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gaby · 02-20-2021, 11:20 PM

Marco Barengrub was scouted as a good defensive center but with a pretty much non existent offensive game. Teams were also worried that he could have difficulties to adjust to North America as his English is really bad. It was with no surprises Barengrub fell in the draft to pick number 42 to Detroit. It ended being a good thing for the young center from Estonia as the Falcons already have 3 quality centers ahead of him on the depth chart. It allows him to play fourth line minutes in a role he's good at which is to prevent goals. He also faces weaker opposition and so far so good. He now has 2 goals and 6 assists and he's a +3. Barengrub was used to play on International ice size but the standard ice rink in North America turned out to be a plus as it fits his game better. Detroit is not seen as the most exciting city in the world, but compare to Anchorage, Kelowna or Maine things could be worse. Anyway, in covid time, there's not much that is allowed to do.

Avakael · 02-21-2021, 07:45 AM

Sanzhar Molochtovoi is slowly, but surely, getting used to Detroit. Admittedly, it's not like he walks around much in the city itself; he gets up in the morning, gets ready, takes the lift down from his apartment to the underground car park, drives from his home to the other underground car park at the rink (both the practice rink and the main arena have one, amusingly), and then goes in to train or play. He's plenty used to air travel, and plays just as well at home as he does away. The big adjustment has been the fact that he's no longer the undisputed king of whatever sheet of ice he's skating on; everyone else is just as skilled as he is, and a few are even as fast as he is. Fortunately, Sanzhar is young, understands the level of play he'll need to be at to crack the SHL, and has the resources and capacity to get there.

gucci · 02-21-2021, 11:54 AM

Dane von Gucci has had a kind of tumultuous start to his SMJHL career. After initially playing in a defensive pairing with Daryl Urquhart, von Dane now finds himself paired with the newest member of the Scarecrows, Michael Withecheck, who came over in an early season trade from Anchorage. With the different partnerships, von Dane has yet to find stability, but has had some phenomenal individual performances regardless of that. Through 19 games, he has just 5 assists, but finds himself overperforming expectations defensively by quite a bit. Once the offensive numbers start flowing more consistently, who knows what his stat line will look like. Right now, he's getting in good positions to shoot, but has yet to hit the back of the net. Only three players in the entire league have taken more shots than von Dane without registering a goal so far. It hasn't just been tough sledding for von Dane either, as the scarecrows sit at 8-11-0 and three points back of archrivals, Detroit. So the whole team is looking for a big change in fortunes at the moment.

Code:
182 words

~~Kachur~~ · 02-21-2021, 12:20 PM

Settling into Anaheim, California was a tricky thing for Puques. Coming from Nice France to the bustling city of Hollywood and Disneyland was a shock for sure. He was used to living a quiet sheltered life. Laying hockey and going home to play games or sleep. So Meeting people and not speaking English was the biggest transition, thankfully his teammates have been hooking him up and helping him integrate into life in America. The outlaws threw him a housewarming party, gave him a roommate to help split rent and often teach him English so that they can communicate with them. Eight games into the season Puques have 1 win but he learns something new every game, trying to improve and is enjoying the constant sunlight. He is adjusting nice and settling in amazingly. Setting roots and even finding a girlfriend. Anaheim has been good to him, its now his second home.

Code:
151 words

grimreaper · 02-21-2021, 03:58 PM

Coming across the pond from Scotland to live in Newfoundland presented a unique challenge for Robert Black, however the young Scot has adapted incredibly well to life in the SMJHL. The Newfoundland Berserkers selected Black at the top of the 3rd round and he has quickly settled in to life as Berserker. Black's teammates on the Berserkers have been incredibly welcoming, enabling him to quickly become accustomed to the pressures and demands of playing hockey at a higher level. Black has found time on a line with fellow rookie and Brit Robert E. O. Speedwagon and the two have clicked well to start their careers. Black has experienced limited playing time so far but has delivered in the time he has had, contributing offensively at a level beyond what was expected of him coming in to the season. Black has settled incredibly well in Newfoundland which is sure to lead to a very successful career in the SMJHL.

***Alaska*** · 02-21-2021, 10:42 PM

Coming over late and missing the draft, Matej had a bit of a different experience upon his arrival trying to get a spot in an SMJHL lineup. He and his dad, the former Manhattan Rage star, came over and hosted teams at the family’s home in New York after an on ice session for teams to see what level of player he is. Teams must not have been overly impressed as he had just two offers from teams, but he was able to make a decision and join the Anaheim Outlaws, a team where he could form his own legacy. He is settling in well on the blue line so far, 3 assists and some strong defensive play in his first five games as he’s gotten his feet underneath him. There’s a lot of time left in the season though, and he’s going to look to improve every step of the way. Also he should probably get an apartment, or else he’s going to get stir crazy in a hotel long term.

Word Count: 172

Alex Winters (retired)
Matej Winters (retired)
Dominik Winters
S45 Jesster Trophy Winner
Challenge Cup Winning Goal Club: S52

***WannabeFinn*** · 02-22-2021, 12:21 AM

Karl Erik Karl2 Wojtek Kekkonen has had a decent start to his rookie season in the SMJHL with the Colorado Raptors. To this point Kekkonen has rallied 3 goals and 3 assists in 21 games. Unfortunately, Kekkonen has been a turnover machine, giving the puck up 16 times while only taking it away from the opposition 3 times.

Kekkonen has been settling in well with his new routine in Colorado. Getting into the groove of training, forming bonds with teammates, learning the city and culture, meeting fans. However, he still finds himself missing home at times. But he continues on in pursuit of his greatest dream: reaching the SHL. Making progress every week and continuing to develop has been crucial to him realizing that dream one day. In all, the transition to his new life in North America has been a bit jarring but also exciting and full of opportunity. It is only up from here for the young Finnish winger.

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