Sakamoto Closes the Season with Halifax

[der meister 3,188]

As arguably the quickest player in the VHLM, Halifax's blueliner Ryuji Sakamoto is rapidly developing a reputation as a guy with speed to burn. "He's like Quicksilver in that X-Mans movie where he saves everyone from the bomb and eats a sandwich during it," one teammate quipped. "Ryuji's already the fastest guy on this team, and it's not even close. I'd love to see him in a VHLM skills competition next year, to see where he ranks against the rest of the league; I'd bet on him to win a footrace against any other player in the league."

 

Most scouts agreed leading up to the Declared Free Agent period, but there was also the question of what else Sakamoto might bring to the table, whether this season or next. "He's remarkably fast, and I've seen some definite growth in his defensive game, but that's not gonna get anyone very far. Looking toward the VHLM draft, I'd be surprised if he's picked in the first 2 rounds. A super fast shut down defenseman? The VHLM likes players who bring offense to the table."

 

Once he suited up for the 21st, however, Sakamoto showed there's more to his game than his speed. In 16 games with the lowly Halifax squad, Sakamoto put up 4 goals, 6 assists, and a -3 rating, with all of the goals coming with the man advantage. He also threw 18 hits and blocked 25 shots on goal. It's worth noting that he has no prior ice hockey experience, and that his transition to the VHLM was more of a curiosity than a career goal. 

 

"It's a small sample size, to be sure, but right now, he's making me eat crow," a General Manager for a VHLE franchise said, under condition of anonymity. "We try to keep a close eye on whose coming up, of course, and when you hear about some kid who is all speed and nothing else, your immediate reaction is probably to roll your eyes. But Sakamoto has made good progress and has been an immediate contributor for Halifax. If he ends up being a defensively-responsible player at even strength and a power play specialist, there's definitely room for him at any level, be it the VHLM, VHLE, or the VHL."

 

"His speed is elite for his level, no question about it," a veteran VHL head coach added. "I've had some players over the past few seasons who wouldn't be able to keep up with him. I know he's gaining a reputation for having a temper, so I expect his strength and hitting to start showing themselves before too long, but the real question about Ryuji Sakamoto is, 'what comes next?'."

 

For Ryuji's part, he doesn't know where his career will take him, what skills he will ultimately develop, or even care what other people say. "Shitty adults can say whatever they want. My job is to play hard and prove them wrong, day after day after day. Whether that means I put up 100 points in a season or 10, I'm going to do what I want to do, and how I want to do it." 

 

 

[Baby Boomer 727]

8/10

Good text, very nice to read and it is nice to see what your player did this season and what he expects for the incoming draft and season. It is fun that your text is written in paragraphs and not in a big wall of words. Maybe add some colours and a picture, but overall great text and continue like that.

[MetalToday 266]

I liked the article, I think there is lots of stats to show the viewers. Its interesting that your player is a speedy defense, I find that pretty funny. I like how you separated test, makes it easier to read. 9/10

[Kisslinger 372]

Review 9/10

Great and easy read. Punctuation is well done! The addition of stats is super cool and makes the article tie together. Formatting is well done also.  Like the quotes as they bring some elements to keep readers interested. A speedy defensemen is dangerous so watch out league! good luck with your player!!