twillcox94

Finished school yesterday, got a car today. Will have a point task done Sunday.

Willcox and AIM-11 to Lead the Blades

 
 
BRAMPTON - With the beginning of season forty-one rapidly approaching, the Brampton Blades will once again look to make their way into a playoff spot to compete for the Founder's Cup. Last season ended in disappointment for the Blades, as they were taken out in five games by the Minot Gladiators in the opening round of the VHLM playoffs. After a rough start to the season for the Blades, young guns A.C. Savage, Travis Willcox, and AIM-11 were able to end the season hot and push the Blades into a playoff spot. After losing A.C. Savage to the Turku Outlaws, the Blades will rely heavily on Travis Willcox and AIM-11 to make a repeat appearance in the VHLM playoffs. 
 

Forwards Travis Willcox and AIM-11 will be leaders for the Blades
 
AIM-11 will be extra motivated to have a good season for the Blades, as he was selected by HC Davos with the thirteenth pick in the season forty-one VHL draft. A good performance will secure him a spot with the big club next season. In seventy-two games with the Blades last season, AIM-11 finished with 110 points, ranking him amongst the top of the club lead. This off-season he has also developed a defensive game to go hand in hand with his dynamic offence. He can now be relied on to be a factor on the penalty kill, making him a candidate for the top two-way forward in the league. With another full season under his belt and a plenty of practice hours accumulated in the off-season, AIM-11 will be the heart of the Blades' offence.
 
Travis Willcox, who is is eligible for the season forty-two VHL draft, will be looking to rise in the draft rankings with a strong season with the Blades. The eighteen year old started strong with the Blades last season, but tapered off at the end of the season, where he saw his ice time fall to the lowest on the team. He finished with fifteen points in twenty-two games, but showed a more defensive style of game as he adjusted to the VHLM. Willcox has trained his offensive game heavily in the off-season, and with the play-making ability of AIM-11, Willcox will be sure to add more to the Blades' offense. Still, Willcox will be relied on to play a physical style of play and wear down the opposing team's forwards.
 
" AIM-11 and Travis Willcox will be crucial to our success this upcoming season. AIM-11 will anchor our top line and provide the bulk of our offense. He is a dynamic puck handler who has his home behind the net where he has one of the best passes in the league. Willcox is a player who is a great net front presence, so with AIM-11's passing ability and Willcox's strong net front play, we will look for plenty of goals within four feet of the net. Both players are also very responsible defensively, so both will be expected to also go head to head against other team's top lines and keep their chances to a minimum. " - General Manager Terrence Fong
 

AIM-11 will be the key to the Blades' offense
 
Brampton will be fighting for a playoff spot from from the get go, having to compete against Minot and Saskatoon for the final two playoff spots behind Yukon. The loss of A.C. Savage will be a hard bullet to take, but Travis Willcox and AIM-11 are two players that will be capable of carrying the team into the promise land.

Content: 2.75/3
It was good a good overview of Nemecek's game, but I felt it could of gone more in depth. It is exactly 450 words, and I think you could of given more to some questions, especially the one on what part of your game you could work on. Still pretty good and with a little bit more it could be a 3/3.
 
Grammar: 1.5/2
Matej Nemecek a product of Bratislava, Slovakia. --> Matej Nemecek is a product of Braitslava, Slovakia. Still kind of doesn't make make sense as a stand alone sentence. I would of went Matej Nemecek, who is a product of Bratislava, Slovakia, had a great start to the year in Yukon. Big, rangy and a playmaker, while has improved, it can What do you think, what part of your game you think you should work on? --> In your opinion, what part of your game do you think you should work on? other team's top lines in the own zone --> in my own zone Appearance: .75/1
Had a picture and it was easy to read. Could of added a title or another picture. Kind of plain. Easy to fix up for next time.
 
Total: 5/6

Content: 3/3
Good overview of Boychuck's and the Wranglers' season.
 
Grammar: 2/2 Nothing to bad at all.
 
Godavari Yumalatopinto returned to Calgary and scored 61 points being the best offensive output as a defenseman on the club
 
Should have a comma after 61points, but the wording still sounds off. I would of went
 
Godavari Yumalatopinto returned to Calgary and scored 61 points, which was the best offensive output from a defenceman on the club.
 
staying at 66 points, which is not bad by any means
 
Appearance: 1/1
Nice placement and pictures. I also like the fact you bold/color names, numbers, scores, etc.
 
Overall: 6/6
 
FINAL: 6/6

Content: 3/3
Good overview of Boychuck's and the Wranglers' season.
 
Grammar: 2/2 Nothing to bad at all.
 
Godavari Yumalatopinto returned to Calgary and scored 61 points being the best offensive output as a defenseman on the club
 
Should have a comma after 61points, but the wording still sounds off. I would of went
 
Godavari Yumalatopinto returned to Calgary and scored 61 points, which was the best offensive output from a defenceman on the club.
 
staying at 66 points, which is not bad by any means
 
Appearance: 1/1
Nice placement and pictures. I also like the fact you bold/color names, numbers, scores, etc.
 
Overall: 6/6
 
FINAL: 6/6

We are just days away from the season forty-one VHLM dispersal draft. This core group of youngsters make up one of the strongest draft classes in years. Today I will give my mock draft for the first round of the VHLM draft.
 
Round 1:
 
1.         BRATISLAVA WATCHMEN : Jakub Rhinehart / Defence / 165 TPE
The smooth skating German defenceman is the clear number one pick for the draft. He is truly a once in a lifetime type player. Rhinehart would anchor the Watchmen's defence while also being a heavy contributor to their offence.
2.         YUKON RUSH: Bismarck Köenig / Centre / 140 TPE
The South African centre is the best skater to enter the draft.  The speedster has game breaking speed and a great one time shot.
3.         BRATISLAVA WATCHMEN : Freedom McJustice / Centre / 133 TPE
The American born centre posses a solid all around game. He is a natural playmaker who will use his size down low to to create chances.
4.         YUKON RUSH : Kyle Kingma / Right Wing / 129 TPE
Kingma is hands down the best pure offensive forward in the draft. He posses one of the best wrist shots in the league.
5.         TURKU OUTLAWS : Lord Karnage / Defence / 131 TPE
The Somolian defenceman is a great defensive defenceman. He plays a hard nose style and has a great first pass to start the rush.
6.        BRATISLAVA WATCHMEN : Jax Barnstormer / Goalie / 108 TPE
The Canadian born goaltender will complete Bratislava's first round and provide a steady presence in net. He has great rebound control, rarely giving away juicy rebounds.
7.         MINOT GLADIATORS: A.C. Savage / Centre / 115 TPE
The young centre from Brooklyn, New York is a great playmaking centre who has highlight reels all over youtube of his dirty dangles around hopeless defenceman.
8.          BERN ROYALS :  Joseph Roy III / Centre / 97 TPE
The third generation VHL centre posses a very accurate pass and has a nose for the back of the net.
9.          YUKON RUSH : Sam Teibert / Centre / 96 TPE
Tiebert will be sure to rack up the points this season. He has a great pass, and with Kingma on his wing, they will be a deadly one-two punch.
10.       BERN ROYALS : Travis Willcox / Right Wing / 91 TPE
The Welsh winger is the top defensive forward in the draft. He uses his big frame to punish the opposition. He will be sure to chip in more offensively with Roy III as his  centre.

We are just days away from the season forty-one VHLM dispersal draft. This core group of youngsters make up one of the strongest draft classes in years. Today I will give my mock draft for the first round of the VHLM draft.
 
Round 1:
 
1.         BRATISLAVA WATCHMEN : Jakub Rhinehart / Defence / 165 TPE
The smooth skating German defenceman is the clear number one pick for the draft. He is truly a once in a lifetime type player. Rhinehart would anchor the Watchmen's defence while also being a heavy contributor to their offence.
2.         YUKON RUSH: Bismarck Köenig / Centre / 140 TPE
The South African centre is the best skater to enter the draft.  The speedster has game breaking speed and a great one time shot.
3.         BRATISLAVA WATCHMEN : Freedom McJustice / Centre / 133 TPE
The American born centre posses a solid all around game. He is a natural playmaker who will use his size down low to to create chances.
4.         YUKON RUSH : Kyle Kingma / Right Wing / 129 TPE
Kingma is hands down the best pure offensive forward in the draft. He posses one of the best wrist shots in the league.
5.         TURKU OUTLAWS : Lord Karnage / Defence / 131 TPE
The Somolian defenceman is a great defensive defenceman. He plays a hard nose style and has a great first pass to start the rush.
6.        BRATISLAVA WATCHMEN : Jax Barnstormer / Goalie / 108 TPE
The Canadian born goaltender will complete Bratislava's first round and provide a steady presence in net. He has great rebound control, rarely giving away juicy rebounds.
7.         MINOT GLADIATORS: A.C. Savage / Centre / 115 TPE
The young centre from Brooklyn, New York is a great playmaking centre who has highlight reels all over youtube of his dirty dangles around hopeless defenceman.
8.          BERN ROYALS :  Joseph Roy III / Centre / 97 TPE
The third generation VHL centre posses a very accurate pass and has a nose for the back of the net.
9.          YUKON RUSH : Sam Teibert / Centre / 96 TPE
Tiebert will be sure to rack up the points this season. He has a great pass, and with Kingma on his wing, they will be a deadly one-two punch.
10.       BERN ROYALS : Travis Willcox / Right Wing / 91 TPE
The Welsh winger is the top defensive forward in the draft. He uses his big frame to punish the opposition. He will be sure to chip in more offensively with Roy III as his  centre.

Top 5 Season 41 VHL Draft Sleepers

Who will have their named called out first at the Season 41 VHL Entry Draft?
 
 
With today marking the opening day of the season fourty VHL and VHLM playoffs, the top prospects of the VHLM are inching closer to realizing their dreams of becoming a VHL player. The VHLM playoffs will give these youngster a grand stage to assert themselves amongst the top of their draft class. For the likes of Niklaus Mikaelson, Jack Kowalski, and Rift Pajodcast, their stock in the draft is set as the head of the group. For many other prospects, these playoffs will go a long way in determining their draft position. Today we will countdown the top five sleeper picks for the upcoming draft. These prospects, while not ranked amongst the top of the class, have the potential to become the next draft day steals for their future VHL teams.
 
 

5. Dirk Firkley (Ottawa Lynx)
Currently ranked seventeenth in the latest prospect rankings, German right winger Dirk Firkley enjoyed a successful rookie season statistic wise for the struggling Ottawa Lynx. In fifty-nine games for Ottawa, Firkley registered twenty-two goals and twenty-seven assists. The nineteen year old power forward was able to implement a physical style of play for Ottawa, registering one-hundred and twenty-three hits for the club. Standing six-feet three inches and weighing in at two-hundred and twenty pounds, Firkley will bring size and scoring ability to the club that selects him. Firkley has the potential to be a powerful second line goal scoring winger.
 
 

4. Raphael Pettyfer (Bratislava Watchmen)
Bratislava Watchmen's center Raphael Pettyfer impressed VHL scouts all season long with his strong two way play. As of the beginning of playoffs, Raphael is ranked fifteenth in the season forty-one VHL draft rankings.  Pettyfer finished with ten goals and twenty-three assist to finish with thirty-three points in seventy-two games with the Watchmen. These were impressive numbers as he averaged only fifteen minutes per game as a seventeen year old. While he isn't the type of player to standout offensively, Pettyfer's strong play in the defensive zone and smooth skating makes him a very interesting prospect for the upcoming draft. Raphael has the potential to be a strong, two-way second line center for the VHL club to select him. 
 
 

3. Maris Ziedins (Moscow Redwolves)
Latvian born left winger Marias Ziedins was one of the top offensive performers in the VHLM this season. Maris registered fifty-six goals and seventy-two assists, ranking him among the top wingers in the league at the young age of eighteen. Maris is one of the top athletes to enter the draft in recent years; standing at six feet eight inches and weighing in at two-hundred and fourty pounds, he is still one of the fastest players in his draft class. Currently Ziedins is ranked twentieth in the draft rankings, making him one of the top options for general managers in the mid to late second round. Maris has the potential to be an elite power forward in the VHL if his size and speed can transition smoothly to the VHL.
 
 

2. David Blind (Minot Gladiators)
Goaltender David Blind is in the mist of a great season with the Minot Gladiators. Currently ranked twenty-sixth in the VHL draft rankings, Blind has the biggest potential to climb up in this years draft. Finishing with a 30-10-3 record with the Gladiators, Blind also recorded a .863 save percentage and 3.90 goals against average. While his statistics don't stand out on paper, Blind was able to always pull through in the clutch with Minot in the heavily offensive VHLM. Blind's amazing work ethic should pay due in the next couple of seasons as he is sure to improve and become one of the best young goalies in the VHL. Blind has the potential to be a strong number one goaltender in the VHL.
 
 

1. Brandon Holmes (Yukon Rush)
American born defenceman Brandon Holmes has done the most to show scouts that he should be selected a lot higher than his ranking suggest. Ranked thirteenth in the latest draft rankings, Holmes' great season with the Rush might of been enough to slide him into first round consideration. The eighteen year old tallied twenty-two goals and ninety-one assists for the Rush. While great offensive statistics for Holmes, it was his physical defensive play that is shining through for the scouts. Holmes also has one of the best first passes in the VHLM, making him a great option to start the offensive rush. Holmes may be one one of the top players to come out of this draft, having the potential to be a solid top pairing defenceman in the VHL. 

New members also get turned off by a group of friends (BOG) making decisions for the site. I miss the old days when decisions were done by popularity and not by a select few. 

This was refreshing to see.
 

I had the same thought the last couple days. I think ten teams is to many, it is better to have more activity throughout the team. At the very least bring it down to 8 VHL teams and 8 VHLM teams.

This was refreshing to see.
 

This was refreshing to see.
 

Top 5 Season 41 VHL Draft Sleepers

Who will have their named called out first at the Season 41 VHL Entry Draft?
 
 
With today marking the opening day of the season fourty VHL and VHLM playoffs, the top prospects of the VHLM are inching closer to realizing their dreams of becoming a VHL player. The VHLM playoffs will give these youngster a grand stage to assert themselves amongst the top of their draft class. For the likes of Niklaus Mikaelson, Jack Kowalski, and Rift Pajodcast, their stock in the draft is set as the head of the group. For many other prospects, these playoffs will go a long way in determining their draft position. Today we will countdown the top five sleeper picks for the upcoming draft. These prospects, while not ranked amongst the top of the class, have the potential to become the next draft day steals for their future VHL teams.
 
 

5. Dirk Firkley (Ottawa Lynx)
Currently ranked seventeenth in the latest prospect rankings, German right winger Dirk Firkley enjoyed a successful rookie season statistic wise for the struggling Ottawa Lynx. In fifty-nine games for Ottawa, Firkley registered twenty-two goals and twenty-seven assists. The nineteen year old power forward was able to implement a physical style of play for Ottawa, registering one-hundred and twenty-three hits for the club. Standing six-feet three inches and weighing in at two-hundred and twenty pounds, Firkley will bring size and scoring ability to the club that selects him. Firkley has the potential to be a powerful second line goal scoring winger.
 
 

4. Raphael Pettyfer (Bratislava Watchmen)
Bratislava Watchmen's center Raphael Pettyfer impressed VHL scouts all season long with his strong two way play. As of the beginning of playoffs, Raphael is ranked fifteenth in the season forty-one VHL draft rankings.  Pettyfer finished with ten goals and twenty-three assist to finish with thirty-three points in seventy-two games with the Watchmen. These were impressive numbers as he averaged only fifteen minutes per game as a seventeen year old. While he isn't the type of player to standout offensively, Pettyfer's strong play in the defensive zone and smooth skating makes him a very interesting prospect for the upcoming draft. Raphael has the potential to be a strong, two-way second line center for the VHL club to select him. 
 
 

3. Maris Ziedins (Moscow Redwolves)
Latvian born left winger Marias Ziedins was one of the top offensive performers in the VHLM this season. Maris registered fifty-six goals and seventy-two assists, ranking him among the top wingers in the league at the young age of eighteen. Maris is one of the top athletes to enter the draft in recent years; standing at six feet eight inches and weighing in at two-hundred and fourty pounds, he is still one of the fastest players in his draft class. Currently Ziedins is ranked twentieth in the draft rankings, making him one of the top options for general managers in the mid to late second round. Maris has the potential to be an elite power forward in the VHL if his size and speed can transition smoothly to the VHL.
 
 

2. David Blind (Minot Gladiators)
Goaltender David Blind is in the mist of a great season with the Minot Gladiators. Currently ranked twenty-sixth in the VHL draft rankings, Blind has the biggest potential to climb up in this years draft. Finishing with a 30-10-3 record with the Gladiators, Blind also recorded a .863 save percentage and 3.90 goals against average. While his statistics don't stand out on paper, Blind was able to always pull through in the clutch with Minot in the heavily offensive VHLM. Blind's amazing work ethic should pay due in the next couple of seasons as he is sure to improve and become one of the best young goalies in the VHL. Blind has the potential to be a strong number one goaltender in the VHL.
 
 

1. Brandon Holmes (Yukon Rush)
American born defenceman Brandon Holmes has done the most to show scouts that he should be selected a lot higher than his ranking suggest. Ranked thirteenth in the latest draft rankings, Holmes' great season with the Rush might of been enough to slide him into first round consideration. The eighteen year old tallied twenty-two goals and ninety-one assists for the Rush. While great offensive statistics for Holmes, it was his physical defensive play that is shining through for the scouts. Holmes also has one of the best first passes in the VHLM, making him a great option to start the offensive rush. Holmes may be one one of the top players to come out of this draft, having the potential to be a solid top pairing defenceman in the VHL. 

Top 5 Season 41 VHL Draft Sleepers

Who will have their named called out first at the Season 41 VHL Entry Draft?
 
 
With today marking the opening day of the season fourty VHL and VHLM playoffs, the top prospects of the VHLM are inching closer to realizing their dreams of becoming a VHL player. The VHLM playoffs will give these youngster a grand stage to assert themselves amongst the top of their draft class. For the likes of Niklaus Mikaelson, Jack Kowalski, and Rift Pajodcast, their stock in the draft is set as the head of the group. For many other prospects, these playoffs will go a long way in determining their draft position. Today we will countdown the top five sleeper picks for the upcoming draft. These prospects, while not ranked amongst the top of the class, have the potential to become the next draft day steals for their future VHL teams.
 
 

5. Dirk Firkley (Ottawa Lynx)
Currently ranked seventeenth in the latest prospect rankings, German right winger Dirk Firkley enjoyed a successful rookie season statistic wise for the struggling Ottawa Lynx. In fifty-nine games for Ottawa, Firkley registered twenty-two goals and twenty-seven assists. The nineteen year old power forward was able to implement a physical style of play for Ottawa, registering one-hundred and twenty-three hits for the club. Standing six-feet three inches and weighing in at two-hundred and twenty pounds, Firkley will bring size and scoring ability to the club that selects him. Firkley has the potential to be a powerful second line goal scoring winger.
 
 

4. Raphael Pettyfer (Bratislava Watchmen)
Bratislava Watchmen's center Raphael Pettyfer impressed VHL scouts all season long with his strong two way play. As of the beginning of playoffs, Raphael is ranked fifteenth in the season forty-one VHL draft rankings.  Pettyfer finished with ten goals and twenty-three assist to finish with thirty-three points in seventy-two games with the Watchmen. These were impressive numbers as he averaged only fifteen minutes per game as a seventeen year old. While he isn't the type of player to standout offensively, Pettyfer's strong play in the defensive zone and smooth skating makes him a very interesting prospect for the upcoming draft. Raphael has the potential to be a strong, two-way second line center for the VHL club to select him. 
 
 

3. Maris Ziedins (Moscow Redwolves)
Latvian born left winger Marias Ziedins was one of the top offensive performers in the VHLM this season. Maris registered fifty-six goals and seventy-two assists, ranking him among the top wingers in the league at the young age of eighteen. Maris is one of the top athletes to enter the draft in recent years; standing at six feet eight inches and weighing in at two-hundred and fourty pounds, he is still one of the fastest players in his draft class. Currently Ziedins is ranked twentieth in the draft rankings, making him one of the top options for general managers in the mid to late second round. Maris has the potential to be an elite power forward in the VHL if his size and speed can transition smoothly to the VHL.
 
 

2. David Blind (Minot Gladiators)
Goaltender David Blind is in the mist of a great season with the Minot Gladiators. Currently ranked twenty-sixth in the VHL draft rankings, Blind has the biggest potential to climb up in this years draft. Finishing with a 30-10-3 record with the Gladiators, Blind also recorded a .863 save percentage and 3.90 goals against average. While his statistics don't stand out on paper, Blind was able to always pull through in the clutch with Minot in the heavily offensive VHLM. Blind's amazing work ethic should pay due in the next couple of seasons as he is sure to improve and become one of the best young goalies in the VHL. Blind has the potential to be a strong number one goaltender in the VHL.
 
 

1. Brandon Holmes (Yukon Rush)
American born defenceman Brandon Holmes has done the most to show scouts that he should be selected a lot higher than his ranking suggest. Ranked thirteenth in the latest draft rankings, Holmes' great season with the Rush might of been enough to slide him into first round consideration. The eighteen year old tallied twenty-two goals and ninety-one assists for the Rush. While great offensive statistics for Holmes, it was his physical defensive play that is shining through for the scouts. Holmes also has one of the best first passes in the VHLM, making him a great option to start the offensive rush. Holmes may be one one of the top players to come out of this draft, having the potential to be a solid top pairing defenceman in the VHL. 

Can the underdog Blades keep up with the Gladiators?
 
Brampton Blades   / GP 72 / W 32 / L 34 / OTL 6 / P 70 / GF 295 / GA 301 / Diff -6 / PCT .486
Minot Gladiators   / GP 72 / W 46 / L 22 / OTL 4 / P 96 / GF 260 / GA 291 / Diff + 69 / PCT.667
 
Lineups
 

Yannik Zug - Aim 11 - Mikko Koskinen
A.C. Savage - Hunter Backenbauer - Dujuan Cook
Yannik Zug - Aim 11 - Mikko Koskinen
Travis Willcox - Hunter Backenbauer - Dujuan Cook
Spud Murphy - Jack Harkness
Ikier Manushez 
 

Shadhu Rathod Jr. - Rift Pajodcast - Brady Stropko
Marcus Hurley  - Guy Lukovski - Valentin Taneyev
Shadhu Rathod Jr. - Rift Pajodcast - Aaron Hartley
Valentin Taneyev - Guy Lukovski - Brady Stropko
Teuvo Ruutu - Lord Karnage
Atticus Finch - Jakob Ackerman 
Marcus Bjorkstrand - Teuvo Ruutu 
Lord Karnage - Atticus Finch 
David Blind
 
Key Matchups
 
 Hunter Backenbauer GP 72 / G 65 / A 69 / P 134 / +/- +2
 Brady Stopko GP 72 / G 116 / A 62 / P 178 / +/- +53
 
 Jack Harkness GP 72 / G 18 / A 61 / P 79 / +/- -21
 Marcus Hurley  GP 72 / G 44 / A 53 / P 97 / +/- +12
 
 AIM-11  GP 72 / G 47 / A 63  / P 110 / +/- -11
 Jakob Ackerman GP 72 / G 11 / A 47 / P 58 / +/- -1
 
 
In a season series dominated by the Minot Gladiators six games to one, the underdog Brampton Blades look to continue to ride their hot streak into the VHLM North American conference playoffs. Brampton,who finished the season strong, still might need a miracle to get by Minot. The Gladiators, lead by Bears prospect Brady Stropko, finished second in the North American conference with 96 points. Brampton, who finished sub .500, finished with 70 points. 
 
Offence:
Minot gets the nod in offensive talent. Lead by the likes of Brady Stopko, Guy Lukovski, and Shadhu Rathod Jr., Minot's goals for/goals against differential of 69 is well beyond Brampton's goal differential of -6. Brampton, who's top six may be able to match Minot's, fail to match the depth of offensive talent, especially on the blue line, present in Minot.
 
Defence:
The key in this series will be the defensive skill and depth of the Minot Gladiators. Minot has the depth to roll out four solid defensive pairings, where as Brampton will have to rely solely on the pairing of Jack Harkness and Spud Murphy. Minot defenceman Teuvo Ruutu and Jakob Ackerman will be relied upon to not only shut down Brampton's offensive talent, but also chip in offensively to further improve Minot's chances in the series.
 
Goaltending:
The lone edge in Brampton favour in this series is in net with with Ikier Manushez. Backstopping the Blades with a 28-21 record and goal against average of 4.00, Manushez stats don't jump off the paper, but he has played solid on a team with a very abysmal defence. He will has to continue his strong play in order to pull off the upset. Standing opposite of him is goaltender David Blind. Blind compiled a 30-10 record and 3.90 goal against average with Minot. The Gladiators strong play at defence may have padded Blind's statistics, who looked shaky at points during the season. The problem for Brampton is that Minot's defenceman is still their to protect Blind.
 
 
Prediction:   in 5 .
 

Can the underdog Blades keep up with the Gladiators?
 
Brampton Blades   / GP 72 / W 32 / L 34 / OTL 6 / P 70 / GF 295 / GA 301 / Diff -6 / PCT .486
Minot Gladiators   / GP 72 / W 46 / L 22 / OTL 4 / P 96 / GF 260 / GA 291 / Diff + 69 / PCT.667
 
Lineups
 

Yannik Zug - Aim 11 - Mikko Koskinen
A.C. Savage - Hunter Backenbauer - Dujuan Cook
Yannik Zug - Aim 11 - Mikko Koskinen
Travis Willcox - Hunter Backenbauer - Dujuan Cook
Spud Murphy - Jack Harkness
Ikier Manushez 
 

Shadhu Rathod Jr. - Rift Pajodcast - Brady Stropko
Marcus Hurley  - Guy Lukovski - Valentin Taneyev
Shadhu Rathod Jr. - Rift Pajodcast - Aaron Hartley
Valentin Taneyev - Guy Lukovski - Brady Stropko
Teuvo Ruutu - Lord Karnage
Atticus Finch - Jakob Ackerman 
Marcus Bjorkstrand - Teuvo Ruutu 
Lord Karnage - Atticus Finch 
David Blind
 
Key Matchups
 
 Hunter Backenbauer GP 72 / G 65 / A 69 / P 134 / +/- +2
 Brady Stopko GP 72 / G 116 / A 62 / P 178 / +/- +53
 
 Jack Harkness GP 72 / G 18 / A 61 / P 79 / +/- -21
 Marcus Hurley  GP 72 / G 44 / A 53 / P 97 / +/- +12
 
 AIM-11  GP 72 / G 47 / A 63  / P 110 / +/- -11
 Jakob Ackerman GP 72 / G 11 / A 47 / P 58 / +/- -1
 
 
In a season series dominated by the Minot Gladiators six games to one, the underdog Brampton Blades look to continue to ride their hot streak into the VHLM North American conference playoffs. Brampton,who finished the season strong, still might need a miracle to get by Minot. The Gladiators, lead by Bears prospect Brady Stropko, finished second in the North American conference with 96 points. Brampton, who finished sub .500, finished with 70 points. 
 
Offence:
Minot gets the nod in offensive talent. Lead by the likes of Brady Stopko, Guy Lukovski, and Shadhu Rathod Jr., Minot's goals for/goals against differential of 69 is well beyond Brampton's goal differential of -6. Brampton, who's top six may be able to match Minot's, fail to match the depth of offensive talent, especially on the blue line, present in Minot.
 
Defence:
The key in this series will be the defensive skill and depth of the Minot Gladiators. Minot has the depth to roll out four solid defensive pairings, where as Brampton will have to rely solely on the pairing of Jack Harkness and Spud Murphy. Minot defenceman Teuvo Ruutu and Jakob Ackerman will be relied upon to not only shut down Brampton's offensive talent, but also chip in offensively to further improve Minot's chances in the series.
 
Goaltending:
The lone edge in Brampton favour in this series is in net with with Ikier Manushez. Backstopping the Blades with a 28-21 record and goal against average of 4.00, Manushez stats don't jump off the paper, but he has played solid on a team with a very abysmal defence. He will has to continue his strong play in order to pull off the upset. Standing opposite of him is goaltender David Blind. Blind compiled a 30-10 record and 3.90 goal against average with Minot. The Gladiators strong play at defence may have padded Blind's statistics, who looked shaky at points during the season. The problem for Brampton is that Minot's defenceman is still their to protect Blind.
 
 
Prediction:   in 5 .
 

Season 42 Draftees Breathe New Life Into Blades

Blade's forwards A.C. Savage and Travis Willcox celebrate the game winning goal versus the Moscow RedWolves
 
 
After an exhilarating four to three win against the Moscow Redwolves, which saw Brampton Blades' newcomer A.C. Savage pot a last second game winning goal, Brampton has secured itself a playoff spot in the VHLM's North American conference. After a poor start to the season, which saw the Blades below .500 for much of the season, a hot finish has seen the Blades rally to a 12-2-3 record in its last seventeen games to secure the final playoff spot. A huge factor in the Blade's resurgence has been the stellar play of two recent additions to the team, forwards A.C. Savage and Travis Willcox. Both season forty-two draft prospects have lit a fire under the team as the Blades look for a deep playoff run this season.
 

Brampton Blades newcomer A.C. Savage has been a welcomed addition to the team
 
Season 41: GP: 11 / G: 4 / A: 5 / P: 9 / +/-: +8
 
With eleven games under his belt with the Blades, center A.C. Savage has shown scouts early on that his elite offensive skill makes him a top prospect for the season forty-two VHL draft. With four goals and five assist in his first eleven games in the VHLM, Savage has taken little time to adjust to the style of play in the VHLM, which has resulted in second line minutes being given to him by General Manager Terence Fong. 
 
" A.C. Savage is a special talent that we were not going to let pass by us on the waiver wire. Early on he has shown a knack for scoring timely goals for the team, as shown by his game winner last night against the RedWolves. He in an elite offensive talent that can not only lead us deep this season, but also next season when he will have a year of experience under his belt. "  - Brampton Blades General Manager Terence Fong
 
With a work ethic that few players his age can match, the future is bright for the Blade's center.  A strong showing in the playoffs will only create more hype for Savage, as he enters his draft season with the Blades.
 
 

Brampton Blades winger Travis Willcox is determined to be a top prospect in the S42 Draft
 
Season 41: GP: 17 / G: 4 /  A: 10 / P:14 / +/-: +6
 
After seventeen games with the Blades, Welsh winger Travis Willcox has shown that his two-way style of play has made it an easy transition to the VHLM from the Elite Ice Hockey League in the United Kingdom. Not known for his goal scoring ability when he entered the league, Willcox has notched four goals and added ten assists so far this season, showing that his defensive game is not all that has scouts excited for this season forty-two VHL draft prospect.
 
" Willcox has fit in great with the squad in his short time here. On the ice he has shown a great two-way game, taking up a lot of our defensive responsibilities in order to shore up more offensive minutes for our top six.  It doesn't hurt that he also has been able to put the puck in the back of the net for us, a key reason for our success. Also, off the ice he has shown early on he can be a team leader; he makes it a habit to spend a lot of time with the guys on the team, creating a good culture in the locker room. " - Brampton Blades General Manager Terence Fong
 
With another year of eligibility in the VHLM before he enters the season forty-two VHL draft with A.C. Savage, Willcox has time to grow his overall game and become an elite power-forward in the league.
 
 

Time will only tell where Willcox and Savage will end up going in the draft
 
 
With only a handful of games left before the Blades begin their quest for their first ever VHLM championship, both Willcox and Savage will be heavily relied upon to lead the drive for the title. With very little experience between them both, this will be their first test to show the league what both can do when everything is on the line. At the very least, the playoffs will provide a great learning experience for both rookies as they will be back the following season to hopefully begin a quest for a second championship.

Season 42 Draftees Breathe New Life Into Blades

Blade's forwards A.C. Savage and Travis Willcox celebrate the game winning goal versus the Moscow RedWolves
 
 
After an exhilarating four to three win against the Moscow Redwolves, which saw Brampton Blades' newcomer A.C. Savage pot a last second game winning goal, Brampton has secured itself a playoff spot in the VHLM's North American conference. After a poor start to the season, which saw the Blades below .500 for much of the season, a hot finish has seen the Blades rally to a 12-2-3 record in its last seventeen games to secure the final playoff spot. A huge factor in the Blade's resurgence has been the stellar play of two recent additions to the team, forwards A.C. Savage and Travis Willcox. Both season forty-two draft prospects have lit a fire under the team as the Blades look for a deep playoff run this season.
 

Brampton Blades newcomer A.C. Savage has been a welcomed addition to the team
 
Season 41: GP: 11 / G: 4 / A: 5 / P: 9 / +/-: +8
 
With eleven games under his belt with the Blades, center A.C. Savage has shown scouts early on that his elite offensive skill makes him a top prospect for the season forty-two VHL draft. With four goals and five assist in his first eleven games in the VHLM, Savage has taken little time to adjust to the style of play in the VHLM, which has resulted in second line minutes being given to him by General Manager Terence Fong. 
 
" A.C. Savage is a special talent that we were not going to let pass by us on the waiver wire. Early on he has shown a knack for scoring timely goals for the team, as shown by his game winner last night against the RedWolves. He in an elite offensive talent that can not only lead us deep this season, but also next season when he will have a year of experience under his belt. "  - Brampton Blades General Manager Terence Fong
 
With a work ethic that few players his age can match, the future is bright for the Blade's center.  A strong showing in the playoffs will only create more hype for Savage, as he enters his draft season with the Blades.
 
 

Brampton Blades winger Travis Willcox is determined to be a top prospect in the S42 Draft
 
Season 41: GP: 17 / G: 4 /  A: 10 / P:14 / +/-: +6
 
After seventeen games with the Blades, Welsh winger Travis Willcox has shown that his two-way style of play has made it an easy transition to the VHLM from the Elite Ice Hockey League in the United Kingdom. Not known for his goal scoring ability when he entered the league, Willcox has notched four goals and added ten assists so far this season, showing that his defensive game is not all that has scouts excited for this season forty-two VHL draft prospect.
 
" Willcox has fit in great with the squad in his short time here. On the ice he has shown a great two-way game, taking up a lot of our defensive responsibilities in order to shore up more offensive minutes for our top six.  It doesn't hurt that he also has been able to put the puck in the back of the net for us, a key reason for our success. Also, off the ice he has shown early on he can be a team leader; he makes it a habit to spend a lot of time with the guys on the team, creating a good culture in the locker room. " - Brampton Blades General Manager Terence Fong
 
With another year of eligibility in the VHLM before he enters the season forty-two VHL draft with A.C. Savage, Willcox has time to grow his overall game and become an elite power-forward in the league.
 
 

Time will only tell where Willcox and Savage will end up going in the draft
 
 
With only a handful of games left before the Blades begin their quest for their first ever VHLM championship, both Willcox and Savage will be heavily relied upon to lead the drive for the title. With very little experience between them both, this will be their first test to show the league what both can do when everything is on the line. At the very least, the playoffs will provide a great learning experience for both rookies as they will be back the following season to hopefully begin a quest for a second championship.

Willcox prior to the start of the Blades vs. the Outlaws
 
 
In what turned out to be a sub par set of games for the Brampton Blades over the weekend, the play of newcomer Travis Willcox turned out to be one of the lone bright spots for the team. In the Blades lone win against the Outlaws, Willcox netted two assists, one of which was on the game winning goal. In three games played, the two points against the Outlaws were the only points he tallied, but his strong defensive play was also a factor. 
 
" I'm happy with my play in my first three game set with the Blades. Coach awarded me with good minutes, and it is my job to justify my playing time. It is a much faster, more physical game here in the VHLM compared to the Elite Hockey League in the United Kingdom, and I will have to show up night in and night out in order to advance my role on the team. "