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element · 06-14-2021, 01:58 AM

I must apologize to readers for the tardiness on this article. When I agreed to blog my first season on SimulationHockeyLeague.com, I had not thought about how to adequately manage my time. You see, being a featured rookie blogger means juggling my workout, on-ice time, and personal life with that of being a writer. I am admittedly not the greatest writer, but I will give it my best shot. I look forward to entertaining you all and keeping you informed as my first season as a professional ice hockey player gets underway.

I am told that the Season 60 SMJHL Draft will conclude by the time this entry is published. Again, I apologize for the tardiness. Below you will find my first entry, my thoughts on all SMJHL teams. And while these thoughts will have no impact my draft status, (should I be fortunate enough to be drafted), I think it will still be fun for the fans to hear.

Here goes nothing.

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The Anaheim Outlaws are essentially my hometown team. I live about 30 minutes from their arena and have proudly worn an Outlaws snapback while out with the blade gang. Anaheim finished 8th last season, but I know they are coming out of a rebuild. I would be lucky to be drafted by the Outlaws and get the opportunity to play so close to home. Above all things, this would ensure my family and friends get the chance to see me play in person.

My fear with potentially playing for the Anchorage Armada is freezing my ass off. You all know that I am a California Kid and have never lived in a cold weather state. To me, the thought moving to Alaska makes me shiver. Still, Anchorage is a damn good team that finished near the top of the league last season. I love to win, and this could be the spot to do it at.

Did Carolina file suit against the NHL’s Seattle Kraken? I know Carolina’s Kraken came first. Either way, Carolina is another team on the rise and located close to the beach. I cannot think of any reasons why I would enjoy playing near the Atlantic on the East Coast.

The Colorado Raptors are another cold weather state team, but they are also the closest to the sun. Colorado is a top 5 team that appears poised to make a cup run in Season 60. I think the Raptors would be a great fit for me and offers a lot of sweet outdoor action. I do not think I would enjoy being landlocked though.

Deeeeetttttttrrrrrooooiiiittttt!! I have very little organized ice hockey experience, but I know that Detroit is Hockeytown, USA. So much legendary hockey has come out of Michigan. I know the Detroit Falcons are a proud franchise with a rich lineage and they are consistent competitors. A top 4 team heading into Season 60; let’s do it.

How about running it back with the defending champs? I would absolutely love to do so with the Kelowna Knights. Like Detroit, Kelowna is an older SMJHL franchise that has multiple championships. As a guy who likes to win, it makes sense to want to play for a team that has proven itself like Kelowna has.

I do not know much about the Maine Timber as a fan, but I know they are a newer SMJHL franchise. Maine finished close to the bottom of the league last year, but they have amassed some talented offensive players. I am told Maine is a beautiful part of the country. It would be interesting to see what life is like on virtually the opposite part of the country from my hometown.

The Nevada Battleborn is another team close to home for me. I have never been to Las Vegas, but there is much to “the city that never sleeps” that appeals to me. Nevada did finish in last place in Season 59, but that does not deter me. I hate to lose, but I would welcome the challenge of helping a team make that worst to first run.

I honestly have no idea where Newfoundland is, but the Newfoundland Berserkers is a rad team name and a heavy cup contender coming into Season 60. Is it cold in Newfoundland? Is Newfoundland in North America?

The Quebec City Citadelles are now a season removed from winning the Four Stars Cup and hungry to win another. The finished the Season 60 regular season in 6th place and again made noise in the playoffs. I would love to be drafted by QC because they are still well in their window. I am also told the Citadelles could use a freakishly tall defenseman that lacks organized ice hockey experience.

Halloween is my favorite holiday, so it is only natural that the St. Louis Scarecrows have my favorite team’s name, colors, and mascot. St. Louis is the lit city in the Midwest and though the weather is sporadic, I do not believe it snows there. The Crows are another team that I could see myself plugging into and helping climb back up the league standings.

The Vancouver Whalers are a bottom three team that I could help in building for the future. I am told to expect 3-4 seasons playing in the SMJHL, which is enough time to help a team like the Whalers go from bottom-feeders to cup champions. Will Vancouver take a chance on a raw blue-liner come draft night?

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Well, that will do it for my thoughts on all 12 SMJHL teams. I know most of what I put out there is simple, but the truth of the matter is that I am up for anything. If the team I end up playing for is not winning in Season 60, you can be sure that I will work my ass off to do my part and ensure we are winning before my time in the juniors is over. For now, I consider myself lucky to have the opportunity and remain committed to beginning my ice hockey career as a student of the game.

Wish me luck as we head into the draft. While I do not know if I will be drafted, I am assured that I will be signed to a contract before the start of the preseason. This is an exciting time for me and my family. I appreciate you all following along with me during this journey.

All the best,

King

1121 words

DeletedAtUserRequest · 06-14-2021, 06:56 PM

Where did ya end up?

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*Keven* · 06-14-2021, 07:04 PM

06-14-2021, 01:58 AMelement Wrote: I am told that the Season 60 SMJHL Draft will conclude by the time this entry is published.

Because of this, Rhames is probably set to become the biggest SMJHL draft steal of all time! I can't believe teams almost missed out on you considering you had a 1000+ word article waiting to go out. Hope you have a great rookie season in Detroit Smile

element · 06-15-2021, 11:17 PM

06-14-2021, 06:56 PMMike Izzy Wrote: Where did ya end up?

Mr. Irrelevant!

element · 06-15-2021, 11:18 PM

06-14-2021, 07:04 PMKeven Wrote:
06-14-2021, 01:58 AMelement Wrote: I am told that the Season 60 SMJHL Draft will conclude by the time this entry is published.
Because of this, Rhames is probably set to become the biggest SMJHL draft steal of all time! I can't believe teams almost missed out on you considering you had a 1000+ word article waiting to go out. Hope you have a great rookie season in Detroit

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