The Stolzschweiger race is anything but close

[VattghernCZ 1,054]

The rookie of the year contest brings us exciting race every year, as we watch new blood writing the first pages if their legacy. Well...almost every year. This year, halfway through the season, the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy is already pretty much decided. And has been for some time. Matt Murdock @Acydburn is taking the league by storm in their second VHL season, first as the Menace starting goaltender. They have started all 38 games, and holds 23-13-2 record with 0.930 SV% and 2.42 GAA. The save percentage ranks them second among all VHL goaltenders. Aidan Shaw Trophy would definitely look nice next to the Stolzschweiger Trophy, just saying.

 

But for a while, let's pretend there is an alternative universe without Matt Murdock. How would the rookie race look then? Let's catch up with the most prominent future runner ups.

 

Larry Abass Jr @RileyL is having quite a rookie season for them, building on a 45-goal 100-point VHLE campain. Playing on the first Wranglers line with Landon Wolanin and Daniel Janser might give their stats a little boost, but they definitely look like they belong, with 12 goals and 29 points in 38 games. Abass Jr is also a part of the Wranglers special teams, logging minutes on both power play and penalty kill, and with 11 powerplay points – 7 of which are goals – and 12 blocked shots, they are definitely playing a big part. They bring some physicality as well, utilizing their 6'3'' frame for 58 hits and getting in a fight already.

 

Nikolas Kauppi @Tetricide has been the best playmaker of this season's rookie class so far with 20 assists (of 29 points), being Saku Kotkakoivu's running mate on the second Phantoms line and supporting the team's powerplay with 3 goals and 4 assists. As of writing this, Kauppi is riding a 7-game point scoring streak, and they could definitely end the season as a top scoring rookie with a strong second half. They have already become a fan favorite thanks to their willingness to drop the gloves – five teams this season already. This might drive their coaches nuts, but it will definitely give them bonus points with teammates.

 

Daryl Dixon @Ricer13 has been an absolute animal, with 110 hits and a fight to their name. They have been an absolute nuisance you hate to play against, with their great defensive play and physicality. The -12 in their stats may not look the best for someone praised for their defensive play, but keep in mind Helsinki Titans team is at the bottom of the league, and you can't expect a single rookie to carry the team (unless the rookie's name is Matt Murdock, of course). Even when the rookie has scores 17 goals halfway through the season (leading all rookies).

 

Quinn Clark @axtron, the second highest scoring defenseman of the 86^th VHLE season has joined the Toronto Legion team. So far, Clark has amassed very respectable 7 goals and 20 points on the struggling Legion squad and is the highest scoring rookie defenseman in the league. Though you can't blame a single player on a bottom feeding team for -19 rating, but to be fair, Clark has still some defensive shortcomings. They are an offensive weapon that's especially effective on man advantage – proven by 5 goals and 5 assists.

 

As said at the beginning, I think the ROTY award is already decided, but it will be interesting to see how the other rookies will fare nonetheless.