Riggsy

Luke Riggs - Vasteras/Storm - Zack Kassian/Milan Lucic Not sure if this is the right place, can you move it to the right place? I can't really give anything for it, because I'm broke myself. Thank you to whoever makes one in advance.

Blades Watchmen Wild Storm

Mark this game. It's the last game before changes start to be made, Brampton's climbing up the ladder.

He's just lucky he took a chance on me, and the other way around too I guess.

Thanks guys! Hopefully Brampton will become a better place for rookies to thrive.

I thank Toast for this opportunity. I was absolutely ecstatic when he came to me, asking me to Co-GM Brampton with him. I will remain active in this league, hoping to "learn the ropes" and become a good member of a great community. Be scared everyone.. Brampton's back!

Prospect Pursuit was fortunate enough to be able to get a one-on-one interview with the Vasteras forward prospect. Prospect Pursuit: Growing up, who was your idol who you tried to model your game after the most? Luke Riggs: When I was growing up, my favourite player was Carter O'Callahan from the SHL. PP: What player in the NHL, currently, do you compare yourself to (if not the same as above)? LR: I more now compare myself to a Milan Lucic type of player. Power forward grinder, who isnt afraid to go to the dirty areas to score. PP: Did you have a favorite team growing up? LR: My favourite team had to be the Vasteras because it was just destiny playing from them. PP: How do you describe yourself as a player in a few short sentences? LR: A power forward banger, who isn't afraid to mix it up, but can still produce offense. PP: What are your strengths and weaknesses? LR: My strengths would be my physicality on the ice, along with the way I use my body to protect the puck. My weakness would have to be my skating. The next level is so fast, i need to improve that. PP: When did you realize that playing in the VHL was no longer a fantasy, but more a reality? LR: I would say once i got drafted, and was called up to the stage to greet Thomas Corcoran, I was shocked. Also my first camp, I was with him, and all the known vhlers, it was a great experience.

THE LAST PICK Every team heads into the VHL draft with hopes of finding the next best player for their organization. Whether it be a dynamic offensive forward or stalwart defensive defenseman or a big, quick goalie, each VHL team has a concrete idea of the type of player they want. Each GM wants to find that "gem" that has the mix of size, skill, speed, grit, physicality, and vision. It isn't often that you find a player with such a unique blend of all those skills, but Thomas Corcoran may have just hit the, proverbial, jackpot with his last pick. Going into the draft, everyone knew it was gonna be special year for prospects. No one should be overlooking is last overall pick of the Vasteras, Luke "MOTHAFUCKIN" Riggs. Riggs was a self-proclaimed Sniper, but after realizing he has no talent in that field, he's using his natural ability to his advantage. The 6'3, 205-pound right winger is now a power forward prospect. He has imposing size and has shown a willingness to use it. While he may not have as much offensive upside as other forwards at the top of the draft order, Riggs turned to use his size as an advantage. He's total package of size, checking, and energetic play make him an appealing addition to a club looking for a top-six forward who can open up the ice for other teammates. An ability to put the puck in the net adds to his value as he has proven he won't be an offensive liability with more skilled teammates. Luke Riggs projects as an imposing power forward at the next level with good enough hands and hockey sense to potentially play on the second line someday. He uses his body effectively in the offensive zone and creates mismatches along the wall for opponents because of his strength. Riggs could ultimately end up anywhere from a fringe first liner to a scoring third liner depending on his development over the next few years with the Oslo Storm. A Carter O'Callahan comparison is probably the most common that you will hear when you talk about Riggs, and all signs point to Riggs as being that type of player. Let me take it one step further. A 30-30 guy is the type of player that O'Callahan is, but Riggs is more of an offensive threat. Luke Riggs has great stick handling and a heavy shot for such a big frame (6'3", 215 lbs to be exact). That frame is used in various situations, but mostly for taking players off the puck with hard checks. But hitting isn't the only thing Luke can do with his body. His ability to shield off opponents is second to none which gives him and advantage of crashing the net and causing havoc. Whether it takes him a year or two in the VHLM league is yet to be determined, but rest assure Vasteras fans, GM Thomas Corcoran may have found your "gem".

You should hire me because I'm new, and I'm active. So, pick me. Or else. Btw, yes, this is a threat.

Well, expect my help from now on

What are your thoughts about Riggs so far? Why are the Storm doing so good now? What is your most memorable moment of the season so far?

Ugh, tough loss, shake it off boys

SALOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Nice game Wasty!

Good win boys!

LUKE RIGGS, THE LAST PICK Drafted in the last round by a former friend, GM Thomas Corcoran, Luke Riggs seems to be a future steal if he can keep up his willingness to learn and get better. A very good work ethic, is the best reason for Luke Riggs to even get drafted, he could have been undrafted, but GM Thomas Corcoran did his scouting this season and just picked up a future steal in the last pick of the last round. Luke Riggs is a dynamic player with all around great offensive skills. He skates well, handles the puck well and has an extremely accurate shot. He is dangerous every time he touches the puck in the offensive zone and he’s willing to take the shot himself or set up a teammate. He has very good endurance and knows how to avoid getting hit. Riggs is a young star on the rise. He excels in almost every skill and situation and works tirelessly at correcting the faults he does have. He is a good skater, and travels quick to the puck with above average four-step acceleration. The playmaking Russian has a very under-appreciated physical game that allows him to impact games outside of the score sheet. He might not possess top level point production skills, but his all-around game, highlighted by his excellent shot, make him not just a potential top line forward, but a potential star in the VHL. Riggs seems destined to start the year with the big club next year. Having bought him out of his foreign deal, the Vasteras will give every opportunity for Riggs to adapt to the North American game on the fly. With a solid camp, he could find himself in an immediate top-six role. A blend of speed, skill and desire, Luke Riggs is not solely an offensive talent, but instead he's one of the more complete players in his draft class. While he still needs refinement in his defensive game and he'll continue to get stronger on the ice, his speed and willingness to throw the body makes him equally valuable at both ends of the ice. Offensively, he slices through opposing defenses like a hot knife through butter and has a quick release that often finds the back of the net. A wizard with the puck, Riggs has already lit up the highlight reels by making fans' jaws drop and opposing defenders look foolish. He pairs his magical stickhandling ability with great lower-body strength that makes it nearly impossible to knock him off the puck. Meanwhile, his on-ice vision and ability to slow the game down makes him a threat both in scoring a goal himself and setting up a teammate with an excellent chance. A dynamic offensive forward that makes his linemates better. Riggs does not dominate physically, but understands his role and is very confident with the puck. And he sees plenty of ice time, which will hasten his development as a complete player. Riggs is a refreshingly offensive-minded forward. The Storm is brewing...

Good win!

Hatty for Hally but no win

Great game Hally!

Our PP needs to be better but good win! woo!

Shutout! Good job boys.

Sorry Salo

SUCK IT TOAST

Dear VHLM, Be afraid, be very afraid. We're gonna change how things work around here.