S85 VHLM Dispersal Draft Update: The Goalies

[animal74 1,855]

S85 VHLM Dispersal Draft Update:

The Goalies

 

 

In an unprecedented turn of events, the most recent VHLM Dispersal Draft saw seven goalies taken within the first 15 picks and ten goaltenders taken overall. Three teams (Las Vegas, Halifax, and Ottawa) actually took two goalies, with one goalie being traded to the Houston Bulls shortly after the season started. Most if not all of these netminders will eventually face off against each other in the VHL, but for now, their sights are set on development and playing for the Founder’s Cup. Here is how their performances have fared so far after 9 VHLM games starting from the first drafted to the last.

 

 

 Alexander Minion @Minion, 3^rd OV (1^st Round), Saskatoon

Slightly older than his fellow draft class and widely considered the most game-ready, Minion has provided the Wild with a chance to win every night and has done his job admirably, keeping his team firmly in the playoff picture with a 5-3-1 record. He currently leads the league in save percentage (0.936) and shots against (392) by a wide margin highlighting how valuable he’s been to Saskatoon’s playoff hopes.

 

 Lachlan Summers @kirbithan, 6^th OV (1^st Round), San Diego

A bit of a surprise choice at 6^th overall, familiarity was the reason behind San Diego selecting the goalie who played 8 games for them in S84. Summers has been solid and while the Marlins are last in the Western Conference with a 4-4-1 record, it’s not by much. Only Minion has faced more shots than Summers and he’s third in the league with a 0.917 save percentage. He’s also one of only three goalies to post a shutout.

 

Jeremy Swayman @Agito, 7^th OV (1^st Round), Mexico City

The Kings went back to the goalie who stepped up in S84 and won 21 of 25 games with a sparkling 1.73 GAA taking Swayman 7^th overall. Swayman’s numbers have not been as good as last season playing behind a younger team but the Mexico City Kings are still tied for second place in the West.

 

 Bill Nye The Puck Stopping Guy @Big Newff, 11^th OV (2^nd Round), Miami

Another older prospect, The Puck Stopping Guy was scooped up as a free agent early last season and won 40 games with Houston. Miami snagged him with the first pick in Round 2 and hasn’t looked back. One of three netminders leading the league with 6 wins, The Puck Stopping Guy has Miami hanging on to first place in the East with a 6-1-2 record and is fourth with a 2.36 GAA.

 

 Joel Castle @animal74, 13^th OV (2^nd Round), Las Vegas

Seen as a late riser in the prospect ranks, it was a surprise for Castle to drop in the draft but not a surprise who he went to. He won all five of his starts with the S84 powerhouse Las Vegas Aces before winning the Founder’s Cup and they gladly brought him back with their first pick in the draft. The Aces are having an up-and-down season with a 5-4-0 record but Castle has played well posting a 0.918 save percentage (2^nd in the league), a 2.33 GAA (3^rd) and leads the M with two shutouts.

 

 Fuukka Rask @Jubis, 14^th OV (2^nd Round), Ottawa

Another surprise slider in the draft, Ottawa was delighted to get Rask and he has come as advertised, helping the Lynx keep within one point of first place Miami in the East. The Finn shares the league lead with six wins in eight starts, is tied for fourth with a 0.910 save percentage and is fifth with a 2.45 GAA. His playmaking from the crease has been on display as he’s one of three goalies with an assist so far.

 

 Ash Sparks @DarkSpyro, 15^th OV (2^nd Round), Halifax

With a high-powered offense but porous defense, Halifax selected Sparks, the last of the “Heavenly 7” goalies, to stop the puck and he’s done an admirable job with not much help. He’s lost more one-goal games than any other goalie buy that can also be attributed to facing the third-most shots against. Despite the barrage, Sparks has been resilient, posting the fourth-best save percentage (0.910) and a shutout.

 

 Igor Vezina @Ian Ertmann, 45^th OV (5^th Round), Halifax

With teammate Sparks playing well, Vezina has been regulated to back up duty and while he hasn’t played yet, he is providing competition in the crease and continues to work hard so he’s ready when called upon.

 

 Matthew Mccagg @Jack kidd, 63^rd OV (7^th Round), Ottawa

With Rask expected to move up a league next season, the Lynx grabbed his heir apparent in the last round. He finally got a start in Game 8 of the Lynx’s schedule and made 16 saves on 18 shots in a tight 2-1 loss against Saskatoon. A good start to give the Ottawa fans hope that between the pipes will be a strength next season as well.

 

 Shadow Thompson @Kelsey, 70^th OV (7^th Round), Las Vegas (traded to Houston)

In one of the most interesting storylines of S85, Thompson had the dubious honor of being the last selection (70^th overall) in the draft. A couple of days after the season started, Thompson was traded by Las Vegas to the Houston Bulls who had failed to secure a goalie in the off-season. He has gone on to win six of his first seven starts (albeit all against the lowly Hounds) and lead the league with a fantastic 1.73 GAA. The next four games will pit the Bulls against stiffer competition so it will bear watching how they fare.

 

 

Obviously, this has only been a small sample size and these goalies will continue to develop. Will the West continue to be a dog fight? Will Mississauga be able to stop the bleeding? Who will rise to the top and lead their team through the playoffs to the Founder’s Cup? How many will move to the next level and eventually, will any of them become Continental Cup champions or make the VHL Hall of Fame? I hope to do periodic goalie updates with more analysis. Thanks for reading!

 

 

1000 words.

 

Edited September 12, 2022 by animal74

[Jubis 1,350]

Pure  from you.  Awesome work as always 

[kirbithan 1,765]

Amazing work!! Great read and loved seeing your thoughts on the goalies in the season’s draft.

[jacobcarson877 2,563]

What an amazing goalie class! Would have been an honour to work with any of you this season!

[Agito 224]

This season could be interesting. Looking forward to seeing the next updates.

[animal74 1,855]

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