Laine

Patrik Laine (pictured) after Miami's game five loss to the Minnesota Storm. Minnesota won the S73 Founder's Cup with a 4-1 series win over Miami. MIAMI - A lot of Marauders players and fans alike are upset after the team's 4-3 loss to Minnesota in game 5 of the Founder's Cup Finals. However, none are more upset or optimistic than Patrik Laine. "You know, it's definitely tough. To go that far....and lose......leaves a sick feeling in your stomach. It was fun to win through the first two rounds, but now....the only thing in your mind is..... the fact that you couldn't get the job done." Miami went all the way to the Founder's Cup Finals by sweeping Philadelphia 4-0 in round 1 and defeating San Diego in 6 in the Conference Finals. Despite these triumphs, Miami would fall to Minnesota in the finals in 5 games. Laine says it isn't all bad for Miami though. "Well, it is the basic steps of building a franchise like winning a playoff series and making it to the cup finals. Rice knows what he is doing with this team and I wish him the best of luck moving forward. I also want to thank all my teammates. You guys were all fun to play with during the season and I'll miss you next year. Kiitos." (220 words)

I can keep the locker room active just like I did during the season, may need to put a Mac version of STHS on a USB so that may be my issue but I can do every other aspect of AGM besides lines to a tee. Feel free to DM me if you have questions @Ricer13. Looking to hopefully have a long-time AGM spot here.

Patrik Laine will now step up to the podium to answer questions. 1) As a forward, it would make sense for me to say offense but I think it is defense because sure putting the puck in the opposing net is good, but if you can't keep it out of your own, you won't go very far. 2) I think King and Thornton should be CO-MVPs. Both have been playing at a point/game pace and it is hard to just pick one. 3) Socks and Grachev have been playing out of their minds this postseason, so either of them would do the trick. 4) I would say so. You came into the season as the "Champions" and were expected to dominate everyone, but as a franchise going into it's second year, how do you handle the pressure? Making it to the finals and losing admirably if we don't come back shows that even though we were runners up this year we had a lot of fight in us and took basic steps of the building of a franchise like making it to the finals. 5) I'm pretty excited to go home to Finland, but I'll miss Miami. Certainly I have a spot in my heart for Miami. Well, Helsinki is currently tied 2-2 in the Continental Cup Finals so it will be fun to see how strong we come out next year regardless of if we win or not. 6) The team as a whole. Didn't matter whether we were winning or losing, the locker room was always good. The guys in the locker room welcomed me in with open arms right away and I made some great friends like Lamb, Socks, King and many others. I was so happy that Ricer and bigAL accepted me with open arms and took a chance on me in the draft. Thanks for a great season everyone.

Season 73 Playoff Preview - Conference Finals Review and Cup Final Preview Welcome to the second playoff edition of the VSN Weekly Review. We’ll cover a host of the recaps of the events happening in the Continental Cup Playoffs and any other important events that the VSN covered this week. As always, thanks to my good friend @Hylands for being the other writer on the VHL Weekly Review team who helps bring the news of the the VHL to your screen on a weekly basis. A special congratulations goes out to @MattyIce @animal74 and @Plate who are the newest members of the VSN family. It is good to have you on board! Speaking of other VSN content, make sure to check out the other great work from the VSN team! Here are a few handy links that can be used to access our other works such as weekly podcasts, scouting reports, historical articles and more! Under 250: VHLM Review | Ringless: S51 Calgary Wranglers | Deep Rewind: Century Men | The Next Generation: S74 | VSN Australia Conference Finals Review North American Conference Seattle Bears (49-18-5) vs Calgary Wranglers (44-22-6) The top-seeded Seattle Bears had a tough match-up against the second-seeded Calgary Wranglers. Even though Seattle had some rest prior to the series, it was Calgary, coming off of their grueling 7 game series against New York who would take control of the series early, winning games 1 and 2 with identical 3-2 overtime wins. Seattle would get a much needed win in Calgary in Game 3, beating the Wranglers by a slim 3-2 margin. Calgary would take Game 4 of the series by a score of 3-1 and would have a chance to close it out heading back to Seattle. Game 5 did not end quick, and would require extra minutes. Seattle would keep their season alive with a triple OT win in Game 5 and another OT win in Calgary in Game 6. Game 7 would be a thriller in Seattle. The Bears found just enough to pull off the comeback and beat the Wranglers 5-3 in Game 7, taking the series 4 games to 3. Seattle now has a chance to win their 4th Continental Cup in 6 seasons. Game of the series: Game 5: Seattle Bears 3 to Calgary Wranglers 2 (3OT) This game was the most important game in the series for both teams. After falling down 3-1 heading back home, Seattle had to play their best game to stay alive in the series. Seattle would start off strong and take a 1-0 lead late in the 1st Period on a goal from Berocka Sundqvist. Seattle would expand their lead midway through the second period on another power play goal. Late into the third, it looked like Seattle had the game out of reach. However, Calgary wasn’t done, receiving goals from Kris Rice and Mikko Lahtinen late in the 3rd to tie it up 2-2. We would need overtime to solve this game. The game dragged into a second overtime. That wasn’t enough, so we would need a third and wouldn’t you guess it, just 2:32 into the 3rd overtime, Randy Marsh would let an absolute bomb go to put Seattle back in the series with a 3-2 triple OT win. Series MVP: Rayz Funk (SEA) (4-1-2, 0.940 Save Percentage, 2.43 GAA) European Conference Helsinki Titans (49-18-5) vs Riga Reign (35-30-7) After beating Malmo in 7 in the first round, Helsinki would have a tougher test against the defending Continental Cup Champions in the Riga Reign. Helsinki would open the series with a 4-1 win at home in Game 1 and another 5-2 win in Game 2 to take a 2-0 series lead on the road to Riga. Despite Riga scoring 4 goals in Game 3, Helsinki would double them up and score 8 in an impressive 8-4 win to take a 3-0 series lead. Game 4 was one for the ages with Riga rallying in the third to send the game to OT. Despite their heroics, Helsinki would finish the sweep with a 6-5 OT Win in Game 4, advancing to the Continental Cup Finals. Game of the series: Game 4, Helsinki Titans 6 to Riga Reign 5 (OT) With Helsinki up in the series 3-0, Riga would need to come out firing in Game 4, and they did just that. Riga would get a pair of first period goals from Patrik Tallinder and DeFenz Mann and would take a 2-0 lead into the second period. The second period was all Helsinki. They would outshoot Riga 16-6 in the second frame and would score 4 goals to go up 4-2 heading into the third period with a chance to close the series. Surprisingly, Riga managed to battle back to even relatively quickly, receiving a pair of power play goals in a span of 2:00 near the middle of the frame to battle back into it. However, Helsinki wasn’t done as Erik Draven would strike with just 5:52 left on the clock to put Helsinki up 5-4. Riga once again wouldn’t back down and Guy Sasakamoose would score a beautiful breakaway goal to even the game at 5 apiece. Riga would pepper Helsinki with a lot of shots in the last three minutes, but Samuel Ross would hold strong and send the game to overtime. Riga would fall apart in overtime, taking a pair of minor penalties early in the frame, and Helsinki would make them pay. Spencer Elsby would record his second of the game just 3:52 into the extra frame as Helsinki would advance to the Continental Cup Finals. Series MVP: Ben Hafkey (HSK) (2 G, 8 A, 58.9% Faceoff Percentage) Continental Cup Finals Preview Alright, it’s time for the preview. GIVE ME CONTESTANT NUMBER ONE! North American Conference Champions: Seattle Bears (49-18-5) Beat D.C. in Round 1 (4-2) Beat Calgary in Conference Finals (4-3) Seattle has once again emerged as one of the premiere franchises of the league. They are led offensively by the trio of Scott Greene, Ambrose Stark and Ola Vikingstad up the middle. On the wings, they don’t slouch either with Uhtred and Timothy Brown playing there, plus a young gun in Aleelee Kiak. Defensively, they have one of the best top four defense corps in the league featuring household names like Berocka Sundqvist, Hulk Hogan, Randy Marsh and Odin Omdahl. In net, they have a solid duo featuring the aging but still effective Rayz Funk and the future of the crease in young Jacob Tonn. Seattle is trying to cement themselves all one of the greatest dynasties in VHL history, hoping to win their 4th title in 6 seasons. Having defeated D.C. and Calgary to claim their spot in the championship, Seattle has one last hurdle to climb to reach the top of the hockey mountain. SHOW ME CONTESTANT NUMBER TWO! European Conference Champions Helsinki Titans (49-18-5) Beat Malmo in Round 1 (4-3) Beat Riga in Conference Finals (4-0) Helsinki on paper would’ve made it to the finals in easy fashion but they took a much different path. They struggled against Malmo but ultimately took them out in 7 games and then ended the hopes and dreams of Riga Reign fans everywhere by showing no mercy and taking them out in 4 straight games. Helsinki has a solid team which is the perfect mix of young players with potential, older players who are still great and a solid prospect pool. In terms of older talent, they have Ben Hafkey, Erik Draven, Hiroshi Okada and Jared Spaz as forwards and Tony Bolonee, Erik Summers and Daldo rounding the defensive front. On the young side, they have a solid forward group with Jim Bob, Bob Helminen and Valtteri Vaakanainen. Defensively, Spencer Elsby is a young defender with a lot of upside and is one of the most important pieces of the core moving forward. In net, they have the aging Samuel Ross but also a younger future goalie in Zamboni Driver to take the reins in the coming seasons. This year, they were mostly using the two as a goalie tandem but Ross has taken the starter job so far in these playoffs. They come into the finals with confidence and I am convinced this team can get the job done, but it will be tough. Predictions Helsinki vs Seattle Hylands: We have quite the interesting matchup on our hands here. On one hand, the Seattle Bears are known for having one of the best goalies in the VHL of all time, and are defensively solid. Meanwhile, Helsinki has been scoring for fun in these playoffs, and their offensive prowess has been on show through each round. Something’s going to have to give in this round and I can’t wait to see these teams play against each other. This is honestly such a tough matchup to predict, and as we saw in the last round anything can happen. For me, the Seattle Bears are just built for a championship from top to bottom. A future hall of famer in net, some great defencemen in the prime of their career, and a potent offense that can get the job done. Seattle in 6 from me. Laine: These two teams both took very different paths. Helsinki struggled to start the playoffs but has since won 6 games in a row, including a sweep over the defending champion Riga Reign in the Conference Finals. Seattle had a rough go against D.C. but managed to pull out of that series. They struggled early against Calgary but rallied from a 3-1 series deficit to steal the series. I think Helsinki is the hotter team coming into the finals, but Seattle has a lot of momentum. This series will go down to the wire and probably go 6-7 games, but I think Helsinki takes it based on the red hot play of their offense. Hylands’ Pick: Seattle in 6 Laine’s Pick: Helsinki in 6

@Plate @MattyIce @animal74 Welcome to the VSN! Good to have you on board!

Hard to believe I have been in the league only two seasons and I've been a finalist in both! Thank you to everyone who voted to me and to other members and finalists for making this league a great place!

Laine during warmups before Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against San Diego. Miami would end up winning the game by a score of 1-0. MIAMI - There maybe no one more excited for hockey in Miami than Patrik Laine. Laine and the Marauders defeated the San Diego Marlins 1-0 last night to secure a spot in the S73 Founder's Cup Finals against the rival Minnesota Storm. "I didn't exactly think I would be doing this is my second professional year, but it's amazing. The Marauder's crowd is pretty amazing to see, especially during playoff time." Miami defeated Philadelphia in 4 and San Diego in 6 to advance to the Founder's Cup Finals. "We went through a pair of tough series to get here and we just gotta get the job done." Their opponent is the Minnesota Storm. As you may remember from S72's Founder's Cup Playoffs, 8th Seeded Miami went up 3-1 on the top-seeded Storm in round one. However, Minnesota came back and won the series in 7 games. "To go through the adversity all season long and having the opponent who defeated you last season stand in your away again, it will be a test for sure." Games 1 and 2 of the Founder's Cup Finals will be played in Miami on Saturday. \/ Read Below \/

1) All lines were clicking, almost everyone had points and Bacon played like a god. 2) Not celebrating yet. Only one round against the lowest ranked team. The goal is a Founder's Cup and we will not stop until we get there. 3) I see Willis taking it to the next level. He's been quiet so far and other teams are sleeping on him. I'll also jump to the next level. 4) They dominated Ottawa in 5. I was watching their films. They skate so well and we just have to match their speed. We have more star power. 5) I always grow a beard. It's a Mennonite styled beard. I also go for a skate around the ice 2 hours before the game and warm up my eyes on the bench. 6) Yes.

1) Probably my Helmet. The Bauer RE AKT-150 has worked out great for me. 2) During game 4 against Philadelphia, I was just thinking about closing out the series. 3) Probably a mix of darker and lighter blues to make a fun original jersey 4) I usually sport a suit with a tie. 5) Probably my physicality, I have a big frame and I'm learning how to use it. 6) Either Luke Thornton or Aloe Dear.

I'd be down. I can help keep the locker room active and upload weekly press conferences. Only knock is that I don't have access to STHS so that may be an issue. Other than that, I can do anything else you would need me to do.

Interested but don't have access to STHS.....I got all the other boxes checked though.

Patrik Laine (pictured) taking part in warmups prior to Miami's regular season finale against Philadelphia, who they play in round 1 of the Founder's Cup Playoffs MIAMI - There may be no one more excited to jump into playoff hockey than Patrik Laine. The 18 year old Finn had a breakout season in the VHLM, setting career highs in goals (29), assists (47), points (76), hits (125) and plus/minus (+36). Laine is hoping to steer Miami to a Founder's Cup Championship this spring and even though the nerves are there, he says he is excited for the opportunity. "You know, even though I haven't played in the playoffs before, the arena is going to be rocking tonight. Fans are excited with the opportunity we have and so am I. I think the World Junior Championships were great for giving me a feel of what playoff hockey will be like. The tournament play was very intense and I'm expecting the same come Tuesday Night." We asked Laine a few questions about the beard that he grew out for the playoffs, he mentioned that the reason he grew it was because he lost a bet with a family member. "Yeah. Before the season started I lost a bet with my cousin and he told me I had to grow out a beard. Hopefully I won't have to shave it off for a while. It's gonna be fun to play some playoff hockey, that's for sure." Laine and the Marauders are set to face Philadelphia for Games 1 and 2 of their first round series on Tuesday. (264 words, 1412 characters)

Patrik Laine will now be stepping up to the mic to answer questions prior to the end of the regular season. 1) We just played good down the stretch and even when things weren't going our way we stayed calm and knew we would bounce back. 2) I want to be considered for the Mat Bentz Trophy (Awarded to the best Two-Way Forward) because even though I wasn't a league leader offensively, my defensive play was good all year. 3) Ricer for GMOTY, Lamb for MVP, Bacon for GOTY, Socks for DOTY 4) We gotta get quality shots. Poremba is the reason they are even here. We vastly outplay Philly in every department except for goaltending. We just gotta wear them down game after game and play physical. We gotta take Poremba out of it because if he is in the zone, we will not win this series. 5) Force them to take penalties. Our power play has been great with Me and Socks having those one-timer shots. I can even rip mine at even strength. Just gotta get pucks on net but with quality over quantity. Wearing down their defense will open up more opportunities. 6) I've never been in the playoffs before, but I'll take a day to reset and come back strong. The World Juniors was a good indicator for me for how the playoffs would feel and I played good in that environment so hopefully things go just as well.

Welcome to the fourth edition of VSN’s S73 Weekly recap (Games 355-475). We’ll cover a host of things in this recap each week including highlights of important VSN happenings, three stars of the week, power rankings, rookie profiles, and anything else of importance. Speaking of other VSN content, make sure to check out the other great work from the greater VSN family! Here are a few handy links to check out, from our weekly podcasts to in-depth history articles, scouting reports, and more! Talents Behind the Trophies | Under 250 | Ringless: S49 Quebec City Meute | VSN Australia | S73 Future Watch: EU Recap Week 4 was a story with 2 sides. Goalies were absolutely shutting the door to all shooters at the beginning of the week, recording a total of 14 shutouts across the entire week. The last 3 days of the week, it was all about the shooters. Mostly within the last 3 days, 16 hat tricks were recorded across the league including one game where a player scored 5 goals. As the playoffs grow closer, the amount of fighting and physicality has gone up. Hits are at a high for this season and we saw 16 fights across the week. It will be interesting to see how the play of teams will change heading into the playoffs. 3-Stars First Star Odin Omdahl (SEA) - 6 G, 21 A, 39 Shots Blocked Second Star Benny Graves (DCD) - 11 G, 14 A, 63 Hits Third Star Greg Eagles (RIG) - 2.53 GAA, .910 SV%, 4 Shutouts Power Rankings Featured on this week’s graphic are Berocka Sundqvist on the Seattle Bears, Mikko Lahtinen from the Calgary Wranglers, and Guy Lesieur playing for the D.C. Dragons. Shoutout to @Pengu for the banner This week, the Seattle Bears regain the top spot on the Power Rankings, and rightfully so. The Bears have been terrific all season long, and if not for the insane winning streak that the Helsinki Titans went on, they may have topped the rankings for 3 weeks in a row. This week they were led by this week’s 1st Star, Odin Omdahl, who played a string of great games and anchored Seattle on that blue line. The #2 spot goes to the Calgary Wranglers who have had a resurgence as of late, and have climbed up our rankings all the way from the bottom spot last week after riding a 10 game win streak. They had some stellar goaltending this week from Jacques Lafontaine, who won 12 of his 14 starts which is an incredible stat. The final spot in our top 3 goes to the D.C. Dragons, who after struggling to start the season, have put all doubts aside and are now firmly cemented in the North American Conference playoff race. Star centre Benny Graves has been the key to the Dragons’ success, and he led the way this week with some terrific performances that earned him our 2nd Star of the week. Coming up next, at #4, we have the Moscow Menace. Moscow has been ever-present in the power rankings this season, only missing out in Week 1, and they have done that on the back of some excellent goaltending by Raymond Bernard. He currently leads the league in save percentage and his solid play has been critical to Moscow’s success. Filling in our back half of the rankings, coming in at 5th spot are the Helsinki Titans who fell off after an amazing week last week. They rode an incredible win streak straight to the top of the rankings and after some average play from the team, they have slipped down the ranks. Erik Summers continues to have a fine season and is currently leading the team in points. Our #6 spot goes to the Vancouver Wolves who have been ever-present in our Power Rankings this season. Their top players are doing all the work for them, most notably, Brock Louth and Jeff Downey who both had great weeks and continue to help push Vancouver towards a playoff spot. Making their first appearance this season in our power rankings, the Toronto Legion will claim spot #7. They’ve been unfortunate to miss the rankings all season, having just missed out in previous weeks, but they finally put together a solid week and it is enough to get a spot in our Top 8. This week was all about the team game for Toronto, with nobody on the roster exploding with fantastic individual performances, but fans of the Legion will be happy to see the team starting to gel. Our 8th and final spot is held by the Prague Phantoms. The Phantoms have been right in that playoff hunt all season long, and are currently just 1 point shy of a postseason berth. With their starting goaltender Virgil Ligriv announcing his retirement earlier this week, they have handed the reins over to Woody McPine who stood tall in his 13 starts and managed to win 8 games. Notable Games Game 361 - Prague Phantoms vs Calgary Wranglers This week’s surprise tilt saw the Phantoms take on the Wranglers. The scoring got started early, as just 1:01 into the game, rookie defenseman Kosmo Kramerev would fire a bomb past Woody McPine to put the Wranglers up by 1 early. This would be the only goal of the period, but Calgary dominated the rest of the way. They outshot Prague 15-4 in the opening frame and didn’t slow down in the second. They would get a pair of goals from Willie Dredge at the 46-second mark and the 4-minute mark of the second period to make it 3-0. Midway through the frame, Prague would battle back and score 2 power-play goals within a span of 2:54 to cut the deficit to 3-2. Prague would keep battling all the way to the buzzer that ended the second period but didn’t find a way to tie the game up. All seemed lost for Prague when Kris Rice would bury a wicked wrist shot to make it 4-2, but they didn’t give in. Just 43 seconds later, Gary Tarantino would drill a slapper that had eyes for the net, making it 4-3. Prague would outplay Calgary throughout the third period and it would pay off and just 2:09 after cutting the lead to one, Dagmar Havlova would score on a breakaway to tie it up 4-4. Throughout the rest of the third period, no goals would be scored and it would take extra time to settle this game. Overtime would be back and forth, but with just 36 seconds left in the extra frame, Alex Pearson would put home the game-winning goal, stunning the Calgary crowd as Prague rallied to win against the Calgary Wranglers. Game 373 - Los Angeles Stars vs Warsaw Predators An interesting matchup surfaced this week in Europe, as Los Angeles and Warsaw would clash in a game for the ages. It wouldn’t take long for LA to get on the scoreboard as just 2:40 into the game, Tyler Barabash Jr would drill a one-timer home on the power play to make it 1-0 LA. Later in the frame, Sigard Gunnar would score his 40th goal of the season to double the LA lead to 2-0. Warsaw would respond quickly, with Zeno Miniti putting Warsaw on the board just 6 seconds later. The first period would end with the score staying 2-1 for LA. LA would jump out to a strong second-period start, scoring 2 goals in the first 6 minutes to go up 4-1. Warsaw needed a miracle, and they got one. In the next 3:20 after Sigard Gunnar’s goal that made it 4-1. Warsaw would come back and tie the game, receiving 1 goal from Damien Wolfe and receiving 2 goals from Zeno Miniti, including his hat trick goal that made it 4-4. LA would fight back and with around 5 minutes left in the second, Markus Nygren would put LA back on top 5-4. In the third, Warsaw would continue to battle back and just 1:35 in, Hunter Hearst Helmsley would tie it again, making the score 5-5. The third would be a very competitive period from both teams, but we would need extra time for this game. Overtime wouldn’t solve anything, so we headed for a shootout. In the shootout, Sigard Gunnar would be the only one who would find the back of the net as LA’s emergency backup goalie would stop all 3 shooters in the shootout to help LA win a wild game by a score of 6-5. Game 410 - Warsaw Predators vs Calgary Wranglers One of the best individual performances of the season would come during a game between Warsaw and Calgary. Calgary would jump out to a 2-0 lead in the first 15 minutes of the first, receiving goals from Mikko Lahtinen and Willie Dredge. Despite this early barrage, Warsaw would get to within 1 before the end of the period, getting a goal from Damien Wolfe. The second was very uneventful and only one goal would be scored as Dalton Wilcox would tie the game up 2-2 with 5 minutes to go in the period. In the 3rd period, Mikko Lahtinen would explode, scoring 4 goals in around 7 minutes to put Calgary up by a score of 6-2. Calgary would ride this 3rd-period performance to a 6-2 win over Warsaw. Lahtinen with the performance of the season so far, scoring 5 goals and tacking on an assist for 6 points on the night. This is sure to be a confidence booster for him. Events of the Week Fights Game 368 - Milos Slavik vs Nate Wright In a tilt between two expansion rivals, Milos Slavik and Nate Wright would drop the mitts. Wright fought admirably, but Slavik was the more skilled combatant here and Slavik ended up winning the fight. It was a fun fight to watch though, lots of punches and blocks. Game 371 - Remy Moreau vs Mikko Aaltonen Trying to set a tone for his team after giving up an early goal, Mikko Aaltonen would challenge Remy Moreau to drop them. The two of them went at it. Aaltonen got the jump on him and gave Moreau a few nice shots to the jaw, but Moreau came back and got Aaltonen right in the nose. The fight ended in a draw, but Aaltonen had to go off for some repairs. Game 382 - Griff Manzer vs Bob Helminen After tying the game and losing the tie only moments later, Griff Manzer challenged Bob Helminen right off the next faceoff. Helminen accepted and the two got right down to business. Both combatants were able to land some good blows, but Manzer ended up getting the final hit on Helminen, knocking him to the mat. Game 387 - Jet Jaguar vs Squirrely Dan During a highly contested match between the Chicago Phoenix and HC Davos where Chicago just extended their lead to 2-1. Jet Jaguar thought it would be a good idea to set the tone for the rest of the game and fight Squirrely Dan. The two of them went at it pretty good. Both of them were leaking a bit of blood after this fight. However, before one of them could land a deciding blow, the linesmen broke it up. Game 399 - Andrej Petrovic vs Tony Bolonee With Vancouver down late in the game, Andrej Petrovic and Tony Bolonee decided to drop the mitts. The two wouldn’t bother blocking and beat at each other’s faces. Both of them hung in there through the whole fight. The linesmen ended up separating the two, with the fight ending up in a draw. Bolonee would end up being ejected for instigating the fight. Game 400 - Dalton Wilcox vs Dagmar Havlova Trying to set the tone early for their teams, Wilcox and Havlova would fight just 6 minutes into this game. Havlova would get some solid punches in on Wilcox but in the end, Wilcox was just too much for Havlova to handle and he would end up winning this bout. Game 406 - JaredN vs Ola Vikingstad Late in a 5-1 win for Seattle Bears, JaredN would fight Ola Vikingstad. Both players got off a lot of punches that didn’t really materialize into any sort of advantage. As a result, the linesmen would eventually break it up and the fight would end with the result being a draw. Game 411 - SS Hornet vs Frans Eller In the most unlikely matchup, SS Hornet and Frans Eller would drop the mitts. Hornet would get some solid right-hand punches in and get Eller on the brink. As Hornet got the finishing blow on Eller, Eller got him right in the nose. Hornet wins but pays the price. He would have to go off for some repairs but would be right back out there 5 minutes later. Game 412 - Randy Marsh vs Brock Louth Two tough customers in Marsh and Louth would drop the mitts here. They would start hammering each other right away, wearing both combatants down as the fight went on. The two would begin to struggle and the linesmen would break them up. Game 434 - Brock Louth vs Remy Moreau Two players who already have fought players this week decided to drop them here. Louth got some solid right-hand punches in, but Remy would give him a nice shot right in the jaw. This fight was going somewhere, but the linesmen broke it up too early. I really would’ve liked to see the two keep scrapping. Game 438 - Damien Wolfe vs DeFenz Mann After a huge hit by Wolfe on one of Mann’s teammates, Mann decided to stand up for his teammate and fight Wolfe. Man came out firing, but the rookie was eventually put to bed by Wolfe, who managed to get him square in the jaw with a right hand. Mann eventually returned to the game after getting 20 stitches in his jaw. Game 439 - Jim Bob vs Scott Greene In a highly contested game between the two best teams in the VHL, Seattle got one early and in response, Bob challenged Greene to try and get Helsinki going. The two traded punches, again and again, getting weaker with every blow. Just when it looked like the next punch would be the winner, the linesmen separated the two. We missed out on a great ending to this fight. Game 440 - Remy Moreau vs Gert B Frobe This is Remy’s 3rd fight this week, this time taking on a tough customer in Frobe. Frobe would surprise Remy early, getting in some solid right hands and an uppercut to the jaw. In response, Remy would give Frobe one of his signature right-handers to the Jaw. The linesmen would separate the two and both would go off for repairs. Game 450 - Gary Tarantino vs Kyl Oferson Tarantino and Oferson would drop the mitts during a highly contested game between Riga and Prague. Tarantino would come out firing with his punches, but Oferson held firm. Once Tarantino was tired out, Oferson landed a few solid blows. At this point, both combatants were exhausted so the linesmen broke them up. Tarantino was ejected for instigating the fight. Game 453 - Codrick Past vs Chris Hylands With Malmo losing 2-1 in the second, Hylands took it upon himself to put some spark on the bench and fought Codrick Past. Codrick came out with the punches, but Hylands held firm and even pushed back with punches of his own. The linesmen broke them up eventually. Game 466 - Gary Tarantino vs Luciano Valentino In a highly contested game between D.C. and Prague, tensions began to run high and Tarantino would end up challenging Valentino near the end of the first period. The pair didn’t bother blocking and instead just began punching each other right away. To the surprise of many, they both were still standing after they had tired out and the linesmen had to break up the bout. Valentino had to go off for repairs and Tarantino was ejected for instigating the fight. Game 471 - Owen Nolan vs Kris Rice Our final fight of the week takes us to a clash between Calgary and New York. After a late Calgary goal would put the game out of reach, Nolan would decide to take his anger out by fighting Rice. The two went back and forth for about 20 seconds. Trading punches and going blow for blow throughout. The linesmen, unfortunately, broke them up as the fight was ending. It would have been a great finish and I was disappointed that they broke it up so soon. Hat-Tricks Game 373 - Zeno Miniti Zeno Miniti would record a hat trick during a crazy game between the Los Angeles Stars and the Warsaw Predators. Despite the hat trick, Warsaw would end up losing 6-5 in a shootout. Game 392 - Gary Tarantino In a pivotal matchup against the New York Americans, Gary Tarantino would score 3 goals, including 2 in the third to help the Phantoms steal a 5-4 win from New York. Game 393 - Willie Dredge Willie Dredge would record a goal in every period of the game on his way to scoring a hat trick against Moscow. Unfortunately for Dredge, Moscow would end up winning the game 4-3. Game 401 - Valtteri Vaakanainen In a marquee matchup between the surging Titans and falling Americans, Valtteri Vaakanainen would score 1 goal in the first period and 2 in the second to record a hat trick in a 5-2 win for the Titans over the Americans. Game 410 - Mikko Lahtinen In perhaps the performance of the season by a skater, Mikko Lahtinen would score 5 goals in a 6-2 win for Calgary over Warsaw. 4 of those goals from Lahtinen would come in the third period to break a 2-2 tie. This game has to be a confidence booster for him. Game 413 - Benny Graves Benny Graves would record a hat trick during a game between the Dragons and the Legion. He would score 2 in the second and the game-tying goal in the third in a 4-3 OT win for the Dragons. Game 419 - Brock Louth Brock Louth would record a hat trick against the Chicago Phoenix, potting 1 goal in the first and 2 in the second for the hat trick. Game 424 - Berocka Sundqvist Berocka Sundqvist would record a hat trick, scoring 1 in the first and 2 in the third to help lift Seattle over Warsaw by a score of 5-3. Game 425 - The Terrible Trivium The Terrible Trivium would record a hat trick in a key game for London against the rival HC Davos Dynamo. He would score 2 goals in the third and the OT winner to propel London to a 5-4 OT Win. Game 429 - Sigard Gunnar Sigard Gunnar would record his first hat trick of the week, scoring 3 goals including 1 in each period to lead the Stars to a 4-1 win. Game 437 - Owen Nolan Owen Nolan would record a hat trick, netting one in each of the three periods played during a 5-2 win for the Americans. Game 442 - RJ Jubis RJ Jubis would record his first hat trick this week, scoring 3 in regulation and a 4th goal in overtime to lift the Wranglers over the United by a score of 5-4. Game 445 - Uhtred Uhtred would record his first hat trick of the week, netting 3 goals on 6 shots during a wild 6-4 win for the Seattle Bears. Game 446 - Teemu Lehtinen Jr Teemu Lehtinen Jr would record his first hat trick of the week, scoring 3 goals and tacking on an assist in a 6-3 win over London. Game 447 - Gregg Stallion Gregg Stallion would record his first hat trick of the week. He would net 3 goals, including the game-winner in a 5-4 win over Davos. Game 453 - Chris Hylands Chris Hylands would record his first hat trick of the week, scoring 3 goals on 9 shots. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be enough as Riga would defeat Malmo by a score of 4-3. Game 470 - Gary Tarantino Gary Tarantino would record his second hat trick of the week, netting 3 in a win for the Phantoms as they defeated Riga in the game by a score of 5-2. Shutouts Game 359 - Riga Reign vs Moscow Menace Greg Eagles would record the league’s first shutout of week 4, making 26 saves in a 4-0 win against Moscow. 11 of those 24 shots came in the 3rd so he did a tremendous job protecting the Riga lead. Game 367 - Toronto Legion vs Seattle Bears Rayz Funk would shut down the high powered Legion offence, making 29 saves in a 3-0 Seattle victory. All 3 Seattle goals came in the first period and Funk did a good job keeping the door shut the rest of the way. Game 370 - London United vs Riga Reign Greg Eagles would chalk up his second shutout of the week in a dominating 5-0 Seattle win over the London United. Riga dominated from the drop of the puck and Eagles only had to make 18 saves. Nevertheless, it is still a shutout and 10 of those stops came in the 3rd period. Game 390 - Riga Reign vs Los Angeles Stars Greg Eagles would get another shutout, this time against the Los Angeles Stars. Riga dominated this game start to finish to win 7-0. Eagles made 18 saves to clinch the shutout. Game 395 - London United vs Calgary Wranglers Jacques Lafontaine would record his first shutout of the week against London. Lafontaine would stop all 12 London shots to take the game by a score of 3-0. Game 397 - Chicago Phoenix vs Seattle Bears Rayz Funk would record his second shutout of the week, backstopping Seattle to a 3-0 win over the Chicago Phoenix and recording 14 saves in the process. Game 415 - New York Americans vs Los Angeles Stars β-LAS G, the emergency backup goalie for the Los Angeles Stars would record a shutout. He went in at the beginning of the game and stopped all 35 New York shots in a 1-0 Win. Game 419 - Chicago Phoenix vs Vancouver Wolves Jimmy Spyro would record his first shutout of the week, making 37 saves in a 6-0 win over the Chicago Phoenix. Game 420 - Calgary Wranglers vs D.C. Dragons Jacques Lafontaine would record his second shutout of the week, stopping 25 shots in a 3-0 win over the D.C. Dragons. Game 423 - Los Angeles Stars vs Riga Reign Greg Eagles would continue his stretch of great performances this week, recording his 4th shutout of the week in a 5-0 win over the Los Angeles Stars in which he stopped 29 shots. Game 426 - Moscow Menace vs Toronto Legion Raymond Bernard would stand tall for the Menace, stopping 31 shots in regulation, 4 in OT and both shooters in the shootout to help Moscow beat Toronto 1-0. Game 448 - New York Americans vs Los Angeles Stars β-LAS G would record his second shutout of the week against the Americans, making 35 stops in a 1-0 OT win. Game 464 - New York Americans vs Helsinki Titans A Red Guy played great for New York in this game, stopping all 23 Helsinki shots to steal a 1-0 win for the Americans. Game 467 - Moscow Menace vs Los Angeles Stars β-LAS G would continue a string of terrific games as the emergency goalie for the Stars, making 24 saves in a 3-0 win over Moscow for his 3rd shutout of the week. Game 469 - London United vs HC Davos Dynamo β-LDN G would record the final shutout of the week, making 31 saves in a 1-0 win for London over the HC Davos Dynamo. Rookie Spotlight Jacob Tonn Shoutout to @Zetterberg for the rookie spotlight banner! This week we shine the spotlight on our first rookie goalie this season, and we have chosen to go with none other than Jacob Tonn of the Seattle Bears. Tonn originally joined the league as a waiver signing, opting to play in San Diego with the Marlins where he had somewhat of a tough time. Having said that, in Season 71 when he joined, the Marlins were in the middle of a rebuild and were one of the worst teams in the league, so his early stats are not great indicators of his all-around performance. He was drafted 18th overall in the dispersal draft by the Mississauga Hounds where he helped them to a playoff spot with a solid 2.84 GAA and .893 save percentage. Unfortunately for Tonn and the Hounds, they ran into a red hot Philadelphia Reapers squad and were eliminated in 5 games. Following the playoffs, the Seattle Bears drafted Jacob Tonn at 4th overall in the VHL draft. The Bears were looking for their goalie of the future and they definitely got that in Tonn. What the netminder lacks in height, he’s only 5’5”, he makes up for in raw talent. He has had a pretty successful rookie campaign for Seattle, with an 8-3-1 record after 13 games. His raw stats are good for a rookie, with a 3.28 GAA and .878 save percentage and we can expect to see those improve soon as he continues to work on his game. What impresses me most about Tonn is his ability to win games for his team despite what his stats say. He won 45 games in his full season in the minors and already has 8 wins under his belt for the Bears. I am excited to see how he improves in the coming seasons. With the retirement of Rayz Funk coming up on the horizon, Tonn will need to absorb all he can from the franchise goaltender in their two seasons together. It will be interesting to see if Tonn will follow in the footsteps of Funk and play out his entire career with the Bears, and with no other goalie currently in the system, it seems that Seattle is banking on just that. So far, Jacob has come up clutch when his team has needed it. For example, this week he made 3 starts and won every one of them which helped cement Seattle’s spot at the top of the standings. Seattle will be hoping they will see more and more of that as Tonn gains experience at the highest level. Having impressed so far in his rookie season, it is likely that Seattle will look to Tonn more often as Funk ages and creeps up on retirement. It will be crucial for Jacob to string together some solid performances next season as the proverbial torch is passed. I expect that Tonn will live up to all expectations as his stats are solid for a rookie, and we will be looking at a goaltender that will be one of the best in the league someday. It’s very rare to see a goalie under 6 foot these days, and Tonn is a full 7 inches under that mark, but his pure talent can’t be ignored. Seattle has chosen to ignore that and have put their full faith in the Canadian netminder. - VSN Writer Patrik Laine

VHLM Top 48 Defensemen (S73 EDITION) Now, after I made a top 50 on forwards, many of you requested I do separate articles for defensemen and goalies as well and of course I would say yes to it but also I was planning on doing articles for them anyways so it is perfect. Now, you may be asking yourself the following question: "But Laine, how did you pump this article out so fast?” To answer that I have to give a big shout out to @Plate for sorting all of the data for this article in an excel sheet in record time. The excel sheet with the data will be linked HERE! There is a good chance that if he wasn’t kind enough to help me out with the data, I would still be surfing through all of the data. Now, onto the disclaimers: 1. The data I have used to write this article is from Games 1-282 of the S73 VHLM Season. If you are reading this at a later date and the numbers seems a bit off, that is why. 2. The data is calculated averages, so if some people on the list look a little too high or a little too low, that is probably the reason why. 3. The way I ranked all of the defensemen for this list was by using the 5 stats listed below: 1. Goals per 60 2. Assists per 60 3. Plus/Minus per 60 4. Hits per 60 5. Shots Blocked per 60 Using those averages, I then ranked all 48 players on this list in each of those categories, added up their rankings. The total of their rankings was used for the rankings of the final list. These 5 statistics here will give you a good look at how good the player is at jumping up in the rush, in their own end and how physically they play. The rankings aren’t a reflection of who has the most points, they are more of rankings of how well each played it used in reference to their ice time. Without further ado let’s jump right into the article. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 48. Matt Thunder (LVA) @Matt thunder 0.00 Goals per 60 (48th) 0.51 Assists per 60 (46th) +0.13 Plus/Minus per 60 (31st) 3.82 Hits per 60 (29th) 1.91 Shots Blocked per 60 (44th) Thunder has been a good depth piece on that Aces defence. He plays a very physical game and loves to stand opposing forwards up the blue line. He also plays good in his own end and gets the timely blocks. As you can see, his offensive numbers aren’t very high so judging from the data, Thunder is a pure lockdown guy. It will be interesting to see how he develops in Vegas. 47. Taizo Hasebe (MIS) @thepandaken 0.13 Goals per 60 (42nd) 0.32 Assists per 60 (48th) -1.54 Plus/Minus per 60 (40th) 1.79 Hits per 60 (43rd) 4.81 Shots Blocked per 60 (8th) Hasebe is extremely underrated for his production. Sure he doesn’t put up such good offensive numbers and isn’t very physical, but look at the shot blocking numbers. Hasebe is one of the best shot blockers in the league and it isn’t all related to luck. He frequently sizes up to the shot and if the shooter fakes, he changes his position according to where they move. I can see Hasebe developing into a lockdown defender in a few years. 46. Jackson Philliefan (OTT) @Philliefan 0.23 Goals per 60 (27th) 1.05 Assists per 60 (30th) +0.64 Plus/Minus per 60 (23rd) 2.18 Hits per 60 (41st) 0.91 Shots Blocked per 60 (48th) Philliefan has had a good statistical season in Ottawa. He has had a solid offensive campaign, putting up lots of assists and a few goals here and there. He has been solid, but he needs to improve defensively. He is a good lockdown defender, that is there but what I really want to see him do is get trained for the physical part of defense. If Philliefan learns how to stand forwards up and the blue line and how to correctly judge a shot and move to the shooting lane, he can be one of the best defenders in the league next year. Time will tell though. 45. Nathaniel N (SDM) @NathanN 0.13 Goals per 60 (41st) 0.89 Assists per 60 (33rd) +0.75 Plus/Minus per 60 (22nd) 2.57 Hits per 60 (39th) 2.66 Shots Blocked per 60 (33rd) Nathaniel has been an interesting player this year. He has yet to develop as this season is his first in the VHLM, but so far he has been a solid player you can slot into your bottom two pairs. The talent is there as he has repeatedly shown us his playmaking ability by jumping up into the rush and his defensive style by playing great in his own zone. I see him making major strides towards superstar status next season. 44. Tee Pee E II (MEX) @Goliathus 0.21 Goals per 60 (28th) 1.06 Assists per 60 (29th) -0.80 Plus/Minus per 60 (36th) 3.61 Hits per 60 (33rd) 2.60 Shots Blocked Per 60 (35th) Tee has had a great season for Mexico. He has shown us his offensive presence, recording goals and assists on the regular. As you can see with his plus/minus and shots blocked, his defense needs a bit of work but I think with what he has shown us so far, that work can be done easily. We have also seen the physical side of his game. Tee doesn’t hit too often, but when he does it is effective and with perfect timing. I can see him being a very good player next year. 43. Jacoby Buckfast (PHI) @AnthonyOuellet 0.07 Goals per 60 (46th) 0.65 Assists per 60 (40th) -0.72 Plus/Minus per 60 (34th) 4.92 Hits per 60 (21st) 4.34 Shots Blocked per 60 (11th) Buckfast has been one of the best lockdown defenders in Philly. The Reapers have given up a lot of shots this year. Buckfast and the defence have been playing great alongside their goaltender to fight for a playoff spot. Buckfast has been playing a physical game, shown by him placing 11th in Shots Blocked and 21st in Hits. He loves standing people up at the line and is good at 1 on 1 battles. However, he isn’t very good offensively, chipping in with the odd assist here and there. If he can get his offensive game going, he can turn into a pure two-way defender. Even if he doesn’t develop the offensive side, he is still a solid player who can play on a team’s shutdown pair. It will be interesting to see the steps he takes to become a more dynamic player. 42. Victor Grachev (MIA) @KaleebtheMighty 0.17 Goals per 60 (33rd) 1.09 Assists per 60 (28th) +0.63 Plus/Minus per 60 (24th) 5.27 Hits per 60 (18th) 1.72 Shots Blocked per 60 (46th) Grachev has been a great fit into a hard-nosed Miami defense. Defensively, he isn’t quite the best at getting into the shooting lanes, but excels in other defensive aspects. For example, his signature move is standing up opposing superstars with the puck at the line and it fits well into Miami’s rock solid defense. Grachev also adds a little scoring touch every now and then with his passing and slapshot. It will be interesting to see how he plays when he jumps to the VHL next season. 41. Shawty Nananana (HOU) @Grape 0.13 Goals per 60 (42nd) 1.99 Assists per 60 (9th) +0.13 Plus/Minus per 60 (29th) 1.79 Hits per 60 (43rd) 3.33 Shots Blocked per 60 (25th) Shawty is a true two-way defender. He has a knack for jumping into the rush which has paid off in spades for the Bulls and their high flying offense. As a result, Shawty has turned into one of the best playmaking defenders in the game. Don’t let his playmaking ability confuse you, he is still great in his own end. He always goes down to block shots and is great at taking the puck away. I can’t wait to see him transition to the next level, but the question is when? I can see him sticking around in the VHLM next season, but he could also be called up. We won’t know until a later date. 40. Joakim Lund (SDM) @Bouncyelf 0.14 Goals per 60 (39th) 0.61 Assists per 60 (42nd) +1.32 Plus/Minus per 60 (16th) 6.55 Hits per 60 (8th) 2.03 Shots Blocked per 60 (42nd) Lund has been a solid defender on a surging San Diego team that is fighting for a playoff spot. He’s not the best when it comes to offense, but his defensive play has been great. Lund has been effective standing up forwards at the blue line and playing lockdown while the opponents have a power play or zone time. Lund isn’t one of those defenders who jumps up into the rush but he can still be offensive here and there. I have seen the growth in his passing game this year and if it continues this way he can become a dynamic two-way defenseman. 39. Heinz Gunnarson (HFX) @Ketchup 0.24 Goals per 60 (26th) 0.43 Assists per 60 (47th) -2.31 Plus/Minus per 60 (48th) 4.81 Hits per 60 (23rd) 7.68 Shots Blocked per 60 (1st) Gunnarson has been having a great season despite the struggles of the Halifax 21st. He has been developing his defensive skills this season and it has shown as he ranks 1st on the list in average shots blocked and 23rd in hits. His plus/minus may be last, but Halifax has only won 3 games so far this year so it is justified. I see him being a nice shutdown defender next season as his development continues. 38. Nolan McNalley (YKN) @Nemcnall1 0.17 Goals per 60 (32nd) 1.15 Assists per 60 (26th) -1.73 Plus/Minus per 60 (42nd) 2.53 Hits per 60 (40th) 5.99 Shots Blocked per 60 (4th) McNalley is another case just like Gunnarson, He has been coming into his own as a defensive defenseman on a below average team. He has been great at getting into the shooting lanes, ranking 4th in average shots blocked. Lately, we have seen his offensive side, more often than not chipping in with assists. It will be interesting to see how he develops with the Rush. 37. Kasper Kankkunen (LVA) @Z16 0.44 Goals per 60 (16th) 1.15 Assists per 60 (27th) +0.13 Plus/Minus per 60 (28th) 3.48 Hits per 60 (35th) 2.56 Shots Blocked per 60 (38th) Kankkunen is the perfect offensive defenseman. He still stays on task in his own zone, as shown by his hitting and defensive play during his shifts, but he does a great job jumping up on the rush. He can use his speed to quickly get back if things go wrong when he jumps up and we have seen strides in his defensive game. It will be interesting to see where Kankkunen will go and how he will develop. 36. Chase Crosby (LVA) @Wreckening 0.19 Goal per 60 (30th) 0.70 Assists per 60 (38th) +1.65 Plus/Minus per 60 (12th) 4.56 Hits per 60 (27th) 2.59 Shots Blocked per 60 (36th) Crosby’s year so far has been interesting. He hasn’t excelled offensively yet and he’s been good at playing physically in his own zone. The one part of his game I have seen the most growth is his lockdown game. In the first game for the Aces this season, he couldn’t lockdown any of their wingers. Since then, he has been working and it is now paying off in spades for him. He can lock up some of the top forwards now. It will be interesting to see how Crosby can take his offensive game to the next level and become a true two-way defender. 35. Mattymell (YKN) @DrunnkPANDAA 0.18 Goals per 60 (31st) 0.78 Assists per 60 (36th) -1.99 Plus/Minus per 60 (44th) 4.58 Hits per 60 (26th) 5.73 Shots Blocked per 60 (5th) Mell has been another solid defender for the Yukon Rush. He is one of the league’s best shot blockers, ranking 5th in average shots blocked. He needs to improve on his lockdown and physical play, but he has the work ethic to get it done. His offensive game has also seen growth, as he has been recording more points lately. It will be fun to see how he adjusts to the VHL once he gets up there. 34. Eoin Byrne (YKN) @LatinViking 0.10 Goals per 60 (45th) 0.67 Assists per 60 (39th) +1.72 Plus/Minus per 60 (7th) 2.01 Hits per 60 (42nd) 4.69 Shots Blocked per 60 (9th) After coming over in a trade from the Miami Marauders, Eoin Byrne has looked great in a Yukon Rush uniform. He has been a stable on a hard-nosed lockdown pairing. He ranks top 10 in both plus/minus and shots blocked. We have seen flashes of his offensive game and what he can do. His development offensively will be important, as he can make the jump to be a true two-way defender. It will be fun to see what happens with him in Yukon. 33. Erik Hjalmarsson (SSK) @Erik 0.16 Goals per 60 (37th) 1.82 Assists per 60 (13th) +1.66 Plus/Minus per 60 (10th) 3.00 Hits per 60 (36th) 2.30 Shots Blocked per 60 (41st) Hjalmarsson has been great this season on a Saskatoon team looking to go back to back. He isn’t the best when playing physical and shot blocking, but he is great at locking down opposing forwards. He ranks 10th in plus/minus per 60 and has been a force in the defensive zone. His offensive game has improved too. He frequently jumps up into the rush and makes great plays to the net, feeding his teammates the puck. It will be interesting to see how he can carry these skills to the VHL level. 32. The Blob (HOU) @JorgTheGoat03 0.11 Goals per 60 (44th) 0.65 Assists per 60 (41st) +0.11 Plus/Minus per 60 (31st) 12.65 Hits per 60 (1st) 3.68 Shots Blocked per 60 (17th) Blob has been the most physical defender when it comes to standing players up at the line, ranking 1st in hits per 60 with 12.65. He also ranked 17th in shots blocked per 60, solidifying his role as one of Houston’s shutdown guys. His offensive game has yet to blossom, but with the way he has developed so far this year rounding his defensive play, I see him becoming a two-way defender really soon. 31. Rick Osman (HFX) @dylanjj37 0.26 Goals per 60 (24th) 1.16 Assists per 60 (25th) -2.05 Plus/Minus per 60 (46th) 4.63 Hits per 60 (25th) 4.15 Shots Blocked per 60 (14th) Osman has been an interesting case with Halifax. His defensive abilities are there physically, recording lots of hits and shot blocks and frequently standing players up at the line, but he needs to work on his lockdown abilities. If he can get good with lockdown, he is a dynamic player. Looking at his offensive production, it is very good. He frequently jumps up in the rush and often chips in with goals and assists on the regular. I can’t wait to see him take the next steps. 30. Ben Mills (MIS) @Ben Mills 0.17 Goals per 60 (34th) 1.31 Assists per 60 (22nd) -0.51 Plus/Minus per 60 (33rd) 3.76 Hits per 60 (30th) 4.16 Shots Blocked per 60 (13th) Mills has been a great defender for Mississauga and is a natural when it comes to blocking shots. His lockdown ability and physicality have improved since the start of the season, but they will need to develop more if he wants to succeed at the VHL level. His offensive ability is there too as he frequently uses his playmaking ability to set up his teammates with good chances. It will be fun to watch his development through the rest of the season. 29. Tim Horton (MIS) @tycotyco 0.16 Goals per 60 (36th) 0.82 Assists per 60 (35th) -2.13 Plus/MInus per 60 (47th) 6.64 Hits per 60 (7th) 5.49 Blocked Shots per 60 (6th) Horton has been the perfect example of a pure physical defender, ranking top 10 in both hits per 60 and shots blocked per 60. His offensive production has been hit and miss, but when it is there, he is very good. His glaring flaw so far has been his lockdown game. If he can fix this, he can turn into a complete player in the defensive zone along with being an offensive threat. It will be interesting to see how this pans out. 28. Kate Upton (MEX) @OscarTheSwagDude 0.20 Goals per 60 (29th) 1.17 Assists per 60 (23rd) -1.69 Plus/Minus per 60 (41st) 5.40 Hits per 60 (17th) 3.58 Shots Blocked per 60 (20th) Upton has been an interesting case to say the least. The offensive production is there, ranking top 30 in both goals and assists. The physical play is there too, being top 20 in both hits and shots blocked. The real question is, can Upton develop into a lockdown defender. If she can, she will turn into a complete two-way defender. I personally see her doing it. Since joining Mexico City, she has been one of the hardest working players on the entire team. 27. Ziarie Anigbogu (MIN) @ngine4 0.47 Goals per 60 (15th) 1.73 Assists per 60 (14th) +1.10 Plus/Minus per 60 (19th) 0.89 Hits per 60 (48th) 2.73 Shots Blocked per 60 (32nd) Anigbogu has been a solid defender for the Storm. He isn’t physical, ranking 48th in hits per 60, but he is solid at locking down opponents. His biggest strength has to be his offensive instinct. He ranks top 15 among defensemen on this list in both goals and assists per 60. He frequently jumps up into the rush and is a good two-way compliment to any lineup. I can’t wait to see him jump to the VHL. 26. Roseann Petal (LVA) @Psanchez55 0.43 Goals per 60 (17th) 1.54 Assists per 60 (16th) +0.00 Plus/Minus per 60 (32nd) 3.57 Hits per 60 (34th) 2.82 Shots Blocked per 60 (28th) Petal has been one of the best defenders on the ice for the Aces all season, and not just defensively. Petal plays a mix of physical play and lockdown defence. It has worked, ranking around the top 30 in most defensive categories. Petal also plays great in the offensive zone, ranking top 20 in both goals and assists per 60. It will be fun to see the development that Petal will go through over the next few seasons. 25. Teriyaki Chicken (MIS) @Hpep 0.73 Goals per 60 (5th) 0.89 Assists per 60 (34th) -0.78 Plus/Minus per 60 (35th) 3.75 Hits per 60 (31st) 3.49 Shots Blocked per 60 (21st) Chicken has been playing good for the Hounds this year. The most notable improvement has been in his physical play. He has been blocking more shots than ever before and this didn’t damage his already impressive lockdown and hitting skills. His offensive skills have picked up too. He chips in with the odd assist, but he has a booming slapshot which frequently finds a way past opposing goaltenders. 24. Joe Jacks (HFX) @ashton112 0.63 Goals per 60 (8th) 0.54 Assists per 60 (43rd) -1.95 Plus/Minus per 60 (43rd) 5.26 Hits per 60 (19th) 4.43 Shots Blocked per 60 (10th) Jacks has been a force for the 21st on the defensive size of the ice. He ranks top 20 in both hits and shots blocked per 60. His lockdown game can use a bit of work, but he has the physical aspect down. His offensive production is mostly goals, coming from his booming slapshot. He often chips in with assists every now and then though. It will be interesting to see how good Jacks will get after the dispersal draft. 23. Lester Green (SDM) @Smarch 0.26 Goals per 60 (25th) 0.99 Assists per 60 (31st) +0.57 Plus/Minus per 60 (25th) 6.37 Hits per 60 (9th) 2.77 Shots Blocked per 60 (31st) Green has been a solid defender for the Marlins. We have witnessed strides in his lockdown and physical game this season as he moves more towards a two-way defender. His shot blocking numbers are down, but his hits are up and when you take the puck away at the line, you don’t need to block shots. It will be interesting to watch his development continue this season. 22. Breeze Ladrian (MEX) @Kelsier 0.14 Goals per 60 (40th) 1.16 Assists per 60 (24th) -0.82 Plus/Minus per 60 (37th) 6.06 Hits per 60 (11th) 5.04 Shots Blocked per 60 (7th) The best defenseman in Mexico City this season has been Ladrian. We have seen growth in his physical game this season. He has added the physical aspect in terms of shot blocking and hitting at the blue line. His playmaking game has taken strides too. Ladrian frequently hops in the rush and will feed the puck to the forwards, giving them great opportunities to score. 21. Emi Rune (SSK) @Emi 0.31 Goals per 60 (21st) 2.08 Assists per 60 (8th) +0.42 Plus/Minus per 60 (26th) 1.14 Hits per 60 (47th) 3.90 Shots Blocked per 60 (16th) Rune has been a staple on the defensive side of the puck for the Wild this season. She still is one of the best lockdown defenders but the biggest defensive stride I have seen from her this season is her shot blocking. She’s always trying to get into the shooting lanes and it is noticeable on the ice. Her offensive game has also picked up, becoming a playmaker in the offensive zone. Rune is expected to stay in the VHLM next season, but it will be interesting to see if her VHL wants her up once she is drafted. 20. Curtis Rockwall (PHI) @Kcoley26 0.31 Goals per 60 (22nd) 0.44 Assists per 60 (46th) -1.37 Plus/Minus per 60 (39th) 7.98 Hits per 60 (4th) 6.43 Shots Blocked per 60 (3rd) Kicking off our top 20 defenders is Curtis Rockwall of the Philadelphia Reapers. With the insane number of shots that the Reapers have been subjected to, their defense has been blocking a lot of them. Rockwall is a physical defender, playing a style which involves standing up players at the line and getting in the shooting lanes. His lockdown skills can use some work, but he looks like he is on his way to being a staple shutdown defender. 19. Gavin Harris (PHI) @BigIrish 0.07 Goals per 60 (47th) 1.53 Assists per 60 (17th) -2.00 Plus/Minus per 60 (45th) 12.12 Hits per 60 (2nd) 6.53 Shots Blocked per 60 (2nd) Paired up with the recently mentioned Rockwall is Gavin Harris. Harris plays the exact same physical style as Rockwall, but puts up offensive numbers a lot more frequently. His assists keep piling up when he jumps up into the rush. It will be interesting to see if he becomes more offensive or if he becomes a stay at home. Becoming a complete two-way defender would be difficult for Harris, but I think he can do it, especially with the Reapers coaching staff’s reputation of grooming some VHL greats. 18. Kirishima Wakaro (MIA) @Snussu 0.17 Goals per 60 (35th) 1.94 Assists per 60 (10th) +1.35 Plus/Minus per 60 (15th) 5.49 Hits per 60 (16th) 2.62 Shots Blocked per 60 (34th) Wakaro has been a stable defender for the Marauders since coming over from Mexico City. He has been putting up solid offensive numbers all season, ranking at 10th in assists per 60 among defensemen. His defensive game has taken strides too, becoming one of the best two-way defenders in the VHLM. It will be interesting to see how he adjusts to the VHL when the time comes. 17. Han Jae Kuk (SDM) @Dtayl 0.35 Goals per 60 (20th) 2.71 Assists per 60 (3rd) +0.90 Plus/Minus per 60 (20th) 3.71 Hits per 60 (32nd) 2.81 Shots Blocked per 60 (29th) Kuk has been one of the best offensive defenders in the league. His ability to set up teammates for goals and use his booming slapshot to put the puck in the net himself is amazing for a defenseman. He is no slouch defensively either, becoming one of the league’s best shutdown defenders. It will be interesting to see him perform at the next level with the quick development he has experienced so far. 16. Gabriel Johnson (HOU) @GeckoeyGecko 0.61 Goals per 60 (9th) 0.71 Assists per 60 (37th) +2.74 Plus/Minus per 60 (1st) 6.19 Hits per 60 (10th) 1.42 Shots Blocked per 60 (47th) Johnson has quickly asserted himself as one of the best lockdown defensemen in the league. He plays a physical game, ranking 10th in hits per 60 as he frequently stops opposing forwards at the blue line. His offensive game has taken big lengths too. He frequently puts assists on the board but is also a goal scoring defender, possessing a booming one timer and wrist shot. I can’t wait to see how he takes his game to the next level in the Founder’s Cup Playoffs. 15. Jiggly Gumballs (OTT) @JigglyGumballs 0.70 Goals per 60 (6th) 2.24 Assists per 60 (6th) +1.54 Plus/Minus per 60 (14th) 2.81 Hits per 60 (37th) 2.54 Shots Blocked per 60 (40th) Gumballs has been a solid two-way defender for the Lynx all season long. His lockdown game has taken major strides from last year, ranking 14th in plus/minus. He doesn’t play very physical, but his offensive game has also shown growth, ranking 6th among defensemen in both goals and assists per 60. It will be interesting to see when he heads off to the Los Angeles Stars as Gumballs is nearing the VHLM’s TPE cap. 14. Hunter Harrison (MIN) @I'll change this later 0.27 Goals per 60 (23rd) 1.43 Assists per 60 (19th) +2.39 Plus/Minus per 60 (3rd) 5.74 Hits per 60 (15th) 2.02 Shots blocked per 60 (43rd) Harrison has been having a great season on the Storm. He puts goals and assists on the board on the regular. His lockdown game has also seen improving, jumping up to the 3rd best in the league in plus/minus per 60 amongst defensemen. It will be interesting to see Harrison suit up for the Storm heading into the playoffs and the slow but noticeable development in his shot blocking. 13. Matty Socks (MIA) @fishy 1.21 Goals per 60 (2nd) 2.27 Assists per 60 (5th) +1.95 Plus/Minus per 60 (5th) 1.27 Hits per 60 (45th) 1.90 Shots Blocked per 60 (45th) Socks has been one of the best two-way defenders in the league this season, ranking top 5 in goals, assists and plus/minus per 60. Socks only falls outside of the top 10 because he does not play a very physical game. His shot blocking has seen spades of improvement. Even though he isn’t recording a lot of shot blocks, he gets in the lanes the right way and with Miami having the best defense in the league, they do not give up a lot of shots. Socks will be a player to watch as he jumps to the VHL next season. 12. Agapov Askarov (SSK) @Kachur 0.47 Goals per 60 (14th) 0.52 Assists per 60 (44th) +1.66 Plus/Minus per 60 (11th) 5.91 Hits per 60 (38th) 3.60 Shots Blocked per 60 (23rd) Askarov has been a great player for the Wild all season long. The physical side of his game has seen minimal growth, but it is still noticeable. The biggest growth has come in his lockdown game. He continues to frustrate opposing forwards every time he is on the ice. He also comes with an offensive side this year, ranking 14th amongst defensemen goals per 60. It will be interesting to see him help Saskatoon push for a second straight Founder’s Cup title. 11. Mikeal Keef (OTT) @RStar 0.70 Goals per 60 (7th) 1.57 Assists per 60 (15th) +1.18 Plus/Minus per 60 (17th) 2.66 Hits per 60 (38th) 3.40 Shots Blocked per 60 (23rd) Just missing out on our top 10 is Mikeal Keef of the Ottawa Lynx. Keef has had a season to remember, both offensively and defensively. If you were to watch bits of film of his defensive play last year versus this year, it is like night and day. The growth there is extremely noticeable. He has also turned into a two-way threat, becoming a regular on the scoresheet for the Lynx. It will be interesting to see how he will slot into the Lynx defensive core come playoff time. 10. Fat Palloon (YKN) @UnkemptCL4PTP 0.41 Goals per 60 (19th) 1.89 Assists per 60 (11th) -0.86 Plus/Minus per 60 (38th) 7.39 Hits per 60 (5th) 3.34 Shots Blocked per 60 (18th) Kicking off the top 10 is Fat Palloon of the Yukon Rush. Despite Yukon having an abysmal season and dropping his plus/minus rating to 38th in the league, he has had a great season and ranks in the top 20 for goals, assists, hits and shot blocks per 60. His physicality is the most noticeable part of his game this year, different from his more conservative style last year. 9. Zachariah Kisslinger (OTT) @Kisslinger 0.41 Goals per 60 (18th) 0.89 Assists per 60 (32nd) +0.89 Plus/Minus per 60 (21st) 7.00 Hits per 60 (6th) 3.64 Shots Blocked per 60 (18th) Kisslinger is still a young defender with a lot of room to grow, but we saw a lot of growth in both the defensive and physical aspects of his game. He now ranks top 20 in shots blocked and just missed the top 5 for hits, ranking at 6th. He was a pure offensive defender coming into the league and has now transitioned seamlessly into a two-way defender. It will be interesting to see how his growth continues from here as his offensive game hasn’t slowed down. 8. Shawn Glade III (MIN) @ShawnGlade 0.49 Goals per 60 (13th) 1.53 Assists per 60 (18th) +1.14 Plus/Minus per 60 (18th) 5.94 Hits per 60 (13th) 3.11 Shots Blocked per 60 (27th) Glade is a complete defenseman at the VHLM level, ranking 30 in shots blocked and top 20 in goals, assists, plus/minus and hits. He plays that grindy style that Minnesota is known for and it has paid off for him. He still has a lot of room to grow and it will be interesting to see how his coaches will use him at the VHL level when the time comes as he is very versatile. 7. Lucifer Olivier Leveque (SDM) @InstantRockstar 1.00 Goals per 60 (3rd) 2.51 Assists per 60 (4th) +1.71 Plus/Minus per 60 (9th) 1.25 Hits per 60 (46th) 3.11 Shots Blocked per 60 (26th) Leveque has been a complete force offensively and defensively. He ranks in the top 5 among defensemen in both goals and assists per 60. He also ranks top 10 in plus/minus, solidifying his reputation for being a shutdown guy who can also pile points on the board when the offensive opportunity pops up. It will be interesting to see if he can lead San Diego on a long playoff run. 6. Markus Schauer (HOU) @Plate 0.58 Goals per 60 (11th) 2.97 Assists per 60 (2nd) +1.59 Plus/Minus per 60 (13th) 4.82 Hits per 60 (22nd) 2.54 Shots blocked per 60 (39th) Just like Leveque who we just mentioned, Schauer has been all over the ice and is very effective in all 3 zones. He still has his offensive game, ranking 2nd in assists and 11th in goals, but his defensive and physical aspects have seen growth. He has become one of RJ’s staple two-way guys in Houston. It will be fun to see where he goes in the VHL. I’m sure he will be a great player wherever he goes. 5. Gabriel Akerstrom (LVA) @Mason 0.14 Goals per 60 (38th) 2.23 Assists per 60 (7th) +2.09 Plus/Minus per 60 (4th) 4.68 Hits per 60 (24th) 4.24 Shots Blocked per 60 (12th) Akerstrom has been an absolute force for the Aces this season. He isn’t a noted goal scorer, but he frequently chips in production with his excellent playmaking ability. His physical game has seen growth from last year, but where the real growth is shown is by the development of his lockdown coverage. His game from the beginning of the season till now in the defensive zone looks like night and day. If I were a VHL team looking at him, I would be excited to see what he can do at the next level. 4. Bobby Wyman (SSK) @Lefty_S 0.57 Goals per 60 (12th) 1.40 Assists per 60 (20th) +0.39 Plus/Minus per 60 (27th) 11.34 Hits per 60 (3rd) 3.94 Shots Blocked per 60 (15th) Wyman just missed out of the top 3 on our list, finishing in 4th. However, he is still a top defender in the league. His physical game has seen development as he ranks 3rd in hits and 15th in shot blocks per 60. His lockdown coverage has seen noticeable improvement but I think he needs a little bit more growth there to become a two-way defender for a VHL team. His offensive game also made major strides, ranking top 20 in both goals and assists per 60. It will be interesting to see how he is used in a VHL lineup and he has the work ethic to become a complete player. 3. Riley Knight Gee (HOU) @KnightRiley 1.35 Goals per 60 (1st) 3.26 Assists per 60 (1st) +1.91 Plus/Minus per 60 (6th) 4.39 Hits per 60 (28th) 2.57 Shots Blocked per 60 (37th) The current VHLM points leader ranks at 3rd. Gee has been an offensive force this season, becoming the staple back end setup guy that Houston’s power play desperately needed in previous years. He ranks 1st in goals and assists which is impressive and he is also a good shutdown guy too, ranking 6th in plus/minus. The only thing his game really lacks is physicality and you don’t need to be physical to be successful. Gee is one of the top defensemen in the VHLM and I can’t wait to the him in a VHL uniform next season. 2. Wolf Stansson (MIA) @ahockeyguy 0.59 Goals per 60 (10th) 1.88 Assists per 60 (12th) +1.72 Plus/Minus per 60 (8th) 5.97 Hits per 60 (12th) 2.80 Shots Blocked per 60 (30th) Stansson just missed out on the number one spot, but he is still a great defender. The ultimate two-way guy that fit into any lineup. He ranked 10th in goals and 12th in assists and has been a regular on the scoresheet in Miami. He ranks 8th in plus/minus and plays a very grindy shutdown style which proves effective against the small and elusive forwards in today’s game. He is physical at the line and ranks 12th in hits. He ranks 30th in shots blocked but just like Socks, his form is there. He only ranks low because Miami is good at keeping the number of shots opposing teams take extremely low. Stansson will grow into a staple defender for a VHL club and I can’t wait to see what he turns into once he makes the jump. 1. Bo Burrow (MIN) @Walter Fizz 0.77 Goals per 60 (4th) 1.37 Assists per 60 (21st) +2.46 Plus/Minus per 60 (2nd) 5.03 Hits per 60 (20th) 3.45 Shots Blocked per 60 (22nd) Bo Burrow of the Minnesota Storm is the number one defender in the VHLM based on the rankings! He sits around the middle of the pack in terms of his physical play, but the skills portion is where he really stands out. He has become a regular on the scoresheet for the Storm, chipping in with assists and goals all the time. Defensively, his lockdown game continues to frustrate opposing forwards and usually he prevents a clean entry, leading to his shots blocked falling. I can’t wait to see Burrow make the jump to the VHL and I think he will be a great addition to any VHL roster. (6295 words, 32044 characters)

I thought for this week's VHL.com task, I would do a graphic instead of an article. I decided I would attempt to make a VHL styled hockey card.

That is genius ?

Patrik Laine will now be answering questions: 1) I think it was the trade to get rid of Eoin Byrne, but not for the reason you think. We already have almost 5 capped defensemen so sending Byrne to Yukon would give him more ice time in a bigger role. I think that was the best for him and I do miss him being around the locker room. 2) I think the lineup is good as is. We got a solid top 6 in Laine, Lamb, LeBastard, King, Thornton and Sens. We also have a pair of solid wingers outside of the top 6 in Willis and Rocket. Defensively, we have the best top 4 in the league with Socks, Grachev, Rust and Stansson. Along with Wakaro who slots in there. Bacon has been great in net this year. I don't feel we need to make any moves but if management feels differently, then we should. 3) I don't see a huge need, we just need to play our best hockey down the stretch into the playoffs. 4) VHLM TRADE RUMOURS: Laine heading back to Houston: Patrik Laine may be heading back to Houston as there is word going around the league that Miami and Houston have been talking. The supposed deal is Laine to Houston for HOU's 1st and Leo Strauss. It will be interesting to see if the teams confirm the deal before the deadline. 5) Probably Houston but not for the reason you expect. Sure, you can easily pin it on the fact that they are one of the best teams in the league, but I have a few friends in the locker room there and I've played there before. 6) I would love to see us make a cup run.

I didn't really know you, but it is always sad to see someone leave the site. As another young kid about to go through school soon, I wish you nothing but the best. Good luck out there ?

Fair point, I should probably re-think the title

I stated in the disclaimer that if the list seems a bit off, it is because I used stats in reference to ice time. This is a list of the forwards who are making the most of their ice time, not necessarily raw statistics because if you measure it that way, players who get more ice time have an instant advantage.

Working on it ?

VHLM TOP 50 FORWARDS (S73) Before I jump into this article, I would like to give a few disclaimers 1. The data I used for this article were from Games 1-174 of the S73 VHLM Regular Season, so the data may be a bit out of date now, but is accurate for how the player is performing this year. 2. The data is calculated averages, so if some people look like they are on the wrong spots on the list, that is why. 3. The formula I used was the rankings of the players in categories So if one player is ranked 1st in goals and 10th in assists, they get 11 (1 + 10). The player with the lowest number is the best forward because they are the highest in the all-around rankings. I thought it would be fairer to do it this way than with a flawed formula, that’s why I decided to do it. The 4 categories that I measured for this article: Goals per 60 Assists per 60 Shots per 60 Plus/Minus per 60 These 4 stats help give you a good grasp of how good the player is offensively and whether they are committed in the defensive zone. Now, onto the article --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The VHLM has a lot of forwards, but have you ever wondered which one is the best. Well, with me wasting 3 days of my life making an excel sheet filled with data and another 3 days writing this, you may have a pretty good idea. Here is my list of the top 50 forwards in the VHLM for S73! Shoutout goes out to @JigglyGumballs for helping me surf through all this data. It took us 3 days to organize it. I definitely owe you one bud! 50. Jeff Odinson (YKN) @GoldGear88 0.68 Goals-per 60 (39th) 0.37 Assists-per 60 (48th) 4.66 Shots-per 60 (44th) -1.18 Plus/Minus per 60 (46th) Even though Odinson is at the bottom of our list, he is one of the bright spots on an otherwise dim Yukon Rush team this season. He’ll probably be around next season in the M and he certainly has room to grow as a player. He has been good at chipping in offensively and his +/- doesn’t show the full story defensively as he is usually the first forward back on the backcheck. Time will tell if he pans out, but with the way this year has gone for Yukon, you have to like what you have seen from him. 49. Brian Strong Jr (SSK) @Wheaties 0.46 Goals-per 60 (48th) 0.59 Assists-per 60 (44th) 4.71 Shots-per 60 (43rd) 0 Plus/Minus per 60 (41st) Strong has been a decent forward for Saskatoon, putting up solid numbers and generating a lot of offence for his teammates through putting the puck on net. He isn’t the best play driver but he is good at taking the puck off of his man in the defensive zone. He can use his speed to take the puck directly into the zone with ease. Just like Odinson, time will tell if he pans out but even if he isn’t a superstar, still a solid forward that Saskatoon has up their sleeve. 48. Empty (HFX) @StamkosFan 0.66 Goals-per 60 (40th) 0.36 Assists-per 60 (49th) 6.24 Shots-per 60 (35th) -1.56 Plus/Minus per 60 (49th) The only Halifax player on this list, Empty has been one of the few bright spots on a disaster season for Halifax so far. However, with Empty, Juulita and Mount all being Centres, there is a solid core starting to form. The 3 of them play together and play admirably given the circumstances each and every night. If management can set them up with some wingers, this will be a great team to watch next year. As for Empty, his production has been solid and is good at driving the play by getting pucks on the net. 47. John LeClair II (SDM) @flyersfan1453 0.49 Goals-per 60 (46th) 0.43 Assists-per 60 (47th) 4.26 Shots-per 60 (49th) +0.56 Plus/Minus per 60 (28th) John LeClair is the perfect lockdown forward. He is able to chip pucks on net in decent numbers and contribute to the offence on the regular, but where he really shines is in the defensive zone. He has great back checking and stick checking abilities that help keep the puck of San Diego’s net. He is still very young, but I would love to see him embrace his offensive side. Often, forwards struggle to adapt to being defensive. He already has that down. If he is able to embrace his offensive side, I can see him being one of the best two-way forwards in the game in a few seasons and if he has the right coach, that isn’t too far out of the realm of possibility. 46. Michael Mac (MIS) @LastOneUp 0.72 Goals-per 60 (37th) 0.30 Assists-per 60 (50th) 6.97 Shots-per 60 (33rd) -1.20 Plus/Minus per 60 (47th) Mac has been a bright spot for Mississauga, the only forward from that team to appear on this list. He has a great shot and is great at getting pucks on net. He is great at using his speed to enter the zone and either set up his teammates for a shot or take it towards the net himself. His defence is questionable, but if he has the right coaching and plays in the correct role, this is easily correctable. He certainly has the backchecking ability, shown in numerous games this season. It is more about defensive skills like shot-blocking and stick checking where he has his flaws. Time will tell if he pans out, but I see Michael Mac being a top player not too far from today. 45. Shawn Aalto (MEX) @TheLastOlympian07 0.60 Goals-per 60 (42nd) 1.43 Assists-per 60 (21st) 5.56 Shots-per 60 (40th) -1.95 Plus/Minus per 60 (50th) Acquired in a trade earlier this season from the Miami Marauders, Aalto has been a solid offensive addition for Mexico City. Not a notable goal scorer, but a great setup guy and great and getting the puck on net. Aalto’s biggest weakness is his defensive play. You can excuse his -1.95 rating due to him being on a below-average Mexico City team, but he still needs to improve. He frequently takes penalties trying to take the puck away from opposing superstars. This is an easy fix and could propel Aalto to one of the VHLM’s best two-way players. Either way, Aalto is a force to reckon with in the offensive zone, with or without the puck. 44. Vlad Imir (YKN) @Big Dee 0.79 Goals-per 60 (33rd) 0.67 Assists-per 60 (43rd) 7.51 Shots-per 60 (29th) -1.28 Plus/Minus per 60 (48th) Vlad Imir is the definition of a ground and pound player. His goals may not be on the highlight reel every night and he may not be the greatest defensively, but he puts everything he has out on the ice. He is great at winning puck battles and getting pucks on net. He’s been working on his offensive skill this season and it shows, his numbers increasing as the season goes on. He is also great at using his body to shield the puck from opponents. He has the grit part of hockey down. If he adds the skill portion, he will be a player that opponents will be planning for every night. 43. Theodore James St Louis (OTT) @Nick Kirkpatrick 0.57 Goals-per 60 (44th) 0.75 Assists-per 60 (38th) 5.85 Shots-per 60 (37th) +0.50 Plus/Minus per 60 (30th) St Louis isn’t exactly the superstar of the offence, but he’s still a decent forward you can slot as a support forward into your top 9. He certainly isn’t the best setup man or goal scorer, but he gets the job done. Similar to Vlad Imir, he is great at winning puck battles which is perfect if you can slot him in with 2 great offensive players. He can win the puck and wear down the opponents, opening up the ice for your stars and is great at taking it in by himself during a change by getting the puck on the net using his speed. Not to mention he is a great defensive forward. He is great at using his long reach to take the puck away and isn’t afraid to put his body on the line. He’ll be a force to be reckoned with once he begins his ascent to solid offensive numbers. The future is bright for him and I’m excited to see what St Louis can do next year. 42. Bobbie Cheechoo (YKN) @Sharkie 0.83 Goals-per 60 (31st) 0.71 Goals-per 60 (41st) 7.47 Shots-per 60 (30th) -0.89 Plus/Minus per 60 (45th) Cheechoo has been another solid acquisition for the Rush. He’s one of the team’s best offensive play drivers and is great in his own end. He is great at getting the puck to the net and frequently it pays off. With how young that Yukon team is and with all signs pointing to a majority of the roster staying down, he should be a big part of a possible Yukon push for the Founder’s Cup next year. 41. Lee Xin (OTT) @Blazzer 0.94 Goals-per 60 (27th) 0.74 Assists-per 60 (39th) 4.38 Shots-per 60 (47th) +0.41 Plus/Minus per 60 (33rd) Xin is one of the best shooters on the Lynx roster. As you can tell by the stats, he doesn’t shoot the puck very often but when he does, it more often than not goes in. He also is great at puck battles, being one of Ottawa’s most versatile players. He has also honed his defensive abilities to a tee, usually the first player back defensively and able to strip the puck from the attackers on most occasions. Xin will most likely play in the VHLM next season and I expect his passing ability to be honed to a tee so he will be dangerous even when he doesn’t have the puck. Other than that, Xin is exactly what you want from a young forward, hungry for more ice time and willing to do everything to put his team in a position to win every night. 40. Kevin King (MIA) @IamMOOSE 0.75 Goals-per 60 (36th) 0.50 Assists-per 60 (46th) 5.77 Shots-per 60 (38th) +0.59 Plus/Minus per 60 (26th) King has been a mixed bag this season. He started the season off hot playing on a line with Dakota Lamb and Patrik Laine, but has since cooled down. That is no knock to him as he has a wicked wrist shot and is great at getting the puck on net. Even though King hasn’t been scoring recently, he has been playing great defensively. His ability to take the puck away from opposing players in the defensive zone is great when you are not scoring. If King is able to get his production up, he will be a threat any time he is on the ice. He is one of those players that opposing teams do not like to play against. 39. Tim Waters (LVA) @Siddhus 0.31 Goals-per 60 (50th) 1.38 Assists-per 60 (23rd) 4.34 Shots-per 60 (48th) +0.63 Plus/Minus per 60 (24th) I've watched Waters play a lot this season and I have to say, I think he is beginning to come into his own. He’s been one of the best setup guys on the Aces and there is a good chance he’ll be around next year. He isn’t the best at carrying the puck into the offensive zone at this moment, but being stable both offensively and defensively like he is can help him learn that part of his game much quicker. Even though he is ranked last among the top 50 in terms of scoring, I have seen improvement in his shooting. Time will tell if he can turn into a two-way threat offensively but the future looks bright for Waters. 38. Luke Thornton (MIA) @Jtv123 0.48 Goals-per 60 (47th) 1.28 Assists-per 60 (27th) 4.96 Shots-per 60 (42nd) +0.56 Plus/Minus per 60 (27th) Thornton has had a heck of a year in Miami. His most notable improvement in his game has been defensively. A lot of times last year, we saw him come down the ice with a late back check and seemed hesitant to step into the shooting lanes. Not this year. He’s consistently one of the first players back on defense and isn’t afraid to get into those shooting lanes, but his stick checking has seen the most improvement. His ability to take the puck away from the other team’s best players is great when you add it to him coming into his own as a playmaker. If any team in the upcoming draft needs a setup man for their shooters, Thornton is one of the best options in the class. 37. Jack John (MIN) @GoadenGoalie35 0.42 Goals-per 60 (49th) 0.77 Assists-per 60 (36th) 2.39 Shots-per 60 (50th) +1.93 Plus/Minus per 60 (3rd) John is one of the best defensive forwards in the game. He’s not one of the best forwards in terms of scoring ability, but he does have a nice touch and is good at setting up his teammates for shots. His defensive ability is second to none on the Minnesota roster this season. His ability to steal the puck, kill penalties and get into the shooting lanes are amazing. If he can get his offensive side going, I see him being a good two-way forward sometime in the future. 36. Rhynex Entertainment (LVA) @Rhynex Entertainment 0.54 Goals-per 60 (45th) 1.43 Assists-per 60 (20th) 4.60 Shots-per 60 (46th) +0.60 Plus/Minus per 60 (25th) Rhynex has been a solid performer for the Aces this year. He isn’t exactly the greatest at getting the puck on net or finding the corner, but he is excellent in other areas. His passing ability is a big reason why he is one of the league’s top setup guys. He is also great in the defensive zone with his shot blocking and stick checking. Time will tell if he can get his shooting game going, but if his shooting begins to pick up, he will be a fun player to watch. 35. Alek Andreshnikov (YKN) @PuckPushers 0.80 Goals-per 60 (32nd) 1.13 Assists-per 60 (30th) 7.70 Shots-per 60 (28th) -0.46 Plus/Minus per 60 (44th) Andreshinkov has been the most consistent forward on the Rush roster. He has a solid wrist shot and can give the top shooters a one timer on a tee. He is not afraid to grind for the puck and usually dumps it on the net and chases it. Despite what that plus minus rating says, he is very responsible in his own zone. Not outstanding, but he does what he is told to do by the coaches. His next steps to become a borderline elite player would be to improve his defensive ability and practice his offensive skills 5 on 5. 34. Ryan Schwarz (SDM) @Enorama 0.96 Goals-per 60 (25th) 0.72 Assists-per 60 (40th) 4.64 Shots-per 60 (45th) +0.88 Plus/Minus per 60 (20th) Schwarz has had a good season with the Marlins so far. He has been great in the defensive zone, frequently taking the puck away from opponents. His shot has also seen improvement. The only things I see Schwarz having to improve on is his passing. He is good at getting pucks to the net, but sometimes he shoots when another move is the best option. This would just come down to the situation and I think as his hockey IQ improves, he’ll know exactly what to do. The future is very bright for Schwarz. 33. Chris Reynolds (LVA) @Crstats23 0.76 Goals-per 60 (35th) 0.68 Assists-per 60 (42nd) 6.68 Shots-per 60 (34th) +1.10 Plus/Minus per 60 (16th) Reynolds has been a great piece for the Aces this season. He’s a versatile forward who can play almost anywhere up and down the lineup and be productive. He has been a solid point producer, but where he really shines is in the defensive zone. He’s consistently the first forward back when the opposing team has the back and doesn’t give the opposition an easy zone entry, standing them up at the blue line. He also isn’t afraid to drop down into the shooting lanes. 32. Andre LeBastard (MIA) @Andre LeBastard 0.71 Goals-per 60 (38th) 1.10 Assists-per 60 (31st) 5.86 Shots-per 60 (36th) +0.77 Plus/Minus per 60 (21st) LeBastard has been a very dynamic player for the Marauders this year. He has mostly played in that first line center spot and has been consistently putting points up all year. His defensive play has improved tremendously from last year, shown by his willingness to block shots and his improved stick checking abilities. As the captain of the Marauders, he hopes to lead them deep into the playoffs. 31. Alec Volchenkov (OTT) @SirRupertBarnes 0.60 Goals-per 60 (43rd) 1.69 Assists-per 60 (11th) 7.13 Shots-per 60 (32nd) +0.24 Plus/Minus per 60 (35th) Starting off a stretch of 3 straight Ottawa players on this list, Volchenkov is one of the best playmaking forwards on a surging Lynx squad searching for a Founder’s Cup title. Volchenkov’s play 5 on 5 has been tremendous. His shot is there secretly and he has a knack for getting pucks on net, but he needs to work on his defensive play. He’s a pretty good defender don’t get me wrong, but he could be a lot better given his ceiling. If he is able to learn more about defense and implement that into his play, he will be even more dangerous next year. I see a bright future for him. 30. Lexi Glass (OTT) @AW13 1.15 Goals-per 60 (16th) 0.57 Assists-per 60 (45th) 5.57 Shots-per 60 (39th) +1.07 Plus/Minus per 60 (18th) Glass has become a very big piece of this Lynx team. His shooting ability is already there, not shooting the puck very often, but making it count. His shooting percentage this season has been extremely impressive, sitting at 19.39% through 45 games. When other teams hone in on his shot, he is also very efficient at passing. He can put a one timer on a tee. He is no defensive slouch either, being one of the best defensive forwards in the league. I do not see a weak spot in his game and it will be interesting to see how far he has come in a few years time, especially if he puts in the work like he has been doing up to this point. 29. S Kuchar (OTT) @S. Kuchar 0.76 Goals-per 60 (34th) 0.76 Assists-per 60 (37th) 7.81 Shots-per 60 (27th) +1.29 Plus/Minus per 60 (15th) Kuchar has been a great two way addition for the Lynx. Despite being a smaller player with a 5’10 frame, he is one of the fiercest players out there. He is great at forechecking and always makes sure to send a message by finishing his checks. He has been a consistent point producer all season long to boot, not to mention he plays great in the defensive zone. He will be a fun player to watch after he makes the jump to the VHL. 28. Gary Rush (LVA) @G_Rush 1.19 Goals-per 60 (14th) 0.79 Assists-per 60 (35th) 8.06 Shots-per 60 (26th) +0.20 Plus/Minus per 60 (37th) Rush has been a player to watch for the Aces this season, moving into his own as a top shooter for them. He still chips in with his already slick passing game and is great at putting pucks on net. The only place I think Rush needs work is on the defensive side of the ice. He has been a plus player, but I think if he had just a bit more defensive knowledge, he would become a force in the defensive zone. Time will tell, but even if he needs the defensive growth or not, Rush is still a great offensive compliment to any lineup. 27. Darius Marimoto (PHI) @dariusmarimotoman 1.05 Goals-per 60 (22nd) 1.31 Assists-per 60 (25th) 8.44 Shots-per 60 (24th) +0.07 Plus/Minus per 60 (39th) The first of two Reapers players inside the top 30, Marimoto has been playing great during an abysmal season for the Reapers. He can consistently set up his teammates for scoring chances or shooting the puck himself. He is a great fighter in the zone, not afraid to fight for the puck and knows how to get the puck on net. Despite what his Plus/Minus rating may say, he’s been a great defensive forward, managing to still be a plus player with the insane amount of goals that opponents have scored against the Reapers. It will be fun to watch him grow with the Reapers next year with the help he hopefully receives around him. 26. Onde Sandstrom (LVA) @fonziGG 0.92 Goals-per 60 (28th) 0.99 Assists-per 60 (34th) 10.49 Shots-per 60 (9th) +0.33 Plus/Minus per 60 (34th) Sandstrom has been a force with the Aces this season. His ability to get pucks on net and stop oncoming opponents in the neutral zone have been noticeable. He is one of the most consistent offensive producers in the league, going on massive point-streaks throughout the season. His defensive play has also been noticeable. It could use a bit of work but he’s been playing solid in his own end, never giving up a soft goal while he is on the ice. 25. Tomothe Dylansen (PHI) @Boomcheck 1.35 Goals-per 60 (10th) 1.28 Assists-per 60 (26th) 7.44 Shots-per 60 (31st) +0.21 Plus/Minus per 60 (36th) Dylansen has been another member of the Reapers who has been playing out of his mind this season. He is a pure two-way forward with a great shot and great puck handling skills. Just like Marimoto, he has been great in the defensive zone especially considering Philadelphia’s roster this season. It will be interesting to see him and Marimoto when they have some more forward help and stability in net and defensively. 24. Isabella Campbell (HOU) @Banackock 0.87 Goals-per 60 (29th) 1.48 Assists-per 60 (18th) 5.03 Shots-per 60 (41st) +1.41 Plus/Minus per 60 (12th) The first of six Houston Bulls players to appear in the top 25, Campbell has had a solid year with the Bulls, coming into her own as a playmaker in the offensive zone. Campbell is also great at taking the puck into the offensive zone. Defensively, she is no slouch either, being a plus player in Houston’s heavy offence system. It will be interesting to see her develop and I think she will be a top player in either the VHLM or VHL someday. 23. O Sens (MIA) @osens 0.95 Goals-per 60 (26th) 1.03 Assists-per 60 (32nd) 8.45 Shots-per 60 (23rd) +1.10 Plus/Minus per 60 (17th) Sens is a great forward for Miami. He has been a steady point producer on a competing Miami squad that was on fire to start the season. Sens is known for his shooting ability. More specifically, his ability to put the puck on net from anywhere on the ice and his ability to pick the corners when he shoots. He is no defensive slouch either, playing great in the defensive zone and being a force in the neutral zone, denying several zone entries while he is on the ice. When you consider that both him and fellow Marauder Patrik Laine will be heading off to Helsinki next season, it will be interesting to see the chemistry that has developed between the two and how they will fit in that Helsinki lineup. 22. Dan Baillie Jr (SSK) @wcats 0.86 Goals-per 60 (30th) 1.80 Assists-per 60 (5th) 8.12 Shots-per 60 (25th) +0.16 Plus/Minus per 60 (38th) Baillie has been one of the best passers in the league this season with Saskatoon. His ability to thread the needle whether he’s at the point or below the goal line is impressive. He has a good shot as well and is good at grinding for pucks in the corners and throwing them to the net. His defensive ability could use a little bit of work, but he still plays great in the defensive zone night in and night out. It will be interesting to see how he develops over the next few seasons. 21. Wolf Weiss (MEX) @Matmenzinger 1.41 Goals-per 60 (8th) 1.41 Assists-per 60 (22nd) 9.58 Shots-per 60 (16th) -0.32 Plus/Minus per 60 (43rd) Weiss has been a bright spot on a Mexico City roster this year. Weiss has come into his own with one of the best wrist shots in the league. Combine this with his playmaking ability and defensive play without much help around him other than another Mexico City forward coming up on our list and it is easy to see why Mexico City fans can be excited by what they see in Weiss. 20. Roadkill Steve (SDM) @stevo 1.06 Goals-per 60 (20th) 1.24 Assists-per 60 (28th) 10.65 Shots-per 60 (8th) +0.47 Plus/Minus per 60 (31st) Steve has been a solid supporting forward for the Marlins this season. His ability to fight for pucks and get pucks on net have led to a rise in his minutes. He also has a fine touch, recording a lot of goals and assists with his great playmaking and shooting abilities. He is no defensive slouch either, constantly taking the puck from opposing players in his own zone. I think Steve will develop into a solid player you can fit pretty much anywhere in your roster, but time will tell. 19. Keith Krestanovich (SSK) @Boragina 1.36 Goals-per 60 (9th) 1.36 Assists-per 60 (24th) 9.18 Shots-per 60 (19th) +0.45 Plus/Minus per 60 (32nd) Krestanovich has blossomed into a great player with Saskatoon. Him and Dan Baillie Jr are a great duo as Baillie can set him up for his signature wrist shots. Krestanovich can also ground and pound in the corner with a loose puck. His ability to use his body to shield the puck and take control helps him win those battles more often than not. He also plays great in his own zone, not hesitating to step into a shooting lane. 18. Christian Mingle (HOU) @Quik 1.14 Goals-per 60 (18th) 1.02 Assists-per 60 (33rd) 10.45 Shots-per 60 (10th) +0.72 Plus/Minus per 60 (23rd) Mingle has developed into an excellent scorer for Houston. He is great at scoring goals and getting pucks on net. His playmaking ability is also great, often making no look passes to open teammates. His defensive game has grown throughout the season, becoming one of the best two-way forwards in this Houston lineup. I can’t wait to see where Mingle is at in a few years as he continues to get better. 17. Julian Nousiainen (HOU) @okochastar 1.14 Goals-per 60 (17th) 1.74 Assists-per 60 (7th) 9.67 Shots-per 60 (15th) +0.06 Plus/Minus per 60 (40th) Nousiainen has become an offensive machine. Nousiainen has seen a lot of growth offensively due to Houston’s heavy offense system. Nousiainen can easily make highlight reel passes and score goals, becoming very dynamic with a surging Houston lineup. Nousiainen would be a great fit in any lineup whether it is as a depth forward or as a superstar. Nousiainen isn’t afraid to fight for the puck either, often going into the corner and taking big hits to retrieve the puck. 16. Jeremy Lin (MEX) @jman9theman9 1.45 Goals-per 60 (6th) 1.68 Assists-per 60 (12th) 9.99 Shots-per 60 (13th) -0.17 Plus/Minus per 60 (42nd) Lin has been a great performer in Mexico City this year. His ability to score goals and create offense with very little help around him aside for Weiss is amazing. Mexico does have some decent prospects coming up the pipe and it will be interesting to see how they fit in the lineup with Lin. Despite what the plus/minus rating says, Lin has been great in his own zone, doing every he can to keep pucks out of Mexico City’s net. It will be interesting to see where his game will be at once he enters the VHL. 15. Cole Newhook (MIN) @GrittyIsKing09 0.64 Goals-per 60 (41st) 2.04 Assists-per 60 (3rd) 8.75 Shots-per 60 (21st) +1.81 Plus/Minus per 60 (6th) Newhook is one of the best playmakers on this year’s Minnesota Storm roster. His ability to pass from below the net or from the blue line is very impressive. Also, the accuracy of his passes that are long passes, like from his own zone to the opposing blue line are also extremely impressive. He plays great in his own zone too, using his skill set to steal the puck, protect the puck and then pass it out to a teammate. Newhook is a fun player to watch and will be for years to come. 14. John Brewitt (MIN) @JBrew42 1.26 Goals-per 60 (12th) 1.21 Assists-per 60 (29th) 8.90 Shots-per 60 (20th) +1.61 Plus/Minus per 60 (8th) Just ahead of Newhook is one of the best shooters in the Minnesota lineup. Brewitt has a great wrist shot and can throw the puck on the opposing net from anywhere on the ice. His defensive abilities are impressive too. He can use his body to shield the puck and keep attacking players away and while protecting it can knock it to a teammate to rush the other way. Brewitt is a complete 200-foot player and it will be interesting to see how good he will end up by the time his career is over. 13. Patrik Laine (MIA) @PatrikLaine 1.03 Goals-per 60 (23nd) 1.67 Assists-per 60 (13th) 9.46 Shots-per 60 (18th) +1.93 Plus/Minus per 60 (2nd) Laine has been an interesting case to watch all season. He was originally looking to play in the VHL but ended up staying down with the Marauders. Laine has an excellent wrist shot and an equally deadly one timer. He is also one of the best defensive forwards in the league, consistently back first on the back check and able to steal the puck more often than not. The problem for Laine this year has been consistency. He started the season off scoring pretty much at will, but has cooled off since, having many game sheets filled with zeros. If Laine can be consistent down the stretch and into the playoffs, he will be a fun player to watch. 12. Dakota Lamb (MIA) @dlamb 1.05 Goals-per 60 (21st) 1.77 Assists-per 60 (6th) 8.59 Shots-per 60 (22nd) 1.84 Plus/Minus per 60 (4th) Lamb was a force to be reckoned with last year when he played with Miami during their inaugural season in the VHLM. After his play so far this year, his growth as a player is extremely noticeable. He still has that great shot, but has turned into more of a playmaker with a better supporting cast around him. He has also improved his defensive play, honing his stick checking and shot blocking abilities during the offseason. It will be interesting to see how he will be used in the VHL. 11. Jeffrenomitsu The 3rd (HOU) @Jeffie43 1.03 Goals-per 60 (24th) 1.69 Assists-per 60 (10th) 9.50 Shots-per 60 (17th) +1.60 Plus/Minus per 60 (9th) Jeff has been a great forward on both ends of the ice. His playmaking ability is one of the reasons for Houston’s power play operating at 35% and their high flying style being so successful. He knows how to properly fight for the puck in the corner and knows when to carry pucks in or throw them on net. He also has a great wrist shot. It will be interesting to see where he goes in the VHL, but I sure as hell will be watching him no matter what team he goes to. 10. Jer Lefebvre (MIN) @Jer_Lefebvre 1.25 Goals-per 60 (13th) 1.64 Assists-per 60 (14th) 9.78 Shots-per 60 (14th) +1.47 Plus/Minus per 60 (11th) Kicking off the top 10 is Jer Lefebvre of the Minnesota Storm. He has been the best balanced forward on the Storm roster. He has a great wrist shot and excellent passing ability in the offensive zone and great stick checking and shot blocking skills in the defensive zone. He has been a fun player to watch so far this year and he’s only going to get better. 9. Aloe Dear (HOU) @Renomitsu 1.18 Goals-per 60 (15th) 1.61 Assists-per 60 (16th) 10.23 Shots-per 60 (12th) +1.80 Plus/Minus per 60 (7th) Dear has been a big part of Houston’s success this season. Dear has the ability to pick the perfect shot and make the perfect pass. She is also good defensively in her own zone. However, she has to be one of the smartest players on the ice. Just looking at small clips in all 3 phases of the game, you can tell she knows where everyone is on the ice. I can’t wait to see how good she will get in the coming years. 8. Pietro Angellini (SDM) @okifenoki 1.13 Goals-per 60 (19th) 1.85 Assists-per 60 (4th) 12.76 Shots-per 60 (4th) +0.72 Plus/Minus per 60 (22nd) Angellini has been one of the best passers in the league on a seemingly playoff-bound Marlins squad. His ability to make passes to teammates, even when he can’t see them is impressive. Angellini also has a booming slapshot, frequently shooting one timers using his ability. He is also no slouch into the defensive zone as he is one of the best stick checkers in the league. It will be interesting to see how good Angellini will get before he embarks on his journey to the VHL. 7. John Merrick (SDM) @Steve 1.44 Goals-per 60 (7th) 1.50 Assists-per 60 (17th) 10.31 Shots-per 60 (11th) +1.33 Plus/Minus per 60 (13th) After being picked 1st overall in the S73 VHLM Dispersal Draft, you would expect the stakes to be high for John Merrick. Well, he has lived up to hype. He has one of the best wrist shots in the league and can score from pretty much anywhere in the offensive zone. He is also a great passer who knows exactly where his teammates will be. He is also great in the defensive zone with his ability to block shots and steal the puck. 6. Venus Thightrap (HOU) @BladeMaiden 1.32 Goals-per 60 (11th) 2.15 Assists-per 60 (2nd) 11.75 Shots-per 60 (6th) +0.52 Plus/Minus per 60 (29th) The highest ranking lady on our list is Venus Thightrap. Venus has an incredible shot. Her wrist shot and one timer are like bullets. She is an excellent playmaker as well, not afraid to use her body to separate her opponents from the puck and her ability to make no looks passes has surprised me time and again this season. She loves to get the puck on net when she enters the offensive zone and it has paid off throughout the season. She has excellent defensive abilities too, not afraid of dropping down to block and shot and able to steal the puck with ease using her stick checking abilities. The only weakness I see in her game at the moment is the faceoff dot. She already has all of the other important aspects of her style to a tee and if she is able to become a threat in the faceoff dot, I see her making a big splash in the VHL next season. 5. Kasey Tamm (LVA) @kesytamm 1.72 Goals-per 60 (2nd) 1.64 Assists-per 60 (15th) 14.61 Shots-per 60 (1st) +0.90 Plus/Minus per 60 (18th) Kicking off our top 5 is Kasey Tamm of the Las Vegas Aces. Tamm is great at putting pucks on net and battling for pucks, ranking first in shots per 60. Tamm also has an excellent wrist shot. Tamm has been working on evident weaknesses in the defensive zone and comparing film from the first game of the season versus now is like night and day. I am excited to see how good Tamm will get before making the jump to the VHL. 4. Arthur Dayne (OTT) @Infernal 1.48 Goals-per 60 (5th) 1.72 Assists-per 60 (9th) 11.05 Shots-per 60 (7th) +1.31 Plus/Minus per 60 (14th) In an interesting trade earlier this season, Arthur Dayne was sent to the Ottawa Lynx. The trade so far has paid off for both Dayne and the Lynx in spades as Dayne has been having a great season with Ottawa. He has a great shot and playmaking ability. He gets pucks to the net consistently and can often surprise opposing goalies by faking a dump in and throwing it on the net. Dayne has also come into his own as a great defensive forward, often helping Ottawa barricade their blue lines and letting no one get past him easily. 3. Michael Hall (MIN) @Hops 1.58 Goals-per 60 (4th) 1.47 Assists-per 60 (19th) 12.56 Shots-per 60 (5th) +1.82 Plus/Minus per 60 (5th) Hall has been an absolute force up and down the ice in Minnesota, good enough to rank 3rd on my list. He has a wicked wrist shot and loves to throw the puck on net. He has playmaking ability as well, adding to an already threatening arsenal of skills. He is good defensively too, but perhaps his biggest strength is his puck handling. He dangles the puck like it is on a string. I can’t wait to see his play go to the next level later this season. 2. Jesper Norberg (SSK) @jpsd 1.73 Goals-per 60 (1st) 1.73 Assists-per 60 (8th) 13.26 Shots-per 60 (3rd) +1.53 Plus/Minus per 60 (10th) Coming in at 2nd on our list is Jesper Norberg of the Saskatoon Wild. Norberg is a natural goal scorer, shown by him ranking first in goals per 60. He also loves to shoot the puck and surprise the goaltenders. He can make excellent passes with his great vision of the ice and is no slouch in the defensive zone either, often taking the puck back before a dangerous chance is given up. Norberg and our number 1 ranked forward make a great duo. 1. Florent Vericel (SSK) @dart 1.58 Goals-per 60 (3rd) 2.27 Assists-per 60 (1st) 13.69 Shots-per 60 (2nd) +1.97 Plus/Minus per 60 (1st) Ranking at number one on our list of forwards is Florent Vericel of the Saskatoon Wild! Florent has a great wrist shot, but his passing ability is one of a kind. He can make passes without even looking where his teammates are. He also loves to get pucks on net, ranking 2nd in shots per 60. However, his defensive ability is amazing. He rarely takes penalties while defending and can use stick checking and body checking to get the puck. He also isn’t afraid to jump into the shooting lanes. It will be really fun to see how much better Vericel can get and how he will perform at the VHL level. (6,418 words, 34,630 characters) Excel Sheet will be linked here