Nighthawks roster set, looking to bounce back from early playoff exit

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The Malmo Nighthawks shocked the league last season when they came away with the Victory Cup, but their season came crashing to an end in the playoffs when they were swept by the London United. The roster was facing some question marks coming into the off-season, but after everything has settled, the team looks very similar to the one from a season ago. Some players have come and gone, but they retain their identity as a team that relies on production from top to bottom rather than a few stars.

 

For the forwards, there are two big changes. First, the Nighthawks lost their leading goal scorer Henry Eagles to free agency, replacing him with Gregger McKeggegger via a trade with Riga. The other five forwards all remain, but the second big change is the big hit of regression that has befallen Yaroslav Bogatyrev. Eagles and Bogatyrev have been key pieces of this offense the past couple of seasons, so someone will have to step up and fill the void. Look for a strong second season from Phillip Rave, and a breakout year for Savaisk Tzesar as the opportunities should be aplenty.

 

On defense, superstar Jacob Stone will continue to lead the way, though his primary linemate from last season, Jebediah Big Ol Doinks in Amish, is gone. Coming in is Eric Queefson who, like the other newcomer McKeggegger, hadn't exactly broken out with their former teams. Reese McFleury and Conference Prince-de-Galles are back with the team and once again look to be one of the top second units in the league.

 

Ash Sparks is back in net for his fifth season as the Nighthawks starting goaltender. He had a bounce back year last season, and he looks to be among the league leaders once again this season. Backing him up is rookie Karl Herzlich, a player who could give Malmo a bit of an edge that could make a difference. Although he doesn't have the skills yet to be a solid starter, he does look like one of the better backup goalies in the league.