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leafssteen

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    Pat Svoboda Traded To HC Davos [1/2]

    in Archived Media Spots

    Posted

    Review: This was a fun article to read and provided good insight into the Svoboda trade. The titles, photo and interview were also nice features to make this a great article. I am very impressed with your story telling ability and it made the article that much better!

     

    Great job and good luck with HC

    S64 WJC Impact Players [1/2]

    in Archived Media Spots

    Posted

    Review: A great look into the world junior teams and what they have to offer. Well written article with a great topic choice. I found it was interesting to read and even had some humor in there. Some color would have been nice but not necessary!

     

    I think this years world juniors should be a interesting one! Great job! 

    Anthony Matthews' Press Conference

    in Player Press Conferences

    Posted

    1) Who do you think will go 1st overall?

    2) How do you feel about yukons play this season?

    3) Whats one thing yukon needs to work on to make the playoffs/go for a playoff run?

    4) Do you have any relation to the leafs Matthews in the NHL?

    5) How do you feel about your performance as of late?

    6) What line mate brings out the best of you on the ice? 

     

    Draft an Austrian

    in Archived Media Spots

    Posted · Edited by leafssteen
    spelling

    Draft an Austrian  

     

    In the past not many hockey superstars come out of Austria and very few get to play professional hockey. A few of the most successful Austrians include, Thomas Vanek, Michael Grabner and Michael Raffl. Unfortunately, out of the three Austrians none of them chose the VHL route. However, over the past few years Austria has created a VHL development program which allows them to train with retired VHL Legends. The goal of this program is to give more Austrians the opportunity to play professionally and hopefully strengthen their team for International Hockey. As a result of this program, there are currently 2 Austrians eligible for the upcoming VHL draft. It’s a small step forward but Austria plans to continue the development process to hopefully have even more players in next year's draft. Now let's take a in depth look into how these two Austrian draftees are doing after going through the development program.  

     

    Name: Clayton Park 

    Position: Goalie 

    Height: 5’10 

    Weight: 150 lb. 

    Age: 18 

    VHLM Draft: 49th overall by Yukon Rush 

    TPE: 139 

    Current Stats:  56GP, 29W, 23L, 4OTL, 0.889 SV%, 3.19 GAA, 2 SO 

     

    Clayton Park has devolved into one of the top goalies in the upcoming draft. When he was drafted 49th overall by the Yukon Rush most people thought he had very little potential. However, as his rookie season progressed the young net minder has improved tremendously and climbed the draft rankings. I believe in a few years he will be an elite VHL goalie and a team thinking about the future will likely draft him. Let's take a look at some of the things that make him so special. 

     

    Strengths 

     

    Rebound Control: When Clayton was in the Austrian VHL Development Program the coaches worked with him daily to improve his rebound control. In my opinion rebound control is one of the most important skills for a goaltender to have. If you can create less second chances, the opposing team will have less opportunities to score. This is something that Clayton has become incredibly good at and the VHL scouts love it. I believe a good part of Clayton’s success is due to his ability to control rebounds and slow down the game. This feature is very important when his team is struggling in the defensive zone as he can slow down the play by controlling the rebound and covering it up.  

     

    Heart/Willpower to Succeed: There is many other strengths Clayton has including fast reaction time, great style control & incredible hand speed. However, the one I chose to mention is his heart. This kid has incredible heart and plays every game like a playoff game. He never quits and always battles until the final buzzer. Also, you can see his willpower to succeed in his training. This kid is always pushing himself in training and trying to improve his game in any way possible. Last year when he was training for the VHLM draft he stood out to Yukon scouts by pushing beyond his limits! 

     

    Draft Grade: B+ 

    Draft Projection: I believe Clayton Park will be the 1st or 2nd goalie drafted in the upcoming VHL draft. My projection is that he will be drafted somewhere around the 3rd round.  

     

     

    Name: Thomas Vancheck 

    Position: LW 

    Height: 5’5 

    Weight: 140 lb. 

    Age: 21 

    VHLM Draft: Undrafted, picked up by Las Vegas Aces 

    TPE: 48 

    Current Stats:  58GP, 3G, 1A, 4P, -7, 8 PIM 

     

    Thomas Vancheck broke into the league at an older age but that doesn’t stop him from trying to make the VHL. He was picked up by the Las Vegas Aces, who currently sit 4th in the standings. Thomas is clearly not having the rookie season he would have liked but hopes to turn it around as his team pushes toward the postseason. I believe he needs to step his game up and show the scouts that this Austrian is not to be taken lightly. Thomas will need to start helping his team offensively if he wants to impress the scouts for the upcoming draft. I feel like this rookie will need a few years to develop and work on his game before making the jump to the VHL.  

     

    Strengths

     

    Skating: When Thomas was at the Austrian VHL Development camp the coaches spent a lot of time working on his skating. The time spent was clearly worth it as he has developed into a pretty decent skater. As a winger skating is very important as it gets you into good position for scoring opportunities. Also, defensively it is very important for a strong back check. Being a strong skater is something that scouts are looking for and they find extremely valuable.  

     

    Scoring Ability: I know it hasn’t been seen much this year but Thomas has a great scoring ability. I believe he is having a difficult time settling in but will heat up as he gets more comfortable. In his last season of junior hockey, he scored a total of 30 goals. This kid has a great ability to find the loose puck and create scoring opportunities. Also, he has a hard-accurate wrist shot that he used to fool many goalies in junior. All 3 goals he scored this season were wrist shots that came from the top of the hash marks. I believe you will see more of his scoring ability as Las Vegas pushes towards a long playoff run.  

     

    Draft Grade: C- 

    Draft Projection: Thomas Vancheck’s draft projection is based off of the fact that he needs more time to develop and work on his game. Unfortunately, I believe he will go very late in the draft. However, I believe if he works really hard in the off season, he could prove to be a steal!  

     

     

     

    Austrian VHL Development Program 

     

    I am very pleased that the program has helped develop these two young individuals into great prospects. I am very confident that this program is a great experience for young Austrians who want to work towards a VHL career. I hope to see more Austrians coming through this program and working their way towards a successful VHL career.  

     

    Wordcount: 1,019

    S65 Theme Week PT

    VHLM Player Press Conference

    in Player Press Conferences

    Posted

    1. In the latter half of the season now and, while Halifax and Minnesota are quite a few points ahead, there is just 4 points separating 3rd and 7th, which of those five teams (Aces, Bulls, Lynx, Rush, Wild) do you think will finish highest at the end of the season?

     

    I think my answer is slightly biased but I think Yukon will as we have a incrediblely talented offence! My 2nd choice would be the Wild as they have stepped it up as of late. Also forward Hans Gruber @TheFlash has taken his offense to the next level and has been putting up lots of points for his team.

     

    2. Since the last set of questions were asked, the World Juniors Rosters have been selected. What do you think about your nationalities chances at winning the tournament?

     

    I will be playing for Team World and believe we have a great shot at winning this! I think Jack Lynch @xsjack is one of the best forwards in the tournament and will definitely help us offensively! Between the pipes we got Justin Cole @WhiteMocha from the pros and he is a very talented net minder. 

     

    3a. (If you made your World Juniors roster) Who would you consider the best player on your team?

     

    @xsjack jack lynch without a question! He has remarkable offensive talent and helps the team by scoring goals and setting them up! Great future ahead for this guy!

      

    4. Hunter Hearst Helmsley is currently leading the league in points and goals, do you think there's anyone who can stop him from leading in either come the end of the season?

     

    Helmsley @Beavissis incrediblely talented and is the full offence package! He reminds me of Sid The Kid so no they won’t catch him!

     

    5. Give a shout-out to one member of your team who has helped you out and why (maybe a member's player has helped your player perform well in the sim, a member who helped you with PT's, etc.)

     

    @Anthony Matthews not only does he have incredible talent and help us on the scoresheet he’s also a really chill guy in the locker room! Ps this guy definitely has a great career ahead of him.

     

    6. Recommend either a video game or a movie for other members to play/watch and why you'd recommend it. 

     

    Goon, watch it! One of the best hockey movies ever!!! Interesting fact parts of the movie were filmed in my hometown of Halifax !

    VHLM Player Press Conference

    in Player Press Conferences

    Posted

    13 minutes ago, Dangles13 said:

    1. In the latter half of the season now and, while Halifax and Minnesota are quite a few points ahead, there is just 4 points separating 3rd and 7th, which of those five teams (Aces, Bulls, Lynx, Rush, Wild) do you think will finish highest at the end of the season?

     

    I would have to take the Houston Bulls as my choice to finish in 3rd this season. The successful expansion franchise has the best goal differential and is 7-3 in their last ten games. I think that these two signs are an indication of their talent.

     

    2. Since the last set of questions were asked, the World Juniors Rosters have been selected. What do you think about your nationalities chances at winning the tournament?

     

    I think we have a good young group that will take some time to develop into an international powerhouse. We might surprise a few teams this tournament but I don't think we have a real shot at winning the whole thing.

     

    3a. (If you made your World Juniors roster) Who would you consider the best player on your team?

    3b. (If you didn't make your World Juniors roster) Were you surprised not to make it onto your team's roster or was it expected?

     

    Our captain, Evgeni Komarov is easily our best player. The guy plays like he is a ten-year veteran and his leadership is off the charts. Kooms is a guy that I can approach at any time and he always makes time for me.

     

    4. Hunter Hearst Helmsley is currently leading the league in points and goals, do you think there's anyone who can stop him from leading in either come the end of the season?

     

    Not a chance, this guy wakes up and pisses excellence. I get to play this guy every game and he never runs out of ways to embarrass the other teams and set up his teammates.

     

    5. Give a shout-out to one member of your team who has helped you out and why (maybe a member's player has helped your player perform well in the sim, a member who helped you with PT's, etc.)

     

    Our rookie goalie, Clayton Park has really helped to make Yukon a fun place to be. @leafssteen is always chatting and keeping the boys loose while continuously working on his game. Park is going to be a long time stud in the league.

     

    6. Recommend either a video game or a movie for other members to play/watch and why you'd recommend it. 

     

    One of my favourite movies is Pandorum, a psychological thriller mixed with a horror movie. It takes place in space and does a neat job of explaining the effects isolation can have on the human mind while also throwing in monsters for fun.

     

     

    Hey thanks man! I love the Yukon atmosphere!

    WJC Q&A

    in VHL.com Articles

    Posted

    World Juniors Q & A

     

    How does it feel to be chosen to play for Team World?

     

    It’s an absolute honour and an experience I am really looking forward to! 

     

    What do you think your role will be in the tournament?

     

    Well as you know we have another very talented goaltender from the pros by the name of Justin Cole. He is a lot more experienced then me so there’s no doubt he will be the starter. My role on the team will be to back up Cole incase anything happens or if we just need to switch it up. I  am very blessed for this opportunity and can learn a lot from Cole!

     

    If you had to pick one team to win gold beside Team World, who would it be?

     

    I would have to say Team Europe. They had a tough loss in the gold medal game last year but I feel like they have even more talent this year. The main reason I feel they have a chance is because they have a offensive overload . Two players that stand out are Jagr and Jurri. Both have proven that they are among the top forwards in the league!

     

    Who do you think is the best offensive player on Team World?

     

    Jack Lynch without a question. He has unbelievable skill and currently sits 3rd in Points with 74. He reminds me of a young Martin St.Louis because they were both small players but also very talented offensively. 

     

    Last question, what are your goals for this tournament?

     

    Well number one, when called upon I want to show my team and the world who the next big thing is! Number two, GOLD BABY!!!!!!  GO WORLD GO!!!!!!!!!

    Yukon Rush Press Conference

    in Player Press Conferences

    Posted

    1. What do you hope to accomplish this year with the Rush?

     

    To do my job & improve every game and help the Rush make the playoffs. Also one of my goals that I haven’t been able to accomplish just yet is to record my first career shutout.

     

    2. Are there any real life players that you are modelling your player after? Who?

     

    Former NHL goalie Jhonas Enroth. He was a very tiny goalie like myself but didn’t allow his size to affect his play!

     

    3. What skill are you most focused on improving?

     

    I strongly believe rebound control is critical for professional goaltenders. That is the thing I have been focusing on to allow less second opportunities.

     

    4. Who's your favorite VHL player?

     

    @WhiteMocha Former Rush goalie Justin Cole. I know he’s having a tough year up in the pros but he’s got lots of talent and I look forward to backing him up in the World Juniors!

     

    5. What do you think the team has to do to make a run for the cup?

     

    Personally I believe we really need to play stronger defensive hockey. I face 30 plus shots per night and that’s hard on any goalie. 

     

    6. What hobbies does your player have outside of hockey?

     

    Outside of hockey I like to run & I attend races ranging from 5K-21K in the off-season. I also enjoy traveling, some recent places I have been include Mexico, Dominican Republic and THE GRAND CANYON!!!!

    David Clarkson press conference

    in Player Press Conferences

    Posted

    Got some more questions for you.

     

    1) If you could describe your style of game in 3 words what would they be?

     

    2)  Are you primarily a goal scorer or playmaker?

     

    3) Do you think in the future you may play for Canada at the World Juniors or World Cup?

     

    4) Does your game have any similarities to the David Clarkson who played in the NHL?

     

    5) If you had one goal no matter how crazy or far fetched it was for your VHL career what would it be?

     

     

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