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(GRADED) Deep Dive #2 - Anchorage Armada's draft success of S66
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(This post was last modified: 12-14-2022, 04:58 AM by Opera_Phantom. Edited 1 time in total.)

The entry draft of S65 for Anchorage Armada was rather moderate where they were able to pick up 3 players in total, Philippe Eko-Eel at 5th overall and Edward Elric at 16th overall and Matty Ice at 30th overall. Eko-Eel is still with the team, on their first line about to graduate from the SMJHL, Edward Elric played 3 solid seasons but never could reach greatness with the team, and Matty Ice became an instant disaster, playing only 2 seasons for the Armada followed up by being dropped from the roster before his 3rd season. Considering that Matty Ice was picked up at 30th overall, before some interesting sleeper-tier goaltending prospects like Anthony Dionne, Alvin Towne and Sir Devoir who became top of their class in just a matter of few seasons meant that as of writing, this draft was a bust for the Armada.

Followed up by their blunder of the season, all hopes were high as the Anchorage Armada held 5 great picks in the entry draft of S66. The class was slightly more stacked than what we have seen in a while, so it was up to their management to take the most out of their picks - which they did.

At 1st overall, Armada selected D Jobin, a defender. Jobin had struggled with injuries in his past, and continued the same path playing for Anchorage. He never met his expectations in his trajectory being the first pick of the draft to begin with, and his success with the Armada has not been great. As of writing Jobin has played 183 games for Anchorage, racking only 70 points to his name, while averaging 1.8 hits and 1.3 blocks per game. With a +/- ratio of -51 he has not been able to contribute for the Armada as much as the #1 pick is expected to.

Armada's next pick came at 16th overall, where they were able to select Sean Davies to their squad. This is where their draft success became to life, as Sean Davies has made a big name for himself playing for the Armada. Davies has never been the offensive type of player, with just 69 points in 183 games, while having -19 +/- ratio. Given the fact that Anchorage has been merely a middle-table team for the first 2 seasons of Davies' career, he still has been able to produce nearly 3 hits and 2 blocks per game. Davies' defensive capabilities have turned the Armada around this season, as they stand 4th in the league and 2nd in their division, and conference.

Come 30th overall pick, and Anchorage are in desperate need of a forward, so who else are they going to pick than Bruno Tooyo. Tooyo has become an instant fan favourite for the Armada with his smooth hands and offensive IQ. Slowly but surely Tooyo has risen from the 3rd line all the way to the first line, with 62 goals and 89 assists in 183 games for nearly a point-per-game ratio. Tooyo has done his part in the defense, being a natural at boarding people as he has averaged almost 2 hits per game so far in his career. Bruno Tooyo is set to become an Armada alumni, if he keeps up his great work before graduating.

37th overall was Anchorage's next pick, and they were in need of a new goaltender. August von Hecht was open, and August von Hecht was picked. von Hecht immediately became the starting goaltender for the Armada as he managed to impress both the GM and the head coach with his great positioning and awareness. Sadly, in his first 2 seasons August von Hecht has never been able to break the magical 30-win barrier, just edging off slightly with 29 wins in his first and second season, but is looking to break that barrier this season with 15 games to go for 10 more wins as he stands at 20 wins as of writing, von Hecht seems motivated to do something he has never done before. In his 161 starts for the Armada he has won 78 games, lost 62 games in regulation and another 16 games in overtime, averaging .894 save% and 3.13 GAA per game. He also has posted 6 shutouts during his career.

Second to last pick in the draft at 44th overall Anchorage picked up Dusty Rhodes to their squad. Possibly the steal of the draft as Dusty Rhodes has settled himself as the 2nd line centerman for the Armada with his well-rounded fearless two-way capabilities. Dusty Rhodes has not been a scoring machine for his team by all means, with just 34 goals and 61 assists in 183 games - but that has not stopped him from performing defensively. Rhodes averages just under 2 hits per game, and is a key player in Armada's penalty killing squad. With his trust companion Philippe Eko-Eel they are making sure Anchorage is not letting any goals in while killing penalties.

With the last pick of the draft for themselves Anchorage picked up John Manganelli, who sadly never made his debut for his respectful team. Needless to say that the first few seasons were rough in light of statistics, but with 4 players they had picked up from this draft having immense trajectory to becoming superstars in the SHL could mean that Anchorage Armada is coming back with even stronger cup contention next season.


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@retuperkele   APPROVED! +5 TPE
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