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Jala · 07-14-2015, 09:42 PM

You can do either the Written PT or the Graphics PT - you cannot do both.

[The Setup]
The regular season is winding down and it's hard to believe it's already almost over. A season is a long time that can go by quickly, so take this time to reflect on your rookie year.

[Your Task]
Share how your rookie season went. Go into detail about who you've made friends with and what you've learnt.

[Gain]
1 Capped TPE for each 100 words, up to a max of 5 Capped TPE.

Remember, the PT cap for the season is 30.
*Only S25 SHL Draftees are able to do these*

[Deadline]
July 19th, 11:59 PM EST

NO PLACEHOLDERS

[Claim List]
Rich701 - 5 Capped
Eggy216 - 5 Capped
Jesster - 4 Capped
Ghostspeed - 4 Capped
Alucard - 5 Capped
NJBadApple - 5 Capped
TML99 - 5 Capped
mpna4 - 5 Capped
Allen - 5 Capped
Winter is Coming - 4 Capped
burkie94 - 5 Capped
carousel182 - 4 Capped
martyrpayens - 5 Capped
deknegt - 4 Capped
Cynthia - 4 Capped
Massive Coiler - 5 Capped
Baelor Swift - 4 Capped
NateyD - 5 Capped
BeanSobie - 5 Capped
GrapeJuice72 - 5 Capped
Nereus - 4 Capped
Spidey - 5 Capped
JLysohirka - 5 Capped
drodger91 - 5 Capped
GreatOneHimself - 5 Capped
Voyagaming - 3 Capped

**Rich** · 07-14-2015, 11:07 PM

This season has been a crazy experience, but I’ve loved every minute of it. When the Knights contacted me, I was basically a complete unknown. Kelowna took, in my opinion, a big risk in signing me. Maybe I pan out, and they get a good player, but it is just as likely that I don’t, and they just wasted a bunch of money and a roster spot on me. I hope that they aren’t disappointed in how I have turned out. I’m certain I got the better part of the deal, getting to be on this great team.

I joined the team during preseason, but I didn’t see any ice time until the regular season. I started out as the left wing on the fourth line. Fine by me. I have done nothing to earn anything higher. I mean, I’m no Kovalev, so I need to put in the work if I want to carve out a spot on this team. I worked hard, tried to be a positive presence in the locker room, and by the end of the season, I’m on the third line on a team that has a first round bye in the playoffs. What more could I want?

I did alright for myself, in terms of stats. Nothing that is going to blow anyone away, but I’m not beating myself up over my numbers either. I know that I’m behind the curve, and I still have a lot of developing to do. Also, my average minutes per game are among the lowest on the team. I try to keep my expectations realistic, and I understand that these things take time. I am up towards the top of the team for hits, and that does make me happy.

The absolute best part of this season has been my wonderful teammates in Kelowna. My main crew consist of Ivan Koroviev, Nikolaus Scholz, and Maria Maximova. I first got to work with them on a rookie introduction press conference. It was a great way to be introduced to this fine group of people. We’ve gotten along really well since then, and I feel like we’ve grown close throughout the season. Of course, I can’t forget about my boy, Tony Flow! This guy is a maniac. I love having him on my team. Matt Veenstra too. One of the nicest guys you ever want to meet. Of course, I would be remiss if I left Randy Randleman out. He has been a huge help, and a major source of inspiration to me. I am absolutely, 100% certain, that without this group of people, I wouldn’t have pushed myself as hard as I did, and made the strides that I made this season. Oh, and I can’t forget about all the great former Knights that I got to meet. Ales Smirnov, Toki Wartooth, Riko Muerto, Mark Harter. I know there are more, but I can’t think of them off the top of my head.

This Kelowna team has made me feel so at home, I’m a bit apprehensive about the SHL entry draft. I know it’s inevitable, but I don’t want this fantastic team to get split up. The most I can hope for is that I do end up on the same team as one of them, maybe two, but even that seems unlikely. Hopefully, even with the expansion, most of us will get to stick around for another season in Kelowna.

[573 words]

Eggy216 · 07-14-2015, 11:21 PM

This season has been an absolutely wonderful experience for me. When I first entered the Detroit Falcons locker room, I was really worried. I didn't know what to expect - what would the people be like, how would they treat me, would I fit in? I hadn't been drafted with a single player I knew, so everyone was going to be completely new to me.

When I came into the locker room for that very first time, I nervously introduced myself. Immediately everyone was so warm and welcoming. Every person in that locker room, from one year vets to players from long-ago, and even the former GM was willing to help out. And it's paid off so much this season.

As a player, I've grown a lot. I've refined my game, to the point where I can feel confident that I can one day replace Brandon Girard when he moves up to play in the big leagues. But perhaps more importantly, I've met so many new people along the way.

To be honest, it all started in one of those point task threads. Point task one, to be specific. We had to talk about the rookie hazing incident that took place when we first joined the team. One player, Michael Burch, told this elaborate story about how we all had to put on Brony costumes and dance around for the veterans while they took pictures of us for their own nefarious purposes. Up until that point, we hadn't really engaged with each other much, inside our outside of the locker room. Sure, we talked from time to time, but there wasn't any of the togetherness we have now. That all changed with this point task - from there, each other rookie on the Falcons put up their own retelling of the original story, or the events that took place afterwards. Clayton went home to find his apartment in shambles - his My Little Pony collection destroyed. Lemieux realized that the costumes appeared the belong to captain Brandon Girard. Stonehands talked about how Nikitin invited him back to his place afterwards and. . .things happened.

Our team wasn't the same after that. We grew close as teammates and as friends around this idea of the Falcons as "Team Brony." What started out as a simple joke by Burch turned into something the entire team got behind. Without it, who knows where we would be today. It's safe to say we would have grown closer without Burch's wild imagination. But this one event was certainly a major catalyst.

And now, on the eve of our first season in the SMJHL coming to a close, it's hard to believe how far we've come. We've lost many players along the way - from Stonehands who disappeared soon after the point task, to Salabanzi who vanished one day after tons of activity, to Kovalev, who. . .well we always hated him. But those of us who remain - Clayton, Burch, Burke, and Lemieux. We are the S24 Falcons rookie class. We grew close with each other, and with the veterans around us - Girard, Kekkonen, Pejonis, Mack, and all the others. We grew close with our GMs - Tommy Creller and Vsevolod Nikitin.

Whatever happens to end the season, whether we hold on to first or we blow it tomorrow. Whether we win the four star cup, or collapse in the playoffs. Whether we are drafted together, or are set adrift apart, we will always have one thing.

We will always be Team Brony.

[Image: nIX819J.png]

Code:
580 Words - Can only claim up to 3 TPE due to cap

Jesster · 07-15-2015, 12:02 AM

The rookie season for Evandrus Jesster was more consistent an experience than many rookies. The season started out surprisingly at least, with Evandrus being named captain of the Montreal Impact. Although production was consistent, the level of it definitely impressed and surprised the young center. Being named captain at such a young age, and as a rookie was a huge deal to this young man, a role he invested himself heavily into and hoped to have paid it back to his teammates through leadership and production. It was a wild ride to get here, the draft happened in Montreal, and the next thing the team and Evandrus knew were bright lights, limos, and "Wooooooos!" (See PT #2 for rookie hazing)

When asked how he would sum up the season in his own words Evandrus Jesster responded, " It has been an amazing experience for myself and my family. My parents actually moved to Montreal as well, so this is really the first time my father has been away from Calgary in 24 years. It definitely was an adjustment and my French is still pretty poor to be honest with you." Of course we had to ask him about his personal goals and whether he was happy with the season he put up. "Yeah I am actually. I'm a goal oriented person and I set the bar for myself pretty high at about 40 points and 15 goals. Happy to have put up 19 goals and 41 points. I always want to really exceed my goals but I'm definitely happy with my personal growth and my growth within the game of hockey.

Evandrus Jesster proved he was worth a top two selection and ended the season second in scoring behind veteran Klaus Wagner. Montreal looked for Jesster to help balance and carry the team in the early season as the young forward group grew together and got things rolling. We know Jesster would like to come back and play for Montreal next year, but with expansion it will be an interesting storyline to watch next season. The playoffs are right around the corner, and expectations are high within the Jesster family for this young forward and this young Montreal team. Montreal has been eliminated the past couple seasons in the first round, it has been a bit of a curse. However this new Montreal team has taken on a brand new identity and look to prove any doubters wrong and compete all the way for the Four Star Cup.

[Words: 418]

Ghostspeed · 07-15-2015, 03:58 AM

Pour yourself a cold one and sit down. The following is a cold hard look at this rookie season for John Wick. It has been a bit of a disappointment... Kinda like the head on a frosty mug of tap beer. Always looks promising but just seems to vanish when your not looking.

All those personal goals , all of the targets I had on this list for S24 I had set for myself....Didn't happen.

Let's pour a double shot of cheap bourbon and set that next to this sweating mug of brew.
Let's see.. I certainly won't be applying for any 'Milestone' TPE.
My Final regular season numbers are personally abysmal..mediocre at best.

As stated in "Jokers SHL Draft Prospects" arcticle I had a few flashes( 6 goals in the first 14games..a 3 game scoring streak.)
But it never REALLY seemed to click. The terrific start for the Scarecrows in those first 12 games should have been the ignition, the spring board to get off to a quick start of a great season ..personally...Didn't happen..

I knew that with the heavy load of Send downs and higher TPE rookies on the 'Crows any chance for Wick being noticed would be on the PK ..And I really thought I could mold myself into a "John Madden" type player and in doing so I would get my shot at a breakaway shortie sometime this season....Didn't happen.
My +/- went from a high of +6 to a low of -11 by near seasons end...depressing.

Let's take a big pull on that frosty mug to clear some space...oooh yeah.

For a 7th round selection I'm sure that management felt any positive results would be considered a win and at only 1.5M . It could be argued they got a minor bargain.
Kinda like a bottle of Evan Williams Bourbon ..a minor bargain with a kick....toss back that double shot and refill that bad little burner.

It remains to be seen if this last update changes the slow downward spiral as the playoffs start.

I'd like to thank bbp for drafting me and both he and Cuff for giving me a shot on the PK all season. I'd like to thank my teammates for the strong season we had and my hope is we keep moving forward thru the playoffs.
So with that being said let's pickup that double bourbon shot glass and drop it into that sweating mug of beer and finish this DepthCharge and sink this whole thing..Gnight. Cheers

a coiled cobra of energy and enthusiasm ready to strike...ready to strike!

Alucard · 07-15-2015, 06:53 AM

The following has been translated from Russian by player agent Dr. Acula.

My first season in the SMJHL has beenâ€”above all elseâ€”an enjoyable one. From the pre-season welcome from SHL pro and Team Russia GM Vsevolod Nikitin to how lucky I was to be drafted by the Kelowna Knights, I have greatly enjoyed my off-ice time since moving from Khabarovsk. The Knights are fantastic organisation; their GMs are knowledgeable and have shown that they know how to manage a team, and have acquired players who are as friendly as they are professional. The players I share the ice with everyday have become more than just team-mates; they are my friends. Randleman is an exceptional captain, and Lunds in particular has been a pleasure to share a line with. I should also give a shout out to Maximova for helping me out in interviews this year!

On-ice I couldn't have wished for a better start to the season; I started on the second line against Detroit, and scored a first period goal as we won 5â€“2. I followed that up with an assist against St. Louis, but the weeks that followed were less notable; our form was faltering, and I didn't score many points, let alone goals. Kel and Jedi kept faith in our rookies, however, and as the season went on we grew in strength. I learned what the team needed from me, and what it took to be a success in the SMJHL. For one thing, I had to become much more familiar with the workout room; the style of hockey in North America is much more physical than that played in Russia.

In mid-season my form began to pick up, and I had points against Montreal, Vancouver, and St. Louis. Indeed, it was a game against the Whalers that marked a turning point for me and the team: we won 5â€“3 in Vancouver, I scored a goal, and our form completely turned around. We won six straight games, and my production sky-rocketed; I even scored twice in one game for the first time since moving to Kelowna!

Since then we've continued our good form, and I'm delighted that we have clinched the conference title and the first round bye in the play-offs. I'm looking forward immensely to play-off hockey, and hope that all of Kelowna will be celebrating come the end of the season. I have learned a great deal here, but nothing more so than the strength of togetherness; the Knights are an organisation full of friends and professionals, and that alone compels you to improve and to better yourself.

Adapting to a new country has also been a big part of my first season in the SMJHL, and that has brought a few lessons as well. For instance, I recently spent a night in jail for punching some uppity muppet at an awards show. In Russia, this is commonplace; if someone annoys you you are perfectly entitled to hit them and then sort it out like men. You do not expect to be dragged away by the police!

Overall I have learned that while being dedicated will get you so far, you can gain an extra inch or a mile by having the right teammates, and this compels you to give as good as you get, and to help others improve too. I have learned what it means to play on a well-run team, and the importance of having a good captain and good friends in the locker room. I was lucky to be drafted with some very ambitious rookies, and there's been a great sense of togetherness amongst us since we joined Kelowna, thanks in no small part to Randy's encouragement.

(Word count: 624)

NJBadApple · 07-15-2015, 03:55 PM

My first season in the SMJHL; a huge building block in terms of development, and a lot of things I've learned. Transitioning from the European leagues on to North American ice was a monster step for me, and something i was able to adjust to pretty quickly. There's a lot of things that played a part of my success in my first professional year over here, and I'm in a mountain of debt in terms of gratitude i have to pay towards those who've helped me along the way.

Bloobz and ArGar. Prior to the draft, they didn't contact me at all and I had no idea where i would fall going into it. Them drafting me was a huge blessing in disguise. I've always had a thing for Montreal and they were one of two destinations I really wanted to go to. Being a natural winger on the left side, they asked me to move to center and I did so gladly; and it's the best decision i've made all season. My ice time stayed around 20 minutes all season, and was able to finish 3rd among all rookies in scoring with 16 goals and 24 assists. I'd love to transition back to my natural spot on the wing, but i think I've proven to be an asset really wherever the team places me.

My teammates. Christ I can't say enough good about them. Jesster, Flacko, Welch, Buzz, Fergy, Lidstrom... I can name the entire roster, we're stacked across the board. I spent a lot of time playing with each person, with the constant roster rotation we had going on so i was able to learn a little bit from everyone and how each individual played their game. A unique experience, something totally different than what most teams have.

As for the season itself, I think we had really a hell of a season. A team loaded and led primarily by rookies with very little veteran leadership, we did a lot more than what most teams could've thought i think. Especially in a loaded Eastern Conference. We started out about average, fell off for about 10 games, then won about 8 or 9 in a row which brought us back into the President's race. Towards the end we kind of fell off, went on another losing streak of about 6 or 7 games this time, but ended on a solid 2 game win streak heading into the playoffs.

We're facing St. Louis in the first round, again. I think we can take these guys down, no doubt. The weapons are here and we clearly have more firepower than the 'crows. They've been firing on all cylinders all season long so it'll be tough, and we've been juggling lines all year trying to find something to work for out-shooting our opponents. I think it'll be a really REALLY tight series. Tomorrow is a huge day for all of us, just hoping we can pull off the upset. Everyone has counted us out, but I don't think the fat lady has sung. I mean, who doesn't want to see Wind vs Jesster in the first round?

Words: 525

TML99 · 07-15-2015, 04:38 PM

My Clients rookie year was amazing, (in terms of likability so he says) stats wise that's a whole other story. I shopped my client around the leagues in early may I believe and when the SMJHL showed interest he went to the combines and has been present in the league almost every single day since than. He says his first season blew him away my expectations for him were high as i knew his true potential as a hockey player. He started out slow but with the help of some great members like prettyburn, and WIC he was able to navigate himself around the league just fine making the necessary posts and meeting amazing players.

As draft day drew closer and closer the hype grew and I grew more excited as to what the season and the future had in-store for my client Mr. Ryan King, I would be committed to represent him to the best of my ability making sure updates were done on a regular basis and Locker room activity was at a maximum. Draft day came and Ryan King was drafted 36th overall by Cuffy bbp and the St. Louis Scarecrows. He was ecstatic, we all were, this was a big day for the king family as their son had finally reached is childhood goal of playing professional hockey now only one more goal remained; making it to the big leagues.

This was the most exciting day of my clients life as his SMJHL career was just taking off. At the same time this is where tings slowed down for him a lot. The Scarecrows had an amazing start to the regular season going undefeated for the first 12 games but Ryan King's individual performances were lacking production. He boasted a nice +/- rating throughout the year finishing with a -10 rating overall, indicating that he is a true team player and is out there to help produce. I know he grew frustrated with the lack of Points he was earning but with the help of his line mates he kept his head high and fought through the remainder of the season eventually being promoted to the second line to replace a less active winger on the team. Here he played his last two games of the regular season recording a single assist (still promising after only registering 3 assist in 50 games).

Overall my client has had an amazing season in the SMJHL he would like me to express on his behalf how thankful he is for all the help he has received throughout the league and he will continue to work on his game to improve and better the chance for the team he plays for, he is 100% committed to the league and you should see him around for many years to come. He looks forward to the SHL entry draft although he knows he will go late in the draft due to his SMJHL performance, I continue to inform him that going late is not an issue he will shine wherever he goes and when he is sent down he will surly help him team to reach a 4 star cup final.

[529 Words]

mpna4 · 07-15-2015, 05:51 PM

Where did this season go so quickly? Thatâ€™s what I keep saying to myself. It feels like just yesterday I was on the outside looking in, hoping and praying for just an opportunity to play with one of these clubs. Now how we are, months later, with an entire season behind us and the playoffs starring right in our face. What a whirlwind this year has been. Looking back on everything that has gone on it seems like the whole thing was one big roller coaster ride. Everyday it seems like we encountered ups and downs, twists and turns and the only thing you could really do was hold on tight and do what felt natural.

It all started on kind of a low note for me. The first memory I have from this year is sweating in the green room as I watched player after player get selected before me in the draft. Since then its been an absolute privilege to play for this team. I worked my butt off in the early goings of the season and carved out a nice niche for myself on this roster. Yea, there have been up and downs but that first memory has always driven me and helped me push through the obstacles of my rookie year. I think it will drive me for the rest of my career.

My first career goal was a pretty big moment for me this year two. Iâ€™ve never been billed as a big goal scorer and they always say that the first one is the hardest to get. So in that case I was glad to get early in the season in only game 3. We were playing St. Louis at home when I got a late game break away. I could feel my heart pounding out my chest the entire length of the ice. â€œJust donâ€™t screw it up.â€ I thought to myself. I donâ€™t really remember the goal to be honest with. I feel like I kind of blacked that whole part out because of how crazy my emotions were churning at the moment. Iâ€™ll never forget the feeling though when I turned around and saw the puck in the back of the net. Another memory that will be with me forever.

The greatest thing Ive obtained this year though have been some great friends and a few lessons from teammates about how to be a better player on an off the ice. For me personally I think im most thankful for the veteran leadership that the Firebirds brought everyday. It seemed like every time things got shaky or of coarse one of the veterans was always there to grab the bull by the horns and bring the whole team back to earth. Pat Brumm is definitely one of those role models that we rookies looked up to this year and I donâ€™t think Iâ€™ll forget his lessons anytime soon. He has such an energetic and nature about him and winning is all that matters. So many times this year when we struggled or went on loosing streaks it was him who rallied the troops and dragged the whole team out of there funk. He was usually the one in the locker room that gave the pre-game speech to amp everyone up. One of my goals, looking to next year, will be to slide into that role and be a veteran leader. If I can be half as effective as Brumm Iâ€™ll be happy. Shea Robinson is another one of those leaders who ive grown close to. He isnâ€™t as vocal in the local room as Brumm but he always leads by example and is the first guy to take younger players under his wing. We were lucky to have guys like that this year. I hope I can be a similar type of presence for the Firebirds in the future.

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Allen · 07-15-2015, 08:57 PM

This rookie year has been a whirlwind experience for me. That all began with the prospect game. I came onto a great Lions team filled with some great prospects like Fleming, Hoover, Clayton, and Maximova. It was a great experience as I got to grow with all of these people that I would be playing with/competing against in the SMJHL. Everyone was really friendly, and really seemed passionate about the game.

The next part of the rookie experience was, of course, the draft. It was a day that had me shaking from head to toe. I was nervous, anxious, excited, scared, happy, it really put me through the emotional gauntlet. I felt as if I had done a lot to elevate my draft stock through my media and my performance at the Prospect Showcase. Even through my combine interviews, I was adamant about letting teams know that I was dedicated to being the very best player on the ice. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to shake out like that.

As soon as the draft began, it was all about patience. The first round was almost a foregone conclusion. Jesster, Wind, Vilhjalmsson, Hoover, Salabanzi, Webb, the names were more than expected to be in the upper echelon. By the end of the second round frustration set in, and I was disappointed that teams just didn't have the faith in me. Another round went by, and still my name was not called. The picks were coming in fast and furious, but my wait almost seemed eternal. The fourth round came and went and I couldn't believe it. Nasher went off the board in the fifth, Wolff after him, and Zavstrom shortly after that. I was beginning to think I was going to slide even further until JHS stepped up to the podium,

Quote:Originally posted by JHS@Jun 9 2015, 08:48 PM
WITH THE 28TH OVERALL PICK,

THE VANCOUVER WHALERS SELECT

GEOFFREY ALLEN-RW

STEAL OF THE DRAFT! WELCOME GSEEFELDT

I'm not going to lie, it was a bittersweet feeling. I was happy to be drafted, but I felt slighted to have fallen so far. From that moment on, I told myself that I was going to live up to my billing as the steal of the draft. I was better than the fifth round and I was going to prove it.

I came into the locker room and immediately felt welcomed with open arms. The Whalers were a team that perennial winners. They had a long lineage of success and that was the type of place I wanted to be. All of the current players and alumni seemed very dedicated to helping, and ensuring that us rookies were comfortable with our new surroundings. I got great help from guys like D'Amour, Bure, Lundqvist, and Barbashev. This was a family and I felt lucky to be here.

The preseason came and we absolutely killed it, winning all 10 games. I had a meager performance, contributing only 3 goals and 2 assists over that span. This was not the player that I wanted for myself, nor the player I wanted for my teammates. I decided that I was going to drive myself by pain and resentment. Zach Hoover had come onto the team as a first round draft pick, selected fourth overall. I made it my mission to best him. Nothing personal, he's probably the nicest guy you'll ever meet, but I wanted to show that I was worth that pick as well, and JHS had done a great thing by picking me so late in the draft.

The regular season was rocky, we started off with a bad losing streak after the trade of Richard D'Amour. One of the anchors of our blue line was gone and it affected our defensive zone play tremendously. I watched Hoover come out and contribute to his point tally night in and night out, while I posted a point here and there with little consistency. I was bounced around from the first and second lines, not really carving out a niche or building a rapport with any of my linemates. IT didn't come til the end of the season when Originsz decided to tool around with the lines. I found myself flanking Jack Durden with Patrikov Bure on the other wing. Once this happened, I knew I had found a home. We set the world on fire and finished our last twenty games of the regular season 12-6-2, the hottest team in the league.

As for the points race, I got extremely hot at the end of season and found myself one point out from Hoover. I busted my ass and made the best of every opportunity on the ice. I finished the season 4th in point totals for rookies behind Jesster, Wind, and Falk. I posted 38 points on the season with 14 goals and 24 assists. This entire season has been a whirlwind for me, and I'm ready to elevate my game to the next level for the playoffs.

Code:
833 Words

Winter is Coming · 07-15-2015, 10:31 PM

Wow, looking back at the season is quite crazy, because it only feels like yesterday that I signed up for the website, got drafted, and played my first ever game for the Scarecrows. Reflecting back on the season, and I believe it was a really enjoyable one and successful one for both myself and the Scarecrows as a whole. It started by the S24 SMJHL Draft, where the pressure to do well was placed immediately upon me, by being drafted first overall. I was determined to prove worthy of the aforementioned selection and tried to allow my activity and dedication to both my team and the league to reflect that.

I think above anything though, my teammates and the locker room we share is simply the most rewarding aspect of the season. I have made so many great friends and memories with the discussions we have had in the locker room, and that I believe is what has truly made this season enjoyable for everyone involved. I hope to be drafted with many of my fellow teammates, but I know that is something I cannot control and I can only hope that comes to fruition in the future during the S25 SHL draft.

As for the season, I sort of wished we could have ended up winning our conference, especially starting out with an undefeated record so early in the season, but alas, it simply was not meant to be. However, we did come close, as we were only one point shy in tying the Falcons for the conference lead, and we were well ahead of the third place Impact, so I am satisfied with where we are entering the playoffs, especially the fact that we have played very well against the Impact during the regular season, so I think the true battle between the Falcons and Scarecrows will become a reality.

As for me, I could not ask for much more from my player. I ended up leading all rookies in points, was top three in points per twenty minutes, top ten in shots, and was second on my team in overall points. My teammates had a major factor in helping me though, and there is simply no way I could have produced at the amount that I did without them. They deserve as much, if not, more of the credit from anything I have done this season.

I am simply excited to get the playoffs rolling, and then see what the SHL draft has in store for me!

Word Count: 420

burkie94 · 07-15-2015, 11:01 PM

I first joined this league knowing I would have a tough first season. I really should have waited to join but didnâ€™t want to forget about the league so I jumped in knowing I couldnâ€™t commit fully till half way through the season. I was drafted really late and made sure it was known my participation would be limited. I was placed on the fourth line and struggled. Although I missed the brony bonding exercise thank god I did keep doing the activity checks and pt to stay active and develop even if my participation was limited I wanted to show my commitment. However once I was back and good to go I became a presence in the dressing room. I quickly felt like a member of the team, as all the guys have been great. First thing I did was an interview for people to get to learn about me and create some money for myself. Since then I have been bumped up to the third line and contributing offensively for the best team in the league. I wish I could have been active more the whole season but it is what it is. I was rated poorly going into the SHL draft ratings and have been motivated to prove them wrong. Since the half way point in the season I have developed a better scoring touch, have gotten better at puck handling and been with a power skater to get better. Going into the playoffs as a first seed and favorite to win it all has been quite exciting and look to continue this success for the playoffs. Looking at the younger guys on this team and whom we expect to lose to the pros next yr is going to be a tough yr but with the young talent we have it should still be a fun and exciting season. Since committing full time to the team all the rooks have come together and have become friends. Us rooks Clayton, Burch Lemieux and myself look forward to hazing the rookies next yr and making them ready to continue the falcon dynasty.
Going into the playoffs knowing that the torch is being handed of by some of the older guys puts some pressure on us young guys but we know that next season we can keep this team at the top. I look to continue to develop my scoring touch and hope to be on the leaderboard next season but I know I have a lot to prove. I hope to continue to prove the other gms wrong for not picking me and making mook look like a genius for taking the gamble. I'd like to thank all my team mates for helping with the learning curves in this league and being patient with me when I ask dumb questions. Lastly thanks for understanding my lack of commitment at the start. Canâ€™t wait to be lifting the trophy with the rest of you bronies and bringing back for the city of Detroit. Fuck the whalers

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carousel182 · 07-16-2015, 12:17 AM

Coming into the SHL, I didnâ€™t really know what to expect. I have been obsessed with hockey for years, so it seemed like this site would be a fun experience for me. I had trouble sticking with things in the past, which I feel deprived me of a lot of great experiences. However, once I got accustomed to the site, I got hooked really fast. Pre-draft was a really exciting experience for me. Building up hype around my player was a fun challenge, and it really built a lot of anticipation leading into the draft. I remember being so nervously excited that day, and when I finally saw my name called by Mook, going to the Detroit Falcons, I was excited beyond belief. It was such a great feeling being chosen.

After this, I began becoming hyped about the regular season. I was joining a very successful franchise just coming off of a Four Star Cup win, with an opportunity to repeat as champions with them. Most of the guys from the team last year were returning, so we had a strong chance at winning again. I became active in the locker room, becoming closer with all my teammates, and especially the other rookies like Jasper Clayton, Austin Lemieux, and Ross Burke. This made me feel proud to be a Falcon, and I wanted to make my player as great as possible so I could help the team win. I steadily improved my player as the season progressed, and I was rewarded with greater responsibility on the team. I started out on the third line, but eventually moved my way up to the first line, playing big minutes for my team. This was such a great feeling, seeing my hard work being appreciated by my GM. I performed to expectations out on the ice too, finishing 9th in points for rookies. I helped my team come back to clinch first overall in the East, after being behind St Louis for the majority of the season. This was such a great feeling too. To be a part of the best team in the SMJHL, playing on the first line in my rookie season is something that I didnâ€™t think I would be experiencing when I signed up for this site. There is so much to be excited for in the future here too. The playoffs are right around the corner, and once those are done, the SHL draft will be next. I really canâ€™t wait for my future in this league.

(420 Words)

Durden · 07-16-2015, 09:26 AM

With season 24 at an end, a floodgate of emotions filled my head.
I can look back at just starting out and not knowing what the hell I was doing, and looking to veterans to show me the way. I was looking for new things every day, and trying to write as much as I could without being drafted. It was a lot of fun to get started.
Then came the lead up to, and the draft. I was super nervous. I had no idea what name I made for myself, and who knew about me. I was brutally honest in my combine apps, and I knew I was going to be good, and just hoped someone else would see it too.
And then I heard it.

Quote:Originally posted by JHS@Jun 9 2015, 08:33 PM
WITH THE 21ST OVERALL PICK

THE VANCOUVER WHALERS SELECT

ALL AMERICAN CENTER

JACK DURDEN!!!!!!

Â Â Â Â Â Â

I was shocked. Going to the Whalers was a dream come true. The history and heritage was awesome, and I got drafted alongside some of the guys that I had made friends with; Hoover, Allen, Woodâ€¦ It was going to be great. Iâ€™ll admit, I was hoping to go higher in the draft, but in the end, it doesnâ€™t matter because I know I got placed on the right team, with the right players.

The pre-season was an awesome experience. Going undefeated and being a part of an active, happy locker room was great. We talked, we ripped on one another, and had a lot of fun.

Then we lost Dâ€™Amour to a trade, and Lundqvist was playing games in the SHL, and we went on a really bad losing streak. On top of that, I wasnâ€™t performing and felt like garbage. I wasnâ€™t scoring, I wasnâ€™t getting assists, and I wasnâ€™t playing well defensively.
But, the veterans on the team are amazing, and we re-tooled the lines, and worked on my build. I started to shrug off the vast amounts of hits I was taking, and I started making better passes, and putting the puck in the back of the net. I started feeling confident in my player. I know that I didnâ€™t do as well in points as a lot of other rookies, but it was always a challenge, and a race to the top. Everyone encouraged each other, and we all had fun jabbing over it. I felt great knowing that even as a rookie, I finished fourth in all players for top face-off percentage. Itâ€™s nice to know that even though Iâ€™m a rookie, I can still compete and do things for my team. I canâ€™t count the number of times a face-off win has led to a goal. Itâ€™s been amazing to see my development.
Iâ€™m honored to have joined the Whalers, and itâ€™s great to see the community weâ€™ve developed. I canâ€™t wait for the next step of being drafted into the SHL, and hopefully Iâ€™ll be drafted alongside some of the people Iâ€™ve made close friends with here on the Whalers. With the atmosphere weâ€™ve developed, I canâ€™t wait to bring in the next round of SMJHL rookies, and bring them into the family weâ€™ve made.

(510 words)

deknegt · 07-16-2015, 12:10 PM

Third overall, a nice number, but nobody wants to be the third best player in a draft. KristjÃ¡n Vilhjalmsson has not been training to be the third best player of anything, he's been training to be the best of the best, better than any other player.

And even though the likes of Robb Wind and Evandrus Jesster had a head start, that hasn't stopped "Vil" from getting into the gym every morning working his ass off and becoming a better player, one day looking to surpass his rivals from the Season 24 draft.

And whilst he has gotten a long way in proving that, he hasn't exactly been able to live up to his personal promises just yet... Read, 'yet'.

What he did manage to do was quickly pass himself into the hearts and minds of many-a Kelowna native, the young rookie blitzing the point totals not with masterful shooting, but with masterful passing, passing that has been better than many other players in the SMJHL, rookie or otherwise.

With that passing KristjÃ¡n has made his name around the league as a player who knows what to do on the ice when he's surrounded by top-class scorers like Adam Adodobe and Randy Randleman, quickly forming a friendship with the more experienced wingers who enjoyed boom-time everytime they were on the ice together.

Because great shooters are common sights in hockey, every team has great shooters. But the people that can turn those shooters into scorers are the players that teams truly vie for when it becomes crunch-time.

In the faceoff circle he has become a menace to icely society with his berzerker menace and wit, beating more experienced centers through sheer talent and force of will.

There are always places of improvement, but every scout, trainer, and coach will attest that KristjÃ¡n is a man possessed away from the ice just as much as he is on the ice itself. Training every day, every night, and feasting on the finest boars he hunted himself. It seems that every part of his daily live is lived like a viking, always prepared for more conquest... Conquest on the ice.

With the Knights heading into the playoffs with a bye in the first round, they'll prepare for a big matchup to decide who gets to face the Eastern challenger, and no doubt once more will be looking at KristjÃ¡n Vilhjalmsson to slot the puck right onto the stick of his teammates for a monsterous goal that will send the Kelowna fans into the raptures, and hopefully send Kelowna into winning the SMJHL Championship.

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