Team West Europe Ready for the S82 World Cup

[Arce 742]

Team Europe's S82 World Cup Roster

 

 

It is one of those amazing years, where the VHL World Cup falls into play. This year World Cup Commissioners Euron Leonidas and Nathaniel Minion have elected Zach Arce as the GM of the Western Europe team. A true honor to represent such a spectacular part of the world. As glorious as the occasion is, it comes with some of the most difficult decisions. Choosing amongst the best players from this region of the world will leave you with some very talented players on the outside of it, just barely missing the cut. Arce has announced the S82 Team West Europe roster, and we will take a look into it.

 

The forward group is filled with talent, and experience for Team West Europe. They will be led by the back to back 100 point scorer Paul Atreides. The new member of the Toronto Legion will be representing the C on his chest for West Europe, as he gets ready to make his second World Cup appearance. The former 50 goal scorer will look to continue his success putting the puck in the net, and generate much needed offense. Joining Atreides will be Assistant Captain Duncan Idaho, which won't be the first as Idaho and Atreides were very successful teammates together in Moscow. Idaho has lit up three consecutive 50 goal seasons, and has recording at least 125 combined points in the past 2. Unbelievable numbers, as teams fear the former Moscow duo of Atreides and Idaho. The will be joined by the new Prague Phantom Luc Tessier. Tessier has a long tenure on HC Davos. It was a slow start to his career in a rebuilding environment, however Tessier then worked his way up to being a 100-point scorer. Tessier brought great playmaking and two-way play as he made his way to Prague. Not only will Tessier bring success on the scoresheet, but he will bring success to the defensive end of the ice and faceoff circle. Druss Deathwalker will bring an absolute physical presence to Team West Europe's forward core. The Malmo product not only has been a 30+ goal scorer the past few seasons, but he has recorded at least 350 hits and registered 200 penalty minutes. Adding grit with skill is a recipe for success to tire out the other team's best forwards as well.

 

Phil The Rock Johnson comes in with more than just an intense name. Johnson like Tessier got off to a slow start to his career in the points category. But they have found success in recent seasons. Johnson has become a 30+ goal scorer, and 90-point scorer this past season. It shows when paired with the right personnel, The Rock Johnson will live up to his name. The other Assistant Captain making his first World Cup appearance from France is Henri le Massif. The LA Stars star (ha, get it?) has established himself as a 30-goal scorer for the Stars, and this will be le Massif's second World Cup appearance with Team West Europe. le Massif is also a 300 hit forward, and will look to join Deathwalker in some high energy hockey. They will look towards those two to throw the body around plenty during the duration of this tournament.

 

On the backend, West Europe has a solid mixture of vets and youth. First off, we have the playmaking, puck moving defenseman from HC Davos. David Tavau. Tavau has only hit the 10 goal mark once in his career, coming last season but his 223 career assists more than make up for that. Tavau’s shot will not wow you, but his breakout passes and zone entrances will be very beneficial to West Europe’s talented forward core on 5 on 5 and the power play. The defense will also be joined by Italian Stallion Alessandro Nano, who hails from the Helsinki Titans. Nano has registered 60+ points in both of his first two seasons for Helsinki. He was also not afraid to get physical as he racked up almost 200 PIM in Season 82. His grit and offensive production will be a very welcome site for GM Zach Arce, who stresses the importance of the mixture.

 

London’s own Juice Box, who is coming off a 50-assist season in his rookie venture looks to add to the Western Europe offense. Juice Box’s +62 rating also shows his responsible play in his own zone as well, which will be needed playing against the world’s best offenses Alessandro Nano’s fellow young, defensive Helsinki teammate Flynn Remy will also be making his World Cup debut alongside him. Remy secured 44 points for the Titans in his rookie year, and blocked 148 shots. The young Belgium defenseman showed flashes of greatness, and will only get better. West Europe has some young lads on board, but they are ready for the task at hand.

 

In net, West Europe will be relying on Greek sensation Cole Pearce. Pearce had a phenomenal rookie year with the London United as he led them to a 40-16-7 record while he was in net. He also had a .909 save percentage and a 3.61 GAA. Considering Pearce is only 16 years old, imagine the ceiling for this young man. West Europe will absolutely need Pearce to be at his best, as he may have to stand on his head against some of the world’s best offenses shooting at him, and some young defensemen in front of him. Speaking of success, the name Aike van Giersbergen can come with that. van Giersbergen has won 3 Continental Cups in a row with the Vancouver Wolves. Granted, van Giersbergen has only appeared in a backup role. The fact still stands, van Giersbergen is used to winning. The games van Giersbergen has appeared in, he has put up solid numbers. A career save percentage of .917 and a GAA of 3.59 in this league is not too shabby at all. That mentality will be what will help as he backs up Cole Pearce.

 

It is a hard task as there are forwards such as Nico Pearce who could have easily been apart of this equation. S84 has a chance for those who were not able to make it in S82. There are always players who can be "FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY" when it comes to picking from the best in the world. All in all, West Europe’s roster is ready to compete with the best of the world as they look to take home gold.

 

Words: 1081

 

Claiming for week ending in 4/3 and 4/10

 

 

[Spartan 4,006]

FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY 

[Arce 742]

Claiming for week ending in 4/10. Also will be claiming doubles week once my player store purchase is approved.