DC Stacks Up Defense

[Arce 742]

 

The S82 DC Dragons look unrecognizable at this point as we get ready to enter S83. The Dragons have a new goaltender, rookie franchise goaltender Bubbles Utonium will be making their VHL debut this upcoming season. The forward core has transformed, they will have new leading scorers. The Dragons will have S82 1st round pick Ronan Lavelle making his rookie debut. The team has acquired offensive phenomenon Taylor Mourning, who will boost the DC offense. This was the start of big changes for DC, and they are not even close to the biggest. The DC defense is completely transformed. They have their defense set for the next several seasons at least. Utonium has to be thrilled by GM Eno Rama's defensive transactions, what better way to set your rookie goaltender up for success? This also allowed defenseman Ryan Vidot to transfer his offensive talents over to the top center roll for the team. Rama opened the off-season by acquiring Poopy Peepants (what a name!) from Malmo. He then followed up by adding stud Corey Kitson from Vancouver. Free agency also graced the Dragons as they were able to grab veteran Frank Funk Jr, who still knows how to pack a punch on the defensive line. They also were able to acquire the top defensive free agent target Tui Sova, who has now completely changed the game for DC.

 

 

Poopy Peepants MAL -> DCD

 

One of the first trades of the S83 off-season was a blockbuster between the DC Dragons and Malmo Nighthawks. The Dragons would acquire gritty defenseman Poopy Peepants and one of the best forwards in the league Taylor Mourning in exchange for a slew of draft picks. DC was also able to acquire Malmo's first round pick in S83. In exchange, DC sent their S83 1st and 3rd, S84 Warsaw 3rd, and their S85 first round pick to Malmo. Mourning was amongst the offensive leaders in the VHL last season with 129 points and 59 goals. Peepants doesn't find the back of the net very often, but he knows how to throw his body around and pass the puck. Peepants cracked the top 10 in hits with 300, and posted up an ironic 69 points for Malmo. Peepants will bring grit and defensive coverage, which is much needed as the Dragons defensive line got opened up and dumped on the previous two seasons.

 

Corey Kitson VAN-> DCD

 

The next trade the DC Dragons made was to aquire defenseman Corey Kitson. The Dragons sent their S84 first round pick to Vancouver in exchange, as the Wolves look to retool after three straight championships. If there is one thing Corey Kitson knows, it is winning. That is all Kitson has done since entering the league in S80 being apart of the Vancouver Wolves dynasty, and capturing 3 consecutive Continental Cups. Kitson also put up a personal best in points, eclipsing 100 with 103. This put him as the 6th best offensive defenseman in S80. His 80 assists made him a very viable part of the Vancouver powerplay and transitional game. With The Wolves re-tooling their team, Kitson now has a chance to keep being apart of a winning equation. DC has sped up their rebuild and appears they are ready to compete for a playoff spot in S83, a welcome site to someone who has hoisted the cup the past 3 seasons.

 

 

Frank Funk Jr CGY-> DCD

 

After making some major trades for their first two defensemen, DC took to free agency to sweeten up the deal. Frank Funk Jr will not wow you with offensive production. However that is not why DC got him. Funk is known for his stay at home defensive play and chipping in offensively where possible. He threw the body around for Calgary last season registering 238 hits, and blocking 188 shots. Funk Jr along with Peepants could wear down the opposing forwards as they will not let you leave the ice without some soreness. The S76 journeyman will be taking his farewell tour with the Dragons, one they are trying to make count for the respected defenseman.

 

Tui Sova LAS-> DCD

 

The biggest free agent defenseman of S83 as expected got an offer from just about every team. Everyone was on their heels waiting for Sova to make his decision. In the end, Sova agreed to a deal to head to DC, joining the Dragons and essentially adding a warp speed effect to their rebuild. With the addition of Sova, DC looks to be able to compete now. Sova has been an offensive machine, posting up 90+ points the past 2 seasons with the Los Angeles Stars. Sova has found more, and more individual success each season as his totals have gone up in each one. Could DC boost this even more? Adding Sova also means the Dragons have now added two gritty defensemen, and two offensive based defensemen. Could Sova play with Kitson? Even if they were the point men on the power play, that would be a vicious combination for other teams to face.

 

The final outlook of this seems VERY positive for the Dragons. Eno Rama decided it was time to make big moves now. Although Funk Jr will only be around for the short-term, that effect could very well be what could give the Dragons an S83 playoff birth. The power play has been dismal for the Dragons the past two seasons, and that has completely transformed now. Having Sova and Kitson at the points, with Vidot, Mourning and Lavelle as the forwards could be just the recipe for success the Dragons needed. Then on the PK end, Peepants and Funk Jr provide the defensive unit, along with former defenseman Ryan Vidot as a two-way forward. Although the pairings are unknown at the moment, it is still very exciting to speculate. The DC Dragons hopeful have a lot to look forward to for the first time in some seasons. This could be the start of a lot of long-term success for the Dragons.

 

Word Count: 1003

Claim Weeks Ending: 4/17, and 4/24

Edited April 11, 2022 by Arce

[Arce 742]

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