VSN Presents: S90 VHL Recap

[Gaikoku-hito 2,066]

Credit: @leandrofg

 

 

What makes a great season? Well, I would think a great season would be one of interesting stories made up of multiple teams rather than singular team running away with the Victory Cup. While we have a short break between the end of the season and the start of the playoff; let’s look back on what made this a season to remember.

 

Let review the North American Conference first before taking a look at European Conference and how the defending Continental Cup Champions HC Davos Dynamo fared.

 

North America Conference

 

 

 

1.      Toronto Legion           

Record:     45 – 14 – 13; 103pts

Preseason Ranking:     2nd Conference & 2nd League

Season End Ranking:   1st Conference & 2nd League

 

Preseason Forwards:             1st                                            Season End Rank:         6th             

Preseason Defensive:            6th                                           Season End Rank:         2nd

Preseason Goaltending:        7th                                           Season End Rank:       t-2nd

 

Summary: With one of the best offensive teams in the league; it was a bit surprising to see the team finish with the 6th best offensive numbers but it would seem this was more down to commitment to play defense. The team was led offensively by Ronan Lavelle @Arce (40g – 50a -95pts(7th)) and Mac Atlas @v.2 (43g(8th) – 41a – 84pts) but overall had a balanced offensive attack with five players reaching the point per game mark. Toronto commitment to defensive side of the puck was led by Siyan Yasilievich @badcolethetitan (18g – 60a(t-8th) – 78pts); 10th amongst defensemen; helping the Legion to end the season with the second lowest goals allowed in the league. Aided by the strong Sophomore season of Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer (13g – 53a – 66pts).  Strong goaltending from Joel Castle @animal74 (2.29 GAA (2nd), 0.927% (4th) and 4 SO(t-7th)) was good enough for tied 2nd in the league of all goaltender playing over 36 games. They will hope strong commitment to defense will lead them deep into the playoffs.

 

 

 

2.       D.C. Dragons

Record:     47 – 19 – 6; 100pts

Preseason Ranking:        5th Conference & 11th League

Season End Ranking:      2nd Conference & 3rd League

 

Preseason Forwards:             11th                                           Season End Rank:        1st

Preseason Defensive:            9th                                            Season End Rank:          9th

Preseason Goaltending:        12th                                          Season End Rank:         6th      

 

Summary: Unexpectedly led the league in offense this season led by Jason @Jason kranz (55g(2nd) – 60a(t-8th) – 115pts(2nd)); Vincent Laroche-Gagnier @vincentlg2007 (45g(5th) – 55a – 100pts(4th)) and Ryuji Sakamoto @der meister (16g – 77a(t-1st) – 93pts(8th & 2nd Def)). While team dominated on the offensive side, they have to be concerned slightly with the average goals against but if they can continue to outscore their problems then I don`t think they are worried that much heading into the playoffs. D.C. also finished where they were expected too in the way of goals against. With better-than-expected goaltending from Bubbles Utonium @fishy ( 0.927%(t-3rd), 2.60 GAA (7th) and 4 SO(t-7th). The Dragons hope that the better than expected goaltending and hot offense continues into the playoff after a strong regular season.

 

 

 

3.      Los Angeles Stars

Record:     48 – 21 – 3; 99pts

Preseason Ranking:        4th Conference & 9th League

Season End Ranking:      3rd Conference & 5th League

 

Preseason Forwards:             9th                                              Season End Rank:       5th

Preseason Defensive:            11th                                            Season End Rank:        5th

Preseason Goaltending:        6th                                             Season End Rank:        5th

 

Summary: Stronger than expected season but at the end of the day Los Angeles Stars must feel a bit cheated as they finished with the second most wins in the league; only behind HC Davos; the Victory Cup Champions. The better-than-expected offense was led by Todd Cooke @KRZY (41g(t-10th) – 77a(t-1st) - 118pts(1st)) aided by new comers Napoleon Dynamite @thadthrasher (40g – 49a – 89pts(t-10th)) and Svatopluk Puk @Otaznik (45g(t-4th)- 42a -87pts). While the defense was anchored by another new comer in Elias Lampi @Pifferfish (17g – 56a – 73pts) and top five goaltending from Art Vandelay @Gustav (0.925%(t-7th), 2.37 GAA(3rd) and 5 SO(t-4th). Let not also mention that they were leading the North American Conference at the trade deadline before falling off and sliding down the standings.

 

 

 

4.      Vancouver Wolves

Record:     45 – 21 – 6; 96pts  

Preseason Ranking:        1st Conference & 1st League

Season End Ranking:      4th Conference & 6th League

 

Preseason Forwards:                 3rd                                              Season End Rank:       3rd

Preseason Defensive:             1st                                               Season End Rank:         7th

Preseason Goaltending:         9th                                              Season End Rank:       12th

 

Summary: Slow starts for the Vancouver Wolves are starting to become a trend and this season was no different as they struggled to play decent defensive hockey; which was supposed to be the team’s bread and butter with two all-star defenders in Brian Payne @Scurvy (24g – 58a(10th) – 82pts (5th Def)) and Pierre Emile Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito (15g – 64a(7th) – 79pts (9th def)) . Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ (41g(t-10th) – 48a – 89pts(t-10th)) would show last year’s playoff success was no flash in the pants leading the Wolves offense. The big noticeable difference from Preseason Ranking to Season End Rank was the below average goaltending the team received through the season as Brandt Fuhr @Tate (0.917%, 2.65 GAA(10th) and 6 SO(t-2nd)) compared to the rest of the league. Vancouver will need better goaltending if they have any chance at returning to the Continental Cup finals again this season.

 

 

 

5.     Seattle Bears

Record:       40 – 27 – 5; 85pts

Preseason Ranking:          3rd Conference & 4th League

Season End Ranking:        5th Conference & 8th League

 

Preseason Forwards:               7th                                              Season End Rank:       9th

Preseason Defensive:              4th                                             Season End Rank:        4th

Preseason Goaltending:            4th                                             Season End Rank:        4th

 

Summary: The Bears struggled chemistry to start the season and had a slow start but managed to make up ground during the second half of the season. The team overall struggled offensively which they tried to address at the trade deadline the added more offense in Babay Shrimp @Blazzer (5g – 14a – 19pts) since coming over from Moscow in the mid-season trade; (31g – 54a – 85pts) overall on the season.  The Bears were led by Yaroslav Bogatyrev @Bojovnik (46g(2nd) – 42a – 88pts), Randy Bobandy @AJW (31g – 53a – 84pts) and Leandro Goncalves @leandrofg (42g(9th) – 40a – 82pts) but lacked any offensive push from the back-end with Rex Wolffe Gregor @oilmandan (15g – 42a – 57pts) as the teams to leading defenseman. Solid top five goaltending from Clueless Wallob @DMaximus (0.927%(t-4th), 2.41 GAA (5th) and 5 SO (t-4th). The Bears will hope that they can find a more balanced offensive attack as the head to the wildcard round against rivals Vancouver Wolves.

 

 

 

6.       Chicago Phoenix

Record:         34 – 34 – 4; 72pts

Preseason Ranking:          7th Conference & 14th League

Season End Ranking:        6th Conference & 11th League

 

Preseason Forwards:                13th                                           Season End Rank:       12th

Preseason Defensive:               14th                                          Season End Rank:        13th

Preseason Goaltending:           13th                                          Season End Rank:         11th

 

Summary: The team played tough hockey most of the season and just seemed to be consistent around the five hundred mark. The team was led by the usual suspects in Scotty Sundin @fromtheinside (44g(6th) – 46a- 90pts(9th)), and Bo Johansson @Shindigs (10g – 71a(t-4th) – 81pts(6th Def)) as the team starts into a rebuilding situation and the final seasons of the two veteran players. They also stayed respectable through serviceable goaltending from Karl Pedersen @JeffD (0.924%, 2.74 GAA and 5 SO(t-4th). As the team will focus on the off-season to rebuild to once again raise from the ashes. It was a better-than-expected season for the Phoenix but it feels like it wasn`t what they really needed.

 

 

 

7.      Calgary Wranglers

Record:           22 – 44 – 6; 50pts

Preseason Ranking:            6th Conference & 13th League

Season End Ranking:          7th Conference & 13th League

 

Preseason Forwards:                 15th                                         Season End Rank:         15th

Preseason Defensive:                9th                                          Season End Rank:          12th

Preseason Goaltending:            12th                                        Season End Rank:         t-7th

 

Summary: Good old fashion roundup!! This was always going to be a tough season for Calgary as the team in the middle of rebuild with a huge youth movement underway. The team was very active this season completing twelve trades bring in a combination of eighteen draft picks or prospects. The team was led this season by the highest paid player in the league Phil Strasmore @Phil (13g – 47a – 60pts), Rookie Steve Lattimer @pugsood (24g – 27a – 51pts (2nd ROTY)) and sophomore goaltender Merome Dilson @MexicanCow123 (0.928% (3rd), 2.70 GAA and 3 SO(10th)). With more youth coming and a stead presence of Phil Strasmore; Calgary has a bright future in the next few season.

 

 

 

8.       New York Americans

Record:            16 – 46 – 10; 42pts

Preseason Ranking:             8th Conference & 16th League

Season End Ranking:            8th Conference & 15th League

 

Preseason Forwards:                 16th                                         Season End Rank:          15th

Preseason Defensive:                13th                                         Season End Rank:           15th

Preseason Goaltending:            16th                                         Season End Rank:        t-14th

 

Summary: "Bad by Accident" is how it was worded in the S90 VHL Season Preview and long season it must have been for the New York Americans. Where there is darkness, there is always hope!! This is no difference in New York as youth was served this year with Jasper Davis @Josh (24g – 29a – 53pts), Francesco Mancini @GioSivo (20g – 19a – 39pts), Tord Yvel @Trazan (6g -44a – 50pts(3rd ROTY)) and Zyn Westwood  @Sullvino (16g – 21a – 37pts(8th ROTY)). Not to mention older sophomore Lorenzo Cobberson @Hendrix Cobberson (33g – 30a – 63pts). The team looks to the future with more prospects coming next season but it might take a few seasons before they are knocking on the playoff door.

 

 

 

 

European Conference

 

 

 

1.      HC Davos Dynamo

Record:           51 – 17 – 4; 106pts

Preseason Ranking:         2nd Conference & 2nd League

Season End Ranking:        1st Conference & 1st League

 

Preseason Forwards:                    8th                                             Season End Rank:        4th

Preseason Defensive:                   3rd                                            Season End Rank:         1st

Preseason Goaltending:               3rd                                            Season End Rank:         1st

 

Summary: Defending Champions show how they won the Championship last season. Coming from behind with amazing goaltending and timely scoring. Also helped by the fact that they went 8-1-1 in the final week to rip the Victory Cup from Toronto and Prague fingers. Last season was Skor McFleury @Alex(25g – 71a(t-4th) – 96pts(6th & 1st DEF)) coming out party and this season he hasn`t cooled leading HC Davos offensively. McFleury makes up a strong two headed defensive core with Jake Thunder @Thunder (14g – 72a(3rd) – 86pts(3rd Def); add in top forward James Teekirque @Mongoose87 (43g(t-7th) - 45a - 88pts) and Pete Mitchell @Crstats23 (24g – 53a – 77pts) for one of the more balanced offensive team in the league. HC Davos also has the best goalie in the VHL at the moment with Lachlan Summers @kirbithan (0.938%(1st), 2.06 GAA (1st) and 7 SO(1st); who just posted the 8th best sav% ever and the first goalie to lead all categories since S74. Only one questions remains; Can they repeat?

 

 

 

2.      Prague Phantoms

Record:               47 – 19 – 6, 100pts

Preseason Ranking:            1st Conference & 3rd League

Season End Ranking:            2nd Conference & 4th League

 

Preseason Forwards:                   2nd                                              Season End Rank:          2nd

Preseason Defensive:                  8th                                              Season End Rank:           3rd

Preseason Goaltending:              2nd                                             Season End Rank:         t-2nd

 

Summary: Can Phantoms choke? In the case of the Prague Phantoms the answer would be rather resounding yes!! 3-6-1 in the final week seen them not only lose the handle on the Victory Cup but also first in European Conference. Prague has a potent offensive forward core of John Jameson @Frank (45g(t-3rd) – 56a – 101pts(3rd)), Fred Hampton @TownBizness (40g – 58a(t-10th) – 98pts(5th)), Perry Laperriere  @KaleebtheMighty(39g – 49a – 88pts)  and Nikolas Kauppi @Tetricide (39g – 43a – 82pts); while lacking true offensive defenseman rather scoring by committee from the back-end. Matt Murdock @Acydburn (0.930%(2nd), 2.37 GAA(4th) and 3 SO(t-10th)) showed that he is a top goaltender in the league. Can Prague make a run at the Continental Cup and knock off HC Davos Dynamo?

 

 

 

3.    Riga Reign

Record:                 39 – 25 – 8, 86pts

Preseason Ranking:          6th Conference & 10th League

Season End Ranking:         3rd Conference & 7th League

 

Preseason Forwards:                   4th                                               Season End Rank:         8th

Preseason Defensive:                 15th                                              Season End Rank:         10th

Preseason Goaltending:              8th                                               Season End Rank:          9th

 

Summary: Roar!! Look what the Lion brought in!! Huge move to secure a third defender at the deadline have improved the overall defense. Impressively Riga has a very balanced attack with seven of the nine players on the roster at a point per game; lead by Sadie St-Louis @sadie (41g(10th) – 46a – 87pt) and their two defenseman Brian Kowalski @Wheaties (31g – 49a – 80pts(t-7th Def)) and James Marino @Adrest245 (13g – 67a(6th) – 80pts(t-7th)). While Riga will need to tighten up defensively in the playoffs if they have any chance of going far and they will need strong goaltending from Henry Tucker Jr @NSG (0.925%(t-7th), 2.57 GAA(8th) and 1 SO). Have they improved enough to make a deep playoff run?    

 

 

 

4.     Helsinki Titans

Record:                     35 – 29 – 8, 78pts

Preseason Ranking:           5th Conference & 8th League

Season End Ranking:         4th Conference & 9th League

 

Preseason Forwards:                   6th                                                 Season End Rank:        7th

Preseason Defensive:                 12th                                                Season End Rank:        11th

Preseason Goaltending:              5th                                                 Season End Rank:        13th

 

Summary: The raise of the Titans? Weakness all year was the team defense but that was fixed when they traded for Hammar Voss @BOOM (31g – 53a – 84pts(4th Def); and (17g – 32a – 49pts) since joining Helsinki.  It finally gave them an offensive defenseman that could move the puck to high flying forwards of Landon Wolanin @jacobcarson877 (40g – 41a – 81pts) and Daryl Dixon @Ricer13(33g – 45a – 78pts). Helsinki could be that team that upsets during the playoffs but they will need Fuukka Rask @Jubis (0.918%(12th), 2.81 GAA(13th) & 4 SO(t-7th)) to be better than he has most of the season. Helsinki will be an interesting team to watch as they are also one of the hottest teams entering the playoffs with 8-1-1 record; matching that of Riga & Davos in the final week.

 

 

 

5.     London United

Record:                  35 – 33 – 4, 74pts

Preseason Ranking:              4th Conference & 7th League

Season End Ranking:          5th Conference & 10th League

 

Preseason Forwards:                   10th                                                  Season End Rank:        11th

Preseason Defensive:                   5th                                                  Season End Rank:          6th

Preseason Goaltending:               1st                                                   Season End Rank:       t-7th 

 

Summary: Are they United? Overall, the team struggled to score this season and put a ton of pressure on the defense and goaltending. Which was somewhat expected but they have snuck into the playoff and will let the dice roll. The United were led this season by Leonard Triller @Triller (35g -47a – 82pts) and Molly the Cat @JCarson (39g -38a – 77pts). London success was heavily dependent on Jesse Teno @aimkin (0.925%(t-7th), 2.49 GAA(7th) and 6 SO(t-2nd)), he cracked but didn`t break. Can Teno carry this team deep into the playoffs?

 

 

 

6.     Malmo Nighthawks

Record:                    28 – 33 – 11; 67pts

Preseason Ranking:               3rd Conference & 6th League

Season End Ranking:           6th Conference & 12th League

 

Preseason Forwards:                     5th                                                    Season End Rank:       13th

Preseason Defensive:                    2nd                                                   Season End Rank:        8th

Preseason Goaltending:                11th                                                   Season End Rank:       10th

 

Summary: For every dark night; the day is brighter!! When the season started, I projected a strong Nighthawks team would contend for playoff and maybe even push Prague and HC Davos but in the end the team lacked Chemistry, goal scoring, an offensive defenseman and a goaltender that could hold the fort. Henry Eagles @Greg_Di (28g – 30a -58pts) and Daniel Weaver @ThePerfectNut (29g – 30a – 59pts) will look for bounce back season while Viktor Jensen @Advantage(18g -42a – 60pts) will try to continue to improve on career highs on the offensive side for the Nighthawks. Jacob Stone @scoop (11g -32a – 43pts) will try to develop into that offensive defenseman.  Ash Sparks @DarkSpyro (0.921% (11th), 2.48 GAA (6th) and 2 SO) needs to make another step to help hold down the crease. Expect Malmo to bounce back next season with motivated players after what has been a disappointing season.

 

 

 

7.    Moscow Menace

Record:                     29 – 40 – 3; 61pts

Preseason Ranking:              7th Conference & 12th League

Season End Ranking:            7th Conference & 13th League

 

Preseason Forwards:                     12th                                                  Season End Rank:       10th

Preseason Defensive:                     7th                                                   Season End Rank:       14th

Preseason Goaltending:                15th                                                  Season End Rank:        16th

 

Summary: Once a Menace; always a Menace!! Rebuild has begun and the league will likely enjoy kicking the Menace as they are down after being a dominate team for most of the 80`s. They continued to add prospects and picks at the trade deadline with trading away Hammar Voss @BOOM and Babay Shrimp @Blazzer leaving the offense to be carried by Left Alone @okochastar (27g – 45a – 72pts) and Fraser Wallace @Hoopydog (23g – 44a – 67pts) while the youth is being served by Jeff Lewis @nerji (27g – 39a – 67pts (3rd ROTY)). Sam Tombstone @samthemancub (0.914%(16th), 3.19 GAA(16th) and 3 SO) was thrown to the VHL (wolves) but proved to be a serviceable tender for a team rebuilding. Moscow Menace are two or three years away as they have just started the rebuild process but they will be back being a Menace sooner than later!!

 

 

 

8.     Warsaw Predators

Record:                      15 – 49 – 8; 38pts

Preseason Ranking:               8th Conference & 16th League

Season End Ranking:             8th Conference & 16th League

 

Preseason Forwards:                      16th                                                   Season End Rank:        16th

Preseason Defensive:                     13th                                                   Season End Rank:        16th

Preseason Goaltending:                 16th                                                   Season End Rank:        15th

 

Summary: Prospect Predators are coming!! Warsaw has a ton of prospect on the way next season lead by Maxim Anisimov (STO) @McLovin, and King Kisslinger (ROM) @Kisslinger with the other prospect still a year or two away. Warsaw also holds seven picks in this year’s draft and will hope that they win the draft lottery. Warsaw was led this season by Tater Tottingham @Trunkxolotl (22g – 26a – 48pts) and Doug Britton @Doug Britton (12g – 35a -47pts); both of whom should be return next season for the Predators. Lifelong Warsaw Predator Wumbo @Fire Fletcher (0.918%(t-12th), 3.40 GAA(16th) & 0 SO) hung his skates up at the end of the season and will be remember for the large role he played in the S84 Continental Cup and S85 Victory Cup; also leaving as the franchise leader in GP, Wins, Losses, OTL, and Saves.

 

 

 

Overall, View of the season:

It was season of a lot of movement with teams trading position right up until the last day of the regular season. In the end HC Davos Dynamo wins their first Victory Cup since S37; which I might add they lost in the finals. Crazy good season from a bunch of players like Todd Cooke leading the league points, Jason leading the high-flying D.C. Dragons and the league with 55 goals, even a defenseman in Hammar Voss scored 31 goals this season (not a career high might I add) and crazy Dustin Funk worthy season from Ryuji Sakamoto. Not to forget Lachlan Summers great season with 8th best sav% ever and the first goalie to lead all categories since S74.

 

 

 

Now we turn our attention to the VHL Playoff and Continental Cup. Who will win? Anyone guesses at this point.

Edited October 1, 2023 by Gaikoku-hito
Fixed the ROTY information.

[jacobcarson877 2,520]

7 minutes ago, Gaikoku-hito said:

Art Vandelay

Art Vandelay

[animal74 1,803]

6 hours ago, Gaikoku-hito said:

strong Rookie season of Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer (13g – 53a – 66pts(2nd ROTY)) good enough for second in Rookie scoring and a strong case for Rookie of the Year.  

Great article, but Bob wasn't a rookie. The index is incorrect regarding Rookies. The portal is right for once, haha.

[Gaikoku-hito 2,066]

9 hours ago, animal74 said:

Great article, but Bob wasn't a rookie. The index is incorrect regarding Rookies. The portal is right for once, haha.

Thank you for notice and Yup, darn index!! I have corrected the error!!

[Gaikoku-hito 2,066]

Oct 8th Claim