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GreyGooseVodka · 12-09-2021, 04:17 PM

In this deep dive I will be analyzing how the Nevada Battleborn rookies have faired this year as we enter the post-season. Nevada finished the regular season with a record of 36-26-4 which was good for 9th in the league. This season was a noticeable uptick in talent for the Battleborn. After finishing S61 with a record of 21-42-3, the team added some young firepower to boost the team. These rookies slid into the lineup and made their own impacts. Lets take a look at a few of these rookies:

C - LIAS EKHOLM-GUNNARSSON

The Nevada faithful had to wait until the second round for their first selection of the night. At pick #26, the Nevada Battleborn selected the left-handed centre from Nynäshamn, Sweden. Standing at only 5'9", 175 pounds, this centre was selected for its high offensive instincts. Many draft experts say that Ekholm-Gunnarsson may be the smartest player in the draft, although his smaller size compared to other league centres may be an issue. If Ekholm-Gunnarsson can find a way to play against bigger competition through skating and strength, he may very well have been one of the biggest draft steals this season. Lias scored 18 points in 66 for the Desert Rams. 9 goals and 9 assists, good for second on the team for rookie scoring. Spending most of the year at right wing has allowed Lias to grow into his role in the league, learning from the more experienced centres. Although, Lias had the worst plus-minus on the team with -9. This shows that there is still room to grow on the defensive side of the game, but improvements were readily seen over the season.

C - DAVE HEINRICH

One of the best additions to the Nevada squad this season was actually a free agent signing. This 5'8" centre burst his way into the SMJHL, leading the teams rookies in points with 26 points. While only scoring 3 goals all season, Dave put up 23 assists to show his strong playmaking capabilities. This small centre thrived in the desert, finishing with a -1 plus-minus. His small size was made up for his outstanding skating abilities. His strong defensive stick allowed him to compete against other teams top lines and not feel out of place. The room for improvement for Heinrich begins with his shooting ability. His size allows him to move quickly left to right and he is shifty enough to find open space to make a pass. But this limits his offensive threat, most teams know that he is looking for the pass so he is limited in what he can do. A 3.1% shooting percentage is not good enough as a rising star centre. If Heinrich can add a weapon like a quicker wrist shot or snap shot, then his offensive ability will go through the roof.

C - C.J. BROUSSARD

Broussard is a 5'8" right winger who was converted to the left wing. Selected in the third round of the S62 draft, Broussard hasn't lived up to expectations. Progression has seemed to stagnated for the promising winger, although he did finish the season with 8 goals and 8 assists for 16 points. The defensive side of his game needs the most work. Highly offensive minded but not willing to get into the dirty areas. If this player could turn it around he would have a promising career.

D - Tekkeitsertok Towtoongie

Towtoongie was a surprise pick for Nevada, already having a solid defensive core. But the young rookie showed his worth playing in the desert state. Scoring 17 points in 66 games for the Battleborn. This was an interesting season for Towtoongie. Known as a power play specialist, Towtoongie struggled with the defensive side of the game. His offensive instinct was clearly seen all season but his defensive capabilities have strongly improved over the course of the season. The young defensemen needs to bulk up and fix his skating to become a more dynamic playmaker on the blue line.

Overall, a great rookie class with some high offensive talents.

**leafs1997** · 12-11-2021, 12:26 AM

@GreyGooseVodka APPROVED! +5 TPE

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