Login

Tate · 03-11-2024, 02:17 PM

In the SHL, every draft pick holds the promise of greatness. Currently, I stand as the 14th overall player in TPE rankings, a position that holds particular significance for me. This marks my second entry into the SHL draft, but it's worth noting that my initial selection was at the 14th spot by the Toronto North Stars in the S49 SHL Draft (Knox Booth).

And so it is, I’m 14th again and questioning, is this destiny? Mirroring my past and foreshadowing my future in the upcoming S76 SHL draft? Or merely a coincidence. Is my fate intertwined with the number 14, and if so, why does it continue to weave its web around my aspirations and dreams? Fun fact, 14 is the number I had stitched on the back of my Leafs jersey as a kid, and the one I proudly wore while playing road hockey.

I look at the remaining road to the S76 draft and I believe I will hold steady at 14th overall in TPE, but does that mean anything special? Is there any significance to the number itself? Here are some interesting facts regarding the number 14:

• In numerology it is often associated with independence, curiosity, and exploration. It is a number of movement and adaptability with some numerologists believing that individuals born on the 14th of the month (I was not) possess traits such as creativity, versatility, and a strong sense of self-expression.

• In mathematics 14 is a composite number, meaning it has factors other than 1 and itself. Its factors are 1, 2, 7, and 14. It is the smallest even number that is not a semiprime (the product of two prime numbers).

• In many cultures, 14 holds special significance in various contexts. For example, in Chinese culture, the number 14 is often associated with prosperity and abundance.

• Silicon, a chemical element with the atomic number 14, is a crucial component of semiconductors, which form the basis of modern electronics and technology.

• The human body contains 14 phalanges, which are the bones that make up the fingers and toes. Each hand and foot have 14 phalanges in total: three in each finger and two in each thumb or big toe, and three in each other toe.

Reflecting on my own journey in the SHL, the parallels with Savva Kirik's experiences and Knox Booth’s are evident. So, what does the order of the S76 draft look like right now? I copied the following list from discord gossip, and it is very much subject to change. I also must add that I have no idea if it is remotely accurate but the sake of this media, let’s say that it is. Here is the draft order:

1- MTL
2- SEA
3- CGY
4- MAN
5- TOR
6- MIN
7- CHI
8- MTL (from TBB)
9- WPG (from SFP)
10- ATL
11- BUF
12- MTL (from WPG)
13- NOLA
14- HAM
15- SEA (from BAP)
16- FORFEIT (EDM)
17- TBD

Foreshadowing the S76 SHL Draft:

With the S76 SHL draft looming on the horizon, the significance of my 14th TPE ranking cannot be overstated (dramatic effect/draft hype). Just as my previous selection at 14th overall paved the way for new beginnings, my new player is poised to take a similar path. Based on the list above we can see that the teams expected in or around the 14th overall selection – so how realistic is it for any of them to be my destination?

The New Orleans Specters concluded the previous season with a record of 31-34-1, showcasing a competitive but ultimately middling performance. They hold the 13th overall selection and despite not boasting the highest goals against statistic, the Specters could benefit from bolstering their defensive lineup with a prospect like Savva Kirik. However, their roster reveals a young core with emerging talents such as Billy Hill. This might suggest that New Orleans will lean towards using their first round pick on a forward or goaltender. When I think of New Orleans from my former days, I think of being a Los Angeles Panther, and how much of a strong rival they were.

The Hamilton Steelhawks sit with the 14th overall selection, and I find that intriguing. I still haven’t fully caught up to date with all that has happened since I last had a player here, but when I did have a player active, Hamilton ruled the roost. This was a team that exploited STHS and forced the FHM change, and STILL dominated! Could I be a Steelhawk? Sure. But, would they even want me… do they need me? The portal reveals a team with a record of 39-22-5, and what about the players? Is there any room on the backend… hmm, looking very similar to New Orleans and maybe that is to be expected with all SHL teams? I do plan to stay down for at least 3 seasons in the SMJ so perhaps the timing of when my player will be ready vs when my SHL team will need me will work out. I know of the GM’s for Hamilton, but not sure if I fit into their plans. The more I look at the teams in the portal, the more I ponder how far I may fall in this draft.

The Seattle Argonauts have the 15th overall pick, and since I’m currently living in the portal, I can tell you that they have a record of 7-56-3… and yikes. Not as tough of a year as Montreal, but damn near close, and based on the list I nabbed from discord, Seattle owns this pick due to a previous deal with the Baltimore Platoon. Looking at the team standings alone tells me that Seattle is a team desperate for defense and must have/should have a need for a prospect like Savva but with so many choices this draft, will I even be a first round thought for them this time around?

The big difference from what I see between when I was drafted in S49 vs now in S76 is the quality of the two drafts, and no disrespect to my previous class but has any class been better than this? I wish I could jump forward in time to see what happens, not only with the selections, but the career themselves. How far will each of us go? Which one of us will be outlast and truly be great? Only time will tell, and boy oh boy - what a fun time it is to be in the SHL Smile

(1087 words)

FuzzSHL · 03-11-2024, 04:39 PM

Tate!!!! Welcome back!!

Aleksi Kettu

Tate · 03-12-2024, 09:57 AM

03-11-2024, 04:39 PMFuzzSHL Wrote: Tate!!!! Welcome back!!

Thank you kindly, good sir! Happy to be back Smile

Navigation

Extra Menu

About us