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wizard_literal · 06-23-2023, 10:25 AM

The Carolina Kraken entered the Season 71 SMJHL after a solid finish of 30-31-5 the previous year looking to continue building the core of their defense with hopes of another shot at a playoff run. While Carolina had several returning stars at forward, they were severely lacking on the defensive front, the Kraken and would turn to the draft to fill those holes. Specifically a trio of true rookies would be the story of the Kraken for Season 71. Starting off with the seventh overall pick in the draft Left Defense Lazer Gato would be the linchpin for the start of the defensive rebuild. Gato, despite being relatively small for a Hockey Player at 5 foot 11 and 150 pounds, proved to be a speedster on the ice tallying 198 blocks on the season ranking fourth amongst all rookies. Don’t ask about his shooting percentage though I’m not quite sure why coaches Frenchie and Seven ever let him near the puck! Although I suppose his 34 assists ranking 2nd among rookies and 6th among all players helps to make up for the abysmal 3.4% shooting percentage.

Moving to the Right Defensive spot Carolina would show their drafting prowess and grab an absolute stud who just may prove to be the steal of the draft at pick 19 with true rookie Westley Kirkpatrick. Where Lazer Gato lacked in shooting Kirkpatrick would well makeup for it netting 15 goals on 174 shots throughout the season at an astounding 9.55% shooting percentage which is damn impressive for a rookie, especially one playing Right Defense of all positions in my opinion. Despite being at the defensive core for the Kraken, the Dynamic Defensive Duo of Gato and Kirkpatrick came to be better known for their offensive prowess and ability to push the puck down the ice into opposing territory. I suppose the saying “The best Defense is a good Offense” is rather fitting in this case with the pair combining for 68 assists, 18 goals and a total of 78 points opposing teams were kept on their heels all season. But you know what’s better than a good Defense? A damn good goalie.

The third leg(how many legs does a Kraken have again?) of the tripod for Kraken defensive game plan was rookie goalie Sith Happens. Throwing a true rookie out at such a vital position has to be a bit scary, but the General Managers had faith from day 1 and Sith showed everyone why that was the case. Tallying 22 wins(first among rookies), 3 shutouts, and an impressive 0.890 Save Percentage our Dark Lord Sith Happens is the true star of this trio. His play at goalie opened up opportunities for Kirkpatrick and Gato to make aggressive plays and allowed our coaches to scheme much more creatively.

Playoffs are on the Horizon and the Kraken have earned another berth with the minor assistance of these three true rookies. Let’s see if they can get Kraken and make a deep run! Regardless, this trio will be one to keep an eye on during their tenure in the juniors so don’t sleep on the Kraken, or better yet RELEASE THE KRAKEN!

*CptSquall* · 06-23-2023, 10:51 AM

Approved, +5 TPE to @wizard_literal

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