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S81 SMJHL PT #1: Season Preview
Due: Sunday, February 23rd @ 11:59 PM PST
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iRockstarRegistered S24 Challenge Cup Champion
Early look into the season has Great Falls a bit further back than they'd like to be. Currently 6-11 and near the bottom of the standings, there is a huge deficit the team needs to climb out of if they're going to be successful, but the team is very young.
There are 3 players the team will rely on, and shocker... it isn't myself. First one is Koen Boekbinder, he's currently leading the team for us and having the time of his life. A center, Koen really needs to keep showing up on the stat sheet and also needs to keep winning those face-offs. Second one would be our goalie, Matti Brynjarsson who has actually stood on his head despite the losses, standing with a record of 4-7 and really trying to bring himself to that .500 hockey. If we can get him there or above, it's GG and goodnight. Third will be our top defender, Kienen McKeller who is showing us youngsters how it's done, both offensively and defensively. If I am honest, this is exactly the aspiration I need to be better and do better, and I cannot wait to form my own path into being the kind of defender that McKeller is becoming. (206 words)
MN_MooseyRegistered Senior Member
Coming off a bottom three finish in the standings just a season ago, the Great Falls Grizzlies are looking poised to make a substantial jump forward. There are a few key pieces that need to make their mark in order to climb the standings. First is goalie Matti Brynjarsson who is moving up to the main net minder this season. Having a steady presence in net will be huge with such a young group in front of him. Second is Koen Boekbinder who is centering the first line. Being a rookie is already a huge undertaking in this league but suddenly having the role of 1C is even greater. There is a lot of room to grow and develop, but getting settled in early to the role and winning faceoffs will be key. You really could just copy paste all of that for Ishii and Martone who are the other two centers on the team. Really the team just needs some reliability up the middle and they can start to shock people. (172)
kilopeterRegistered Member
Kelowna came into the season looking like a middle of the pack team that should make the playoffs. After a re-sim of the pre-season though they looked formidable and that has continued into the first few weeks of the regular season. Their sights are set much higher now and they are looking to contend for the Four Stars Cup much sooner than anyone believed. A few players will be key to Kelowna's success in the coming campaign. David Corrigan must get hot and stay hot, he already has 29 points in 14 games, and if he can continue that Kelowna will face few obstacles on their way to and through the playoffs. Yuri Satoshi will need to remain a brick wall in net, for the times when the team's offense can't muster many goals. If Satoshi can maintain a 90% save percentage or greater, he will give the Knights a shot to win every night he starts. Lastly, returning Knight Erik Johnson will be key in leading a young group of defensemen to keep the team sound on both ends of the ice. His 11 assists so far are icing on top but the shutdown D played so far by Johnson and his underlings shows lots of promise for a deep playoff run as well.
Pierre LeBlanc Sacré-Coeur, QC
DELIRIVMRegistered Posting Freak
The Great Falls Grizzly are looking at the upcoming SMJHL season as one of growth. The team is poised to break out in the next couple seasons but currently the squad sits with a large number of very young inexperienced players. The outlook for the S81 SMJHL is likely that the Grizz will be lucky to be a .500 team. But there is no real reason to panic as the team looks poised to blossom and become much better at the later part of the year than at the start. The Key players are honestly the development and growth of their top five picks in the S81 SMJHL draft. Troy Martone, Koen Boekbinder, and Yoshinobu Ishii are going to be lynchpin pieces up the middle for the Grizzlies roster. There isn't a set hierarchy between the three of them down the middle yet but at current of writing this article Koen Boekbinder sits at 16 points in 17 games and leads the team in scoring. Kelly McMahon and Boone Breakaway are flanking the young centers on the wings and are crucial to development so the young centers can create offense with these young players. Ultimately the Grizzlies future relies on these five forward and if they can develop into a powerhouse for the next 3-4 seasons.
![[Image: fwcHrMm.png]](https://i.imgur.com/fwcHrMm.png) ![[Image: 7evFmAP.png]](https://i.imgur.com/7evFmAP.png)
Matty7478Registered Senior Member
San Diego is looking like a very strong team this season. With no less than 7 players capped at the highest TPE level for the J (425) alongside 8 further players at 349+, this team is built to contend for the Cup this season. In choosing three players who will be key to the success of the Tidal, I will choose 1 player from each area of the team (Forwards, Defense, and Goaltending).
In the forwards camp, it is extremely difficult to pick one specific player who is key to any success the Tidal will have this upcoming year. If one has to be chosen though, my pick would be Josie Cass; Cass is a offense-only winger with great physical tools and strong accuracy on their shooting. If the Tidal are looking to put in strong offensive performances, look for Josie to get involved in goal scoring opportunities wherever possible. On the defensive side of the puck, one player who will need to step up is Hip Hurts. Hip Hurts was traded to San Diego during the S81 SMJHL draft for a 2nd round pick in S82. As a 425 TPE player, a lot is expected of Hip Hurts - a player with all the defensive knowledge required to be a key contributor at the SMJHL - and even SHL level - but has just not yet been able to put it together. Time will tell if they can manage it this upcoming season. Finally, of the two choices between the pipes, the obvious choice is Cauliflower Pizza. The Tidal drafted a new goalie in the S81 draft which means they lack some experience at the backup position. If San Diego truly want to make some noise during this season, they need strong goaltending play from their first choice, who still definitely has some room to grow before he truly becomes an elite player at the SMJHL level. ![[Image: 1PU6YuX.png]](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/524950673008230434/708397868834095205/1PU6YuX.png) ![[Image: JiycRrd.png]](https://i.imgur.com/JiycRrd.png)
mattebleuRegistered Member
St. Louis is currently having a rough go, which makes sense based on our average TPE compared to the other teams, but we're building for the future. While the current season will probably be... rough, we're gonna be a powerhouse in a few seasons Let's talk about a few of our key players.
Wal Rus - The Scarecrow rookie goalie. Wal is going to become a brick wall in the future, especially with a team that's going to get stronger and stronger on defense as the seasons go forward. Toivo Jokinen - Our team's initial pick at 1.2, Toivo is already a media menace and an excellent player. He's easily going to become a top earner and top player of our class. Good luck defending against him. Jean Bon - One of the non-rookies on the team, Jean Bon will be the glue that holds this young team together before they are drafted to the SHL. Jean is easily one of our top players on the ice and they're helping us all build chemistry together. During this transitional period, we're relying on Jean's playmaking skills. So far, they have not disappointed!
Jonnyhockey17Registered Member After a mediocre preseason start, the Anchorage Armada look to have another strong regular season except this time, they’re hoping to push past their QCC roadblock seen in the past 2 seasons. After picking up some new rookies in the offseason, as well as seeing some of the vets mature and take the next step, Anchorage is primed to make yet another deep run. When looking at three potential BIG IMPACT players for the Armada, I think starting with the player that had 84 pts last year is a good place to start. Hughes Incorporated is an extremely talented and important part of the Armada hockey club. His playmaking skill plus the threat to shoot, seen in his past two season goal totals (28 & 29), make defending him a very tough challenge. With another strong season, as well as the new captaincy, the sky’s the limit for not only him, but his team as well. Looking at the second key contributor, Reg Kirby, we see he is coming off a fantastic rookie campaign, posting 12G, 42A for 54pts and finished the year a whopping +38. Centring the 2nd line in season 81, Regs play both offensively and defensively and will help solidify the 2nd line as well as will help to add structure to an ever changing lineup due to rookie performance and trying to see who fits where. Lastly, the third player that will be key to an Anchorage Armada successful season is none other than my own rookie, the goalie, Jonny Hockey. I know it may seem like I’m playing favourites, HOWEVER, Linus Ully, the projected starter in Szn 81 has gone IA. This means that Jonny will get the larger share of starts and may mean that he sees the fair share of Playoff time. With this being the case, Jonny the new starter will have to stay on his toes and keep his team in games to help secure the W. 
Jonny Hockey - Goalie (#30) - Anchorage Armada
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Dewalt27File Worker Senior Member
Maine is ready to come in and dominate this season if you couldnt already tell based on the standings and handing out Losses to all the usual contenders.
A few of our key players are: 1. Darby Reznor They might as well be considered a legend around these parts already and the season isnt over. From the day they got here they dominated on the left side of the ice and have proven as one of the most capable wingers in the SJHL. 2. Lucas Snyder. Some people believe that a good defense wins championships and if you believe that and want to win championships get yourself a defensive player like Synder. Any shot that is coming towards our goal will be contested. There will never be a free shot and you will get hit. 3. Travis Coates - You cant have a great team without a great goalie. Coates may be new to the Js but is ready to take the league by storm and show that while they may be new they already have the talent to make a major impact. ![[Image: f7.png]](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/546829755106721793/806510688523780106/f7.png)
egregiousRegistered Senior Member
The Citadelles built their back-to-back championships around the offensive brilliance of players like Roccamontepiano and Peter (whatever his last name might have been), supported by versatile builds at a variety of positions, and invariably reliable goaltending.
That was then, this is now. The quest for an improbable three-peat is built around players who have been growing toward their peaks during the championships runs: Shiny Rainbow, Rodwin Dionicio, and Dejana Kaptina. Rainbow slots right in to a role much like Roccamontepiano's: offensive maestro. Though not a slouch on defence, Rainbow is more responsible for adding magic to the offence than most on the team. Dejana Kaptina, fresh off post-season excellence and accolades in the championship run, looks a little more balanced than Rainbow, being really good at more things but excellent at slightly fewer. Just the kind of versatility to plug holes on the team's offence when playoffs come around. Replacing Peter at the offensive point is Dionicio, who shows eager and aggressive command of the puck on offence, though a paucity of aggression or physicality in his play otherwise. To have any hope of living up to the excellence of the last two seasons, Quebec will need real improvement from its supporting cast - but these are the leaders who will show them the way.
- - - - - - - - - - - Formerly Peter, 2x Four Star Cup champ and Defender of the Year. Now Chubby Barista, paramount expression of caffeinated aggression.
FnoRespectRegistered Senior Member
First of all, the Falcons are projected to finish at the bottom of the standings this season as they have a rebuild ahead of them. With that said there are still some key players that could steal them some games this season.
1. Winger- Jonas Gray. Of course, I had to add my player in here. With a skillset mostly focused on putting the puck in the net, the Falcons will rely on the rookie winger to do just that. Gray leads the team in shots to this point and if he can find the back of the net on more of those shots, his team may steal some more wins. 2. Goalie- John Gibson. With not the greatest team around him, the Falcons will need Their #1 netminder to step up in order for them to get in the win collum. As of now Gibson is almost posting a 90% save percentage and has already stole some games for the Falcons. 3. Winger- Quazon Brosonchi. Quazon is one of the highest TPE players on the Falcons roster and they will count on him to run the offense and the powerplay for the young Falcons. Right now Quazon is tied for second on the Falcons in points and they will need to rely on production from him to steal some wins.
ArcticRegistered Member
This year is certainly a developmental one for Saint Louis, although a late season surge is quite possible as the youthful team continues to improve. With 8 draft picks in the last draft, the Scarecrows are in a rebuilding phase currently. As one of the lowest TPE teams in the league, fans and players alike expect struggles throughout the season as the rookies adjust to the speed of the SMJHL. The future is bright in the Mound City, as if the rookies and other young players on the team develop well, the team could be a cup contender within the next few seasons. Some players to look out for are Jean Bon, the team's captain who looks to lead the defense. Toivo Jokinen, the most recent 2nd overall pick who the team hopes to be a budding star and Wal Rus, the rookie goaltender who hopes to hold down the net. Don't expect much from the Scarecrows this season, but in a season or two they could be very scary.
plummdogmillionaireRegistered Member
The Ottawa Highlanders had a fantastic draft and have a reloaded squad this season.
One of the key players will be Hotdog Lunch. A complete offensive player, the two-time 30+ goal scorer will be one of the key pieces to putting the puck in the net. Even more impressive than that hot stick is the fact that they has averaged 50 assists over the past two seasons. The Highlanders are going to being relying on their steady production to stay in contention. On the opposite end of the ice, the Highlander's starting Goalie is Jeff Kirkstone III. With all the new talent getting settled in and up to speed, he will be called on heavily to bail them out of any sticky situations and miscues, particularly early in the season. The final piece of the puzzle is sophomore Soobin. Last season they had 56 points split between 23 goals and 33 assists. They will be looking to build on that with a potential first 30+ goal season of their career. Those three will be the ones to watch and this season should be a great one with high expectations.
LilGainz901Player Progression Director Member
The Kelowna Knights are looking solid for this season; we got a balanced lineup that will absolutely cook any team we face. With an absolute unit like Jon-Isaac Forty-One in net, we ain't letting anything in. Bro has cat like reflexes while also being a brick wall. Then we got Erik Johnson in defense, elite shot blocker that is quick af. A nightmare for every other forward in the league. Lastly but certain not least, we got Mel Guolla at Center. This guy doesn't even need an introduction. If he gets open and gets the puck, you're cooked. No point even reacting, it's already in the back of the net.
Right now we are third in the standings, with two games in hand. Definitely expect us to be at the top of the standings in the next few weeks. We also have the second highest goal differential and hopefully ass our team cohesion and efficiency improves, this differential will just get larger and larger. To every other team in the SMJHL, just know that the Knights (the eventual champions) is the team to be scared of. 
TheSparkyDeeSHL GM SHL GM
As a Kelowna Knight, I believe we have one of the best teams in the SMJHL. The rest of the league will be shaking in their boots or skates.. We will see if the other teams in the SMJHL can match up with this very LOUD team. The locker room is always popping. We got all the new rookies just meshing well with the veterans and the second season players.
The team is ready to get on the ice for the regular season. We have been just flying around practice. There is some really stuff happening in practice that and the team is doing a great job at team building and keeping that chemistry going in practice. They are keeping the momentum going into the start of the regular season. These players have been the talk around the city. Let’s get this season started! The final message to the rest of the SMJHL is this. Good luck stopping the Kelowna Knights. (162 Words) Drafted 2nd round 21st Pick by the Winnipeg Jets in S55 SHL Entry Draft
GM of the UCORCAL in the WJC S55
S55 WJC Gold Medalist GM/Player for UCORCAL
Management Role for Russia in the IIHF
Management Role / Head Coach for Winnipeg Aurora in SHL
Co-GM St. Louis Scarecrows S57-S60
GM of the St. Louis Scarecrows S61-S72
S72 Challenge Cup Champion - GM
Co-GM Toronto North Stars S81
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