Warsaw Predators Jersey Retirements

[dlamb 1,326]

Hello all, with Warsaw finishing up it's 10th season in the VHL, I think it is about time to recognize some of the franchise's best and most influential players from the first decade. All 3 of these players were the heart and soul of the Preds, bringing the team to the playoffs in every season they were on the roster, making it to the finals in S76, and culminating in S78 with a Continental Cup victory. Playing alongside them, I could not be happier to be the one announcing the ultimate honour, which is having their number retired by the franchise that drafted them. Without further ado... the retirements!

 

 Victor Grachev @KaleebtheMighty

Victor Grachev was drafted in the 2nd round, 24th overall, in Warsaw's inaugural draft in Season 73. After spending an additional season in the VHLM with Miami, Grachev would quickly establish himself as a franchise defender with the Preds, earning a place in the VHL All-Rookie Team in Season 74. Throughout his career with the team, he would amass 119 goals and 370 assists for 489 points, all franchise records by a defenceman. His best season was in S79, where he scored 31 goals, had 70 assists, and was named to the All-VHL First Team. Victor Grachev will be remembered as the first true franchise defender in Warsaw, and many will look to replicate what he has done while the number 24 hangs from the rafters in Poland. 

 

Aloe Dear @Renomitsu

Unlike Victor Grachev, who many could consider a steal, Aloe Dear was one of the most hyped prospects in the Season 74 draft. Although she did not get off to the hottest start in Warsaw while playing on the wing, it was the switch to the centre position that turned Aloe into a star in the VHL. Once at C, she exploded into one of the best players of her generation, amassing a total of 228 goals and 312 assists for 540 points in 432 games, good for 3rd in franchise history. This includes an absolutely laundry list of awards and honours, which include a Brett Slobodzian Trophy, Alexander Beketov Trophy, Scotty Campbell Trophy, Mike Szatkowski Trophy, All-VHL First Team in Seasons 77 and 78, and All-VHL Second Team in Season 79. Aloe certainly lived up to the hype after being drafted first overall, and will definitely be remembered as one of the most prolific offensive players to ever put on the blue and orange. 

 

Chris Reynolds @Crstats23

Not much hype surrounded Chris Reynolds on draft night, where he was drafted in the 2nd round, 28th overall, in the Season 74 draft. However, the scouting team of Warsaw saw something in him, and eventually Reynolds would prove to everyone that he was one of the team's best draft picks of all time. He played all 7 of his VHL seasons in Warsaw, amassing a total of 271 goals and 333 assists for 604 points, 2nd in franchise history, while playing 504 games for the team, the most in the history of the Warsaw Predators. In his final season, finally wearing the well-deserved "C" on his chest, Reynolds had the best offensive season ever by a Pred, scoring 60 goals and 76 assists, good for 136 points, also earning All-VHL First Team honours. Chris Reynolds will be remembered as a key player on and off the ice, and often comes back into the locker room, where he can now look up and see his number 7 hanging from the rafters. 

 

Congratulations to 3 great members and players!

[fonziGG 1,068]

Congrats everyone! What a dynasty you guys were with Warsaw. Can't wait to see your next crop of players

[KaleebtheMighty 1,509]

Thank you for the honor!! Exciting to see Grachev’s number retired and his legacy in Warsaw remembered, it was a blast!!