This year, the Detroit Falcons started the year without big expectations. With 7 picks in the S62 entry draft, the Falcons went into the season as a rebuild team and they are in great shape to do that. But what no one expected was a tough team to get by almost every game they played. 

The Detroit Falcons went 17-42-7 in the season but the numbers don't do all the talking. 16 of those games were one goal games. Some of those games against some of the tougher teams in the league. And when the Falcons weren't off by one goal, they had many shining offensive moments where they had over 5 goals. This team definitely has the skill to score goals and win games. 

Through sixty six games played, the Detroit Falcons had two players on top with 47 points. Left Winger Yan Dolff lead the team in goals with 21 and a not to shabby 26 assists to go with it. Meanwhile Centreman and Captain Ty Murphy played the playmaker role leading the team in assists with 30. Ty Murphy also had a cool 17 goals to add to his point total. In another set of two, Oskar Von Walther and Akashi SixNine Jr we're next on the board with 40 points each. Oskar Von Walther had the second highest in goals for the Falcons with 18 and 22 assists. Meanwhile Akashi SixNine Jr made a great effort with 16 goals and 24 assists. After reflecting on some of these point totals, it's looking like the Falcons could maybe use a goal scorer or a finisher in the next draft. Fifth on the team in points is rookie defenseman Dirty Boots coming in with 36 points, 26 of those points being assists which tied him second on the team. If the Falcons are able to add a sniper or even someone in net to jam in loose pucks they may see a major increase in goals which would make for a major increase in wins for the team as well.

The biggest flaw with the Detroit Falcons at the moment may be the defense. The Falcons are the team with the most shots against. With 1953 saves and 188 goals against, Hugh Jass was the most tested goalie in the league. The Falcons need to work on getting their defence involved in front of the goalie with blocked shots or interceptions. We did learn this year though that Hugh Jass is a very strong netminder often keeping the Falcons in the game right until the end allowing them well enough time to score a game winning goal. 

If the Falcons are looking for success next season, they will need to touch up on their defence. They will rely on their rookie defence to get better but they may be looking to either draft some defensive defenseman in the upcoming draft or maybe even look to trade if they want to get better right away, but seems as this is a rebuilding team they are in no rush to lose any important assets at this time. The Falcons should be another underdog team next season with maybe a slightly better record but they will definitely be a team to look out for in seasons to come! They have a strong core and a very strong willed and determined goaltender that can carry them to the end of any game. With some more goals and tighter defense there's no doubt the Falcons will shape up to be a championship contending team in the SMJHL.

Approved!

+5 TPE @CapnCooper