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***SDCore*** · 02-19-2019, 02:13 AM

Looking ahead at the Finals of the S47 Draft Class Prospect Showcase.

It looks to be a very good matchup as we will have the Vipers, who swept Conference leader Stingrays in the last playoff round, vs the Blazers, who had to reverse sweep the Wranglers to make it in to the Finals.

The Vipers, who have been led into this match up by star Center prospect, Espen Knutsen Jr., look to continue their strong play here as of late. Leaning heavily on top Forwards Espen and Kob Krisp to get the action started early. Look out for the late comer of Filip Zadina as well. Though he joined the team late, passport issues from what I’ve heard, he has been on a tear in the last few matches. Look for some solid games from the backend as well, as Tony Ford and Corey Kennedy bring up the first pair. Don’t sleep on Jax Duggan though, sources tell me he has made some noise lately, and GMs have started to take notice. This could be big for the young Duggan as he looks towards the draft. The Vipers have a dangerous special teams, as they have an over 100% combined PP+PK, also scoring the most 5v5 goals of the playoffs.

The Blazers, however have the most lethal PP unit scoring at an over 70% clip in the playoffs, so that Viper PK will be challenged. Some say they might have the top overall selection in Gunnar Söderberg or Jules L’Éclair. Both players are well over a PPG, plus know how to throw some weight around. Joseph Laraque might be a sneaky top 20 pick, he has been coming on really strong in his last few outings especially in the last game of the playoffs, where he netted himself a hatty. Their backend hasn’t gotten a ton of hype, as this is one of the best Forward cores in the tourney, but Mattie Brunton has had a solid playoffs and might be able to make some noise in the Final.

Both teams can light the lamp and I think we will see just that in the Finals. With such lethal PPs players like Wibbly McButternutz and Austin Roenick need to try and stay out of the box. If they don’t each team is liable to put up a quick one and then it’s a game of catchup. Look for this to be a good one as we head towards the SMJHL draft later in the evening. The players may all be tired, but there is no rest until after draft night. Then it’s off to their respective cities and clubs, for those who are lucky enough to be selected.

No article would be complete without a prediction. Last time these two teams met up, it was a 10 goal affair, I expect the next few matches to be no different. Though I think the Defense of the Vipers will eventually mark them as Prospect Showcase Champions. My prediction is Vipers series count of 2-1, with Espen continuing his reign in the tournament with Tournament MVP.

Good night and enjoy the games tomorrow as well as the SMJHL Draft.