Marlins Finish Season First in VHLM

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As the regular season comes to a close, the San Diego Marlins finished the year atop the VHLM with 116 points from a 57-13-2 record, despite surprisingly dropping two of their last three games to the Halifax 21st and the Houston Bulls. The Marlins captured the VHLM's regular season crown by 6 points ahead of the Mississauga Hounds (54-16-2) as the two teams were placed first and second all year long.

 

While Mississauga's Grimgor Ironhide ended up leading the league in goals, assists, and points (55-70-125), the Marlins did have some individual seasons worth highlighting. Centre Tyrece the beast finished second in VHLM scoring with 112 points (49 goals, 63 assists) while also finishing third in the league in face-offs (57.59%). Winger and captain Eric White Jr. finished second in the VHLM in goals with 53, adding 51 assists for 104 points total (good for 5th in the league). The dynamic duo provided plenty of offense for the Marlins' top line no matter who they were grouped with.

 

White also finished second in the league with his +59 rating while defenseman Hezeus Ohmontegue-Steinhardt X finished third at +58.

 

Between the pipes, San Diego's Olober Syko turned in a brilliant campaign in which he finished atop the VHLM in pretty much every goaltending category imaginable: wins (57), goals-against-average (1.67), save percentage (.920), and shutouts (11). To some extent, Syko had the Marlins' elite defense to thank for that, but on the other hand, he did lead the league in save percentage regardless, and the gap between Syko and second place in most categories was significant. Impressively, Syko also posted a .900 save percentage on penalty shot and shootout attempts, of which he faced 40 in total over the season. Without a doubt, Syko was the VHLM's best goaltender this year.

 

Other Marlins with notable placements among the VHLM's best this season include defenseman Leif Reingaard, who's 77 points tied him for 5th among VHLM defensemen, and centre Phillip Rave, who finished third in the VHLM in game-winning goals (11) and fifth in face-off percentage (56.74%).