Hello everyone, and welcome to another edition of VSN's seasonal Future Watch series release. I'm your resident head scout MattyIce and this article is doubly special for myself.
We get to cover another season of prospects and teams gearing up for the VHL and also, I'll have a special privileged announcement to make!
Another draft has come and gone, and many players have found themselves here; in a prospect pool.
The grind has begun to get to the big show and we're here to show you who's where and who's going to enter the VHL in seasons to come.
With many GM changes this offseason, my associate @fonziGG applied for, and accepted the Vancouver Wolves GM job.
Thank you for your contributions and best of luck at your new position! It was a pleasure hiring you and working alongside you.
With his departure, I decided to post TWO job openings to round out our Central Scouting department.
While there was alot of interest, I chose two members that have created waves of positive energy throughout the VHL.
These two have simply shown excellent professionalism throughout their tenures and it's awesome to have them on board.
It's my pleasure to introduce @RedSus and @Spartan.
Spartan: Cheers folks, thrilled to be part of VSN's scouting department.
I think most of you know me, but for those who don't, I am the GM of the Moscow Menace, former GM of the Las Vegas Aces and also an updater.
I've always enjoyed scouting as a GM, and I think that it's always important to keep an eye on the next generation of potential VHL superstars.
We've worked very closely together to evaluate and analyze every team's active prospect pool, and we're excited to share our work with you!
RedSus: Hello everybody i'm RedSus, i'm very excited to be joining VSN scouting and look forward to providing content for you.
Scouting has always been an interest of mine ever since joining the league so I definitely look forward working with Matty and Spartan on upcoming projects.
I wish all of the prospects reading this the best and hope you all enjoy this article!
Let's see how the teams around VHL are gearing up for the future, shall we?
@Ricer13
@Patrik Tallinder
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Calgary is facing a new era in their lengthy history, headlined by the hiring of Ricer as their new GM after Jubis stepped down at the end of S76. Sitting at 14th in the overall standings, Calgary is definitely looking to the future to try to get this team into a competing position again. The team immediately addressed their defense core in the most recent draft, selecting Rolf Fizzlebeef Jr. at 7th overall, and then Joe Madison at 14th overall. Fizzlebeef was VHL ready at the time of the draft, and has performed very well so far during this regular season. Madison looks to be called up next season, as well as S76 selection Markuss Puhovs. The question will be how they will make room for these stellar defenseman, with no pending UFA's or retirees on their current defense core. Look for GM Ricer to try to move a player like Kosmo Kramerev at the trade deadline. Russell Dixon, their 3rd round pick looks to come up in S79, and the team will look for him to develop a bit offensively with just 2 points in 26 games in the minors. Goalie ClapbombsRUs looks to come up next season as well and take over the backup goalie spot.
(S77) D - Joe Madison (MIS)
@Brewins15
188
(S76) D - Markuss Puhovs (MIN)
@VOID Stiles
249
(S77) RW - Russell Dixon (MIA)
@Rjdixon01
142
(S76) G - ClapbombsRUs (MIA)
@ClapbombsRus
236
@JeffD
@Blazzer
The Phoenix are all in on the cup and looking to defend their title, but their players are aging rapidly. Chicago is going to face dark days with only a few prospects in their system to replace their aging core. Their entire active prospect system is made up purely of defensemen, even though their defense core is relatively young. Sportsboy57 is progressing slowly, so he could be called up to the VHL in S79. Vasiliy Grigorev, the last pick of the 2nd round in the S77 class has the highest potential out of the prospects in the system, although he will likely only make the jump up in S79 as well. New Player could be the sole prospect to come up in S78, but despite being a strong defenseman in the VHLM, he still needs time to become a VHL caliber defenseman.
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(S75) D - New Player (LVA)
@I'll change this later
209
(S76) D - Sportsboy57 (MIA)
@Sportsboy57
198
(S77) D - Vasiliy Grigorev (MIA)
@Noxalpha
169
@Enorama
@bigAL
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DC is facing a bit of a conundrum this season, as they entered the season with aspirations to contend for the championship again. However, a lack of depth and a reliance on their defensive depth and a few superstars has them sitting in last place in the VHL. Although this may not be the season they win it all, their prospect pool looks very solid. Both Nilsson and Henchoz are ready to make the jump to the VHL next season, and should provide strong depth for a Dragons squad that may embrace the rebuild. Creed, the 24th overall pick in the S77 draft, is the crown jewel of this prospect group, with fantastic development each week and averaging almost a point per game with Halifax in the VHLM. Look for him to be ready to make the Dragons roster in S78. Jah Coon is also having a resurgence in his career, seemingly things have clicked for him. He's made massive improvements since S75, and could be a strong prospect who's ready to come up in S79.
(S77) C - creed (HFX)
@assassin6898
193
(S76) D - Germano Henchoz (HOU)
@RicoTheTrapGod
243
(S76) RW - Jah Coon (MIA)
@denns
150
(S75) C - Kjell Nilsson (PHI)
@glass
244
@GustavMattias
@Berocka
General Manager Gustav Mattias openly accepted that it was time to start the rebuild on Davos after some underwhelming seasons. Despite owning the top 2 picks of the S72 draft, Davos just never broke the curse to become a contender. Luckily for the organization, they have plenty of prospects that could come up in the next few seasons and potentially snap the draught. Reylynn Reinhart, the 2nd overall pick in the draft has already come up to the VHL, and fellow first round pick Miles Johnson is in prime position to join his fellow draft mate in the VHL next season. Following closely behind him will be S77 2nd round forward Griff Mackenzie and TheCHEESE, as well as 3rd rounder Declan Wolf, all making significant progress as they hope to join Davos' core for the next few seasons. Defensemen Raphael Sonier and Ezechiele Pierde Enel look to be slightly longer term projects, but the two offensive minded defensemen both project to come up in S79, where GM Gustav will have to make tough choices who he will keep as part of his defense core. Later round picks Raihan Heavems, Emile Clouet and Lochlan Chisholm will have their work cut out for them with so many top tier prospects to be competing with, but increased commitment from the young forwards can easily earn them a slot on the pro roster in S79. 60th overall pick Sean Ramirez may be one of the steals of the draft, selected with the 5th to last pick, but already playing like folks selected in the 3rd round. This group will be very competitive, and expect the players to use each other as motivation to make it to the big leagues. Perhaps that mindset will help them change the course of Davos history!
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(S77) RW - Declan Wolf (MIA)
@MrShark
169
(S77) LW - Emile Clouet (HFX)
@Émile Clouet
147
(S77) D - ezechiele pierde enel (LVA)
@Minermonkey
141
(S77) C - Griff Mackenzie (SSK)
@HoneyBadger25
189
(S77) LW - Lochlan Chisholm (SDM)
@Lochlan Chisholm
119
(S77) LW - Miles Johnson (MIS)
@Midnite
219
(S77) RW - Raihan Heavems (MIN)
@RstortonYT
147
(S77) D - Raphael Sonier (SSK)
@raphaelsonier9815
139
(S77) LW - Sean Ramirez (MIN)
@Kyle01
113
(S77) RW - TheCHEESE (SSK)
@TheCHEESE
177
@Jubo07
@PatrikLaine
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Helsinki is firmly in the middle of a playoff push, sitting towards the top of the league standings through 25 games played. Despite posessing a roster that of a contender, they've managed to maintain a strong balance between youth and veteran players. Unlike some other contenders in the league, Helsinki is armed with a strong prospect group, albeit mildly top heavy. Forwards Gustislav Nasherov and Jonny Pacheco from Missisauga are primed to make the jump to the main roster next season, with both bringing strong, balanced games to the Titans. Goalie Luke Spinelli could also come up, but we will see if General Manager Jubis will elect to keep the youngster in the minors for another season as they still have Zamboni Driver and Trent Gibson on the roster. Defenseman Elvis Michael has shown strong improvement, but may need a second season in the minors to further develop his game. The same can be said for winger Slick Dasher, who is almost certain to come up after S78. Young center Bryn Yrwy is a bit of a wild card, but a very strong defensive player. He'll need to make strides in his offensive game in order to make the cut and play in the big leagues.
(S77) C - Bryn Yrwy (HFX)
@dylanjj37
55
(S77) D - Elvis Michael (MIS)
@ATST
178
(S77) RW - Gustislav Nasherov (MIS)
@Vat
220
(S75) C - Jonny Pacheco (MIS)
@jpach
231
(S76) RW - Slick Dasher
@Slick
139
(S75) G - Luke Spinelli (MIS)
@Lspinelli
205
@McWolf
MattyIce
After going out and acquiring some big names in the off season London has found themselves in the middle of a tight playoff race improving vastly from last season. While there pursuit for immediate success has left there pool of prospects relatively thin, it does not mean there nothing to be excited for if your London United. Dexter Vaughn, a goaltender drafted in season 76 by London is a near VHL ready prospect who needs a little fine tuning before he can make the jump to the bigs. He has made consistent strides to improve his game in the VHLM and I don't think it is a stretch to expect him joining London's goaltending group as soon as next season. Another prospect to look forward to is Gabby Dugan who like Dexter Vaughn has been steadily improving though the past couple seasons. Dugan is enjoying a breakout season in the VHLM having already matched her point total from last season. Dugan may need at least another season to make the jump to the VHL but she's definitely a prospect to keep an eye on for London. Lastly there is Hendrix Cobberson who is enjoying by far his most successful season to date. Drafted 81st in S75 Cobberson has shown this season that he has the potential to make to the VHL. Like Dugan after one more strong season of development we could see Cobberson crack the London United roster.
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(S76) LW - Gabby Dugan (SDM)
@Howie McMeeker
162
(S75) C - Hendrix Cobberson (SDM)
@Hendrix Cobberson
161
(S76) G - Dexter Vaughn (MIN)
@Flames1Fan
219
@Josh
@Brewins15
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After multiple seasons of disappointment the Los Angeles Stars have finally found success in the VHL. They've done this with a roster filled with stars and yet they have managed to gather one of the best group of prospects in the league. There prospect pool is highlighted by S77 18th overall pick Trevor Wallace who is producing at a point per game pace in the VHLM along with S75 98th overall pick Kikko Moskinen. Both players without a doubt will join LA next season where could aim to be even stronger. Other prospects who have a chance at joining LA next season include Ron World Peace III who's producing nearly a point per game as a defenseman, Ghengis Khan who's currently 8th in VHLM scoring and Davey Jones Jr. All three players have a chance at making LA's roster next season if not the one after that. Additionally, season 77 picks kman, Jocke Jockesson and Ashton Hauff could all be very valuable players in the future with a season more or two of experience. Last but not least LA's one goalie prospect is expected to make his VHL debut next season. With a 0.9 save% Barry Taffe has the second highest save percentage in the VHLM by goalies who've played over 5 games. He's doing this while playing on a below average Ottawa team which makes his numbers that more impressive.
(S77) C - Ashton Hauff (LVA)
@hess30
109
(S77) C - Davey Jones Jr (MIS)
@Da Trifecta
169
(S76) LW - Genghis Khan (PHI)
@caltroit_red_flames
202
(S77) D - Jocke Jockesson (MIA)
@ThomasSyster
128
(S75) LW - Kikko Moskinen (HFX)
@MikkoKoskinensMistress
236
(S77) C - Kman (LVA)
@Kman
139
(S76) D - Ron World Peace III (MIN)
@stevo
215
(S77) RW - Trevor Wallace (MIA)
@LilHCorny
234
(S76) G - Barry Taffe (OTT)
@Barry
250
@Hylands
@STZ
With new GM Hylands at the helm Malmo is in the middle of a tight playoff race in the EU looking to return to the post season for the first time since they won the continental cup. There current roster holds a lot of depth much like there collection of prospects who are set to supply Malmo with talent for seasons to come. Two of there bright young players could aid Malmo's efforts as soon as the beginning of S78, The great and Bradley Senjo are both centers in the VHLM who are having phenomenal seasons with there respective teams as there 2nd and 3rd in the M in scoring respectively. Malmo then holds a plethora of young talent from the S77 draft who could all turn out to be impact players. Joshooo was drafted 26th overall after breaking out as a superstar in the VHLM last season. JaredN Jr has shown consistent improvement in his game, Baldar Poulsen has had a very good season at almost a point per game and Zeljko Ranogajec has already surpassed his point totals from his rookie year. These 4 players could make a push to make the VHL next season as they all have shown there potential this season. Kirby Pandora and Tyler Steel are other good prospects in the Nighthawks pipeline who should be in the conversation for making this team in S79. 63rd overall pick Apollo will also need at least 1 or 2 years of development before we can see his name on the back of a Malmo Nighthawks jersey.
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(S77) RW - Apollo (YUK)
@SexyWrench
94
(S77) LW - Baldur Poulsen (HFX)
@GlowyGoat
167
(S75) C - Bradley Senjo (HOU)
@Senjo1706
247
(S77) D - JaredN Jr (MIS)
@jared
166
(S77) C - Joshooo (OTT)
@Joshothegreat
194
(S77) D - Kirby Pandora (OTT)
@PandaBearD25
157
(S75) C - The great (YUK)
@Jake Sumner
241
(S77) LW - Tyler Steel (HFX)
@tylerwest
155
(S77) D - Zeljko Ranogajec (PHI)
@ColeMrtz
165
Spartan
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The Moscow Menace have entered a new era after unloading many of their best players in favour of draft picks and other assets. They have also transitioned to new management lead by the freshly minted General Manager Spartan. After selling off some high level assets, Moscow managed to stockpile a good amount of bright young prospects to aid there team in the future, some of which have already made the jump to the VHL. With Atreides and Idaho already establishing themselves in the league, Moscow can now look forward to their many other prospects who may join the team next season. Among these players include S77 top prospect Kyle Glass who was selected 22nd overall last season and is off to an impressive start this season; at 17 goals already he is only 2 tallies away from matching his previous total with two thirds of the season left to play. He along with S75 forwards Owen Taylor and Grapes with the addition of S76 defensemen Shaggy Tipton should all expect to make Moscow's roster for next season. Moscow's prospect pool is then rounded out by names such as Bahram Kamkar, who could make his debut as soon as S79 and forwards such as Duncan Montana, Brent Skimmer and Giles Sweeney who all may need some seasoning before making the jump to the VHL. Additionally, goaltender Andrew Bowman has shown a lot of promise in the VHLM and could be ready to join Moscow's goalie tandem in S78. All in all, Moscow won't be short on depth in the future as they have a number of VHL worthy players on the rise.
(S76) D - Bahram Kamkar (MIN)
@Eagle Eye
195
(S77) RW - Brent Skimmer (OTT)
@Adrest245
118
(S77) LW - Duncan Montana (SSK)
@124715
153
(S77) RW - Giles Sweeney (LVA)
@Giles Rigel
108
(S75) RW - Grapes (MIN)
@Grapes-Tophat_Clan-
250
(S77) RW - Kyle Glass (HFX)
@Tbeez99
235
(S75) LW - Owen Taylor (MIS)
@Owen Taylor
250
(S76) D - Shaggy Tipton (LVA)
@Jakefufu
220
(S76) G - Andrew Bowman (SSK)
@BrutalBoost
232
@Esso2264
@dlamb
New York has made significant steps in their rebuild, adding high octane talent like Rhynex Entertainment, Red Lite and up and coming goalie Thadius Sales in the past few drafts. While the squad isn't in the basement of the league anymore, they still have a decent ways to go to be considered a top contender. Luckily for them, they have a strong prospect pool to utilize over the next two seasons. Calvin Hobbes is a lock to come up in S78, although with the center depth of New York, may end up playing a wing as a well-rounded forward. S77 draft picks Tanky, Aldwin Craig and The Loch Ness Monster have a chance to come up next season, but GM Esso Drunkmann may elect to have them continue their development in the VHLM for another season. Older winger Craig Martin has been making consistent progress over past few seasons, but he may have to wait until S79 to get the opportunity to play in the pros. 55th overall pick Jordan Heavens is also likely to to come up in S79 or S80, as the sniper still has room to develop his skating game and defensive IQ. Look to see this young roster possess some dangerous depth across their roster by S79.
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(S77) LW - Aldwin Craig (SDM)
@Eldredman
182
(S76) C - Calvin Hobbes (MIN)
@2hawk
249
(S76) LW - Craig Martin (SSK)
@Craig
175
(S77) RW - Jordan Heavens (SSK)
@StormJordanYT
114
(S77) D - Tanky (SSK)
@TXC
190
(S77) D - The Loch Ness Monster (SDM)
@LuluSalesAway
188
@diamond_ace
@Domg5
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The Phantoms are enjoying a strong start to the season, sitting at 4th overall in the standings. While the team has long been led by Thomas Landry II, a changing of the guards appears to be in order with Prague's young forwards establishing themselves in the league. With most of their recent selections already in the big leagues, Prague has just 4 members in their prospect pool. Most exciting of the bunch is surely Willy Myers, a true sniper over a point per game in the minors. The young forward has found the back of the net 19 times in just 24 games. Fellow S76 draftee Chicken Nugget is having a breakout year, tallying 30 points in 27 games, so look for him to be on the roster in S79. Nicholas Mariani, GM Jason Glasser's sole pick in the S77 draft has developed very nicely, exceeding expectations and locking in a spot on the pro roster in S79 as well. S72 defenseman Joakim Lund may never be called up to the pros, but has enjoyed a very successful career as a veteran in the minors.
(S76) RW - Chicken Nugget (LVA)
@LT.CHICKEN NUGGETS
118
(S72) D - Joakim Lund (MIS)
@Bouncyelf
223
(S77) LW - Nicholas Mariani (SDM)
@Mistxh J
165
(S76) LW - Willy Myers (HOU)
@Willy Myers
250
@hedgehog337
@Ledge_and_Dairy
GM Benjamin Zeptenberg's draft strategy since the S74 selloff has been successful for the seasons since, and the youth that has carried over is even still impressive. S75 pick Noah Mashford should finally graduate after four seasons in the VHLM. His production and progress have steadied over the past two seasons, although this snipers' defensive game does still need alot of work. Recent 1st round pick Jan Hlozek chose to stay in the M for another season to dominate and learn the game more and next season he'll be ready to play in a top 4 role quite comfortably. Forward Miks Sunish, defenseman Chris P Bacon and goalies Morgan Karlsson and Kuba Fleury are still somewhat of a question mark to be VHL ready next season, so Riga management has eyes on those youngers as well. As for looking down the road, more prospects look to flood in during the S79 season, and they'll have depth at every position. At least two players should graduate next season, but that could inflate to six, with prospects like goalie Darcy Cat, winger Mikhail Johanssen and defensemen Jere Suominen, still developing, and selections to make at the draft; Riga sure has a very strong draft-and-develop strategy that's very impressive. As of this writing, Riga has six more selections to make at the upcoming draft, including Toronto's 1st round pick, so it could be a season to fill the prospect pool even more.
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(S77) RW - Brighton Grisby (YUK)
@StephenCurry5806N
110
(S76) D - Chris P Bacon (MIS)
@Chris P Bacon
172
(S77) D - Jan Hlozek (MIA)
@Bojovnik
250
(S77) D - Jere Suominen (MIA)
@Fredoushka8
129
(S77) RW - Mikhail Johanssen (HOU)
@Silver Warrior
122
(S76) LW - Miks Sunish (MIS)
@Anomalijs
182
(S75) C - Noah Mashford (MIA)
@Mashy
228
(S76) C - Normunds (OTT)
@Lvhockeybest6
114
(S76) G - Darcy Cat (YUK)
@Tropicalfire
142
(S77) G - Kuba Fleury 37 (PHI)
@Kuba-Fleury
146
(S76) G - Morgan Karlsson (LVA)
@Erik
177
@Banackock
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The once dominant Seattle Bears have taken a step back in terms of competing for a cup, but have made strong strides to put together the next core of the future. Only 3 of their roster players have undergone depreciation, and most of their core is S74 or younger, with plenty of prospects in the pool. 4 players could be called upon to make the jump up in S78, including forwards Alexander the Great, Delving Mackey and Guy Lambert, along with their S77 2nd round selection of defenseman Nixon Caldwell. Lanbert and Macket are both strong offensively, with Mackey possessing a very disciplined game. Alexander the Great is well-rounded, establishing himself as a sold playmaker, while Nixon Caldwell is developing nicely into the puck-moving defenseman archetype. S75 winger Gaspar Zakrevsky may also be in the mix next season, but he may need another season to deveop his overall game. Fellow S77 2nd round pick Innunnguaq Kiak will most certainly stay in the minors for another seson much to the thrill of the Yukon Rush, as the young defenseman has tremendous offensive potential, netting 23 points in just 13 games after being traded from the Missisauga Hounds.
(S76) C - Alexander The Great (MIA)
@Shiny
239
(S76) LW - Delving Mackey (MIA)
@Jurell Yurki
237
(S75) LW - Gaspar Zakrevsky (MIS)
@Pythonic
205
(S76) C - Guy Lambert (MIS)
@Spartakiller2
239
(S77) D - Inunnguaq Kiak (YUK)
@Grant
164
(S77) D - Nixon Caldwell (SSK)
@Kendrick
234
@Peace
Toronto has had some recent draft success, with Jolly Greene Giant, Scotty Kaberle, Frank Funk Jr. and Asher Reinhart within the past three drafts, and GM Rylan Peace has also been wheeling and dealing, giving his roster a fresh new look. This leaves his prospect pool quite empty, so the only two drafted players here are forwards Nikita Wolf and Silas Messner. Wolf is a playmaking winger, playing his first full season in the VHLM with the Minnesota Storm. He's playing in a depth role for them and he's producing steadily. He should be ready for the bigs when season 79 comes around. Silas Messner's development has stalled since training camp, but that happens sometimes with later round selections. He's a centerman that does have good physical fundamentals, but he's clueless in his own zone and in the faceoff circle, which is a glaring deficiency for a centerman. The Legion only have four selections to make in the next two drafts, and no first round picks either. Perhaps GM Peace makes a move to get more picks or prospects, or he makes the best selections he can with what he has.
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(S77) LW - Nikita Wolf (MIN)
@MrE
153
(S77) C - Silas Meissner (OTT)
@I dont know what I am doin
117
@fonziGG
@Sixersfan594
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Vancouver is another team that just went through a GM swap, but it's no secret that previous GM Keaton Louth had success with the draft and develop approach. Newly-minted GM Ted Mosby inherits a franchise that is deep pretty much everywhere. Next season's graduating class might see no less than six players move up the Wolves' roster. S76 second round pick Napoleon Bonaparte himself is the most anticipated new arrival next season. The playmaking centerman has the goods to fill in at a depth position next season, while last season's first round pick Barron Kruulenstein is producing, assists, at a higher rate. He's still looking for his first goal in Minnesota, but his defensive development has been pretty amazing. Wingers Darryl McDagg and Gary Tarantino II are two snipers that are eyeing the VHL as well, but McDagg has been the more productive one, whereas Tarantino is just a bit further along in his development. Fellow winger and sniper Kid Frost is in his third VHLM season and is finally producing in Houston. He's another forward that wants the call up. Defenseman Roger Jone is also in his 3rd season, but it's still too soon to tell if he's gonna be ready for the S78 Wolves. His progress has been slow, but steady. Lorgo Pompronkimishkonov is most likely to be a career VHLMer, like the dart agency's previous player, Florent Vericel.
(S75) C - Aivars Kiris (OTT)
@Aivarszz
135
(S77) D - Barron Kruulenstien (MIN)
@LefLop
229
(S77) LW - Darryl McDagg (LVA)
@Wolverine
179
(S77) RW - Gary Tarantino II (MIN)
@Garrett
193
(S76) LW - Kid Frost (HOU)
@TownBizness
205
(S77) C - Lorgo Pompronkimishkonov (YUK)
@dart
111
(S76) C - Napoleon Bonaparte (MIA)
@CptSquall
250
(S75) D - Roger Jone (HFX)
@Rick132
194
(S77) LW - Ryan Li (HOU)
@Ryan Li
111
@.sniffuM
@dasboot
Warsaw is a stacked team, but they are slowly aging. With many players entering their prime, GM Damien Walec has his work cut out for him. There are only three players in the Predators' system, most notably, the most recent first round selection, Hadrian. He's a defenseman who's very close to being ready for the big league, and finally getting the ice time to produce in Halifax. He's build very solid and within the meta, so he can slot in right away and help the Warsaw defense corps starting next season. Cup winning goalie Jonathan Bustard has recently returned to form with Halifax and could be ready soon as well if he remains consistent in his earning. S77 third round selection Donnie Talifero, teammate of Bustard, is becoming a very solid defenseman and skater, but he's more likely going to need another season in the M. The Predators have four selections upcoming, so Walec has the luxury of building up his future with the S78 Entry Draft.
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(S77) D - Donne Taliferro (HFX)
@Wally
165
(S77) D - Hadrian (HFX)
@bluesfan55
226
(S75) G - Jonathan Bustard (HFX)
@williamirc
198
Claims: Myself, RedSus and Spartan are eligible to claim 2 weeks of job pay each.
We'll pick off Zarek's story here in the VHL right where we left it at. He had just joined the Miami Marauders under GM @Ricer13. The team was getting suited up for their first playoff series, of that season, against the Yukon Rush. Through the first two games, Kaczka didn't really do much, only getting a few hits here and there. Then, in the third game, the Marauders got absolutely obliterated, 6-1. Based off team performance, and the limited minutes he was getting, Zarek didn't really expect much out of the coming games individually for him. But, in game 4 of the series, it somehow happened. He scored his first goal in the VHLM! Despite Miami losing 3-2, he was ecstatic about scoring that goal. Miami ended up losing the series 4-2, with an OT loss in game six. This did not really affect Zarek's morale, because he had scored. He had done it, already with limited minutes. This just motivated him to do better. Then, the VHLM playoffs finished up, and the offseason started.
Zarek was going to be entering the VHLM dispersal draft, where other teams would have a chance to draft him. Miami told him that they would try and draft him back, and it was a higher probability chance that he would end up back there. This is why he didn't really think much of it when three other teams contacted him, the Rush, Bulls and Marlins respectfully. That's why, on draft night, it came a huge surprise to Kaczka that he had been drafted by the Las Vegas Aces. Heck, he didn't even know that team existed. (Yes this is actually true.) He hadn't even received a questionnaire from the team asking about him. Obviously, he was skeptical at first, but once he joined the locker room, he almost immediately warmed up to the team. It had a fun atmosphere, and all the players were nice and helpful. The GM, @JigglyGumballs was also a helpful person and really got Zarek involved with the team. Here is also an excerpt from an interview held with Zarek a few days after the dispersal draft:
Reporter: So Zarek, what are your thoughts about getting drafted to the Las Vegas Aces?
Zarek: So far, I am really liking it. The locker room and GM are great, and the team has been very welcoming of me.
Reporter: How well do you think you will do as an individual in Las Vegas?
Zarek: I think that I can fit in here and succeed. I am seeing it as a great opportunity to build my legacy in the VHLM as an individual.
Reporter: How well do you think the team will do, and how do you see yourself helping the team?
Zarek: We currently have a younger squad, but I believe we have the means to become a good team and have a shot in the playoffs. I see myself helping the most on defense. I can make sure the opponents don't get the ball into our net, and I can also score if they need me to.
Reporter: One last thing before we go, do you think this will help VHL GMs to notice you and put you on their scouting list?
Zarek: I think it may get me a little bit more noticed than if I was on a different team, I really it into the lineup here and have a good spot on the team.
After the offseason finished up, Zarek was eager to hop into the action. The first week of games quickly came, and the Aces were lined up to play the Rush, Bulls, and the Marlins. Zarek was going to be getting second line minutes, which would offer him good amounts of playing time to get more of a feel for playing in the VHLM. He then went to have an INSANE first game for the Aces, getting a goal, three assists, two hits, and two shots blocked. It was an all around great performance on both offense and defense. The Aces also won against the Rush that game. Zarek didn't do anything too good in the overtime loss against the Bulls, he just had an assist, three hits, and a shot blocked. The next game though against the Marlins, Kaczka scored a goal, had a hit, and had two blocked shots. Not a bad performance in that 4-2 win over the Marlins.
Kaczka (left) celebrates with a teammate after scoring his first goal with the Aces.
Now, going in to the second week, Zarek was very excited about how he was performing, and how the Aces were performing as a whole. They were now lined up to play the Marlins, Rush, and Bulls for a second time through. Against the shootout loss to the Marlins, Zarek had his first bad game. He put up zeroes in everything, and had a -1 while on the ice. This was probably a good humbling experience for him, because he was getting too big of an ego at that point. This motivated him to have a bounce back game in the win against the Rush, getting a goal, assist, and a shot blocked. The next game, a loss to the Bulls, he scored another goal, had a hit, and two shots blocked. After these first two weeks, Zarek was seeming to be becoming a great player.
As the season, went on, Zarek was mostly just doing more of the same. Having some good and average game, and then a few bad ones here and there. Some notable ones were against the Bulls in week twelve, where Kaczka scored two goals, had two assists, and a shot blocked. This game is where he also earned his first one star. Then, in the same week against the Reapers, he had another two goal in which he also had two hits. This helped the Aces win both of those games. His current stats are thirteen goals and eighteen assists, which adds up to thirty-one total points tying him for third place for total points among rookies. He also has fifty-five hits and thirty-three shots blocked. He is definitely not having a bad rookie season by any means. As a team the Aces are also doing quite well. They are third place in the Western Conference, with seventeen wins, nine losses, and three overtime losses. The team is also on a five win streak, the longest in the VHLM at the moment. (Not counting overtime wins, shootout wins, and normal wins all combined together.) The season is looking good so far for the Aces as a team and Zarek as an indvidual.
The Aces leaving the ice after winning a game.
Back to Zarek's own personal life, after week thirteen of the VHLM, he decided to take a two day trip back home to his parents to visit them. It was a fulfilling time for him, he hadn't seen them for many months, and he was extremely happy just to be able to have the opportunity to go visit them, which he was very grateful to @JigglyGumballs for. His parents were one of his main motivators to keep going, because he knew he made them proud, and they were the reason he was even on Earth and had the opportunity to play hockey. Mostly while he was there, he just visited and talked with them. They had a little barbeque party with a few of Zarek's childhood friends and some cousins. It was overall a great time for Zarek, who was worn out and tired, to get some much needed rest and motivation to keep pushing to be better in the VHL. He also had future plans to buy them a better house once he could get into the VHL and start making lots more money.
The two days seemed to be up all too soon, and early morning on the last day, Zarek boarded the long plane ride back to Las Vegas. He really thought on the plane, just about how hockey mattered to him, and how his parents mattered to him, and he really thought about how much more he needed to practice, just to get even close to the level of some of the other VHL players. This made him determined, much more determined than he already was, and as the plane touched down, he knew this coming practice is where he would start. And there he worked his ass off, waiting for week fourteen, where he would hopefully become a new version of himself, becoming an even better hockey player. He knew even if he didn't do good these coming games, he would keep going. Work harder and harder, until he could go down in VHL history. That was his ultimate goal he thought, and now he set out to achieve it, with a burning intensity in his eyes. When he laced up for the first game that week, it all started fueling through him, pushing him to give it three hundred percent effort, give it all for himself, and his team. These games were only a miniscule step in his biggest goal, the whole season, not even that big, but he needed something to build off of, and this is where he would start. This season, right here, right now, is where he begins the first steps of achieving his goal.
1,540 Words
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