Halifax 21st SuperSailor #21 (S95 Playoffs Round 1): Ricky LaFleur

[LucyXpher 1,337]

The Halifax 21st fell in the first round to the Philadelphia Reapers in a five game series.  The 21st put up a good fight in the first three games of the series which were all decided by only one goal, and even picked up a 5-4 victory in game three.  It would be their only win of the series, however, as the Reapers would prove to be too much for the boat gang in games four and five, outscoring the 21st in those games by a combined score of 10-2.  Being eliminated from the playoffs again and falling short of the ultimate goal is never a good feeling, though in this season of adversity and change, I think it's fair to say that this Halifax team has a lot to be proud of.  After two seasons of contention at the top of the league, Season 95 was a step back for the 21st as the team needed to re-tool and recoup some assets to prepare for next season.  Accomplishing this goal while also making the playoffs is a success in itself, though it was the life in the team behind the scenes that really signified some cause for hope.  At the center of all this was waiver signing Ricky LaFleur @DarkSpyro. 

 

After joining the team late in the regular season, LaFleur only played four regular season games for the 21st and managed a record of 2-2-0 with a respectable .911 SV% and a 2.26 GAA-- respectable numbers all things considered.  And while he remained the the backup to Vladimir Trunov in their five playoff games, LaFleur remained upbeat about the team and was a source of positivity even in defeat.  Despite not starting games in the playoffs, he remained one of the most active voices in the locker room and was a fantastic teammate.  While the on-ice results are what people remember at the end of the day, it's the environment and culture around the team that makes it all worthwhile-- win or lose.  

 

Though the 21st didn't accomplish the ultimate goal of a Founder's Cup this season, the team took steps forward in other areas to prepare for next season. And while it isn't guaranteed that LaFleur will return to the 21st in S96, his contributions in his short stint with the team will certainly have impacted his teammates who are locked in with Halifax going forward.  With two selections in the first round in the upcoming draft, there is a chance Halifax could bring LaFleur back once again, but with a chaotic offseason on the horizon and players potentially returning to the team from the VHLE, the 21st could be in a very different position come draft day in a few weeks time.

 

When asked about LaFleur and the direction of the team going forward, Halifax GM Lexie Leitner had this to say, "He [LaFleur] very quickly became the heart and soul of our team, whether he was between the pipes or on the bench.  He was the ideal teammate and we would absolutely love to have him back if the opportunity presents itself in the draft.  Ricky LaFleur represents everything we are looking for in players going forward.  We want players who are committed not only to their on-ice performance, but also to their teammates and the community around the team.  Sure, it's a results driven enterprise, but it's our view that good people make great teams and by building up the foundation of an excellent locker room, we believe the team on the ice will follow naturally.  Though we were knocked out of the playoffs again this season, Ricky was everything we could ask for from a player.  No matter what happens, we wish him the best going forward into this offseason!"
 

Congratulations to Ricky LaFleur on being named the team's SuperSailor this week!  

 

Notes: Steven Nichols @SlyDigi and Gottfried Schloss @acp were the team's top scorers in the playoffs with 6 points apiece.  They both were among the few Halifax players with a +/- of 0 or above.  While Schloss was signed as a waiver player and will be entered into the VHLM draft, Nichols-- the team's captain-- will return to Halifax next season looking to build on an exceptional rookie season that saw him record just under a point-per-game throughout the regular season and playoffs.  Joining Nichols as returnees will be forwards Kokko Miskinen @MikkoKoskinensMistress and Michael Schmicael @K4L3B, as well as defender Victory Hockey League @TheHockey_pro.  The team will have plenty of work to do to round out the roster this offseason, but with high-end selections in both of the next two drafts, the future is looking bright in Halifax!

 

༻❁༺

[DarkSpyro 934]

(Ricky reading this and realizing he might not be back in Halifax next season ☝)

 

No seriously though..I’m very grateful for your kind words and recognition @LucyXpher! It was a blast to be part of such a great team and locker room!!

Sooooo many funny moments and awesome people, definitely would love to be back if Ricky gets drafted to the 21st!! Regardless if Ricky lands in Halifax or not at the draft, I hope you and everyone else on the 21st continue to make more fun memories!

 

Edited September 19 by DarkSpyro

[AJW 2,154]

Let’s go Ricky!! 
 

[DarkSpyro 934]

1 minute ago, AJW said:

Let’s go Ricky!! 
 

Thanks Bubbles!!