S85 Oslo Storm Prospect Report
With the regular season officially over and playoffs having begun in all three leagues, it's time to take a peek at how Oslo's prospects have fared over the past couple months. Currently there are six active prospects whose seasons we'll be examining; three forwards (all left wings), two defenders, and one goaltender. First up, the forwards!
Forwards
LW Nikolas Kauppi, Mexico City Kings @Tetricide: Kauppi broke out on the score sheet in his first full season as a member of the Kings. He led the team in goals with 41 (T-9th VHLM), was third in points with 76, and second in hits at 201 (8th league-wide). In the playoffs so far, he has the most points on the Kings with eight (4 goals, 4 assists) and is tied for the league lead in game winners (2), displaying his clutch ability. In addition, Kauppi has assumed a leadership role as captain of Mexico City, and is a very integral part of the team. I know this since the newest player in my agency, Oreo McFleury, plays for the Kings. Undoubtedly, Kauppi will be a huge presence (both figuratively and literally - standing at 6'4", 200 lbs) on the S86 Storm team.
LW Ben McLaughlin, Miami Marauders @Ben mclaughlin: McLaughlin's final season in the M was certainly one to remember. In their second stint in Miami, McLaughlin managed to finish fifth in goals (20) on the team despite playing less than half the season there. They were also sixth in points at 47. In the postseason, McLaughlin is tied for second in the league in goals (4) and tied for seventh in points (7). They are tied for third in shots (28). The Marauders added yet another offensive weapon in Ben McLaughlin, that's for sure. We can't wait to have them join us next season.
LW Robert Overmeyer, Las Vegas Aces @RobBro34: The third and final forward we'll be taking a look at is Robert Overmeyer of Vegas. A crucial piece on the highest scoring team in the league, Overmeyer netted 39 goals (4th on Vegas) and 60 helpers (2nd-Vegas, 8th VHLM) for 99 points (3rd-Vegas, T-7th VHLM). They had 464 shots, good for second in the entire M. Furthermore, they currently sit tied for seventh in playoff tallies with three. Overmeyer solidifies the group coming to Norway next season and gives fans much reason to be excited.
Defenders
Jack The Ripper, Saskatoon Wild @Ripper: The Ripper of the Saskatoon Wild posted 92 points, second-most by a defender; 23 more than the third place finisher. In the process, they tied for third in the league in assists with 69 in 69 games played. Meanwhile, they blocked 160 shots, only trailing Rex Wolffe Gregor of the Philadelphia Reapers and fellow Wild defender Reno Reinhold. Here in Oslo we can't wait to see what The Ripper will bring to our blueline.
Reno Reinhold, Saskatoon Wild @Reno: Oh look, The Ripper's Wild teammate! The likely winner of the Ryan Sullivan Trophy as top defender in the M, Reinhold dominated play in all facets. They did an excellent job in all zones, both for Houston and later, Saskatoon. Leading defenders in points with 103, including an impressive 33 goals from the backend, they came in second in assists among all players (70). However, Reinhold blocked the most shots as well, sacrificing the body an incredible 191 times. Reinhold will be pivotal for the Storm next season.
Goaltender
Alexander Minion, Saskatoon Wild @UnknownMinion: Yet another Saskatoon player?! We might as well establish an official affiliation between the teams at this point. More seriously, Minion was a brick wall in net for the Wild all season long. They played in all 72 games, yes all 72 games, and notched the second-most victories at 38. Having the highest save percentage (.921) and most shutouts (7), Minion will be a top choice for the Benoit Devereux Trophy, awarded to the best goaltender in the M. We can't be more happy to bring in another star goaltender for next season.
That is all for the first edition of the Oslo Storm Prospect Report, I'm hoping to make this a seasonal tradition. Congrats to all the prospects on fantastic seasons and good luck to those still in the playoffs. We are truly thrilled to have you all coming up next season!
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