Alfred Champagne is VHL's Next Cinderella Story, and here's why

[Bobo 487]

Don't Snooze on Alfred Champagne This Draft,

and here’s why:

 

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Every draft in the VHL, there seems to be a sleeper. Whether that’s a player with a lesser known user, lack of experience and playing time, or low activity. There’s always that player that deserves more attention, and right winger (RW) Alfred Champagne is that guy. 

 

You see, Champagne is going into the draft with more humble stats than others amongst his TPE number. He is ranked number two for the right wingers this draft, and while in the minors his numbers aren’t anything to play around about. His 20 goals and 63 points aren’t bad at all. Even before his drafting in the VHL minors, he shined on a waiver deal with the San Diego Marlins, but his performance with the Philadelphia Reapers made him stand out amongst wingers. He’s expected to go late first round into early second round. Anthique, the user behind Champagne, is fairly active on the forums, constantly earning well and steadily becoming an active user in the community. He’s a very well rounded player, with extra emphasis on the scoring and defensive awareness of his game. His puck handling and playmaking ability is nothing to look over as well, he reminds me of an early Joe Thornton before he went to San José. 

 

Now, with all of that said, you might be wondering something: “How could someone so praised and highly thought of you be a sleeper?” Great question, random reader, let me explain. He’s never played a minute in the VHL Europe league–the step before the VHL for many of the other players in this draft. Now there is obvious reasoning behind this move, as his TPE is a bit too low for qualification in the ‘E, but it does affect his draft stock quite drastically. Even with these deteriorating factors, I feel like he’s still a great pick up for any team, and will make a great impact with a bit more conditioning in the farm leagues or even overseas. Give him the time he needs, and he will blossom for your franchise. I’m expecting the LA Stars or the Moscow Menace to call his name on the big stage (Pick 14 or 15). If he falls below those teams, the London United, Prague Phantoms, or the New York ‘Mericans in the early second round and late first round would definitely get a great player then. However, with the needs of top tier young talent in London, I would see him getting the call from the United this draft. This is all speculation though. 

 

His impact will be immediate, when he does enter the league. Expect a 40+ point season out of him, and at least 20 goals from him too. Very balanced numbers on a second line wing spot. Higher than average shot counter, and a big presence on the ice. Champagne is a winger who instantly caught my eye upon my review of this year’s draft class, and for all of the good reasons. He’s a Cinderella story in the making, and a definite sleeper in this year’s entry draft. Catch me in the stands with a Champagne jersey cheering on the next talent of the United hopefully. They need the talent of him, and with the other players developing, they could be in contention of hoisting the cup in a few years. But only time will tell. 

 

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Spoiler

TAGS: @Anthique | WORD COUNT: 512 WORDS

 

[Anthique 218]

Thanks for the kind word my friend!

 

I'm only doing the best I can, don't put too much pressure on me haha!

 

Wish you good luck, you may need it when we will face on the ice

[Anthique 218]

You were almost right @Bobo!

 

I've been picked a little higher than you predicted, but you were close.

 

The Phantoms were in the mix, finally picked me at 11th.