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*Jayba1t* · 05-01-2023, 10:24 PM

The playoffs are about to start, and that brings us to the second DFA bounty:

You've made it. You're on the list to be drafted into the SMJHL. Some of you have already temporarily joined a team for the remainder of this season to stay in shape and possibly attract more attention from scouts.

Written Task: Write a summary of your scouting profile, highlighting why you you're expected to do well in the upcoming draft (250 word min.)

Graphic Task: Show us the cover photo for your scouting file. Must include your render, name, position and nationality.

Reward: $500,000 for doing one of the above

Only current SMJHL Draftable Free Agents (S71 SMJHL Draftees, SHL class of S72) are eligible for this bounty.

There is no need to claim this anywhere. After grading the money should pop up in your account 'automatically'.

Deadline: Sunday, May 7th @ 11:59pm PST

***Possum Queen*** · 05-02-2023, 02:23 AM

Jaden Tanner is a big 17-year-old defenseman eligible for the S71 SMJHL entry draft. Standing at 6'2" and weighing 220 pounds, he has the size to play in a professional league even at his young age. Son of hall of fame goaltender Jakob Tanner, Jaden was on skates as soon as he could stand. His skating is one of his strengths, though he admits he has work to do before he will be ready for the SHL, where he has his sights set.

While many light up the minors and struggle to find their defensive game once they graduate to the majors, Tanner is ahead of the game. He has modeled his game around defensive play, emphasizing positioning and a strong poke check. While he lacks the offensive flair found in many of his peers, his stay-at-home style should make him a valuable target for many SMJHL teams looking to bolster their defensive core. Tanner displays a very developed ability to read the game defensively, as well as a strong ability to check his man. He isn't afraid to put his body on the line, whether blocking shots or punishing his opponents on the backcheck. With strong stickhandling skills and solid strength and balance, he's tenacious and very difficult to get off the puck once he has it.

Given the trend of high-flying forwards and a glut of scoring defensemen, Tanner's attention to the more defensive aspects of the game should position him well in the upcoming draft. Look for him to go in the first round to a team in need of a solid defensive presence on their blueline.

Ashes · 05-02-2023, 10:11 AM

Young Latvian winger Adrians Skalbergs is a pretty solid, well rounded forward, coming from a family of great SMJHL prowess - his uncle Ēriks being a Four Star Cup champion with the Vancouver Whalers and cousin Teodors having played 5 seasons with the Regina Elk, being their leading scorer near the end of his SMJHL career. Somewhat of an offensive jack of all trades, Skalbergs excels in creating opportunities in the other team's zone. He is capable of using his speed, agility and technical skill to outplay defenders, or using his strength to win battles. Primarily a playmaker, Skalbergs tends to look to set up his teammates for a scoring chance rather than do it himself, but that does not mean he never shoots - Adrians is more than capable of putting the puck in the back of the net if a good enough opportunity presents itself. He excels at reading the play and knowing what the defense is going to do, finding the best way to get through them. As it stands, his weakness lies primarily in defense - his play in the defensive zone is not as effective as when he's on the attack, but he isn't a complete defense black hole either. Quite large for his age, Adrians does have the ability to out-muscle his opposition and force them off the puck, but his skill set still needs some more refinement in this regard. Skalbergs is definitely a player who can be expected to improve quickly and find his footing in the SMJHL, likely to become one of the league's top points producers in the not-so-distant future.

***trashae*** · 05-02-2023, 04:35 PM

The Murray profiles as strong skater with a mean streak who isn't afraid to get along the boards and fight for the puck. He comes from the Colombian rainforests where he grew up on a strict diet of narcotics as a captive hippopotamus living in Pablo Escobar's zoo. After liberation and the brief joy that came with it The Murray found himself in an orphanage where he befriended a turtle and raccoon. After escaping from the system the three friends quickly became the best crime gang in the world stealing the Clockwerk parts right under Inspector Fox's nose. But that life quickly soured on The Murray where he turned to the Australian outback and entered the tutelage of The Guru. After rejoining the gang to help secure the Cooper family fortune The Murray finally hung up his cape and turned to hockey. Ultimately the difficulties The Murray has encountered throughout life mean he will need a strong locker room to keep him on the right path.

Despite character concerns there is no doubt about The Murray's raw talent and SHL frame. His game will need to catch up to this massive frame, but the physicality is undeniable. Defensively is where The Murray really shines relative to other forwards in his class. He is a consistently disruptive force to opposing offenses who is willing to sacrifice the body in shooting lanes. He thrives in the corners and playing a dump and chase offense is simply futile with The Murray on the ice.

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