Coming all the way from Finland, Teemu Järvinen landed in St. Louis, Missouri which must felt like a worlds away from home. Preparing for his new journey in the SMJHL, Teemu Järvinen started practicing English. Getting chosen by St. Louis, Järvinen was excited being welcomed by the manager before the draft even began. Bfine greeted Järvinen at the practice arena and showed him to all of his new teammates. Despite barely speaking English, Järvinen was able to make friends through his passion for hockey. Bfine also took all the rookies out to dinner and it was there they all got to know each other a bit better. Järvinen met Wal Rus who was to be his partner in crime in sharing the crease. Järvinen also met his friend Chinweike H.I. Valentine-Okoli from his youth hockey days as well as a Finnish teammate in Toivo Jokinen. Toivo and Teemu really hit off as they both shared a bit of home in each other. Järvinen knew this was to be a special few years he would spend in St. Louis, and this was just the beginning!

Godfrey Williams was raised on a small farm in rural Iowa. He was known around town as a hardworking, quiet kid. This quaint yet tough upbringing is what instilled the chippy spirit within him that he is known for on the ice today. When he was drafted in the second round by the Vancouver Whalers, he was hit by a wave of excitement. This is the moment he has been dreaming of since childhood, and he went higher than his draft projection, what more could he ask for? But soon afterwards, he felt a feeling nervousness that he didn’t expect to plague his big day. He would be forced to move to Canada, after all. He has only left his hometown a handful of times for family road trips, let alone a whole new country. But his dreams awaited him. He packed his bags, kissed his dog goodbye for what may be the last time in God knows how long, and headed off to the airport to start his new life. He landed in Vancouver, not knowing what to expect, but was thankfully greeted by the Whaler’s gm, Shiamus at the airport. Shiamus welcomed Godfrey to the city, expressed his excitement for him to join the team, and escorted him to a local coffee shop where another gm, Seany and fellow rookie TMoney were already waiting. The four of them had a wonderful conversation about hockey, but also life in general that made Godfrey feel immediately at home.

I step off the plane and onto the breezy tarmac of Vancouver. I hold my bag tight as set off to get my sticks and gear from baggage claim. After some time of waiting for my ride, I finally make my way to the stadium. Some Idle chit-chatting with the driver we arrive. As I leave the cab some murmurs from local reporters catch my attention. "New winger Doctor Wad has been picked up by the Whalers, the real question is does he have the makings to even have an impact or will he fall flat and be a disappointment?" 
Upset by this I make up my mind to confront the news reporter on why there is already negativity being thrown on my name, before I can even step forward I'm stopped.... It's none other than Hans Gronlund, and for a moment I'm star struck as I've watched their interviews and seen how well they conduct themselves for the press and for the team. Before I can say a word Hans says "It's best not to listen to their tabloid garbage, they're just trying to make a quick buck off a garbage story"
Feeling the frustration begin fade away I see Hans motion his head as if to say "Follow me", We walk and talk for a few minutes before my nerves calm as I come to realize it doesn't matter what the media thinks, what matters now is being here and working hard so that one day I can see my face on the banners that line the stadium and hear the fans explode with glee after I make a play.
Hans stops and motions to what seems to be the locker room, "head on in, I'll catch up with you later" as he walks off. a moment passes... I take a deep breath, and I walk in. The room is dark except for 1 light, It illuminates a few lockers as I read off the numbers. #88, #14, #8 and then I stop and read 

#44 Wad. 

At this moment I knew I am home.

Freshly landed in Carolina, SON is Impressed by the huge urban area and already feels that there is something special and different compared to his hometown in Finland. When he knew he was probably going to play in America, SON started to learn English in Finland. He had the chance to be welcomed at the airport by the general manager and the captain of the team, Chuck Stewart. He took a flight to London and after that, with all the other rookies, they flew privately directly to Carolina. All the rookies are introduced to the members of the team by 7 and Stewart the same day as they arrived. They met their teammates at the practice arena and also had the chance to meet every professionals who work for the team. SON lives with a sophomore, Radley Yates, as the coach and the organization wants the sophomores to take responsibilities as mentors like S80s did for them before that. SON knows that this new place will be special for him. He already feels that Carolina will become his second home and he’s already excited for the new season to begin!

RETIRED - Ragnar-Alexandre Ragnarsson-Tremblay - G - S56  Drafted 6th round 61st OA by Carolina SHL Drafted 3rd round 50th by Los Angeles----------------------------------------------------SMJHL Stats | GP | W | L | OTL | GAA | SV% | SO | GRS55 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 1.99 | 0.913 | 1 | 70 S56 | 17 | 11 | 5 | 1 | 2.62 | 0.913 | 1 | 69S57 | 24 | 8 | 12 | 3 | 3.29 | 0.909 | 1 | 69S58 | 59 | 23 | 34 | 1 | 3.27 | 0.908 | 4 | 71S59 | 45 | 23 | 18 | 3 | 3.22 | 0.908 | 0 | 71-------------------------------------------------- SHL Stats | GP | W | L | OTL | GAA | SV% | SO | GR S60 | 18 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 | 0.889 | 1 | 62S61 | 15 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 3.27 | 0.901 | 2 | 65S62 | 23 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2.73 | 0.919 | 2 | 70S63 | 14 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 1.65 | 0.925 | 4 | 72----------------------------------------------------WJC Stats GP | W | L | OTL | GAA | SV% | SO | GRS54 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 3.23 | 0.905 | 0 | 65S55 | 12 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 3.21 | 0.910 | 1 | 70S56 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4.93 | 0.861 | 0 | 56S57 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2.75 | 0.876 | 0 | 53S58 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0.84 | 0.964 | 3 | 78S59 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 1.66 | 0.912 | 2 | 68---------------------------------------------------- Career MilestonesS54 WJC Bronze MedalistS55 WJC Bronze Medalist (STARTER)S57 WJC Gold MedalistS58 WJC Gold Medalist (STARTER) S58 WJC Top GoalieS58 WJC MVPS59 WJC Silver Medalist (STARTER) S60 SHL All-Rookie Team

David-Arturri Donskoi (DAD) - LW - S65 Drafted 2nd round 23rd OA by Regina---------------------------------------------------- SMJHL Stats | GP | G | A | P | +/- | PIM | F | W | L S64 | 36 | 9 | 10 | 19 | -5 | 31 | 1 | 1 | 0[pbl]

---

David-Arturri Donskoi
Regina Elk
Hey I'm DAD can I adopt you?

Holeh is suprised about heading to Maine. It's not your typically sports town it's not a high population area. Is this a green bay packer situation? Well they've got a lot history so they must be doing something right. While nervous everything seems to settle in easily for Mr. Guacamoleh. He recognizes tons of friends that he has met throughout his life and in sports and they make him feel comfortable right away. It's always a great feeling when you have people on the building who are already fighting for you and singing your praises so there is almost no adjustment period for Holeh as its easy to settle in pit his head down and put in every ounce of effort to prove all of them right and be the best possible hockey player that he can be. He is excited to check out the city and has found out the while a small city the fans are as loyal as ever and very welcoming to the players.

The big defenseman Send Noodlez has finally found a home in the SMJHL after clearing waivers and sitting in free agency for a little bit. The young man from Brooklyn, New York will have a huge transition as he will leave the hustle and bustle of the big city going from a busy borough of New York City to Anchorage, Alaska to play for the Armada. It may be a rough transition for Send as there is just a huge cultural shift between New York and Alaska and that affects everything such as normal day to day life, activities outside of the rink, and food! Noodlez, despite his name, loves pizza and well, there is just no comparing other pizzas to New York pizza where you can roam the streets and find an amazing slice on every corner. Also, that does apply to his name too as in general he loves a good Italian food found all over New York so he can get his noodle on anywhere there too. It should be fine but who knows how it will be, Noodlez just got there and got to meet some teammates and coaches. He has so far loved the environment and hopes to continue to embrace the city, his teammates, and his fans and take the Brooklyn kid and make him Alaska ready!

Current Player || May O'Nayse || RW || Prospect
Name: May O'Nayse
Age: 20
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 150 lbs
Number: 45
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SMJHL Career Stats
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Accomplishments/Trophies


Previous Player || Johannes Leitner || G || Hall of Fame
Name: Johannes Leitner
Age: 31
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 198 lbs
Number: 9
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SHL Career Stats
S45: GP: 44 || Wins: 23 || Save Pct: .898 || GAA: 3.32
S46: GP: 41 || Wins: 15 || Save Pct: .907 || GAA: 3.10
S47: GP: 44 || Wins: 17 || Save Pct: .912 || GAA: 2.98
S48: GP: 44 || Wins: 21 || Save Pct: .905 || GAA: 3.16
S49: GP: 44 || Wins: 31 || Save Pct: .926 || GAA: 2.18
S50: GP: 44 || Wins: 21 || Save Pct: .890 || GAA: 3.38
S51: GP: 44 || Wins: 18 || Save Pct: .902 || GAA: 3.09
S52: GP: 44 || Wins: 22 || Save Pct: .900 || GAA: 3.18
S53: GP: 40 || Wins: 32 || Save Pct: .924 || GAA: 1.84
Career: GP: 389 || Wins: 200 || Save Pct: .906 || GAA: 2.92
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Accomplishments/Trophies
S42: Drafted 48th Overall (6th round) in SMJHL Entry Draft by Vancouver
S43: Drafted 16th Overall (2nd round) in SHL Entry Draft by New England
S43: Won Brodie Witzel Trophy (SMJHL Playoff MVP) with Vancouver
S43: Won Four-Star Cup with Vancouver
S49: Won Mathias Chouinard Trophy (East Champions) with New England
S49: Won Ron Mexico Trophy (MVP) with New England
S49: Won John McBride (Best Goalie) Trophy with New England
S49: Won Aidan Richan (Most Improved) Trophy with New England
S49: Won Sarmad Khan Trophy (Player MVP) with New England
S49: Won Mike Honcho Trophy (Least Goals Allowed) with New England
S53: Won John McBride (Best Goalie) Trophy with New England
S53: Won Mike Honcho Trophy (Least Goals Allowed) with New England
HALL OF FAME!!!!!

Gabriel Savoie has gotten the green light, and is on his way to Colorado. After missing the draft, the Albertan stayed in Edmonton to play with his local junior team. After getting a call from a few GM's, Savoie decided to go to the Raptors, where he thinks his build will be most beneficial. When Savoie arrived at the locker room earlier this evening, he was instantly welcomed by the team. Savoie is ready to start his training with the team, as-well as the season. Savoie hopes to help this team become champions. The first couple days have been a huge shift in the Canadians life. He is now living on his own instead of with his family, and is frankly feeling a little homesick. His Apartment gets lonely but thanks to modern technology, he is able to contact his family ever day after practice. Savoie is still extremely exited for his new life.

Johan Lodewyk arrived in Quebec City in a whirlwind of activity. For one thing, it took him longer than expected to find an apartment, as Johan had assumed he would be bunking with his defense partner and fellow rookie, Chubby Barista. Johan knew CB liked to practice early in the morning, though he couldn't tell whether it was out of a sense of duty and discipline or whether it was a consequence of constant caffeine consumption. So Johan drove to the rink far earlier than usual, hoping to raise the subject with CB during their morning warm-up. When they arrived, however, CB was fixated on their phone and muttering under their breath about... extension cables? And electricity rates? Johan tried to break the ice by talking about the French press he'd gotten for his birthday, thinking coffee talk would get their attention. CB's neck vein became visible and their hands balled up into fists. Johan thought his life might only have been spared because of the phone call CB finally received back from the electrician. As CB lifted the phone up to their ear, Johan quickly mentioned the idea of splitting rent and they absently replied "Yeah, good one," never making eye contact. They were a hell of a hockey player, but that Barista sure knew how to put you in your place, opponents and teammates alike. Perhaps Johan didn't need a roommate right away, perhaps he could live alone for the first while.

Leaving the rink that day, Johan couldn't help but miss his hometowns. The coastal beauty of the Garden Route where he was born, and the wide open prairies of his adolescence. But as he wandered the lively streets of Old Quebec, the realization dawned on him that, when the time came to leave, he would miss this place too.

  
Johan Lodewyk | #3 | Defense | Québec City Citadelles
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SMJHL Statistics:
S81 Regular Season
GP: 64 | G: 11 | A: 35 | P: 46 | +29
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Highlights:
Drafted 16th OA by Québec City Citadelles

St. Louis, the gateway city, home to the the St. Louis BBQ ribs, apparently the best ribs in the world. Hey, if the food there is good, there won't be many complaints made from CHIVO. Coming over from a to a country where the sport is niche in nature to one where its not just mainstream but a core part, its an interesting experience for CHIVO. Having someone like fellow rookie Toivo Jokinen (@Toaster) to lounge around and explore with helps alot. Having management also show you and every rookie drafted though the facilities and allow you all to skate together just to get used to the ice and to bond with each to each other is even better. Hell, they even give you a flat to live in within close proximity to the pracitice ice. CHIVO does hope however that they won't mind the gift he gave them. Kilishi beef, a personal snack of his, spicy but very tasty.

Sig Credit: Flappy (EVO) and Skolpaddor (RESO)

EMEKA VALENTINE-OKOLI/PLAYER

First SMJHL Goal: Colorado Raptors, Emeka Valentine-Okoli 1 (Mikelis Ozoliņš 4, Loki Odinsson 3) at 3:12, 2nd Period (GWG) / SMJHL S47 Game 47 Day 12: Colorado Raptors vs Detroit Falcons
First SHL Goal: Texas Renegades, Emeka Valentine-Okoli 1 (Josef Kubinec 5, Ricky Spanish 4) at 16:23, 2nd Period / SHL S51 Game 71 Day 16: Edmonton Blizzard vs Texas Renegades

Eternal , onwards we roll

And Let's Retire at the Pinnacle

As the SMJHL looks to open their season, several major storylines have begun to develop, including the awaited arrival of league newcomer Vito Corleone. Vito, the grandson of the late Vito Andolini Corleone, has been signed by the Anchorage Armada. Many questioned Vito's future in hockey after a mysterious absence from the draft, leading him to go undrafted. Days later, word began to spread around the league Vito had appeared, and the bidding war ensued. Corleone announced late Sunday evening he would be taking his talents to Anchorage, when asked about details of the negotiations Corleone stated: " I offered them a deal they could not refuse". Reporters then followed-up wondering Vito's thoughts other teams who may have passed on him throughout the process, he said "Revenge is a dish best served cold".