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Matteo · 08-12-2020, 12:01 AM

Second article: Newfoundland Berserkers

The Newfoundland Berserkers are the oldest active SMJHL franchise without a Four-Star Cup. They were rebranded and relocated in season 52, being formerly known as the Lethbridge Lions. This franchise was named after one of the original junior franchises with the same name, which was relocated after four seasons to Chicago, becoming the Cougars for one season, before being relocated again to become the Washington Patriots, which has been defunct since season 9.

All in all, the lack of success from the original Lions/Cougars/Patriots only seemed to continue once the team was reborn in season 45. As mentioned previously, they have no Four-Star Cups to their name, however things have been looking up for them ever since they moved to Newfoundland and became the Berserkers. This has not come easily, however, as they spent seasons 52 and 53 digging themselves out of the hole that the Lions buried themselves in. It wasn’t until season 54 that things really started taking off for the Berserkers, as they led their conference and tied the Kelowna Knights for the league lead in points. This season was met an unfortunate end for the Berserkers, however, as they were eliminated in seven games in the second round of the playoffs by the eventual Four-Star Cup champions, the Carolina Kraken.

This season, Newfoundland is looking to build on what they started last season, as they currently lead the league in points percentage with .788. Their success this season has come largely from the sheer number of star players on the team. One of these is centreman Mats Marner, who leads the league in goals, with 19 in 26 games. This is a 37-goal pace, which, if achieved, would blow the FHM-era SMJHL record of 30 goals in a season out of the water. Another star on the Berserkers is power right winger Ryuuji Minamino, who leads the league in assists, with 26 in his 26 games played. This puts him solidly at a 50 assist pace, which would put him comfortably in 2nd for the FHM-era SMJHL assists record, as his teammate Matthew Forester currently sits in 1st with his 38 assists in season 54. Perhaps the most important part of Newfoundland’s success, however, is starting netminder Cale Amundsen. This season he proved himself to be one of the premier goaltenders in the SMJHL, with a .926 save percentage (2nd in SMJHL), 1.90 goals against average (4th in SMJHL), 17 wins (2nd in SMJHL), and 5 shutouts (T-2nd in SMJHL) in 23 games played. This puts him on pace for 35 wins, which by itself should give his team a solid position, and every win that comes from backup goaltender Junior Guarda is a bonus.

One issue that could arise with this team moving forward is that their championship window will close abruptly in a couple seasons, as all three of their star players mentioned above were drafted in the same year and thus will likely all leave for the SHL in the same year. Because of this, the Berserkers are in win-now mode as they should be, which means that anything less than a Four-Star Cup will feel like a devastating loss, and will be a reminder of the growing championship drought which was started by the Lethbridge Lions.

577 words.

Approved! +5 TPE @Matteo

*Keven* · 08-12-2020, 05:20 PM

I didn't think I'd enjoy learning so much about a team that has been crushing us so far this season, but somehow you pulled it off. Great article!

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