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Camo · 08-12-2017, 10:14 AM

<div align="center">The Whalers S36 Roster Report</div>

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The streets of Vancouver have come alive all summer following the Whalerâ€™s series victory over the Colorado Mammoths to win the S35 Four Star Cup. As dominant as the Whalerâ€™s seemed coming into season 35, things were not always this way. This story begins long ago in season 34 with GMâ€™s Adam Kaiser <a href='index.php?showuser=2262' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-71'>Kaisonious</a> and Robb Wind <a href='index.php?showuser=1663' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-13'>Winter is Coming</a> working hard, making a series of drastic trades to secure top picks in what turned out to be a phenomenal draft class. A complete re-build team, the Vancouver Whalerâ€™s core met each other once the draft was complete and immediately created a strong bond which has become even stronger to this day. Season 34 was rough for this young Whalers team. Together, they learned what it meant to be at the bottom of the barrel. Sure, they had winning streaks which sparked a glimmer of hope but that was quickly dashed by loss after loss. Through out all this however, they persevered knowing full well that they would have their time. In season 35 all the pieces of the puzzle that the Whalerâ€™s management, which now included the likes of Jon Ross <a href='index.php?showuser=2182' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-10'>JR95</a> and the up -and-coming star of the Whalers Robert Phelps, came together and finally all of the hard work and dedication that was put into building this Whalers team came to fruition.
Now, following another successful draft for the Whalers, we head into season 36, a veteran core with a young and hungry batch of rookies. Can the Whalers win back to back 4 Star Championships? With loaded up SMJHL teams, each one extremely dangerous due to two deep drafts in a row Vancouver will have a tough time this go around. Will they do it? Can they show they still have what it takes? Will I actually manage to write a serious article for once? Probably not to the last one. Letâ€™s take a look at what the Vancouver Whalers roster looks like for season 36.

THE VETERANS

<div align="center">#36 Angelo Odjick <a href='index.php?showuser=2583' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-17'>QuantumCowboy</a> - LW - 547 TPE
CK | FG | DI | SK | ST | EN | PH | FO | PA | SC | DF | PS
60 | 25 | 62 | 60 | 65 | 70 | 70 | 40 | 70 | 80 | 75 | 40</div>

I wanted to start off with Odjick because he was the Whalers Captain in season 35 and always showed what it means to be a true leader. You can always see him in the locker room giving advice to rookies, or anyone for that matter at any time of the day or night. Known for his aggressive back-and-forth play on ice, and not afraid to hit anybody, off ice he is the nicest guy you will ever talk to. I once saw him rescue a whole litter of kittens and kids out of an orphanage while it was burning to the ground. Well this was a bit of a hyperbole but you get the drift, this 220Ibs beast is just what the Whalers needed to rally behind. Odjick continues to rely on his big frame and massive shot to get the job done. Leading the Whalers in points during the regular season with 45 (21 goals, 24 assists), he will bring much needed fire power into season 36.

<div align="center">#52 Robert Phelps <a href='index.php?showuser=2572' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-10'>DrunkenTeddy</a> - C - 616 TPE
CK | FG | DI | SK | ST | EN | PH | FO | PA | SC | DF | PS
51 | 25 | 62 | 66 | 70 | 68 | 62 | 71 | 78 | 70 | 70 | 40</div>

In this day and age you canâ€™t mention Angelo Odjick without mentioning Robert Phelps. This dynamic duo spent every day since they were prospects becoming the best of the best in hockey. When everyone had gone home from training you could catch Phelps running drills and working on team strategy. So much so that Whalers management brought him on as an adviser and he became just as focused on the strength of the team as a whole as his own personal goals. Regardless, he still put up 16 goals and a whopping 30 assists, proving how team- oriented he truly is. Now, going into season 36, Robert Phelps will continue his pass-first mentality and be a danger on any line he is on. Phelps has proven himself again and again at team strategy being rewarded by all his hard work with the role of Vancouver Whalerâ€™s co-GM.

<div align="center">#21 Shoyu Kikkoman <a href='index.php?showuser=1143' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-34'>Soy</a> - D - 433 TPE
CK | FG | DI | SK | ST | EN | PH | FO | PA | SC | DF | PS
70 | 25 | 62 | 71 | 41 | 70 | 70 | 40 | 73 | 79 | 74 | 40</div>

One thing that makes this Whalers team special is three of their veteran players: Odjick, Phelps, and Kikkoman, all play for their home town of Vancouver. Shoyu Kikkoman brings something special to this Whalers team. When everybodyâ€™s feeling down he is always there to look past the negativity and bring the locker room up. On top of this he completely dominated the ice with an astonishing 19 goals and 40 assists bringing in 59 points last season, not only being at the top of the Whalers, but at the top of the SMJHL. An offensive- defense man who has excellent sense as to where to put the puck, and how to read his adversaries. He is just as dangerous in the offensive zone as he is protecting the blue line. Kikkoman was drafted to the Edmonton Blizzard where he will surly be a rising star, but like much of the Whalers veterans he will stay down in the SMJHL for one more season to push for a second Four Star Cup.

<div align="center">#9 Sophia Bennett <a href='index.php?showuser=2582' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-30'>goilers</a> - RW - 597 TPE
CK | FG | DI | SK | ST | EN | PH | FO | PA | SC | DF | PS
41 | 25 | 62 | 75 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 40 | 70 | 81 | 70 | 40</div>

Right from day one Sophia Bennett has proven herself to be a star on and off the ice. Instantly taking to honing her training to becoming one of the best snipers in the SMJHL. Bennett is another veteran always around to help mentor young players and can always be seen helping rookies train on the ice long into the late hours of the night. She is always participating in different events the league holds and has become a staple in the SMJHL and SHL. She put up 20 goals and 17 assists during the regular season last year with an impressive 15.63% shot percentage proving her value as a sniper. However she displayed her flexibility when she recorded 9 assists and no goals in the playoffs which confirms she will do whatever it takes to get the job done and continue to diversify her training, Sophia Bennett got drafted by the LA Panthers but is yet another send-down to help the Whalers achieve another 4 Star Cup.

<div align="center">#27 Cam Ouellette (Me) - RW - 425 TPE
CK | FG | DI | SK | ST | EN | PH | FO | PA | SC | DF | PS
45 | 25 | 62 | 73 | 72 | 70 | 72 | 55 | 66 | 78 | 65 | 40</div>

Literally McJesus it is a huge surprise Ouellette wasnâ€™t drafted 1OA in the S35 SHL draft. Donâ€™t let the 425 TPE fool you, Mr. Ouellette is definitely the GOAT of this Whalers team and some how was blessed by the mighty Lord Pretty Flacko <a href='index.php?showuser=1773' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-13'>Baelor Swift</a> to stay down in the SMJHL one more season.

<div align="center">#29 Hoid Wit (Hoid <a href='index.php?showuser=589' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>JPL</a>) - D - 263 TPE
CK | FG | DI | SK | ST | EN | PH | FO | PA | SC | DF | PS
50 | 25 | 62 | 60 | 60 | 70 | 71 | 40 | 70 | 55 | 75 | 40</div>

Hoid Wit the 210 pound offensive defense man from the UK has always been a quiet force on the Whalers bench. Wit is seen all around the SHL and has gotten a bad rap with some clubs in the past, however it seems he has found in the Whalers, a truly unique position to be an important part of a winning team. To showcase this Hoid Wit came in clutch to secure 2 goals in the series-clinching fourth game against the Mammoths to win the Four Star Cup and in doing so getting the first star of the game. Hoid was drafted to the Minnesota Chiefs along side team mate Cam Ouellette where he will continue to develop his play and be a force in the SHL for seasons to come.

<div align="center">#68 Indesvara Magar <a href='index.php?showuser=2586' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>dandydoodle</a> - D - 303 TPE
CK | FG | DI | SK | ST | EN | PH | FO | PA | SC | DF | PS
42 | 25 | 62 | 65 | 61 | 80 | 66 | 43 | 71 | 63 | 74 | 43</div>

Indesvara Magar is a mystery. The Nepalese defense man seemed to come out of no where and immediately made his mark on the SMJHL becoming one of the better performers on the Whalerâ€™s roster in season 35. Years of hard work in the Himalayas paid off for Magar by giving him what seems like super natural stamina and endurance, which seems to have projected onto his teammates. Magar doesn't come around to practice too often anymore which only adds to his mysterious character, but you can be sure that in a time of need he will be back with his insane work ethic and seemingly magical defensive skill.

<div align="center">#30 Carrick Murray <a href='index.php?showuser=1725' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>Hoovuh</a> - G - 433 TPE
SK | EN | SZ | AG | RB | SC | HS | RT | PH | PS
62 | 80 | 76 | 81 | 79 | 80 | 81 | 81 | 80 | 50</div>

The final piece of the vets puzzle on the Whalerâ€™s team is number 30, Carrick Murray. Season 36 for the Whalers had itâ€™s ups and downs, but Murray was always the rational voice on the Whalers bench, and sure enough by the end of the regular season Murray and The Whalers were in peak performance. For Carrick Murray this culminated into a 4 game sweep of the Colorado Mammoths to win the Four Star Cup. For a goalie you canâ€™t get any better than that and Murray has proven himself as a star. This was cemented when he won League MVP. Murray was drafted by the Edmonton Blizzard where he will undoubtedly become a franchise player and be a top goalie in the SHL. Fortunately for the Whalers he was permitted to stay down in the SMJHL for one more season. Hopefully for us Whalers fans, his work ethic and mentality carries on to younger players.

This crop of SMJHL veterans have been together for a long time now, showcased by their combined skill on any particular line. Most of these players could easily have begun their SHL careers now in season 36, but felt it prudent to try and win one more Four Star Cup. You get the feeling, standing in the Whalerâ€™s locker room, that thereâ€™s another reason for these vets to stay on, and that is each one of these players enjoys teaching the new blood just as much as training themselves. Everybody on the Whalerâ€™s team seems set on creating a dynasty through not forgetting about where they came from. But thereâ€™s another just as important element to this team and that is the young up and coming Whalers, hungry to learn and one day be on top of it all. Now we will take you through the young up and coming stars of The Whalerâ€™s team.

THE UP AND COMING VETERANS

<div align="center">#4 Lizzy Jukka <a href='index.php?showuser=2613' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>Lizzy4</a> - C - 307 TPE
CK | FG | DI | SK | ST | EN | PH | FO | PA | SC | DF | PS
47 | 25 | 62 | 63 | 62 | 67 | 60 | 70 | 79 | 40 | 80 | 40</div>

Lizzy Jukka came onto the Whalerâ€™s roster as a late pick in the season 35 draft but has shown how valuable she really is. Quiet in the locker room but shows an immense work ethic on the ice. She is extremely well-balanced and seems to enjoy picking up stray pucks in the defensive zone and carrying them up the ice to pass to a well-positioned line mate. As she gains more training she will inevitably get more and more comfortable in her role as a two-way forward. As she continues to learn in season 36 she can without a doubt look forward to being on a top line next year if she stays down with the Whalers.

<div align="center">#10 Inari Twain <a href='index.php?showuser=2690' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>microdinosaur</a> - RW - 289 TPE
CK | FG | DI | SK | ST | EN | PH | FO | PA | SC | DF | PS
40 | 25 | 70 | 71 | 66 | 69 | 65 | 40 | 73 | 63 | 73 | 40</div>

When Inari Twain joined the Whalerâ€™s roster everybody knew he would make a big impact and he hasnâ€™t disappointed, being extremely active on and off the ice and participating in league extra-extracurricular activities. Twain boasts a very well balanced attitude on the ice where his mentality seems to be to always look for open passing lines, not a usual trait for offensive-forwards, but an interesting playing style non-the less. This mentality shows with his 6 goals and 7 assists in his rookie season. Twain will be looking forward to continue learning this season and will be a top player on the Whalers roster in season 37.

<div align="center">#9 Isak Ã˜degÃ¥rd <a href='index.php?showuser=1159' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-56'>prettyburn</a> - D - 372 TPE
CK | FG | DI | SK | ST | EN | PH | FO | PA | SC | DF | PS
40 | 25 | 70 | 71 | 65 | 70 | 76 | 40 | 64 | 76 | 80 | 40</div>

Isak Ã˜degÃ¥rd was the one to look out for in the season 35 SMJHL draft. Everyone had him as going first over all and having that pick, the Whalers did just that. This offensive defense man has proven himself to be a world class player with a phenomenal rookie season. Isak recorded a total of 8 goals and 21 assists with 34 shots blocked, proving he will make a franchise player for the Minnesota Chiefs, where he was drafted to, again first over all in the season 36 SHL draft. His on ice performance is equally matched by his locker room presence, where he is always found helping his fellow Whalers any way he can. He is truly a team player and without a doubt will make a star Whaler this season and next if the Whalers are lucky enough to have him sent down.

<div align="center">#25 Joakim Lindqvist <a href='index.php?showuser=2637' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>flatman25</a> - C - 278 TPE
CK | FG | DI | SK | ST | EN | PH | FO | PA | SC | DF | PS
40 | 25 | 62 | 66 | 68 | 63 | 68 | 74 | 69 | 60 | 67 | 40</div>

Another big time Center coming up in the Whalerâ€™s line up is Joakim Lindqvist the play maker from Finland. The Whalers scored big with yet another active, vocal member of the team. Lindqvist has spent time training on face off reflexes combined with picking up and passing the puck making him dangerous right out of the gate. Lindqvist had an amazing rookie year as well recording 18 points with 7 goals (3 of which in the play-offs), and 11 assists. He is sure to be a top Whalerâ€™s points machine next season if he gets sent down, and will have a long SHL career ahead of him.

With these 4 young stars, the Whalers have ensured a competitive edge in seasons to come. As the other SMJHL teams mature from two deep drafts, things will become much more competitive. The Whalerâ€™s believe that they are in it for the long haul however showcased by the majority of their seasoned vets staying down to fight it out one last season until younger members are ready to take the reigns. And the future is looking bright for Vancouver, with another batch of energetic rookies looking to make their mark in the SMJHL too. Finally we will take a look at what the future holds for Vancouver with their season 36 rookies.

THE ROOKIES

<div align="center">#39 Jamie Bryan <a href='index.php?showuser=1954' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>jknox17</a> - D - 170 TPE
CK | FG | DI | SK | ST | EN | PH | FO | PA | SC | DF | PS
40 | 25 | 62 | 60 | 60 | 63 | 60 | 40 | 60 | 45 | 65 | 40</div>

To start off our Whalers rookies list we have the only defense man selected in the season 36 draft. Bryan promises to bring some excellent defensive skill to the line up and being the only defense man, this two-way defense man has the opportunity to be a future Whalers star. He brings with him a very balanced approach, he should develop inot an excellent D man with the help of all the class defense on the Whalers roster.

<div align="center">#90 Roberts KÄ¼aviÅ†Å¡ <a href='index.php?showuser=2748' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>Tharix</a> - G - 207 TPE
SK | EN | SZ | AG | RB | SC | HS | RT | PH | PS
62 | 80 | 76 | 81 | 79 | 80 | 81 | 81 | 80 | 50</div>

Vancouverâ€™s head office knew they would have to find a replacement for Murray and it seems like they have found an excellent protege in Ä¶laviÅ†Å¡. A star in the junior leagues in Latvia, Roberts was snatched up by Ross and Phelps and definitely has not been a disappointment. He demonstrates a well-balanced set of skills, and an aptitude to learn. He will spend this season as a backup for Murray but get his chance to make his own mark soon enough.

<div align="center">#84 Shaun Stephens <a href='index.php?showuser=2738' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>dino_2000_22</a> - RW - 198 TPE
CK | FG | DI | SK | ST | EN | PH | FO | PA | SC | DF | PS
40 | 25 | 62 | 73 | 45 | 50 | 70 | 40 | 60 | 72 | 62 | 40</div>

Stephens is yet another eager young rookie looking to make a name for himself. Coming over from Switzerland, the right wing sniper shows surprising promise in not only shooting, but skating as well. He will have the arduous task of working his way up the Whalerâ€™s ranks in the coming seasons, but he will have loads of help from all the Vancouver players and staff. Shaun Stephen was the first pick in the second round for 9th over all in the S36 SMJHL draft and continues to show his devotion over summer training.

<div align="center">#93 Sven Niederreiter <a href='index.php?showuser=2387' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>Dupuis</a> - RW - 204 TPE
CK | FG | DI | SK | ST | EN | PH | FO | PA | SC | DF | PS
40 | 25 | 62 | 71 | 59 | 64 | 70 | 40 | 51 | 70 | 59 | 40</div>

With the 8th over all pick in the SMJHL entry draft in the first round, Vancouver selected Sven Niederreiter with high expectations. This sniper has not disappointed, showing he has what it takes during training camp to be a future star. Heâ€™s also a very active, contributing member of the locker room ensuring he knows everything thatâ€™s going on. Like Stephens and the rest of his season 36 draft class, Niederreiter will one day need to lead the Vancouver Whalers to greatness and build on the past successes of his line mates. Sven Niederreiter shows a promising future in the SMJHL and in the SHL to come.

Well there you have it, the reloaded Vancouver Whalers team of season 36. As summer training camp comes to a close and preseason begins, this squad has a lot to live up to. Vancouver has now set a bar for itself, the highest bar, the Four Star Cup bar, and each and every player and member of staff knows how difficult their task ahead is.

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TheWoZy · 08-12-2017, 10:20 AM

Evok · 08-12-2017, 10:35 AM

Quote:Originally posted by TheWoZy@Aug 12 2017, 09:20 AM
   

microdinosaur · 08-12-2017, 10:40 AM

love it. Stoked for this season. The management has done a great job keeping us focused on the goal and building up a great team. Ready for the fun to begin!

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