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Jesster · 07-26-2015, 02:02 PM

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Season 24 Four Star Cup Preview
<span style='font-size:15pt;line-height:100%'>Vancouver Whalers Vs. Montreal Impact</span>

Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Regular Season Paths
3. Post Season Paths (Coming Soon! Wink

4. Players to Watch (Coming Soon! Wink

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Introduction</div>
The Season 24 SMJHL season is approaching the much anticipated Championship week and what better way to kick it off than with a preview with our two competing teams. The West is being represented by the Vancouver Whalers, and the East by the Montreal Impact. We haven't seen an all Canadian matchup for the Four Star Cup since season 17 when the Impact took on the Firebirds, coincidently this was the last time the Montreal Impact have taken home the Four Star Cup. Before we dive into the details of our two representatives this year let us take a look back in time at our former SMJHL Champions. The Kelowna Knight and Vancouver Whalers round out the top of the most times champion with five each. Followed closely by Montreal Impact with four titles. Detroit Falcons and the Prince George Firebirds (Formerly the Force), have three each. Will the Whalers take the league lead in titles with six, or will the Impact get on the same footing as the elite Knights and Whalers historically? This series has some bragging rights ready to be claimed by the victor in season 24. Next let's break down the teams and see the path they've taken to make it this far.

<div align="center">Four Star Champions by Season
S1 - Prince George Firebirds
S2 - Kelowna Knights
S3 - Kelowna Knights
S4 - Prince George Firebirds
S5 - Detroit Falcons
S6 – Seattle Stingrays
S7 – Montreal Impact
S8 – Prince George Firebirds
S9 – Detroit Falcons
S10 – Vancouver Whalers
S11 – Kelowna Knights
S12 – Montreal Impact
S13 – Montreal Impact
S14 - Vancouver Whalers
S15 - Vancouver Whalers
S16 - St.Louis Scarecrows
S17 - Montreal Impact
S18 - Vancouver Whalers
S19 - Vancouver Whalers
S20 - St. Louis Scarecrows
S21 - Kelowna Knights
S22 - Kelowna Knights
S23 - Detroit Falcons</div>

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Vancouver Whalers Regular Season Path</div>

The bottom feeders of the East, Vancouver had an extremely rocky start after an excellent pre-season performance. Spirits were quickly shattered once the regular season got underway, but over the course of the season the Whalers were starting to slowly turn things around. Although they finished last in the West, they were much closer to the 2nd place Firebirds in the standings than a quick glance would tell you as the Firebirds benefited from double the over time losses as the Whalers, and the Whalers were only 1 win behind them. Ultimately the season concluded for the Whalers with a 21-27-4 record, for a total of 46 points. The worst stat of them all was a staggering -34 differential. There is no denying the Whalers were the worst regular season team, but they did get things figured out towards the end of the season and so far that has really paid off for them this postseason. They finished the regular season going 7-2-1 in their final 10 games, sorry Kelowna and Prince George, you caught these fish at the wrong place and the wrong time.

<div align="center">Regular Season MVP: Vlad McZehrl

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The veteran offensive dynamo Vlad McZehrl led the charge on a struggling Whalers team with 22 goals, 28 assists and 50 points. Although a -6 is more of a reflection of overall team performance than a fault of McZehrl. His 69 hits is a respectable level for a player of such stature, McZehrl has the potential to really explode and do it all for this team. His commitment to the game and being honored the Whaler's Captaincy shows the level of respect he has in that locker room. Watch out, if McZehrl can heat up Montreal could find themselves struggling containing him. Honorable mention is Patrikov Bure who fell just shy of McZehrl's numbers with 49 points, and also rookie scoring leader of the Whalers Geoffrey Allen definitely showed his worth. In only his rookie season Allen tallied 14 goals for 38 points and only a -1. The kid is excellent!

<div align="center">Record Versus Montreal: 3-5-3</div>

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Montreal Impact Regular Season Path</div>

Undoubtedly the team most doubted by its peers, Montreal started the season falling behind almost immediately in the East. The season wasn't easy for Montreal as their forward core consisted of only one veteran player in the top 6, the least experienced group up front in the league. It didn't help that Montreal played in the East either but by midseason the team was realizing its true potential given the strengths of its own conference. Montreal was able to stand toe to toe with its peers in the East, but couldn't ever pull ahead enough to take a top position. With the season winding down the Montreal only finished a flat lined 4-4-2 and found themselves in the bottom of the East. The strongest point of the Montreal Impact is its young, stable core that found itself improving week upon week, and thus far it these rookies have carried their weight in the post season.

<div align="center">Regular Season MVP: Buster Killington

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Buster Killington the ONLY veteran forward in the Impact's top six lead the way early and consistently all season as he mentored and showed an example for the young forward group around him. Killington tallied 40 points, although not the level of McZehrl, his 153 hits is an eye opening number and is a big reason for the Impact's regular and post season successes. Montreal prides itself in being able to pound the body and Killington brings that presence that not every team has. Honorable mentions are veteran defensemen Klaus Wagner who absolutely killed it on special teams and in the offensive zone. Totalling 19 powerplay points, tied for team lead with fellow nominee Evandrus Jesster. Rookie and captain Evandrus Jesster rounds out our last nominee. Tallying 43 points, 19 goals, his special play on the power play was something Montreal fans coveted. As a rookie without a veteran supporting cast Jesster have proven he can a force in this league.

<div align="center">Record Versus Vancouver: 7-3-1</div>

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<div align="center">Team Statistics Head-to-Head (League Position)

Goals For
VAN: 2.92 (5th) | MTL: 3.15 (4th)

Goals Against:
VAN: 3.58 (6th) | MTL: 3.13 (2nd)

GF/Against Value:
VAN: 81.72% (6th) | MTL: 100.61% (4th)

Power Play:
VAN: 20.25% (4th) | MTL: 24.64% (2nd)

Penalty Kill:
VAN: 75.23% (5th) | MTL: 77.54% (3rd)

Shots For:
VAN: 26.21 (2nd) | MTL: 21.77 (6th)

Shots Against:
VAN: 25.98 (6th) | MTL: 25.94 (5th)

Veterans:
VAN: 14 | MTL: 11

Rookies:
VAN: 11 | MTL: 13</div>

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Vancouver Whalers Playoff Path</div>

Vancouver Whalers kicked off their post season play as the lower seed against Prince George Firebirds. Game 1 was a chance for the Whalers to continue building on their regular season momentum and they did exactly that. Pulling out a victory in a 4-3 game was a huge win on the road. Game 2 the Whalers came out and absolutely blasted the Firebirds, proving they're not joke in a 5-2 win that gave them an early 2-0 lead with both games on the road. Returning back home the Whaler train was slowed a bit as the Firebirds regained some footing and pulled out a close 3-2 victory in Vancouver. Some doubters were back at this loss, as the expectations for the Whalers was so low. Fortunately for the doubters the Whalers dropped the following game allowing the Firebirds to even the series at 2 with a thrilling 6-4 win. Going into game 5 at an even series wasn't ideal but Vancouver held steady and got back to their style of game and it proved a success. A 4-2 win in game 5 changed the momentum back to the Whalers and they wanted to close it out in game 6. Game 6 was much like the previous, a 4-2 with solidified their first series of the year as victors. Vancouver Whalers advance 4-2 over the Prince George Firebirds

The next opponent was no joke, the regular season winners in the West, the Kelowna Knights held home ice advantage. Vancouver surprised everyone coming out in game 1 and pulling out a 4-3 win on the road. Game 2 proved no easy task and the Whalers fell, splitting the road games. At home Vancouver came out of the gates firing, winning in dominating 5-1 fashion. Game 4 was nearly as dominating as the home crowd got another 5 goal showing in a 5-3 win. Back on the road Vancouver went for game 5 and in this game the league really opened their eyes. A 6-3 victory on the road was huge. The leaders of the West fell to their knees at the hands of the Whalers. It was real, this team is serious, preseason champs have officially returned to form and grabbed the West by the horns and made it theirs. What sparked the success many wondered. The answer in our opinion was the spread of talent come the postseason. Patrikov Bure slotted down in the second line and the Whalers offense really started to click. The big two in Bure and McZehrl each had a line of their own and that produced. Both players in 11 games have racked up 15 goals, and McZehrl sitting at a +8 has many impressed with his play in the postseason. Veteran goalie Erik Lundqvist has been solid enough to get the job done for the Whalers, they're going to need to keep up the offensive play though if they want to beat Montreal's stout defense.

<div align="center">Western Playoff MVP: Vlad McZehrl

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There is no surprise at this selection, the second year forward we named regular season MVP earlier in this article has actually been able to raise his game in the postseason, incredible right? Well the Vancouver captain already has 7 goals in 11 games with a +8, the Whalers rely on him to come through and that he did. Respectable nominees are Patrikov Bure who on a second line has been carrying the offensive output he has had all regular season, although in more wins than losses you would like to see his plus minus be a tad better. The last nomination is veteran defensemen Fife Gibbs who has really stepped up to be a great two-way defensemen. He already has 11 points in his 11 games and a +2 rating, but just as impressive is his 7 shot blocks. Also impressive is follow veteran Jordan Uptuck and his team leading 16 shot blocks. The Whalers are playing as a complete team and so far it has paid off in their road to the Four Cup Finals.

<div align="center">Playoff Record: 8-3</div>

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Montreal Impact Playoff Path</div>

Montreal Impact, the ones left standing after the dust has settled in the bEast. Montreal felt both success and failure thus far this postseason, they've definitely been tested. Round one however was not quite what the league expected. The inaugural Jesster V. Wind matchup may have been one of the most anticipated and hyped up matchups in the SMJHL playoffs but it didn't quite live up to expectations. Montreal went on to win game 1, 2, 3, and 4 in a row ultimately sweeping the Scarecrows and sending them golfing. The games were fairly close however and did prove to be entertaining, the series itself just did not last all that long. Jesster came out on top of first series between these two pegged "generational" talents, but Wind definitely held his own and produced for the Scarecrows but it just wasn't enough this time around. This series victory was big deal for the Impact, as much of the league was doubting their advancement past round one, history also told us it wasn't likely the Impact could do it. Yet they beat the odds of history and after a couple seasons of falling flat in the first round the Montreal Impact were set to advance to the Conference Finals against the former champions Detroit Falcons.
Montreal on a high note has swept the St. Louis Scarecrows but were riding right into the face of the former champions and their biggest test yet. Detroit didn't take it easy on them as game 1 found the Falcons pouring on 5 goals in a 5-3 victory on home ice. Game 2 wasn't much better for the young Impact as they fell in Detroit again by a score of 3-1. Back to Montreal the team went hoping to find their groove again, the league doubting their ability all over again now. They proved doubters wrong as they won the next two games on home ice to even up the series at two games apiece. Returning to Detroit was no easy task, and the Impact struggled. This time losing game 5 in a one goal affraid at the score of 4-3. Heading back home once again, Montreal needed to win at home ice and thus far haven't lost at home. They continued their hot hand at home and won game 6 in stunning comeback overtime fashion, their second game in a row with an overtime come from behind victory. Last stop, game 7 in Detroit, nerves in full gear, these cardiac kids were going back on the road against a team they haven't been able to beat at home all series. In a close game, it wasn't until the third period that one team took control and claimed victory, in impressive fashion the Montreal Impact have defeated S24 Champions the Detroit Falcons earning their first shot at a Four Star Cup since season 17.

<div align="center">Eastern Conference MVP: Jack Burton

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Maybe a surprise pick but this defensive focused defensemen has completely opened up his game this post season. His most impressive stats are not even his points which he currently sits at second on the team with 10 in a 11 games. His 20 hits have been critical and his 16 block shots tie with Morenov for team lead. Burton is a quiet leader who speaks softly but carries a big stick. He has literally been life saving in these playoffs. Burton helps lead a defensive core that prides itself in being the best in the SMJHL. Watch out Whalers, Burton is coming to kill you. (I'm serious) Respectable mentions are veteran defensemen Vladimir Lidstrom who leads the team in points, last years forward to defensemen convert has been a leader on and off the ice for this rookie class and is showing them just why he is considered one of the best up and coming defensemen entering the SHL. Our third nominee is rookie captain Evandrus Jesster who has put up 9 points in the 11 games and has lead the way in team shots, always working this young center has been doing his best to help produce offensively for this young forward core.

<div align="center">Playoff Record: 8-3</div>

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Vs.

Playoff Players to Watch</div>

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Vancouver Whalers, Forward - Vlad McZehrl</div>

It wouldn't be even remotely creditable to skip over this guy in the players to watch list. As we've described earlier McZehrl has game breaking ability, one of the most talented athletes in the entire SMJHL and arguably in the SHL already at such a young age. The raw talent McZehrl possesses can be just what the Whalers will need to beat this stout Montreal defense. It would be a shock if McZehrl doesn't at least score a pair of goals in this series, if he can do more than that though the Montreal Impact may be scratching their heads for answers.

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Montreal Impact, Forward - Adam Falk</div>

In our opinion the key to this series may rely on Adam Falk's play and we'll get to why that is shortly. Besides the fact that Falk has consistently shown he can play at the same level as highly touted prospects Jesster and Wind, Falk has a huge job on his hands. On the second line Falk is going to be going up against Vancouver's Patrikov Bure on a very consistent basis, if Falk can outplay or at the least match Bure's output Montreal should be in great shape to become Four Star Champions. Falk, in our opinion, could be this series' dark horse much like Teddy Bear and Devon Mack have been in past series this post-season for Montreal.

Code:
Words: 2,750

Jesster · 07-26-2015, 02:03 PM

I hate posting something unfinished but it is half done and I have to get going later and will be on a different computer so I figured I would format it and post what is done. Hope to have the rest finished by tomorrow night!

Cheers

Leo Senpai · 07-26-2015, 02:06 PM

KEL and VAN best SMJHL teams.

Jesster · 07-26-2015, 02:17 PM

Quote:Originally posted by Leonidas@Jul 26 2015, 01:06 PM
KEL and VAN best SMJHL teams.

Hard to argue otherwise but Montreal could join that elite level with another title win.

07-26-2015, 02:34 PM

Very sharp looking article

Eggy216 · 07-26-2015, 02:37 PM

So I commented saying I thought this looked really cool.

I'm now realizing that my comment isn't here.

I have no idea where I posted it instead.

It looks really cool though! Can't wait to see it finished!

ORIGINSZ · 07-26-2015, 02:52 PM

Jesster why isn't this done unacceptable :ph34r: <3

Jesster · 07-26-2015, 03:41 PM

Quote:Originally posted by ORIGINSZ@Jul 26 2015, 01:52 PM
Jesster why isn't this done unacceptable :ph34r: <3

I am ashamed. I don't want to finish it on my phone so it'll have to wait. *cries*

Chris-McZehrl · 07-26-2015, 03:44 PM

Jesster-Babe ... I :-x you :">

Jesster · 07-26-2015, 07:22 PM

Updated with Vancouver Whalers Playoff Path. Montreal and Players to Watch tomorrow.

Copenhagen · 07-26-2015, 07:37 PM

Good luck to Montreal, I'm pretty sure all of Detroit is hoping you guys win, instead of them Whalers... Smile

)

Joker5123 · 07-26-2015, 07:38 PM

that is all

Jesster · 07-26-2015, 07:54 PM

Quote:Originally posted by rfbeaudry@Jul 26 2015, 06:37 PM
Good luck to Montreal, I'm pretty sure all of Detroit is hoping you guys win, instead of them Whalers... )

I don't think anyone but Whalers want them to win ðŸ˜‚ imagine listening to JHS ALL offseason. I'm kidding. Should be a great series

Jesster · 07-27-2015, 09:08 PM

Finished, can be graded now. =] Ty!

damienj10 · 07-27-2015, 09:43 PM

Regular season does not matter. We beat you guys 8 - 2 regular season. Got swept. Good luck m8 you are going to need it.

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