entering the playoffs it would be an understatement to say that Season 47 was anything less than an utter disappointment for the Specters. A phenomenal regular season would end in a loss in their first playoff matchup against the Texas Renegades. They would look to bounce back in Season 48.

Season 48

Entry Draft

New Orleans would go on to select four players in the Season 48 draft. Lyle Odelein III was selected 8th overall, Zarley Zalapski 20th overall, Darnell Johnson 28th overall, and Travis Bitties 44th overall. LOIII is a Specter legend and was a fantasy darling in his 15 seasons (all with the Specters). Darnell Johnson had a 9 season career, all with the Specters. Zalapski and Bitties would fizzle out and never make it to the SHL.

Regular Season

Another great regular season for the Specters as they would go 30-15-5 with 65 points. That would give them a 1st place finish in the Southwest Division, 1st  in the Western Conference, and 2nd in the league.

Playoffs

First Round: The Specters finished 1st in the Western Conference and received a first round bye.

Second Round: A Calgary Dragons win the the first round series made them New Orleans first opponent in the 2nd round. The Specters would go on to win the series 4 games to 2.

Third Round: New Orleans would face the Winnipeg Jets in what would be a hard fought seven games series. In the end, the Jets would follow up their impressive second round series victory with an even more impressive victory over the favorite heading into the series, the New Orleans Specters.

Awards

Joe McKeil Trophy - Best Coach nominee: JKortesi81 and TheDangaZone

Season 48 Final Thoughts

After such an impressive regular season it was another difficult playoff series loss to stomach.

Season 49

Entry Draft

Raquel Castillo Gutierrez was taken at 44th overall by the Specters and would be their only pick in the draft this season. Gutierrez would only play two seasons in the SHL, both with New Orleans.

Regular Season

The Specters would be able to repeat the fantastic Season 48 finish, but still managed a solid 27-17-6 record with 60 points. They finished 1st in the Southwest Division, 2nd in the Western Conference, and 5th in the league.

Playoffs

First Round: The Specters finished 1st in the Western Conference and received a first round bye.

Second Round: The Specters would avenge their Season 48 loss to the Jets with a Season 49 second round victory at 4 games to 1.

Third Round: New Orleans would run out of steam, losing to a better Edmonton Blizzard team in the conference finals, 4 games to 2.

Awards

Ron Mexico Trophy - Most Valuable Player nominee: DeMaricus Smyth

Season 49 Final Thoughts

Another loss for the Specters in the conference finals. It had to be frustrating getting all the way there only to have it slip through their fingers.

Season 50

Entry Draft

The Specters took three players in this season’s draft, selecting Zbigniew Pokrywka 26th overall, Jakob Hamr 36th overall, and Thomas Vanice at 51st overall. Pokrywka would play a single season in the SHL with the New England Wolfpack. Hamr spent nine seasons in the SHL. Only one of those with the Specters. Venice also played nine seasons in the SHL, three of those with the Specters.

Regular Season

Another solid regular season as New Orleans compiles a 28-21-1 record and 57 points. It would be the first season in which they didn’t finish 1st in the Southwest Division as they would come in 2nd. They were 3rd in the Western Conference and 6th in the league.

Playoffs

First Round: The Specters finished 2nd in the Western Conference and received a first round bye.

Second Round: New Orleans would handle the Edmonton Blizzard 4 games to 2 in the second round giving them another trip to the conference finals.

Third Round: Once again, the Specters would again run out of steam, this time getting swept by the Calgary Dragons in 4 games.

Awards

Ron Mexico Trophy - Most Valuable Player nominee: Piotr Czerkawski
Bojo Biscuit Trophy - Best Defensive Defenceman nominee: Richard Physt
Aidan Richan Trophy - Most Improved Player nominee: Jimmy Slothface
Jay McDonald Trophy - Most Goals WINNER: Piotr Czerkawski

Season 50 Final Thoughts

Same old story. A third straight loss in the conference finals had to be tough to swallow.

Season 51

Entry Draft

Mitchell van der Heijden would be the only player taken by New Orleans in this draft at 13th overall. Though he enjoyed a very successful 14 season career in the SHL, only his rookie season was played with the Specters.

Regular Season

It seemed like the Specters were out to prove something this season and they put up a dominating 36-11-3 record and 75 points. That gave them a 1st place finish in the Southwest Division, Western Conference, and the league.

Playoffs

First Round: The Specters finished 1st in the Western Conference and received a first round bye.

Second Round: New Orleans would suffer what had to be their most disappointing playoff loss to date. The Los Angeles Panthers would end a fantastic season by closing out the series 4 games to 1.

Awards

Ron Mexico Trophy - Most Valuable Player nominee: Nicholas Williams
John McBride Trophy - Best Goaltender nominee: Aleister Cain
Ryan Jesster Trophy - Best Rookie nominee: Kaspers Claude
Lance Uppercut Trophy - Best General Manager nominee: JKortesi81 and TheDangaZone
Joe McKeil Trophy - Best Coach nominee: JKortesi81 and TheDangaZone
Jay McDonald Trophy - Most Goals WINNER: Piotr Czerkawski
President's Trophy - Best Regular Season Record WINNER: New Orleans Specters

Season 51 Final Thoughts

I would imagine there was some anger after this season. A regular season that great had to be leading New Orleans to believe this was their season to win it all.

Season 52

Entry Draft

The Specters drafted three players in this season’s draft. Olli Saarinen Jr. was selected 11th overall, Velveteen Dream 28th overall, and Stirling McTavish 29th overall. Saarinen was expected to be the heir to the Specters goalie throne, but despite an eight season career, they only started for two seasons. Velveteen Dream was Co-GM TDZ’s player but they never played a game in the SHL. McTavish would play five seasons in the SHL for the Minnesota Chiefs.

Regular Season

A bit of a setback as the Specters can’t repeat the amazing record from a season prior. They would still put up a respectable 25-18-7 record with 57 points. That gave them a 2nd place finish in the Southwest Division, 3rd in the Western Conference, and 7th in the league.

Playoffs

First Round: The Specters finished 3rd in the Western Conference and received a first round bye.

Second Round: New Orleans would handle the Edmonton Blizzard 4 games to 2 in the second round giving them another trip to the conference finals. This seems familiar…

Third Round: Here we go again. The Specters fight their way all the way to the conference finals only to lose to division foe the San Francisco Pride in 7 games.

Awards

Jeff Dar Trophy - Best Two-Way Forward nominee: Lil Manius

Season 52 Final Thoughts

Only time would tell whether or not New Orleans could manage the same success in FHM 6 as they had been having in SimonT Hockey Simulator (STHS) where they were unable to get over the hump. It was an incredible first seven seasons for the franchise though.

Season 53

NOTE: This season marks a key moment in the history of the Simulation Hockey League. SimonT Hockey Simulator (STHS), the sim engine used over the first 52 seasons of the SHL, was replaced by Franchise Hockey Manager 6.

Entry Draft

Another draft in which the Specters only selected one player. Erben Kasius was taken 13th overall. Kasius played for seven seasons in the SHL but none of those were with the New Orleans Specters.

Regular Season

In the SHL's first season using FHM 6 as the sim engine, the New Orleans Specters finished the regular season with a 29-17-4 record and 62 points. This was good enough for 2nd in the Southwest Division, 4th in the Western Conference, and 7th in the league.

Playoffs

First Round: Well, the Specters wouldn’t be able to make it to the conference finals in the first FHM 6 season as they would lose to the Los Angeles Panthers in 7 games.

Awards

Jeff Dar Trophy - Best Two-Way Forward WINNER: Lil Manius
John McBride Trophy - Best Goaltender nominee: Aleister Cain

Season 54

Entry Draft

New Orleans would take three players in this season’s draft, selecting Bork Lazer 10th overall, Kwame Dakari 37th overall, and Stein Nilsen 58th overall. Lazer would play for 10 seasons but none of those were with the Specters. Dakari played for three seasons in the SHL, two over those for the Specters. Nilsen would wind up being a career minor leaguer, never playing a game in the SHL.

Regular Season

The Specters improved slightly with a 30-16-4 record and 64 points. They finished 2nd in the Southwest Division as well as the Western Conference behind the Los Angeles Panthers. It was good enough for 5th in the league.

Playoffs

First Round: The Specters took care of the Edmonton Blizzard 4 games to 2.

Second Round: The Los Angeles Panthers would give the Specters a run for their money as they always did but New Orleans was able to come out on top in 7 games this time around.

Challenge Cup Finals: The Specters would take on a Hamilton Steelhawks team that was better on paper. However, New Orleans would ultimately show that the regular season standing meant nothing and that they were in fact the better team by sweeping the Steelhawks 4 games to 0 to bring home the Challenge Cup that had long eluded them.

Awards

Challenge Cup Champion: New Orleans Specters
Cole Reinhart Award - Western Conference Champion WINNER: New Orleans Specters
Anton Razov Trophy - Playoff MVP WINNER: Aleister Cain

Season 54 Final Thoughts

New Orleans is FINALLY able to put it all together to bring home the first Challenge Cup in franchise history. After so many deep runs in the playoffs, this win had to be so, so sweet.

Season 55

Entry Draft

Three players were selected by the Specters this season. The 4th overall pick was New Orleans highest draft pick to date and they selected Connor Hutton. Sven Gunnar was selected 32nd overall and Vincent Wolfe 36th overall. Hutton enjoyed an 11 season career in the SHL with 8 of those seasons being played with the Specters. Gunnar and Wolfe would never play a game in the SHL.

Regular Season

Season 55 saw the Specters improve to the tune of a 34-11-5 record and 73 points. This gave them a Southwest Division title. They finished 2nd in the Western Conference and 4th in the league.

Playoffs

First Round: The Specters handled the Calgary Dragons 4 games to 2.

Second Round: A familiar foe, the Edmonton Blizzard, would come into the series as the better team but the New Orleans Specters were able to come away the victors in a hard fought 7 games series.

Challenge Cup Finals: The Buffalo Stampede had been dominant the past two seasons and were able to make it to the finals in Season 55. They would take on the reigning Challenge Cup champions, the New Orleans Specters. It was an instant classic of a series as it would go the full 7 games with that final game being decided by an overtime goal by the Stampede.

Awards

Cole Reinhart Award - Western Conference Champion WINNER: New Orleans Specters
Aidan Richan Trophy - Most Improved Player nominee: Jimmy Slothface
Anton Razov Trophy - Playoff MVP nominee: Rex Kirkby

Season 55 Final Thoughts

It was an amazing run to the finals but the Specters weren’t able to pull off back-to-back CHallenge Cup titles. That game 7 loss must have been a heartbreaker.

Season 56

NOTE: This season saw the expansion of the SHL to 18 teams. The Seattle Argonauts and Atlanta Inferno made their league debuts.

Entry Draft

New Orleans would draft only one player this season, selecting Zbynek Dobrovsky 21st overall. Dobrovsky would never lace them up for an SHL game.

Regular Season

New Orleans couldn't replicate the success they had the season before as they went 28-15-7 with 63 points. That was good enough for 2nd in the Southwest Division, 4th in the Western Conference, and 8th on the league.

Playoffs

First Round: The Specters were knocked out in the first round by the expansion Atlanta Inferno 4 games to 1.

Awards

No award wins or nominations in Season 56.

Season 57

NOTE: The SHL increased the number of regular Season games to 66 in Season 57.

Entry Draft

This season’s draft is still a tough one to swallow for New Orleans. With four picks in the first round, the Specters thought they would be securing their core of the future. Vlastislav Malik was selected 4th overall, Jon St. Ark 10th overall, Cian McFelter 12th overall, and Robert Feltersnatch 18th overall. Additionally, Farley Hank was drafted 21st overall and Michael Scotch 22nd overall. Malik endured for 11 seasons in the SHL with 7 of those being played for the Specters. He is still one of the best players in Specters history with 468 points in 462 games. Jon St. Ark could be considered the best goaltender in Specters history being either first or second in nearly all statistical categories for the franchise. He continues to play today, serving as the backup goaltender for New Orleans. McFelter and Feltersnatch would have very productive careers in the SMJHL but would never play a game in the SHL. Hank and Scotch would also never play in the SHL. This would go on to be a setback for the New Orleans Specters and their plans for the future.

Regular Season

The Specters took a big step back this season as they went 22-41-3 and 47 points. They slipped to 3rd in the Southwest Division, 6th in the Western Conference, and 13th in the league.

Playoffs

First Round: Another season in which the Specters couldn’t make it out of the first round, getting beaten by the Chicago Syndicate 4 games to 1.

Awards

No award wins or nominations in Season 57.

Season 58

Entry Draft

The Specters continued to build out their future core in this season’s draft with three selections in the first round and four in total. This would wind up being one of the better drafts for the Specters if not the best as far as production goes. Friedensreich Hundertwasser was selected 6th overall, Nikolaj Boyle 12th overall, Ole Olson 14th overall, and Jean-Locke Zidane 36th overall. Hundertwasser played 13 seasons in the SHL including 7 productive seasons with the Specters and even a 106 point season with the Montreal Patriotes. Boyle played 12 seasons in the SHL with 10 of those being for the Specters. Olson had a 13 seasons career in the SHL. He played for the Specters in 11 of those seasons. Both Boyle and Olson were among the better defensemen in the league during their tenure. Zidane played 8 seasons in the SHL, all of those with the Specters.

Regular Season

The peak of New Orleans downfall occurred in Season 58. With a 10-50-6 record and 26 points, the were in last place across the board. A 4th place finish in the Southwest Division, 9th in the Western Conference, and 18th in the league.

Playoffs

The New Orleans Specters failed to make the playoffs in Season 58.

Awards

No award wins or nominations in Season 58.

Season 59

Entry Draft

New Orleans drafted five players in the Season 59 draft though only two of those players would have productive careers. Ville Kurri was selected 14th overall and would provide much needed grit on the bottom six as a grinder and enforcer. He played for 10 seasons in the SHL with 9 of those as a Specter. At 26th overall, the Specters picked Lebron Brady. He would never play in the SHL. Iorek Byrinson was chosen at 37th overall and would be a productive career backup to St. Ark for 11 of his 12 seasons in the SHL. At 46th overall, New Orleans would choose Sabarro Torretta. He played 8 seasons in the SHL but none of those for the Specters. Erik Andrews was chosen 55th overall but would never play in the SHL.

Regular Season

With a 12-49-5 season with 29 points, the Specters found themselves in last place for the second straight season. That's 4th place in the Southwest Division, 9th in the Western Conference, and 18th in the league.

Playoffs

The New Orleans Specters failed to make the playoffs in Season 59.

Awards

Ryan Jesster Trophy - Best Rookie WINNER: Xavier Doom

Season 47 Final Thoughts

Text here

Season 60

NOTE: Only four season after the SHL expanded to 18 teams, the league was expanding once again to a total of 20 teams. The Philadelphia Forge and Montreal Patriotes made their debuts this season. This also led to division and conference realignment.

Entry Draft

The Specters would have their highest ever pick this season at 2nd overall. Unfortunately, they chose Duncan The Walrus with that pick and they would never play a game in the SHL. Ragnar Ragnarsson, their 26th overall pick, would also never play an SHL game.

Regular Season

For the third season in a row, New Orleans would finish in last place. Hey, 14-50-2 gave them 30 points which is an improvement! This resulted in a 5th place finish in the newly created Central Division, 10th in the Western Conference, and 20th in the league.

Playoffs

The New Orleans Specters failed to make the playoffs in Season 60.

Awards

No award wins or nominations in Season 60.

Season 61

NOTE: This is the season in which my player, Atticus Hale, entered the picture. This was my first player in my first sim league and I had set some pretty ambitious goals for him. I already had a proverbial chip on my shoulder after being selected 14th overall in the Season 60 SMJHL draft so I wanted Hale to be showered with awards, win a Challenge Cup, have a 100 point season*, and be a Hall of Famer. I wanted him to be remembered. Of course, things aren’t always that easy. Most importantly, after being selected 2nd overall by the New Orleans Specters, I didn’t want to let my GM or my team down.

* 100 point seasons were unheard of at this point with Theo Morgan having just achieved the first one in Season 59.

Entry Draft

With a third straight last place finish, the New Orleans Specters would be awarded with the 2nd overall pick yet again. By selecting Atticus Hale, they unknowingly picked a player that would be pivotal to the future of the franchise. As of Season 76, Hale is wrapping up his 13th SHL season and continues to produce for the Specters. At 8th overall, New Orleans selected Tomas Zadina who would play all 12 seasons of his SHL career with the Specters. Giannis Kroustis would be picked at 21st overall and would play 10 productive seasons in the SHL, all for New Orleans. At 36th overall, the Specters selected Conner Tanner. Tanner would play 9 seasons in the SHL but none of those for New Orleans.

Regular Season

This season was actually a big improvement! However, a 26-37-3 finish with 55 points was only good enough for 4th in the Central Division, 9th in the Western Conference, and 17th in the league.

Playoffs

The New Orleans Specters failed to make the playoffs in Season 61.

Awards

John McBride Trophy - Best Goaltender nominee: Jon St. Ark

Season 62

Entry Draft

The New Orleans Specters did not have any picks in the Season 62 draft (this would become a trend over the next few seasons).

Regular Season

No improvement this season as New Orleans would finish with a 20-41-5 record with 45 points. This would put them 4th in the Central Division, 9th in the Western Conference, and 17th in the league once again.

Playoffs

The New Orleans Specters failed to make the playoffs in Season 62.

Awards

No award wins or nominations in Season 62.

Season 63

Entry Draft

The New Orleans Specters did not have any picks in the Season 63 draft.

Regular Season

Huge jump for the Specters this season, going 30-32-4 with 64 points. That's almost .500! Good enough for 3rd in the Central Division, 6th in the Western Conference, and 13th in the league.

Playoffs

First Round: The Specters were finally back in the playoffs but it didn’t last long as the were handled by the Chicago Syndicate 4 games to 0.

Awards

Turd Ferguson Trophy - Most Penalty Minutes WINNER: Jean-Locker Zidane

Season 64

ATTICUS HALE’S DEBUT: This marks the start of Atticus Hale’s rookie season. Coming off of an up-and-down SMJHL career as a member of the Carolina Kraken, I was still hopeful that Hale’s SHL career would be a great success. At the time, Atticus Hale was leading his draft class in TPE and, according to By-Tor’s measure (found here https://simulationhockey.com/showthread.php?tid=119585), Atticus Hale was moving from the SMJHL to the SHL with the most TPE of any player in history (just over 1,000). That had to account for something, right? I had hoped that would lead to being a major contributor for the Specters and a solid rookie season.

From this point forward, I’ll be adding some extra analysis at the end of every season centered around my player, his performance, and maybe some general thoughts about the Specters along the way.

Entry Draft

New Orleans selected two players in this season’s draft, both in the first round. At 10th overall, the Specters selected Mikael Jakobsen and at 15th overall they chose JR Frankenstero. Jakobsen would only play three seasons in the SHL and for the Specters before surprisingly retiring. Frankenstro is in his 10th SHL season and played a key role for the Specters in 9 of those.

Regular Season

Further improvement for the Specters as they would finish with a 36-25-5 record and 77 points. The 3rd in the Central Division, 5th in the Western Conference, and 11th in the league.

Playoffs

First Round: Another season in which the Specters are ousted in the first round by a division foe as they lose to the Texas Renegades 4 games to 2.

Awards

John McBride Trophy - Best Goaltender nominee: Jon St. Ark
Ryan Jesster Trophy - Best Rookie nominee: Atticus Hale

Atticus Hale - Performance Analysis

Not even a point per game? I was naive to think Hale would be at that level of production right away especially considering our leading scorer only had 74 points. The team as a whole struggled offensively this season. Hale was playing on a line with fellow Season 61 draftee Tomas Zadina and grinder extraordinaire Ville Kurri so his 41 points actually carried the third line. Hale was also nominated for the Ryan Jesster Trophy (best rookie) which was a huge surprise! This turned out to be a controversial nomination and led to some drama but I appreciated the objective analysis and explanation from the awards committee. Season 65 would surely be better for Atticus Hale!

Season 65

Entry Draft

The New Orleans Specters did not have any picks in the Season 65 draft.

Regular Season

New Orleans would see some regression this season as they finished 31-29-6 with 68 points. That's 3rd in the Central Division, 6th in the Western Conference, and 13th in the league.

Playoffs

First Round: Another season, another loss to a division foe. It was a hard fought 7 games series but the Specters would lose to the Winnipeg Aurora 4 games to 3.

Awards

No award wins or nominations in Season 65.

Atticus Hale - Performance Analysis

Season 65 was not better for Atticus Hale. In fact, it was a disconcerting step back and very disappointing. The offense again struggled as a whole; even more than the previous season. Not a single player on the team achieved a point per game. Hale’s 35 points would again be the most among the third line (tied with Zadina). It would also be the lowest point output of his career (spoiler alert). Season 66 would be better. It couldn’t get any worse. Right?

My impression of the locker room after two seasons with the team was that it was pretty quiet compared to what I was used to in Carolina. Come to find out, the team was filled with long-time sim league vets, many of whom were still active in multiple other leagues with the SHL not being their primary sim league. It was also an older crowd.  Being older myself (not that old) I didn’t mind either of these things. It was certainly easier to keep up with things socially

Season 66

Entry Draft

New Orleans' only selection this season was at 8th overall and they selected Matthew Mayhem. He only played two seasons in the SHL, both with the Specters, before retiring.

Regular Season

New Orleans would make big strides in Season 66 finishing with a 40-19-7 record and 87 points. It would be good enough for 2nd in the Central Division, 4th in the Western Conference, and 5th in the league.

Awards

Jeff Dar Trophy - Best Two-Way Forward nominee: Xavier Doom

Atticus Hale - Performance Analysis

OK, this season was a little better. At least it was better than Hale’s rookie season. Moving up to the second line and the addition of Hale’s good friend and former Carolina Kraken teammate Patya Perevalov was a nice boost. Still, 48 points was less than I was hoping for and I was quite surprised that Hale had yet to achieve a point per game after three seasons and nearly 1,500 TPE. The team’s offense was significantly better though it heavily relied on the performance of the first line. Hopefully this upward trend would continue!

Season 67

Entry Draft

The New Orleans Specters did not have any picks in the Season 67 draft (see?).

Regular Season

The Specters would follow up a successful Season 66 with a better finish in Season 67, going 43-31-2 with 88 points. That put them in 2nd in the Central Division, 4th in the Western Conference, and 6th in the league.

Awards

Aidan Richan Trophy - Most Improved Player WINNER: Patya Perevalov

Atticus Hale - Performance Analysis

This was the type of jump I had been waiting for. It still wasn’t a point per game but 63 points was among many career bests for Hale in Season 67. The second line played nearly as many minutes as the first line and were major contributors. The team’s offense improved over the previous season and was clicking. Things were certainly looking up!

Season 67 Final Thoughts

I think this was the season in which I realized we were in the division of death…

Season 68

Entry Draft

Three players were drafted by the Specters in this draft. Two of those players, Filip Lund at 13th overall and Lester Oiduser at 17th overall, have had very successful careers for New Orleans and remain the top pairing to this day. Edvin Kalberg was taken at 38th overall but has never played a game in the SHL.

Regular Season

After two straight successful seasons, New Orleans would tumble back down to 32-29-5 and 69 points. They would finish 3rd in the Central Division, 5th in the Western Conference, and 11th in the league. It was a disappointing season after showing so much growth for two seasons in a row

Awards

No award wins or nominations in Season 68.

Atticus Hale - Performance Analysis

Long time captain Lyle Odelein III had retired after Season 65 and a new captain had not yet been named. As season 68 began, I was honored to have JoeK name Atticus Hale the 5th Captain of the New Orleans Specters. It was a nice way to start what would end up being a really disappointing season. Hale’s 61 points was another step back and the team as a whole reverted back to their offensively inept ways. After five seasons in the SHL, a lot of effort to get up to nearly 1,800 TPE, and not even a point per game season to show for it, I actually started to wonder how long I wanted to continue with Atticus Hale. Then I thought back to when I was drafted. I had made a promise to JoeK that I wouldn’t let him down. He wouldn’t regret taking me 2nd overall. I had just been named the captain and I wanted to see the team succeed. I wanted to help turn this thing around.

Season 69 (nice)

Entry Draft

New Orleans took advantage of their many picks in Season 69 drafted a franchise record six players. Hugh Manius (10th overall), Walt “Clyde” Frazier (30th overall), 4 Chainz (31st overall), Edward Flinders (33rd overall), Cole Dasice (50th overall), and Sam Conroy (70th overall) were all chosen by the Specters. Manius is another member of the strong New Orleans blue line and just finished his sixth season with the team. Frazier is a solid two-way forward and currently provides much needed stability on the third line. 4 Chainz played on two seasons with the Specters and those were his only seasons in the SHL. Flinders, Dasice, and Conroy have never played in the SHL.

Regular Season

This seemed to be the season that the rest of the SHL bought into the meta. After going 42-22-2 with 86 points, the Specters finished 3rd in the Central Division, 5th in the Western Conference, and 10th in the league. Those are almost identical positions as a season ago with 17 more points.

Awards

Bojo Biscuit Trophy - Best Defensive Defenseman nominee: Ole Olson
Jeff Dar Trophy - Best Two-Way Forward nominee: Videl Valor

Atticus Hale - Performance Analysis

The season I achieved 2,000 TPE is the season that Atticus Hale finally played at an elite level. The Specters turned things around and Hale improved significantly with his 88 points being a 27 point jump over the previous season and set career highs across the board. It was the first season that Atticus Hale led the team in scoring. The fact that he wasn't a nominee for the Aidan Richan Trophy (most improved player) still baffles me. Regardless, my player was finally playing at the level I had been expecting!

Season 70

Entry Draft

The Specters added two players in this draft, selecting Darnell Johnson II at 28th overall and Mu Wisconsin at 74th overall. Johnson II is the son of former Specter Darnell Johnson who played from Season 51 to Season 59. DJII is currently part of the third defensive pairing and really likes to practice his faceoff skills. Wisconsin was trending toward being a huge steal for New Orleans but unfortunately fizzled out after two SHL seasons.

Regular Season

Not as good as Season 60, but not terrible. A 35-35-6 record and 76 points was good enough for a second straight finish of 3rd in the Central Division, 5th in the Western Conference, and 10th in the league.

Awards

No award wins or nominations in Season 70.

Atticus Hale - Performance Analysis

Regression. Ugh. Atticus wasn't as good as the previous season unfortunately but 80 points is decent enough. At least it wasn't a big step back. Both Patya Perevalov and Giannis Kroustis broke out with career best seasons so the scoring was more distributed.

Season 71

Entry Draft

The New Orleans Specters did not have any picks in the Season 71 draft.

Regular Season

Only a slight improvement this season, the Specters finished 37-26-3 with 77 points. That put them in 3rd in the Central Division, 4th in the Western Conference, and 9th in the league

Awards

Bojo Biscuit Trophy - Best Defensive Defenseman nominee: Ole Olson

Atticus Hale - Performance Analysis

Season 71 saw Atticus set a new career high in points with 92. Hale also achieved 500 career points earlier in the season. Unfortunately, those milestones didn't translate to the team being better. Hale led the team in scoring by 18 points and only two other players exceeded a point per game. He wasn't nominated for any awards and didn't even make an All-SHL team. It was at this point that I began to realize that Atticus Hale wasn't going to be showered in awards. He probably wouldn't win an award at all. There was still hope for a 100 point season at least. With some luck, the hall of fame might even still be possible.

Season 72

Entry Draft

In this season’s draft, the Specters selected the next great New Orleans goaltender, Bernard Lodge, at 11th overall. Jon St. Ark had been a reliable presence in net but he wasn’t getting any younger. Lodge became the starting goaltender in Season 75 and seems poised to pick up where St. Ark left off. At 41st overall, New Orleans selected Konig Wolf who somehow slipped all the way to the third round despite being one of the more promising prospects coming into the draft. Wolf has played for the Specters for two seasons now and was a Ryan Jesster Trophy nominee in his rookie season. He’s looking more and more like a steal.

Regular Season

The season from hell. New Orleans just couldn’t figure it out as they finished with a 23-40-3 record and only 49 points which was their lowest point total since Season 60. That would wind up being 4th in the Central Division, 8th in the Western Conference, and 15th in the league.

Awards

No award wins or nominations in Season 72.

Atticus Hale - Performance Analysis

This was probably the most frustrating season I've endured in either league (SHL or SMJHL). Fresh off of Hale's career best point total and with the team in a better position than the previous season, I had anticipated a repeat performance or at least something close to it. Instead, what transpired was an absolute disaster of a season both for Hale and the New Orleans Specters. Atticus managed only 68 points, a reduction of 24 points and barely a point per game. Similarly, the Specters only managed to get 49 points which was 28 points fewer than the previous season. With regression having a greater impact, it felt like a lost season and a major setback. I could only hope the we would be able to turn things around next season.

Season 73

Entry Draft

New Orleans added four prospects to the mix in Season 73. At 6th overall, they selected Prince Marius. Jordan Thompson was selected 20th overall, Nico Nurminen 35th overall, and Red Panda 42nd overall. Marius was highly touted but it became clear that he desired to play in Buffalo which ultimately led to him being traded before his SHL debut. Thompson, Nurminen, and Panda will likely never play in the SHL.

Regular Season

A bit of a bounce back, but not much with the Central Division getting even stronger than they already had been. New Orleans finished 28-33-5 with 61 points which left them 5th in the Central Division, 7th in the Western Conference, and 13th in the league.

Awards

Turd Ferguson Trophy - Most Penalty Minutes WINNER: Filip Lund
Bojo Biscuit Trophy - Best Defensive Defenseman nominee: Lester Oiduser

Atticus Hale - Performance Analysis

After the previous season, I didn't know what to expect from Hale or the Specters. Unfortunately, it wasn't much better. New Orleans did see some improvement, managing 61 points. Hale, however, scored only 71 points. A far cry from his career high of 92 just two seasons ago. I presumed Atticus Hale's best seasons were behind him. Joe was still building the team though. I had to trust the process and help as much as possible.

There was a bit of a silver lining this season. Atticus surpassed Xavier Doom to become the New Orleans Specters all-time leader in goals with the 262nd of his career! It wasn't something I wasn't aware of at the time but when I realized it, my perspective was changed.

Season 74

Entry Draft

This is the first draft in which we have prospects who have yet to make their SHL debuts. The Specters selected four players—Cracker Pizza (22nd overall), Ace Guilded (28th overall), Benny Hanna (57th overall), and Icee Richardson (68th overall)—but they won’t make a debut in the SHL until Season 77 at the earliest. It’s worth noting that Cracker Pizza was traded and Benny Hanna and Icee Richardson are no longer with the team.

Regular Season

Another season of improvement, but not back to where they had been. The Specters finished the season 34-27-5 with 73 points. A nice jump but only good enough for 4th in the Central Division, 6th in the Western Conference, and 12th in the league.

Awards

Bojo Biscuit Trophy - Best Defensive Defenseman WINNER: Lester Oiduser

Atticus Hale - Performance Analysis

I came into this season with a different mindset. It was crystal clear that Atticus Hale wouldn't go down in SHL history as one of the greats and I accepted that. However, he could be the greatest Specter ever. At the same time, I could focus on being a better captain and help Joe and the team any way I could. I had some new goals before I Hale retired. I've always wanted to help bring another Challenge Cup to NOLA and that hasn't changed. Not only did I want him to be the Specters all-time leader in goals, assists, and points but I wanted to reach 1,000 career points, all as a member of the New Orleans Specters. This new line of thinking was followed up with a 73 point season for Atticus Hale and a 73 point season for the Specters - both improvements from the season prior.

Season 75

Entry Draft

New Orleans didn’t have a pick until round three in the Season 75 draft but still wound up selecting four players. Lukas Konecny was taken 48th overall but they have since retired. Roman Cechmanek II was selected 68th overall, WonderBread 88th overall, and Carl Hatchimal 108th overall. Cechmanek II may be the future backup goaltender for New Orleans while WonderBread still has much to prove before he’s ready for the SHL. Carl Hatchimal no longer plays for any SHL affiliated league and will likely never play a game in the SHL.

Regular Season

A disappointing season for the Specters as they finished with a 31-34-1 record and 63 points. That still put them in 3rd in the Central Division, 6th in the Western Conference, and 13th in the league.

Awards

Bojo Biscuit Trophy - Best Defensive Defenseman nominee: Lester Oiduser
Ryan Jesster Trophy - Best Rookie nominee: Konig Wolf

Atticus Hale - Performance Analysis

Regression was taking its toll on Atticus Hale but he still managed to get 68 points in what was a less-than-good season for the Specters. More than a point per game is all I could hope for at this point and Hale was only one of four players to achieve that.

Season 76

Entry Draft

In the Season 76 draft, the Specters selected three players. At 11th overall, New Orleans picked Saava Kirik. Though still at least a couple seasons away from an SHL debut, Kirik continues to look like a star in the making. Nathan Abel was selected 37th overall but has since been traded. At 51st overall, another potential future star was selected in Scar Bealey. Pretty high hopes for this class.

Regular Season

It was a tale of two drastically different halves. In the first 33 games of the season, the Specters were 25-8-0 and among the top three teams in the league. In the remaining 33 games, they went 13-16-4. There was a lot of hype coming into the season and New Orleans lived up to it in the first half of the season. The second half, however, was filled with frustration and no answers for why the team had suddenly started playing so poorly. The Specters would finish with a 38-24-4 record and 80 points, their best season in a while, but it was also a season of what-ifs. That was good enough for 2nd in the Central Division, 4th in the Western Conference, and 6th in the league.

Atticus Hale - Performance Analysis

With only 61 points on the season, it was the first time Atticus Hale didn't achieve a point per game since Season 68. The team had gotten better but he was no longer one of their primary offensive weapons. He was still the third highest scorer on the team, supported by a strong first half of the season.

Hale's 20th point of the season was a big one. It was also his 808th career point, surpassing Xavier Doom to become the New Orleans Specters all-time leader in points. Atticus ended Season 76 with 469 career assists needing 78 more to become the team's all-time leader. With 849 career points, he needs 151 more to reach the 1,000 point milestone. I'm hopeful that both are achievable before it's time to hang them up.


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