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*Puppy* · 07-20-2024, 05:49 PM

The Present Patriotes

Finishing bottom of the SHL for 3 of the last 4 seasons, Montreal is still deep in their hibernation. However, much like a diamond takes time to create, so too are the future Patriote stars still growing in the pressures of the SMJHL. While a good section of the teams’ future core has already emerged from the minor leagues to start battling it out on SHL day in and day out, there are still plenty of pivotal pieces working their way up. Key players from recent drafts such as; Beausoleil, Mutou, Enevoldsen, Karlsson, Banes, Peanut, GM’s Son, Slurpe, and Serapin represent a new wave of talent slowly finding their stride in Montreal. With a few slightly more veteran players like Hirano and Primeau to help refine the new talent, there is a lot to get optimistic about. Of course, the most veteran of all would be the timeless legend McScruff himself, a contrasting S45 player to all the youth from the S73 and S74 classes.

While on its own already an elite core of players to build around, the talent on its way will look to escalate a fantastic core into one packed with a luxury of riches.

S75 (Fourth Year Graduates) Citadelles

Notably and perhaps most impressive from this group of players, is that Charlie Slurpe was called up early, and is already getting accustomed to the ice in Montreal. More of an known factor than an up and coming one, Slurpe leads this group of S75 draftees by having made the leap early to begin chasing SHL glory.

Another player that already has featured with Montreal is Song Ju-gong, the starting goaltender for Quebec City who joined the Patriotes several times on emergency duties. Having finished their time with the Citadelles, the young Korean goalie will be making the short drive over to Montreal to begin their SHL career in earnest as a rookie. With a Four Star Cup, Cedric Robinson, and many award nominations from their four years in the SMJHL, Song looks to be the goaltender of the future for the group, and perhaps one of the best in the SHL given time.

The player from this class fans are most excited to see debut is of course Demir Bellona. Coming fresh off a Cup Finals appearance with Ottawa and a 21 goal season, Bellona has been a player that many consider to be a franchise changing talent. GMs tend to agree with this assessment, as the Italian based player was picked first overall by Quebec City in the SMJHL draft, Ottawa in the SMJHL Expansion draft, and of course with Montreal as well. The three time 1OA pick still only has a rookie all star appearance to their name. Still, many expect Bellona to pan out to being an elite two-way defensemen in the SHL, and figures to be a key player right away.

Worth noting is that Montreal also decided to select the somewhat controversial figure in Journey Man, who has been clear on the record of spending no more than one season with any given team. Given the extremely likely odds Journey Man continues on his Journey after one season, Patriote fans may only get a glimpse of this impressive minor league defensemen.

S76 (Third Year Players) Kraken

Leading off this talent packed group is yet another 1OA pick in Jamie Fraser. Having helped guide Carolina on several deep postseason runs despite being just a third year player, Fraser has played all over the ice with their ability to contribute points alongside being a talented defensive player. This has been enough to help contribute to a silver medal in the WJC, as well as becoming an Alex Light nominee. With another year still to grow and improve in Carolina, Montreal has good reason to expect another generational talent from this Kraken star.

An attacking star in the making, Jim Wieners is another key winger slowly working their way to the SHL. One of Nevada’s best performing players over the last few years, this 8th overall pick has just as much potential as any of the names called before them. With a 75 point season in the books from their junior year, Wieners already has the accolade of winning a gold Medal with Team Norden the season before. As a winger that can both outwit defenders, as well as tangle with them physically, Jim looks primed to be a future Montreal star in a season's time.

One of many Latvia players across the squad, Deth Claw has already proven themselves as an elite defensemen in the J with both Anchorage, and now Maine. A defense first player, Deth Klaw can frustrate attacking players in every way imaginable, terrorizing them with both their wit as an apex predator, as well as their incredible physical qualities. With a silver medal and a rookie all star appearance to their name, Deth Klaw will be hungry for success with Maine in their final season before bringing that same drive to Montreal. While selected just below Fraser and Wieners in the S76 draft, no one has any doubts that Deth Klaw is right at their level, and could be a player ever bit as legendary before it's all said and done.

A shot blocking wizard for St Louis, Jack Booth continues to hold down first line ice time as a right defenseman. Playing for a team that faces a lot of attacks and shots per game, Booth may be the most experienced defensemen in the entire S76 class for the work they’ve put in so far. While St. Louis can be a place where it's hard to find both personal and team accolades in recent times, Booth at the very least stands out on paper as a defensive talent outperforming many of their peers. Better yet, with a future in Montreal and Canada coming in the near future, Booth looks like a player primed to explode on the scene and show their prowess in stronger groups.

Despite not having the starpower of the first round names Montreal took, Chopper Donquixote has proven to be much more of a player than most expected so far. Taken 48th overall by Nevada, Chopper has bloomed into one of the best defenseman in the SMJHL with another year left to grow ahead. Set to compete and take first line minutes with the Battleborn, this physically dominant player could still yet become a big time force in the SHL under their current trajectory. Already a medal winner with USA Blue in the WJC, Chopper also adds an all-important winning factor to a team that has high expectations needing to be met down the road.

S77 (Second Year Players) Kraken

The biggest name for Montreal’s S77 class is without a doubt Swedish Chef. The most recent points leader from a strong Carolina team, Swedish Chef is a winger that is adept at both providing goals and creating them for others. Contributing 77 points as a sophomore bodes extremely well for the Kraken player, primed to explode for their Junior year where most players spread their wings in the SMJHL. With such an exciting attacking prospect in the pipelines for Montreal, Swedish Chef represents another high-caliber attacking talent to round out an already impressive goal-scoring group. Another gold medal winner with Team Norden, this winger will be looking to accomplish even more with Carolina before one day taking the ice for the Patriotes.

The first of a pair of Raptors from this class, Cadmael Ixazaluoh is another defense focused player to help build out Montreal’s defensive core. Despite being a strong physical player Ixazaluoh really excels when it comes to the mental parts of being a defenseman in the SMJHL. A killed player at cutting down the angles and stopping attacks before they can develop, this Czechia committed player has shown a lot already during their short time in the J. With many of the current Montreal core also having been Raptors, Ixazaluoh will have great examples to follow behind as they pursue becoming an elite defenseman not just in the minors, but perhaps one day with Montreal as well.

Last but certainly not least, Raw Cheese McPickle is another from the Colorado pipeline proving themselves in the minors. A second line winger coming off a 55 point season, McPickle is already showing signs that they could be a force at the next level. Having been drafted early in the second round of both drafts, no position could be more fitting for this well rounded right winger – a somewhat under the radar player that could explode and become more at any moment. McPickle will be looking for another stand out year with the Raptors heading into their pivotal junior year, one that will shed a lot of light on just how excited Montreal fans need to be about this towering player.

S78 Patriotes

While the draft is still some days off, Montreal do hold the 1OA pick in this draft as well. Given the prized position, it's likely that another future star can join this core and join what looks to be an extremely promising cup chasing window in the future.
That and you never know, perhaps some other later round players can make their stamp as well. Time will tell.