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S24 Written PT#2 - 'Rookies vs. Send-downs: BeAGM'
#16

<div align="center">Before I reveal my selections, please allow me a moment to explain away any surprises which may lie in wait for you. I firmly believe that the key to a good side is balance; it’s all well and good throwing s bunch of superstars together, but if their skill sets do not compliment one another, then they are never going to perform together. With that in mind, here is the side I would choose to represent the rookies of the SMJHL.

Goaltender
Austin Lemieux Falcons 216 TPE

No surprises here. Lemieux was the standout goalie in his draft class, and is already out-performing established starters like Erik Lundqvist (in save % & GAA), and Igor Ogorodnikov (GAA). He has also stopped five of six penalty shots taken against him, which shows that he can perform under pressure. He has good control, and good speed, and I fully expect him to see him become a regular starter in the SHL in a couple of seasons.

Defence (right)
Maria Maximova Knights 225 TPE

As far as defencemen (or defencewomen) go, only John Matthews ( Scarecrows ) has more points than Maximova. He’s put up 16 points at a team who have 11 points more after 22 games than Maximova’s Kelowna Knights, while Maximova has 14 points for a side whose form has been far more erratic. With a higher TPE rating to boot, there was little doubt in my mind as to which player I would prefer to have.

Maximova is a two-way defencewoman with good hands, and an eye for goal. As she’s shown this season, she can also rack up the assists (12 thus far), and in that regard has out-performed one of the other candidates for this spot: Bastien Salabanzi ( Falcons ). If there is a drawback to Maximova’s game it is perhaps her size, but she’s already shown that she can hold her own against the big boys, and she has had a wonderful season thus far. I will cook and eat my own hat if this girl doesn’t go far.

Defence (left)
Rick Chleb Firebirds 200 TPE

Here, perhaps, we have my first controversial selection, but remember what I said: balance! With Maximova beating out all other rookies for a spot in defence, I felt it necessary to compliment her offensive capabilities with a more defensively minded player, and if anybody has been keeping a close eye on the SMJHL, this lad will not have gone unnoticed.

Chleb leads rookie defencemen in shots blocked, showing that he has the courage and determination required to succeed at the highest level. He is an excellent checker as well, and his points return is almost startling high for such a (supposedly) defensively minded player: in twenty two games, Chleb has notched up thirteen points for a Firebirds side who have been as erratic in form as any of the Western sides.

If—for consideration’s sake—we compare Chleb’s stats to those of the highly-rated Salabanzi, we will find that his 13 points is more than double the Irishman’s 6, and he has racked up more hits (30 vs 24) and blocks (35 vs 20).

Left wing
Evandrus Jesster :impact: 311 TPE

Well, he had to be here, didn’t he? Jesster came into the draft as one of two highly sought after prospects, and so far he has lived up to the billing at Montreal. Slightly surprising, perhaps, is his goals to assists ratio: Jesster has scored just 6 goals, but still leads all rookies with 19 points. In fact, of all players in the SMJHL this season, only Alex Mack ( Falcons ) and Kaapo Kekkonen ( Falcons ) have more points than he does. So why, I hear you ask, do I have him out on the left wing?

All will be revealed, but I will say that Jesster has the ability to be productive anywhere along the offensive line. He is an excellent skater and puck-handler, and coming off the left wing with a right-handed shot would only leave him with a wider choice of shot. He has shown this season that he can create as well as score, and while this is obviously tremendously beneficial to any side, I think that having him come in from the left onto his strong side would do his goalscoring output no harm.

Right wing
Robb Wind Scarecrows 308 TPE

As sure as the unicorn is the national animal of his native Scotland, Robb Wind was another player who simply had to be in the line-up. A gifted skater with an eye for goal, Wind is perhaps more one-dimensional than Jesster, but no less dangerous. He also has tremendous fitness, and is very difficult to remove from the puck.

With 8 goals so far this season, Wind is ranked #1 amongst rookies—along with Zack Hoover ( Whalers ) and Adam Fälk ( :impact: )—and has backed up his goal tally with 8 assists. Many are still expecting more from the Scot, and you can bet your house and your grandmother on the fact that more will come.

Centre—and the answer to a dilemma!
With twin snipers Wind and Jesster patrolling the flanks, there is simply no room in a balanced line for someone like Jesster’s Montreal team-mate, Lord Pretty Flacko ( :impact: ). What players like Wind and Jesster need is someone to feed them the puck in good scoring positions; what they need is a playmaker. For my selection I have given this responsibility to…

Kristján Vilhjalmsson Knights 224 TPE

As strong as the draft class was this year, it didn’t take very long for me to come to this decision. Wind and Jesster need a provider, and the Icelandic viking fits the bill perfectly. He has put up great numbers already this year (G: 3, A: 12, Pts: 15), and is a natural centre with the third best face-off win percentage in the entire league (55.38%). Compare this to Jesster’s 48.74%, and I think that even the staunchest Whalers fan would have to admit that Vilhjalmsson is a good fit.

On top of all of this, the Icelander is a well-rounded player, far stronger than either of his illustrious would-be line-mates, and has a keen eye for the pass. His 15 points have him ranked 7th out of all centres in the league this year, and—having worked closely with him—I can tell you that he’s only going to get better.</div>

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#17

With such a deep and talented recent draft, there is some hard choices and some pretty easy choices as there has been a really consistent choice for some certain positions (Looking at you Jesster).

Center - :impact: Evandrus Jesster :impact:
What can you not say about the second overall pick in the latest draft? Not only is he a fantastic player on the ice with a solid 19 points in 22 games (which is also the highest for all rookies) with a plus-6 rating, but he is an amazing captain and shows his presence off the ice as well both in the locker room and outside it. He is definitely showing his worth and could easily be the first overall pick for the upcoming SHL draft this off-season.

He would also be my pick for captain of the rookie team.

Left Wing - :impact: Adam Falk :impact:
This pick is definitely out of left field for most people, but definitely not to me. Slipping down to the third round, Montreal definitely grabbed a gem who should of easily been a first rounder. Tied for second in rookie scoring, Falk is an underrated player floating under people's radars and I hope he gets more known closer to the SHL draft. A natural left winger, he switched around his skills just to be more of a center as well to help out the Impact, so he is a great team player on top of his very respectable 18 points for a two-way forward. He always rises to the occasion, and if there is any reason why Jesster couldn't play center, he could easily slot right in. Every great team needs an all around overall great player, and Falk is my pick.

Right Wing - Scarecrows Robb Wind Scarecrows
The man, the myth, the first overall pick. Every great team needs that solid wing sniper that can streak up the boards and pot some goals. Although he has a slow start, he definitely is helping his team on and off the ice, helping the Scarecrows be on top of the Eastern conference that is packed with the best teams in the SMJHL. Pairing with another great player in Jesster, it'd be interesting to see their chemistry together, as they definitely would be hard to beat with a combined 619 TPE.

Left Defense - Scarecrows John Matthews Scarecrows
How this guy fell to the fourth round no one will know, but is he ever proving himself to be a top pick for the upcoming SHL draft as well. This stellar two-way defenseman is even tied in rookie scoring with the first overall pick and teammate in Wind, and he is still a plus player with low PIM. He is the kind of player teams strive for, a top pairing defenseman that can own both his zone and the offensive zone. The Scarecrows have a special player on the back end, and he is earning his top pairing spot.

Right Defense - Knights Maria Maximova Knights
Another great defender from the draft, the Knights grabbed a great player in Maximova. Although she isn't on the top pairing, having a solid spot on the top four is doing great for her, even getting her a great point total for being on defense as well. Having her paired with another amazing defenseman would do wonders for any team, so to have her with someone like Matthews would make a fierce duo that any team would fear.

Goalie - Falcons Austin Lemieux Falcons
My fellow Stingray :-x . Finding himself in Detroit is definitely benefiting this talented goaltender, who is definitely showing that he is a top goalie in the league who is helping the Falcons fight for a top spot in the East which isn't an easy thing to do. For a rookie, he is definitely playing like an elite goalie and is making a name for himself more and more every game he plays. Although he is only splitting time with Bowden, if he continues his excellent start he could definitely help the Falcons to that ever great Four Star Cup!

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#18

Quote:Originally posted by Alucard@Jun 30 2015, 01:16 PM

Yeahthat

On the one hand we have Jesster, who neglected to name his own badass self in the line, and instead named a teammate whose form has been deserving of praise. This is what you call class.&nbsp; Cheers

On the other hand, we have Ghostspeed... about whom the less is said the better.&nbsp; <_<



Bravo for coming to the defense of your sticksharing teammate ...
I'd be more than happy to discuss whether or not my comment so repugnant
Walk over to the Thunderdome.
#19

Im going to approach this a little bit differently and give you some names that should be there but more on the depth side

rw – clive stonehands Falcons
Great player has 9 points while averaging 10 mins a night and good +/-. Hes got a good knack for scoring and is a very well rounded weapon. While he may get overshadowed a bit by some other weapons on the Falcons team He has a very bright future a head of him. Not to mention he has one of the best names in the league.

C-Kristjan Vilhjalmsson Knights
Leading rookie score on Kelowna and can pass the puck through the eye of a needle 200 feet away. This guy cant score but he will put of a high amount of assists. He currently has 12 assistes and 3 goals and I look for him to be setting up the other rookies in the beat down of the send downs. Also having him dish it to webb all day will cause fits when that line is out there. Good luck commentators on the saying his name.

Lw Leon webb Firebirds
Perfect compliment for what I am looking to do with this line. Webb only knows how to shoot. In fact the very act of passing causes tears to flow down his baby face. However with his sniping abilities we look for him to just get open and keep his stick on the ice and kristijan will find him. Goal judge be ready im calling it now hat trick.

D John Matthews Scarecrows
Hard to find another obscure defensemen outside of my next listed one but solid point production and a pretty good +/- for a very good STL team. He is 3rd in rookie scoring on his team and is keeping pace with the highly touted Wind.

D Bastien Salabanzi Falcons
This is all about versatility. He has 6 points and a great +/- for Detroit. But his ability to play forward incase someone goes down or even a “fourth” forward on the powerplay will help put up some offensive numbers against the send downs. This guy has great potential offensively and look for him to give fits with some great break out passes

G Austin lemiuex Falcons
By far the best rookie goalie and was putting him no matter what due to him playing with the falcons. Going against the send downs we need to push the defense up a little bit and be more aggressive and having him back there gives us that ability. This guy gives us the confidence to take chances in Detroit knowing that he will bail out any mistakes we make.

These are some of the depth players I think will make the team. They may be better suited for middle or bottom 6 but they will represent the rooks well. With these guys out there and with the points ppl are getting from this I feel that the rooks can push those vets and make a game of it. GO falcons

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#20

Goaltender: Nikita Nevzorov
I understand everyone is picking me for goalie, I thank you, and appreciate it a lot. It is a true honour to be picked the amount of times I have been so far. HOWEVER. The #1 Goalie draft pick in the draft has yet to show up in anyone's PT, I think people should take pity in the fact that this guy hasn't even been in the Scarecrows dressing room yet. What a great pick for the scarecrows! I mean, this guys stats are unreal. 1.000 SV% AND A 0.0 GAA. Why are people picking me when this guy has stats like this! This guy also has great other qualities, such as: Coffee Fetching, Popcorn Eating, benc.. Uhh, Box office seat warming? And AN AMAZING CHEERLEADER! Id attribute his cheering as the top reason why the Scarecrows are doing so well this year. I heard him cheering every game when we blanked St. Louis. He also didn't play in the showcase, it was a really bold move. I said at the time "Lets see how it plays out" And we saw how it played out! So well! This guy gets 2M to literally sit in a comfy chair up in the box, and talk to people. He doesn't even have to do post game media, he is that good. Everyone knows what his thoughts on his play was, because he's never played. All joking aside, the most important stat this guy has is he is undefeated. That's amazing. In a league with 5 good teams, its crazy that a goalie could go without giving up a loss for this long. I have been impressed with his sitting stance he uses a lot, sometimes goes for the advanced cross legged approach, but normally just goes for straight leg. I aspire to be like him one day, getting paid to grab coffee for executives, what a gig!

Defense: Jasper Clayton
He is my defence, I'm really biased, so Id have to go with him for my first pick. He is really active, and brings a lot to the table. He does a lot as far as media, and just being a good player on the ice! He can shut down the offence, and throws big hits too!

Sasha Kovalev
For obvious reasons.

Right Wing: Mario Nyquist
I see potential in this guy, hes hard working, and really shows some promise in the league. We've seen that players can score even if they don't have a lot of TPE this year, I like his build, and would put him on my line.

Left Wing: Lord Pretty Flacko
At 230TPE, this guy is a beast, and with a name like that, who wouldn't want him on their team.

Center: Evandrus Jesster
Leading all rookies in scoring, and a fellow stingray, he has what it takes to become the #1SHL Draft pick. Being captain has helped him become a leader of the last place team in the East, which is still better that the first team in the West. Jesster is a good guy, and will help bring unity to this team.


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#21

Pardon me if I go completely off of the boards with what is to be expected here, but Herb Brooks has been attributed as saying before that assembling a team is not about picking the best players but picking the right ones. For that reason I will be giving 0 regard to TPE when selecting my Send Down Line, and instead will be looking at statistics and other factors. Also, to go further off the grid I will be building my team from the net out. What do you think I am, some sort of savage?

Falcons G- Austin Lemieux (6-4-2, 0.867 PCT, 3.11 GAA)
After making a large stink about going off the grid in my opener it seems curious that I would then start things off with the same pick as everyone else for goalkeeper. It pains me to just go with the flow, but Austin truly is top of the class in terms of backstopping a team. If the rookies want any chance of winning Lemieux will have to stand on his head.

Scarecrows RD- John Matthews (3-13-16)
Matthews is a top end defender in the SMJHL. He has great wheels and is willing to use them to join the rush or get back on a play. While he certainly isn’t the most physical defender he can put the fear into the hearts of competition another way; specifically on the scoreboard. The righty will need a complementary player to his left. Matthews will bring the skill from the backend, without being any burden on his teammates.

Firebirds LD- Rick Chleb (3-10-13)
Chleb may be a natural righty like Matthews, but there is no reason he couldn't switch to the left side for one game to help the team. The Irish defender may not be the most skilled defensemen, but he has not let that hold him back this season as he has been a quality blueliner for the Birds. There are a slough of names that people could have chosen before Chleb (Maximova, Salabanzi, Clayton, etc.), but no rookie can do what Chleb does night in and night out: stop pucks and wreck bodies. His grit and ability to keep up in the offensive game makes Chleb an ideal counterpart for the rookie’s top unit.

Scarecrows RW- Robb Wind (8-8-16)
Another easy selection. Robb Wind was the King of the Class and has proven why so far this year. He creates a ton of chances and is a true skilled sniper that will draw a lot of attention for his linemates to take advantage of.

:impact: LW- Adam Falk (8-10-18)
Falk is tied for second among rookies in points, but that isn’t what put him on the top line. As a converted centre Falk has decent face-off skills that could be used in case the primary option is not able to. He also has the balance between playmaking and scoring to make him a duel threat in the offensive end. However, it is Falk’s 200 foot game that drew my attention. The young forward has been trusted by Montreal to log over 3 minutes on the PK per game (second among forwards on the team), and he has blocked a number of chances. Falk could be the most “complete” rookie forward and deserves the recognition.

Firebirds C- Mario Nyquist (6-12-18)
The consensus pick here has been Jesster, and I am here to tell you that you are all wrong. If the rookies have want any hope of beating the send downs they will have to breakup the two best forwards and roll two lines that have some offensive pop. Most will point to Jesster’s point totals as verification for his spot. News Flash: Mario has just one less point (while playing outside his normal position, on a less offensive team). Not only that, let us remember that there is more to centering a line than scoring. The most important thing for a top line centre to do is win face-offs, and Jesster has struggled with that mightily this season. This isn't amateur hour, Nyquist is a high quality playmaker and fits in well between two incredibly skilled wingers.

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#22

There is no doubt that an All-Star game at any level of sport is a very excited thing. A super rookie versus a rookie tournament is an even better game because of what's at stake in terms of draft status, and this players are not seasoned veterans. You think how, but just go and watch a CHL All-Star game versus the NHL, it's just exciting! These players have things to prove to the SHL general managers, and that's why its exciting!

Now if I were given the reins to the SMJHL prospects team, its easy choices, choose the top scorers for obvious reasons.

C Evandrus Jesster

Your going to be hearing this guys name for years to come. After going second overall in the SMJHL draft this season Jesster was named the captain of the Impact and has led by example this season. Jesster leads the Montreal Impact in rookie scoring with 19 points in 22 games. Jesster already has an eye on the top pick in the upcoming SHL draft, and with his leadership skills in full view in Montreal, he could take that spot.

RW Robb Wind

If Jesster is on this team, so is Wind. Wind is the McDavid or Eichel to Jesster. Wind went first overall in the SMJHL entry draft to St. Louis where Wind leads the team in rookie scoring with 16 points in 22 games this season. Wind is also said to be a top pick in this years SHL draft, and will make any team a contender. Teammates have said how good his leadership is in St. Louis and it has shown with St. Louis holding top spot in the SMJHL this season.

LW Lord Pretty Flacko

Although Flacko has not put up the points that most people thought he was going to in Montreal, 11 points in 22 games is not a bad showing at all. Consider that also he is on a deep Impact forwards squad, and the puck has just not gone his way this season. If you were to sit down and watch an Impact game, you wouldn't be able to keep your off of Flacko game on the ice. With so much skill around him in the All-Star game, you will see why he could be the third overall pick in the upcoming SHL draft. Flacko is also one of the hardest working players off the ice with training, and that will also pay off when in the SHL.

D Maria Maximova

Yes Maria, yes that is a girls name, but this girl means nothing but business. With 14 points in 22 games this season for the Knights, she is the rookie defense scoring leader for the Knights. It is hard to believe she will drop out of the top 5 for the upcoming SHL draft class, and could be the top defencemen taken in said draft. She also works extremely hard off the ice with training and size so she can stand the grinding of a full season the SHL, and it seems to be paying off this season with the Knights.

D John Matthews

Matthews plays on the same team as Wind, and is actually tied in points this season with him. I'll let that sink in. That's 16 points in 22 games, which ties him for rookie scoring on St. Louis, and means he is the rookie defense scoring leader for them as well. Matthews will battle Maximova for top defense spot in the upcoming SHL draft with the season he is set to finish. Matthews is a pure goal scoring defensemen with a ton of skill in his bag which will be on full display in the All-Star game.

G Austin Lemieux

The league agrees with this pick in net. Lemieux has split the season with his counterpart Bowden, and has a 6-4-2 record in 13 games played. The season that Lemieux is throwing together will put him as the top goalie pick in the SHL draft, and I for one, wouldn't be surprised if he is a first round pick and the starter next season in the SHL.

Those are my picks for the SMJHL All-Star team and Go SMJHL Go!

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FalconsJapanpride

#23

Ghostspeed, speaking from the outside looking in, you should probably see yourself on these lists before you call out people you don't know like a baseless moron.

I hope Alucard goes to the thunderdome cuz he seems as articulate as he seems cool.

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#24

Line-up For SMJHL Rookie Team

:force: C Mario Nyquist- There are a lot of top names that come to mind when picking the center for the SMJHL rookie. I will preface by saying that I am a little biased to Nyquist. With that being said how could you not want Mario Nyquist on the squad. Underrated from the start Nyquist has done nothing but impress since getting into the league. With 6 goals and 12 assists through 24 games, Nyquist has been a point producing machine. Nyquists ability to see the ice and make the difficult passes makes him an easy choice to pair with some of the leagues fresh up and comers.

:impact: LW Evandrus Jesster- How you start a rookie all-star team without placing Jesster somewhere on this roster. While Jessters natural position is center, by putting him on the left wing with Nyquist centering the puck its gives you more options as far as putting the puck in the net. With 7 goals and 13 assists thus far Jesster gives you more scoring ability on the wing and provides Nyquist with a dangerous weapon when attacking the net. While Jesster is not an overly physical player he does play a very sound defensive games which would come in handy not only during 5 on 5 play but also in penalty kill situations. It does seem strange having probably the mosted talent overall rookie in the league not playing his natural position but this does allow this grouping more freedom and flexabilty having Nyquist at center.

Scarecrows RW Robb Wind- Its an easy decision lacing Robb Wind to round out this forward group. 9 goals and 8 assists give you an idea of the scoring ability of Rob Wind which is a major upside. Wind also plays a defensive game, however, that would rival some the top rookie defenseman in this league. This allows you the flexability to move Wind all over the ice without any real drop in production. One of the more underrated aspects of his game, though, is his drive. Robb Wind has a motor that doesn’t quit. He will be as strong for you in minute 59 as he was in minute 5.

Scarecrows D John Mathews- Mathews is a high end, two defenseman who continues to shines for the St. Louis Scarecrows. He is not a goal scoring machine, with only 3 for the year, but he is a gifted skater with a strong passing game. He ability to carry the puck up ice and QB is what has allowed to him add 14 assists to his offensive numbers. While some defenders in the league seem to sacrifice defense for offense that is not the case with Mathews. Mathews is a smart, strong and sound defensive blue-liner who is as comfortable in the defensive zone as he is on the attack.

:force: D Rick Chleb- The last of the blueliners is Rick Chleb. While Mathews is know well for his two-way game its Chleb who is known as the hammer on the blue line. Great strength, checking and a capable defensive game is what Rick Chleb brings to the table. He is the physical presence of the unit and the guys who can bring the pain when it comes to laying the intimidating hit. Every great team needs the super physical athlete and there is no better rookie at that then Chleb.

Falcons G Austin Lemieux- The obvious choice here. Lemieux was the best goaltender in last years draft class and nothing has changed since then to suggest it should be otherwise. With an impressive 6-4-2 record and 3.11 GAA Lemieux is even outperforming some of the higher rated goaltenders from last years draft class. There is really no one on Lemieuxs level when it comes to rookie. He rounds out what would be a pretty nasty starting lineup.

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#25

Quote:Originally posted by mpna4@Jul 1 2015, 05:48 PM
:force: [b]C Mario Nyquist[/b]

Doesn't even know what team he plays for Firebirds
#26

It was tough selecting a team of young rookies to go up against the more experienced send-downs, but I think I found a team that should give the rookie class it's best shot. I've tried to take a more balanced approach as opposed to pure offence in hopes of slowing down the opponents skill.

C - Kristjan Vilhjalmsson Knights
Some may argue it's a Kelowna bias, but I think Kristjan brings a balance of offence and defence, most noteably shown by his 54.66% in the faceoff circle, the 2nd best clip of all rookies and the 3rd best in the SMJHL. He has proven to be an offensive force as well. With 17 points through 24 games he is a top 10 producing center in the SMJHL.

LW - Adam Falk :impact:
Real toss up here between Falk and Hoover, but I feel the two-way game of Falk will better compliment the play-making of Vilhjalmsson and the scoring of my next choice. With 18 points he has proven he can more than contribute offensively. Meanwhile his defensive qualities are not to be forgotten.

RW - Robb Wind Scarecrows
The choices were a little more limited on the right wing, so I've gone with the consensus pick in Robb Wind. The 1st overall draft choice in the S24 SMJHL draft has tremendous skill and should work well with Vilhjalmsson's play-making ability.

LD - Alexander Wolff :impact:
Going a little off the board with this one. Alexander Wolff has proven to be an all-around beast on the blue line posting 12 points through 24 games and more notably 55 hits, good enough for 4th best in the league through 24 games. It's his mix of physicality and offence that will prove invaluable against the older and more experienced send-downs.

RD - Maria Maximova Knights
Maria has made quite a name for herself in Kelowna. She has done alright defensively with a -1 on a team with a penchant for slow starts and has done more than her part offensively with a sparkling 14 points through 24 games. I think her and Alexander will compliment the forwards nicely to give the rookies the best chance to succeed.

G - Austin Lemieux Falcons
Given the number of quality send-down goalies the rookies have had a tough time earning starts. Austin Lemieux has proven to be the exception as he has split the workload with his fellow netminder Lee Bowden. But don't assume he's being handed the role. Lemieux has performed well with 6 wins and a very good penalty shot save%, should the game go that far.

Notable mentions:
C - Evandrus Jesster :impact:
The consensus center leads all rookies in scoring with 20 points, but the center class is deep and I feel Vilhjalmsson will have better luck against the send-downs.
LW - Zack Hoover Whalers
The Whalers have struggled this year, but not rookie play-maker Zack Hoover. As I mentioned earlier it was a tough choice between him and Falk, but with a playmaker already occupying the center role I went with Falk's two way game.

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pride Armada  Player Page || Update Page  Germany pride
#27

The SHL send-downs versus SMJHL rookie game is quickly descending upon us. The SMJHL has had its deepest rookie draft class recently, that also boasts some of the greatest talent in the SMJHL right now. There is no doubt this will be a marquee billing with two very good teams skating before us. Many have speculated about the potential starting lineup for the rookies. Today, we'll speculate on who we believe will fill the top roles and how they would fare in this matchup.

Forwards

C - Kristjan Vilhjalmsson Knights

Kristjan Vilhjalmsson is the obvious choice to center this top line. The third overall pick has put up some very great numbers to this point in the season. Through twenty four games, he has 3 goals and 14 assists. He's also sitting third in the league in faceoff percentage with a very impressive 54.66% of faceoffs taken, won. He has a knack for winning faceoffs and setting his teammates up to light the lamp behind the goal. He's the type of guy that will play hard night in and night out for you, and would fit in perfectly on this rookie first line.

LW - Zach Hoover Whalers

There's a little bit of bias with this pick, but Zach Hoover has more than earned a top line role through his magnificent play in the offensive end. Hoover came into the draft highly touted as a great playmaker, but has shown an innate ability to score the puck as well. He's posted 8 goals and 10 assists through 24 games, and shows no signs of stopping. He's currently +4 playing about 18 minutes a night on one of the worst teams in the league. That's impressive regardless of who you're talking to. He's also a great character guy to complement his great skating and high hockey IQ. A no brainer on anyone's rookie top line.

RW - Anton Federov Scarecrows

There's a bit of log jam at the left wing, and I wanted to have a power forward who has the ability to pass, shoot, and play the body on the right side. I've chosen Anton Federov, because he's got a level of grit to his game that you don't normally see from guys his age. Federov is out of position on the right side, but I wouldn't see that affecting his game a whole lot. He's currently 6th among rookies in points, and the guy is a force on both ends of the ice. He has 7 goals, 10 assists, is +2 in goal differential, 22 hits, and 6 blocked shots on his resume. He would provide a level of physicality to this front line that it would, otherwise, lack.

Defensemen

LD - John Matthews Scarecrows

John Matthews is the type of offensive defenseman that every team wants on their blue line. He's very good in the offensive zone, cycling the puck, and finding the open guy. He's currently got 14 assists, which is tied for best among rookies with only Kristjan Vilhjalmsson. He may not be the most physical in his own zone, but he has proven that he is ready and willing to get black and blue for his team. Matthews has 25 blocked shots and shows a level of dedication to his goalie that many coaches would love to see. Certainly, Matthews would help out this young roster with reliable point play.

RD - Alexander Wolff :impact:

Since we've already got our offensive powerhouse on the blue line, it's appropriate he gets paired with a prototypical defensive defenseman. Alexander Wolff is the type of guy you want to go out to the bar in a shady area of town with. He's not registered that many points this season and is actually -3 on the year in differential, but he plays so physically he's able to change the game in other ways. Wolff sets the tone with his physicality and brings an edge that is unparralleled by rookies. He currently leads rookie defenseman in hits, and has 17 shots blocked at this point in the SMJHL season. A true defenseman, he would complement Matthews well on the blue line.

Goalie

G - Austin Lemieux Falcons

Not really many options to choose from, so it seems as if Lemieux gets the nod by default. Lemieux has been pretty average so far this season, posting a save percentage of .867 and a goals against average of 3.11. Nothing stellar, but it rivals incumbent starter Lee Bowden, who has some very similar numbers through an equal amount of games played. Lemieux has all the talent to be a top tier goaltender, but would rely heavily upon his defensemen to carry most of the load.

[788 words]
#28

Center - Knights Hugh Johnson Knights
Biast? Randy Randleman brought me to this site so I will pick our friend for this team because I know him. From what He has told me he is basically the best player to ever play, he wouldn’t just be saying that right? I mean I guess he is kind of fat and sort of slow but he tries really hard and that should count for something I think. He got to play on the 1st line for Kelowna too I was told and apparently he did alright before getting taken off of it much to his dismay. I’m going to start a trend for him, #FirstLineForHugh

Left Wing - Scarecrows Thong Bonerstorm Scarecrows
This pick is on name points alone. This has got to be the best name of any rookie in the league. Let’s dive deeper into it. First name “Thong” is this a real name or a nickname that was adapted to be his real name? Let’s look at the possibility that it is his real name. What were his parents thinking? Maybe they were on something, maybe they wanted to be original, or maybe they are just weird. Either way it worked out and got him on this list. How about his last name “Bonerstorm” it sounds like he should be a porn star not a hockey player. I’m glad I don’t have to share a shower with this guy. Good luck Scarecrows.

Right Wing - Scarecrows Gustavs Muschenkersons Scarecrows
The all name wing pair is completed with the addition of Gustavs Muschenkersons. The announcers will have a tough time with this all season and probably can’t wait for him to move on to the SHL. I think we should think of a nickname or something shorter to call him to make it easier. What about “Muschen” that seems easy enough and even sounds like Munchkin. Maybe we can just call him Munchkin too that is fun.

Left Defense - Scarecrows John Matthews Scarecrows
For defense I am going to pick the most normal sounding names I can find. If we have crazy names for wings then the defense can even it out. John Matthews doesn’t sound like a hockey player. I picture him wearing a vest and a pocket protector calculating numbers while he adjusts his glasses and tries to solve a serious math problem.

Right Defense - Whalers Colin Wood Whalers
I would have liked a more normal name but this will have to do. Colin Wood sounds more like a hockey player name than John Matthews but I think it fits baseball more than Hockey. Maybe a second baseman or a third baseman. I don’t think Colin Wood is a name for a rangy short stop or a speedy fielder. He probably hits for average and can get maybe 10 home runs a season but nothing huge.

Goalie - Emmett Roy
Now we get to the most important part of the team and the reason the rookies will win. I have to put myself here. How else would people know who I am? Someone sign me. I have been practicing by letting grade 5 student shoot tennis balls at me until their parents find out and threaten to have me arrested. Some of those kids are really good though so it’s okay that I let some of the balls in, I can’t stop them all. I blacked out for the first part of the season and then had a spirit journey in South America so that is why I was away for the season until now but now I found my spirit animal and he will guide me on the ice to stop all the pucks.
#29

Quote:Originally posted by BrBe@Jul 2 2015, 12:22 PM
Center - Knights [b]Hugh Johnson Knights

Goalie -&nbsp; Emmett Roy
Now we get to the most important part of the team and the reason the rookies will win. I have to put myself here. How else would people know who I am? Someone sign me. I have been practicing by letting grade 5 student shoot tennis balls at me until their parents find out and threaten to have me arrested. Some of those kids are really good though so it’s okay that I let some of the balls in, I can’t stop them all. I blacked out for the first part of the season and then had a spirit journey in South America so that is why I was away for the season until now but now I found my spirit animal and he will guide me on the ice to stop all the pucks.[/b]

Me or Nezorov, You're just a Scrub
#30

Quote:Originally posted by Voyagaming@Jul 2 2015, 05:36 PM


Me or Nezorov

Do you have a spirit animal? This guy's the best.




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