Claimed:VHL rookies making early impacts

[scotty 59]

VHL rookies making early impacts

 

It’s no secrecy that the VHL is becoming a tough place for rookies. With 34 seasons of history in the book, the league has evolved to the point where even with 10 teams, making any type of tangible impact as a rookie can prove to be extremely difficult.

 

The early returns from this year’s rookie class have been favourable, with several VHL frosh already separating themselves from the pack as key contributors with their squads. With a number of S34 draftees making their VHL debuts after an extra season of development in the minors, as well as a highly publicized group of incoming S35 rookies, perhaps it’s no surprise to see some rookies overcoming the odds as impact players.

 

One of the players leading the way thus far is Toronto’s Dan Tremblay, a S34 draft pick who has already tabulated 15 points in only 13 games played. The 6-foot-2 defenseman wasn’t known for his offensive game when he was selected by the Legion but the smooth skater seems to have found an offensive game with the team this season. Tremblay figures to see ample playing time with the Legion this season and on his current pace, could figure in as a darkhorse in the Rookie of the Year race.

 

Davos goaltender Lennox Moher has had some hiccups early in his first VHL season.

 

 

Another defenseman, Riga’s Edwin Encarnacion, has also been turning heads with the Reign as his solid defensive play has also translated at the other end of the ice where he’s already picked up 11 points through his first 13 games played. Encarnacion is one of the most outspoken players in the league, but it hasn’t taken him long to back up the talk. Playing on a team that is devoid of talent, the rookie defenseman is leading the Reign in scoring while leading the league in Penalty Minutes and sitting second in hits. He may not wind up getting the hardware, but Encarnacion is clearly on the path to VHL stardom.

 

The top scoring rookie forward thus far is Davos’ Matteo Gallo, who has already found the back of the net six times in his first 13 VHL games. The prototypical sniper already has a team-high 76 shots this season and as he continues to get his feet wet, it’s only a matter of time before he starts converting on a higher percentage of those shots. Many had Gallo pegged for 30+ goals this season and at this point, there’s nothing that would create any doubt on him attaining that goal.

 

Cologne’s Davey Jones has also been no stranger to the red light district as his seven goals currently lead all rookies. Jones is coming off a dominant season in the VHLM and has quickly shown that he has all the tools to be a front line contributor at the VHL level. The 6-foot-1, 203 pound Miami, Fla. Native has an exceptional release and should challenge Gallo all season long in the race to become the top scoring rookie.

 

In goal, many expected S35 first overall pick Lennox Moher to be an immediate force in goal but it’s been a bit of a rocky start for the Dynamo netminder. Moher comes to the league on the heels of a VHLM Championship last year, but he’s quickly seen that the VHL shooters aren’t putting a lot of stock in the accolades. Through 11 games, Moher’s 3.65GAA and .870SV% are last in both categories amongst VHL starters, but the Dynamo aren’t concerned.

 

GM Victor Alfredsson says it will take some time for Moher to find his comfort level behind a youthful defense and forward corps.

 

“It’s been tough for him at times but there’s no doubt that his game will grow as our team continues to develop,” Alfredsson said. “We’ve got a lot of youth here in Davos, a lot of inexperience, it’s going to take some time for everything to come together and click but there’s no doubt in our minds that Lennox has all the tools to be a premier goaltender in this league. He’s got all the talent in the world.”

 

Countless other rookies have also forged their path early in S35 and it will certainly be exciting to monitor the progress of the next wave of VHL stars as they begin their careers this season.

Edited October 21, 2013 by scotty

[Doomsday 4,130]

Content: 3/3 - The VHL has a great crop of rookies this year and they're an awesome bunch. Always awesome to see their play in the sim reflect the hard work they put in and they've gotten off to a really nice start this year.

 

Grammar: 2/2 - Just a few minor things:

 

3.65GAA and .870SV% = 3.65 GAA and .870 SV%

203 pound Miami, Fla. Native = 203 pound Miami, Fla. native

 

Appearance: 1/1 - You got it!

 

Overall: 6/6 - Good good!

[Toast 887]

Content: 3/3 - Good look at the rookies of the league, breaking it down for anyone who doesn't really pay attention to the rookie scoring race or the play

from the rookie goaltenders. It's nice to give some recognition to the guys who have worked hard to break into the league. 

 

Grammar: 2/2 - Almost perfect.

 

first overall pick -> first-overall pick

 

Appearance: 1/1 

 

Overall: 6/6

 

FINAL: 6/6 

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