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Talls · 04-17-2021, 07:51 AM

A New Season With New Faces

April 17, 2021

nick.flint, Colorado Raptors Beat Writer

It is that time of year again! The preseason is in full swing and each of the SMJHL teams have their optimism maxed out. Today, the discussion will focus on the new rookies that have been signed by the Colorado Raptors. First, some stats:

When compared to the other teams, the Raptor's rookies are right on par. For example, the Anchorage Armada S60 rookie class averages at 201 updated TPE. That is higher than the Raptor's 198.8 updated TPE average, but not by much. The real difference here is the breadth of positions filled by GM Birdman. The Raptors seem to have hit on every need for the team, with the addition of added forward depth. This brings the roster up to 23 players with a break down of:

Karl Detloff - Right Defenseman

Detloff can be described as fast, conditioned, and great with a stick. His stamina is rated at a 13, so his high level of play can continue late into the game. With an 11 rating, his speed, stick checking, puck handing, and passing shows that he has great potential in the league. He does a great job of filling in right away in the defense lineup. In 4 preseason games played, Detloff already has a scoring line of 1-1-2, with a 0 +/-. Which is great, considering he has only taken 2 shots. That 0 +/- is telling too, as he has been averaging 18:12 minutes of ice time. The future looks bright for Deloff.

Gonzo Gobbledygook - Left Wing
Besides his unique name, Gobbledygook is fast and strong. Originally entering the league as a free agent after the trade deadline in season 58, he has taken advantage of his extra time and really committed to making himself better. With a stamina rating of 14, strength of 13, and speed of 12, he is a force to be reckoned with. He has a great hockey mind with Defense and Offensive read ratings of 11. He is definitely a player to watch. Though he has not produced any goals this preseason, he is 0-1-1 in 4 preseason games. It is recommended that he work on his aggression to really take advantage of his huge stature at 6'4", 240 pounds. He could become a real power forward, taking control of the ice in his future. Regardless, it is only a matter of time before he starts lighting up this league.

Josiah Hansen - Left Defenseman
Hansen is the middle of the road rookie, when compared to the other players brought in around him. He is the true offensive defenseman. With his offensive read and passing of 12 and puck handling of 11, he is on his way to becoming the next Seth Jones. But don't let that fool you. As of late, he has been working on his defensive skills as well. With his defensive read and checking ratings of 11, stick checking rating of 10, and shot blocking rating of 9, his determination to become a better defenseman is evident. The Raptor's just hope it turns into results. In 4 games played this preseason, his scoring line of 0-0-0 with a +/- of -1 leaves a little to be desired. That being said, it is the preseason and this is a whole new level of competition. Only time will tell how Hansen's first season will end up.

Senji Seteki - Goalie

The surprise signing of Seteki this preseason has really fired up the team. Out of Japan, he seemingly came out of no where. It is no surprise that the team would be looking for an eventual replacement for Rosejac, as he enters his final season of eligibility. And, he sure fits the bill. With a position and reflexes ratings of 13, he is both positionally sound and quick to react, a must have for any goalie. His blocker, glove, poke check, rebounding, recovery, and low shot ratings of 11 mean that he is ready for any scenario. The real question is if he can hold up to the level of competition in the SMJHL. Yes, he has a goalie stamina rating of 12, but does that really help when he is taking 30-50 shots a night? For now, he seems like the real deal but until he gets that all important experience, the world will have to wait and see.

Eric Tokke - Right Wing

Tokke can only be described as a monster of a man. Standing at 6'6" and 244 pounds, he is an intimidating presence on the ice. As you would expect, he is a physical specimen with speed, stamina, and strength ratings of 11. He pairs that with a 9 rating for aggression. In 4 games played this season his scoring line is 0-1-1, with a +/- of -4. That could definitely use some work, but Tokke will get there. He has been training with the team and just needs to decide how to better himself. Offensively and defensively, he is pretty even across the board with ratings averaging around 9 points. The Raptors can only wait for Tokke to find his game, but when he does, watch out.

And that ends the analysis of the season 59 SMJHL Colorado Raptors' Rookies. The GM definitely has a plan and it is up to these players to see it out.

Continue to look for coverage on all things Raptors this season, right here, in the media section (and sometimes deep dives too).

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