Erik Summers

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Which David Can Beat Goliath? There is a problem in the VHLM. A super-team has formed and, for the moment, they look unstoppable. It seems unlikely at the midpoint of the season that any team with unseat Saskatoon for the top spot in the regular season. However, playoffs are a different beast, so lets look at the top contenders to knock off the giant and see who has the best shot. Philadelphia Reapers The Reapers' roster won't wow you, in fact, outside of Bud Knight, there probably isn't anyone on it that you have ever heard of. However, Philadelphia's biggest asset is their depth. Star players can't be on the ice all the time, and goals scored by your fourth line count just as much as goals scored by your first. Could the Reapers beat the Wild today? If the recent massacre that the league is trying to pass off as a hockey game between these two teams is any sign, then no. However, if player development at the Reapers' organization can grow talent across all four lines, they might stand a chance by the playoffs. Chances of beating Saskatoon: They'd make a movie out of it if it happened. Mississauga Hounds At the end of last season, if you had asked me to predict the winner of the next cup, I would have put my money on Mississauga. They had it all is S68, well, except a goalie. That lacking spot in net was their downfall last season, but now they have Spyro and, while he isn't necessarily an all-star, he is miles ahead of whoever they pulled off the street and stuck in the net last year. However, the early season trades were not kind to the Hounds, as they watch top players from around the league flock to their competition it exchange for picks that Mississauga simply couldn't offer. And, after hording picks for one of the shallowest draft classes in recent memory, the Hounds found themselves a bit underwhelming. Nevertheless, they look to be a series contender at the midway point of the season. Defense is going to be key in taking down Saskatoon, and that is the Hounds' specialty. If Spyro can continue to develop into a top-tier net minder, Mississauga might just have a shot. Chances of beating Saskatoon: Do you believe in miracles? Mexico City Kings The only team to beat Saskatoon this season, the Kings are probably are best hope of seeing the giant fall. Sure, that was before the Wild added stars like Edu Stava and likely defenseman of the year, Danny DeYeeto, but even in their more recent meetings, Mexico City has played Saskatoon closer than any other team. Just as with the Hounds, defense is going to be the Cartel's only chance against this scoring machine and the Kings' defensive core is the strongest in the league. Erik Summers, Odin Omdahl, Oscar Lagesson, and Alex Armstrong have combines to block more shots than any other team in the league. This group of defenseman also specializes in controlling puck possession, which is going to be essential about the Wild. They can't score if you don't give them the puck! This biggest factor for the Kings going forward is going to be figuring out their goalie situation. Nicolas Fomba wasn't great early in the season, but he has certainly been making strides in the right direction. If the young goalie continues to progress, the Kings have the best chance to upset Saskatoon in the playoffs. Chances of beating Saskatoon: James “Buster” Douglas KO's Mike Tyson.

Summers Protects His Young Goalie In his first year in the league, Summers had a veteran net minder behind him, which helped compensate for many of the mistakes young defenseman make. However, after moving to Mexico City, Erik finds himself in a very different situation. With the young Nicolas Fomba, denying shot attempts to opponents has become the top priority. You have to give new goalies time to build their confidence, and letting them get dumped on is a good way to burn out a new goalie. So, in their last five games, the Mexico City Kings have done just that, allowing an average of only 18 shots on goal per game. Fomba hasn't had the easiest entry into the league, getting thrown into the mix just three games into the season when star goalie, Solomon Crawford, got called up to the VHL. His SV% has increased over the season, but it still only at 0.864. Thankfully, he now has three shot-blocking leaders in front of him with Erik Summers, Alex Armstrong, and Odin Omdahl combine to block over a hundred shots so far this season.

Helsinki 4-2

175 Seattle Bears @ Helsinki Titans 176 Prague Phantoms @ HC Davos Dynamo 177 Calgary Wranglers @ Moscow Menace 178 Riga Reign @ Vancouver Wolves

I'd like to apply as well!

Seattle 4-2

139 Helsinki Titans @ HC Davos Dynamo 140 Moscow Menace @ Vancouver Wolves 141 Calgary Wranglers @ Prague Phantoms 142 Seattle Bears @ Toronto Legion

Helsinki 3-2

97 HC Davos Dynamo @ Prague Phantoms 98 Toronto Legion @ Vancouver Wolves 99 Moscow Menace @ Calgary Wranglers 100 Riga Reign @ Helsinki Titans

Summers Crosses the Border It isn't a long trip from Houston to Mexico City, but it wasn't an easy one either for Erik Summers. Summers first season in the league was a wild ride with an exciting finish. After the Bulls raised the cup, the reality dawned on the team that much of their core wouldn't be in the locker room in the coming season. With many getting called up and others moving to other squads in the draft, when Houston reconvened for training camp, but room was shockingly devoid of familiar faces. Nevertheless, the team trained hard and tried to keep things together long enough to allow for some high-profile free agent signings to bolster the roster. However, when all of the big players on the market ended up on other teams, the writing seemed to be on the wall, it was time to rebuild. Houston's GM, Frostbeard should be very proud of the position he put his team in, turning a 3rd round pick in the S68 draft into and 1st rounder and some change in the S70 draft. While this means that the Bulls won't be going for back to back cups, I think we will be seeing big things from this team again in the near future.

I'm sad to leave my friends at Houston, but excited to try for another cup! Let's get it!

Final claim for this piece.

I would like to apply as well!

D- Jeff Downey @Midnite

Seattle 4-2

49 Prague Phantoms @ Moscow Menace 50 Calgary Wranglers @ Vancouver Wolves 51 Seattle Bears @ Helsinki Titans 52 HC Davos Dynamo @ Malmo Nighthawks

D- Jesse Wilson @DilIsPickle

G - Kallis Kriketers @Midnite

@omgitshim

F- John Frostbeard @DilIsPickle