Banackock

Federov with a big bang in Russian Junior League play. With the recent announcement that the VHL/VHLM will be allowing player agents to acquire and control a second player, a quick spurt in player discovery has been witnessed. With numerous new youth talent popping up every now and then, a new comer has come to join the bunch and he shouldn't be taken lightly. When it comes to the "2nd player per agent" situation, often or not, it likely will be less of a challenge to control your main player source as opposed to your second. However, in the case of Aleksei Federov, that will be a mistake to throw such a label on him. The young, roughly 6 foot 3 two-way dman from Russia claims he's the next rising star when it comes to the blue line and he's already throwing out his name, but isn't using his words as much as he is his development, determination and work ethic. The Russian Roulette blue liner as they called him in Russia, plays a strong game and would be an asset on any VHLM team at this point in the season. Defense is number one and checking is also up there - which is why he earned his name. He hits you, you shit your pants, you just don't know how much. It's guessing game where the balls gonna land and it's a guessing game when he's gonna land you on your ass, but mark your words, it will happen. Now that he and his agent have officially announced his coming to the VHLM and VHL hockey community, it's ultimately time for him to make the decision of whether or not he will be playing in the VHLM this season and sign as a Free agent with one of the teams, or if he will wait his time out and wait to be drafted to the VHLM. Some have stated that while they think it's maybe in his best interest to sit out and acquire a rumored 1 million US dollars for doing so, that playing could also help shape his game and see what needs to be worked on, developed and added to. Over the next period of time, he will be giving it much thought, potentially talking to a couple teams and making a decision. While we wait, we figured it was best that we gave it our best shot to try and narrow down his decision on where he ends up or what he ends up doing. Bratislava Watchmen The Watchmen seemingly are the number 1 team on this list and there's numerous reasons for that. The first being that the team is in first and if there's one thing Federov loves to do more than send someone on their ass, it's win some fucking games. Bratislava is on top of the VHLM and are sitting fairly comfortable as well. Secondly, his player agent has huge history with the team and was once in fact a player and GM of the team chasing his way to 1 championship as a player and 2 as a GM. Lastly, he has history with the current GM and some of the players on the team. Saskatoon Wild With the understanding that he would be thrown on the 2nd line defensive pairing, he doesn't mind that a whole lot knowing that his job isn't as much to score right now, but to shut down the other team. He knows he won't be putting up the numbers, but adding him to their defensive depth could really help the Toon win some games and take the leap over the Watchmen. Another note, his player agent has fairly strong history with the Wilds current General Manager. Something that could potentially lead into him signing with the team! Others or not signing at all There is also the possibility that he goes to one of the other teams. Some have fairly good depth and other lack defensive help. The only two who can count him off the list are Brampton and Bern. While the chances of him not signing with a VHLM team are also there, we're only giving that about a 25% chance at that he likely will make up his mind in the next couple of days or so. 706 words, 12 tpe to federov (donation = double)

VHLM Rookie Report: Aleksei Federov Federov with the big hit on opening night in the Russian Junior Hockey League. Player Name: Aleskei Federov Age: 20 Birthplace: Novosibirsk, Russia Height: 6'2.5" Weight: 207 pounds When the words "hockey" and "Russia" come together, there's numerous elite stars who have come, gone and are still playing that carved the way for the Russian style. Alex Ovechkin, Pavel Bure, Alex Mogilny, Sergei Federov, Alexei Kovalev, Pavel Datsyuk are simply to name a few. When it comes to dynamic talent on the forward end, the list goes on and on and on. However, lookin at the defense, you see a lot of mediocrity with the front runners being Sergei Gonchar and Sergei Zubov. Russia has had such immense talent come from their nation, however, have lacked when it comes to developing defensive talent. This may be all about to change though as over the years, all of Russia has been following one main defense prospect and he only continues to prosper, develop and turn into a largely skilled 2-way defenseman who brings a whole new level of hockey and challenge to the ice. Aleksei Federov, nephew to the former NHL Russian star who laced them up many moons ago, is finally making a name for himself in the North American hockey world after making a name for himself over in Russia for the last 3 seasons of junior. Known to be a decent sized bodily presence on the ice, it's been quite the challenge to live up to his last name, yet whenever spoken to, he handles it like someone above his own age. Aleksei has seen self improvement over the last 3 seasons of play and has continuously focused on his defensive side of the game, however, recently in an interview has spoken out about how he wishes to excel more in the offensive department. "My job as a defenseman is to play defense, so I ask you.. why wouldn't I focus solely on defense and make sure I am excelling 100% at my position. After all, that is the duty of my position. To play hard, play strong and keep the puck out of our net and zone. When the puck is in our zone, it's time to crack down and get it out of there. After I find my way with this, which I do more and more everyday, I will focus more on my offensive abilities. I'm not saying they're not there, they're simply not my main role as a dman". Federov is entering the VHLM at one of the highest times possible. The league is on fire with all sorts of talent and has seen a much higher amount of players in the league. With this, comes more competition and that's exactly what he'll have when he enters the VHLM potentially as a Free Agent who is looking to sign prior to the start of playoffs. Numerous other dmen have declared themselves eligible for the S54 VHL Entry Draft, thus creating more competition when it comes to the Scouting Board rankings. While we enjoy looking deep into the future, let's take a look at the present and see how he fairs on paper. Plus Determination and Work Ethic One of the biggest assets he has outside of physical skill is his determination. He has a goal, a vision if you will, inside his head and heart that he wishes to crash through and he simply does it. His drive and motivation create such a large work ethic that the only way he doesn't turn out to be a great prospect is if he decides to give up or regresses heavily over the next 2-3 seasons Defensive side to the game We've said it before and we'll say it again, and if we don't he surely will. This kid focuses on the defensive side of the game because... well.. he's a defenseman. At the end of the day, who doesn't like to score goals, but this kid loves nothing more than to send his opponent crushing and crashing into the boards or ice with a hip check and stopping the opposition in his tracks. His bigger than average body and skill help shut down the opponents and help his team head back the other way. Checking Everybody loves watching the highlight reels or getting really stoned and watching old videos of some good hockey hits. Well, in the near future you're likely to see Federov tearing off a couple heads and sending their shit flying forward to next Tuesday. He may not be the biggest, but he can tangle with some of the toughest in the league. He doesn't back down to many when it comes to laying a solid hit and never will shy away from a corner battle. Negative Offensive aspects As stated, his defensive game is amazing but he lacks fairly significantly right now on the offensive side of things. He has an amazing, hard and fast shot and at times can find himself in the right places, however, his eyes are mostly glued to what the team could do if they got the puck. Essentially, you won't be counting on him to score and will likely rack up on the assists if anything. Fighting While his hitting game is on point and he doesn't scare away for 99.9% of the league, he doesn't seem to like to drop the mitts to often. Whether this decision is because he's afraid to fight, can't fight or is being smart by staying out of the penalty box because he's more helpful on the ice rather than the sin bin, we're not too sure! What we do know is that in 3 seasons in the Russian Junior Hockey League, he's only fought 5 times. High Potential, Medium Risk Everyone knows that once an agent acquires a second player, the potential could vary. He could have amazing potential, but the risk is much higher with these guys as opposed to their main players they look after. While Federov has extremely high potential, we also believe that he has medium risk to become a flop and fall off the face of the earth. While the chances are lower rather than high, it still is a possibility and something to examine over the next season or two while he develops. Overall Rating: 8.5B 1,059 words +8 Uncapped tpe

rip

SKS may be #1 in my heart.. hmm

BRT looking good.

Over the last many decades, many great players have called numerous countries throughout the international community home. From Canada and the United States, across seas from Sweden, Finland, Russia and many more. So many places are known for their quality of hockey talent and while the possibility of any of those coming close to Canada are far and slim, Russia has officially added a youngster to their list who has the potential to become an elite talent to reckon with. Last night, Russia lit the rest of the world on fire when rumors circulated of a young dman who may be entering the North American based hockey world. Officially this evening, Russia gave the word that he would be heading over seas, at least for now until things settle out. Where he chooses to play is unsure right now as the young Russian hasn't stated which VHLM organization he'd like to play with. Word around the pond says it's because he believes if he sits out, he'll be awarded 1 M. @Higgins true or false? Already 35 TPE, bout to splash a double week on him, rookie PT etc. 1 tpe for Federov

4-1 NYA

261 Wranglers 262 Legion 263 HC Dynamo 264 Bears

Thinking of making my 2nd player. Just odn't know what position. Really want goalie but there seems to be quite a few. Really enjoyed it with Blake Campbell!

Deal.

I love when Greg beats himself. Especially when he scores the goals.

Noice. Like seeing us get some points.

@Draper plz drug test @gregreg. playin too hot

@Higgins let me make my 2nd dude.

o shet

@hedgehog337

Bound to happen eventually. Great game, Calgary. Great games ahead too!

Muller #1

GG

I told him hed hav 2 G's next game

Foreman on the railroad.

Flu shot for that?

Bears 172 Legion 173 Express 174 Reign

Wranglers 4 Titans 0

The Seattle Bears have shot off the start line during the S52 campaign and have seen their record continue to rise. Currently, the team is on a 12 game winning streak and have seen their team firing off on all cylinders. Once a team overlooked by a majority of the Free agents, maybe this season will shine a bit of a bright spot on the team and attract something come next off-season. In the meantime, the team looks to continue their excellence on all levels and fight for a top playoffs spot in the North American conference. After today's practice, the media got a rare chance to speak to busy Bears GM, Blake Campbell, to hear his thoughts on the season. "Obviously, after all we've been through. The quick build up in S49, followed by the much faster build down and into a rebuild. To not receiving a single FA, to building our team up with excellent loyal people and youth players. It's been sometime coming. We've made all the right moves, added the right pieces and have great chemistry running. Lots of games we're outshooting them by anywhere of 10 to 30-40 shots. However, it's a close race to anything can happen and we expect it to be tight right until the end!" @Kendrick