The Detroit Falcons went into S56 with loads of confidence and hope from the loyal Detroit fans that they would make a stronger push for the playoffs. They faceplanted. Hard. The team was effectively out of the playoffs by the time S56 began and they finished the season with the worst record in the league (13-34-3, 29pts). This was paired with the most goals allowed in the league (192) and 9 pts off the next closest team (38). Heading into S57 with some new rookies, expectations are surely different from where they were last season. The Falcons want to succeed, but what would that look like?

The ultimate goal is the ideal goal for a SMJHL franchise: to lift the cup. However, it is not a realistic goal just yet. Eleven teams fail at that goal every season. This does not mean that all non-Cup winning teams are the same. In this great sport, there is no guarantee that good or even great teams do not win it all, much less consistently. The fans want goals and saves and great plays to cheer for, players to excel, games to be won, rivals to be crushed, and, at some point, banners to be raised, like in the dominate S53. This team has come a long way since then, but S57 has showed improved promise so far. As much as we would all love to see the Falcons battle for a championship, I do not think many fans actually believe they really can do so just yet.

Let’s talk about making that playoff push. I do not think the Falcons are in a position to jump at least five other teams to finish in the top spot in the East, but they can focus on some aspects of their game. The next step is not so much to get the top seed, but to at least be in the picture until the final month of the season or so. This means being competitive in games. This means aiming to succeed. Even if they fall short, it is a far improvement over being done and dusted early in the season. No, it is not a very high goal to achieve just like making the quarter finals is not necessarily a massive achievement. Just as a baby needs to crawl before they can walk, the Falcons need to at least show some progress before they can really shoot for a top playoff spot.

The stats through 13 games are promising. The best Win % (.500) so far out of the past 4 seasons (since raising the cup). Which doesn’t seem like much, but looking as prior years (S54: .470, S55: .340 and S56: .290) these are the early signs of a successful rebuild.  Yes, the defense and goaltending can still use some work, but the new rookies that have been brought in are said to become defensive, lockdown specialists.

That is why I think the S57 season can be seen as a success if the Falcons have some games that matter to them in the final stretch. After two straight miserable seasons, I will see that as actual progress for the future. If the Falcons can just achieve that, then they can set themselves up for a strong playoff spot in S58.


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Approved, +5 TPE @lordbolo