S79 Philadelphia Reapers Draft Highlights

[KaleebtheMighty 1,539]

@Mattylive3k, @ShawnGlade, @LeBron Jamezz, and @Habs fan hit the ice in the first Philadelphia Reapers practice

After a grueling S79 draft for the Philadelphia Reapers, the team ended the night with the addition of some key pieces that needed to be addressed. While the team only had a few picks and didn't pick until the 3rd round, the Reapers are extremely happy with the players and value they acquired. "It was nerve wracking, to say the least," GM KaleebtheMighty mentioned while leaving the draft. "But we got the players we wanted plus a few extras." The Philadelphia Reapers enter the S79 season after an unfortunate playoff exit at the hands of the San Diego Marlins in 6 games. Wanting to bounce back, the team needed to add defense and some forward depth in the draft. Needless to say, they achieved that, even with no first 2 round picks. Let's take a look at the first 4 picks from the draft yesterday for the Philadelphia Reapers to get an idea as to who they selected.

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ROUND 3, PICK 2 (#26) : Shawn Glade V - D 
While the draft had a number of defensemen listed, the Reapers decided not to trade up when those defensemen began flying off the board. Instead, they waited, until Shawn Glade V landed right in front of them at pick #26. Regardless of the total TPE amount, Shawn Glade V comes from a long line of Glades that have graced the VHLM/VHL leagues. He brings about a sense of leadership on the team that will benefit the defensive core of the Reapers for the season. Bolstering a high level of defensive play and scoring (10 points in 18 games with SSK in S78), it would not be surprising to see Glade power up the VHLM Defensemen leaderboard by the end of the season.

ROUND 4, PICK 2 (#38) : Connor Wilson - RW 
Connor Wilson started his VHLM career last season with the Reapers, only to notch 1 point in 26 games. But at that time, he was brand new to the league and just finding his footing. He's worked hard to improve his level of play, and it's going to do wonders for his game this season. Additionally, he was a great locker room presence last season, which was a big reason the Reapers wanted to bring him back to the team, even trading up to grab him. He'll slot in as a 2nd line scoring winger and should have a high powered season playing alongside his teammates, which will be a tremendous asset to the Reapers this season.

ROUND 5, PICK 2 (#50) : Matty Live - D 
Addressing defense once again, Matty Live is an exceptional rookie who certainly showed off his potential last season. They put up 41 points (14 goals and 27 assists) in 72 games with Mexico City along with 187 hits and 158 shots blocked. Providing great value in the 5th round, the Reapers are excited to bring the young promising defenseman into Philadelphia. And to prove their suspicion, Matty Live immediately got to work, attending training camp with the Helsinki Titans and practicing with the Reapers. He boasts a strong defensive game and is destined to improve his other key skills throughout the season!

ROUND 5, PICK 5 (#53) : Louis Vignac - RW 
Another promising rookie, the Reapers took Louis Vignac with their second 5th round pick. Although Vignac had no background in the VHLM just yet, the Reapers made note of their offensive prowess during the draft combine and had them targeted for a pick later in the draft. Vignac immediately responded with a great locker room presence in the first Reapers practice of the season and participated in a press conference as well. The Reapers believe Vignac will be a surprise this season to the rest of the league and contribute heavily in their offense. Even though they are a new player and have areas to improve upon, the Reapers have no doubt Vignac will become instrumental by the end of the season.

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Here the Reapers stand, ready for an intense season of hockey in the VHLM. With their additions acquired in the S79 draft, it should be to no one's surprise when the Reapers obtain a playoff spot this season. Regardless of how the season begins, the end of the season will bring forth a deafening chant to drown out each stadium the Reapers visit...

FEAR THE REAPER!!!

[Alex 3,266]

Let's Go Reapers!!!!