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(GRADED) DD #1 - The kids are alright: explaining Yukon and Regina's success so far
#1
(This post was last modified: 09-28-2022, 12:47 AM by leafs1997. Edited 1 time in total.)

How can we explain rookie-of-the-year candidates Alexis Texas and Bandit Heller's success?

An SMJHL franchise is hard to manage, with a four-year window available for all its players. Early this season, some teams proved that a team can garner success by investing in its younger players. The article wants to highlight the phenomenal season of Regina and Yukon, and what factors could explain how Alexis Texas and Bandit Heller play an integral role in their success.


Regina: Everything's bigger for Texas

It is hard to put Regina and young players in the same sentence. Regina is unarguably in an all-in mode, supported by a rapidly aging core of legendary players such as Donskoi, Juan, and Olubori. The Saskatchewan team has a single rookie player and only a few sophomore players in their lineup. But that rookie is Alexis Texas.

Regina had an amazing start this season, partly because of Texas's performance so far (10-3-0; 1,61; 0,926). Texas has been nothing short of phenomenal, co-leading the league with 3 shutouts, helping the Elk keep a differential of +42 after 21 games (!).

How can we explain Texas's success? Part of the answer relies on how they are supporting efficiently their new starlet. Veteran Jackson Cannon (5-2-1; 1,35; 0,944) might be the unsung hero. He is also co-leading the league with his 3 shutouts (in only 8 games). Cannon could argue he is ready - or even deserve - to keep the #1 spot for himself. He now shares the net with his young teammate, as he has been for the two previous seasons. Having a strong leadership group right now might be difficult for Regina fans in the long run as a reconstruction phase seems most likely, but it might explain why and how Alexis Texas has developed so rapidly.


Yukon: Heeler's squad

In Whitehorse, another freshman, Bandit Heeler (13-5-0; 2,11; 0,913) helped the Yukon Malamutes keep pace in the Mayfield division, only three points short of the Nevada Battleborn. Heeler, leading the league with his 13 wins so far, had an AVG of 1,82 before a 7-0 defeat last week. Heeler is our MVP candidate so far. Yukon is currently third in the league, third in goals allowed, but an abysmal 11th place in goals scored. No players in the entire team scored more than 7 goals.

For Yukon, offence is not the best defence, and that could explain Heeler's success so far. Heeler is supported by disciplined and responsible defensemen and forward players, clearing the crease and helping Heeler gain confidence by making big, but easier, saves. Another article pointed out that Yukon had 4 picks in the top 25 in the S67 draft, prioritizing 4 defence-oriented players, and those players performed well so far. Kalberg (9OA) plays on the defence first line with veteran Patches the III, playing big minutes and killing penalties (leading the team with 1:44 SHTOI). Robinson (14OA) plays on the second defence line with sophomore O'Connall, playing both on the powerplay and penalty-killing units. Goal-scoring-leader Nikitin (21OA) proved to be a constant 2-way player, working on the third line and leading the team with an impressive S% of 22,6%. Heller was the fourth pick, drafted 23rd overall. Peter Mollinek, Benning and Geer are also rookie players playing this year.

The answer somehow remains the same... 

In Regina, Texas is doing well and can develop because she is surrounded by some of the best veterans in the league right now. In Yukon, Heeler is doing great and can step to the next level because he is surrounded by responsible teammates sharing a philosophy of not granting any leeway to the opponent.

Does it ensure a bright future for both players? Maybe so. It will be interesting to see if Alexis Texas will keep her progression if the Elk enter a reconstruction phase. It will also be intriguing to see if Heeler can maintain the pace for a full season.
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#2

@MikeLiut APPROVED! +5 TPE

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