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EricNCSU · 02-16-2024, 03:14 PM

We've reached the midway point of the SJHML season and while volatility is the name of the game in the J, there's still a few things so far this season that have exceeded expectations, for better or for worse.

St. Louis Scarecrows - While still deep in the middle of an overhaul (rebuild doesn't do it justice) St. Louis is outplaying expectations, at least in my opinion. They finished last season in last place with only 16 wins and 34 points. With 32 games in the books, St Louis already has 10 wins and 21 points. This would put them on pace for 21 wins and 45 points. That's a marked improvement. St Louis made a splash in this years draft trading all the way up to 2nd overall to select Alexa Johanson, who is already making an impact at 15 points in 32 games. Undrafted Free Agent Jack Booth is also making an impact with 16 points and significant ice time on both the powerplay and penalty kill. Rookie goalie Kris has performed admirably, given the circumstances, posting an 8-15-1 record and a 0.893 save percentage, which includes an incredible 68 save win against league juggernaut Quebec City. Divisional rotation locks St Louis into a playoff position for this season, which will be a great experience for this young roster.

Vancouver Whalers - After finishing last season in 8th place and first in their Division, Vancouver is moving in the wrong direction. Starting the season winless in the preseason may have been a bad omen. Scott Seitz was the only loss to SHL call up, so this is a similar roster to last season and this sudden drop off is hard to explain. Currently sitting in last place with 8 wins and 18 points, Vancouver is on pace for 16 wins and 36 points. Quite a drop from 33 wins and 71 points last season. Vancouver did not have a first round pick this season, which certainly hurts, but 2nd round pick Robo Sven is absolutely crushing it, with 33 points and 100 hits. There could still be time to right the ship. Vancouver is also locked into a playoff spot, so at the very least, something they can build on to get back to winning ways next season.

Regina Elk - Finishing last season with 26 wins and 54 points, Regina has surged to the top of the leaderboard with 18 wins and 39 points already, on pace for 36 wins and 80 points. Regina currently sits in 5th place overall and 3rd in the insanity that is the 510 Division. Detroit and Colorado are both tied at 44 points, with Great Falls only slightly behind at 36 points. Red Panda is well over a PPG pace at the moment with 40 points in 33 games. If Regina can stay hot they can challenge Detroit and Colorado (who both made the finals last season) for the lead in what is the most hotly contested division this season. (503 words - adding GFG after the word count since I know my first dive was about GFG)

Great Falls Grizzles - Sneaking in to a playoff spot last season at 12th overall with 23 wins and 48 points, Great Falls has made a massive jump this season, although due to divisional rotation may miss the playoffs this season in the insanity that is the 510 division. Currently sitting 7th overall and 4th in the 510 with 18 wins and 36 points, on pace for 36 wins and 72 points. 4th overall pick James Howlett has made an immediate impact at nearly a point per game (31 pts in 33 games), 20 blocks, 35 hits and a 58% faceoff win percentage show James is not just a scorer. Rookie goalie Lee Harrison has also made a splash, posting a shutout in the first game of the season. Currently sitting with a 13-11 record, 3 shutouts and a 0.895 save percentage, Harrison has instantly become an anchor for the team. Free agent acquisition Peter Parker has also performed well in limited action, posting a 5-3 record, 1 shutout and an 0.897 save percentage.

***Scrufdaddy*** · 02-18-2024, 07:55 PM

Approved @EricNCSU @CptSquall

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