Reinforcements in Helsinki

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The Rebuild Takes Shape in Helsinki

 

Helsinki, Finland -- It was a busy night in the draft room for the Helsinki Titans, which along with Toronto held a large portion of the first three rounds of the Season 80 VHL Draft. And all in all, the Titans leadership should be happy with their haul, bringing in a host of rookies to one day join with young stars like Jonathan Ori and Gustislav Nasherov.

 

The Titans seemingly had three sets of strategies throughout the night. First was securing the goalie of the future, which they did by making Marlins goalie Xavier Booberry the #1 overall pick. Then, their attention turned to secure the blue line, where Alessandro Nano (8th overall), Flynn Remy (18th overall) and Dookie Headtop (22nd overall) gives Helsinki a number of top-tier defensive options moving forward. Finally, it was all about the high-upside wingers, with Kyosti Karjalainen (25th overall), Bradley Buzzer (31st overall) and Gunnarwolfe Vomacka (34th overall) looking like potential linemates for Ori or another future center if they can keep up their training pace.

 

It's notable that even since the draft last night, all seven of those rookies have already showed up to training camp, and all but Remy have signed their rookie contracts. To Booberry, it shows all the signs of a team that's hungry to grow and potentially compete for titles here in a few seasons.

 

"I knew going in this would be a rebuilding project, but every new project needs its foundation," Booberry said in a post-draft interview. "Take everything this team's done tonight together, and it's clear we've got that base now. This is looking like a strong team in a few seasons already, and with so many picks next season and a lot of growing to do from these guys, I'm excited to see where it goes from here."