Training Camp Underway in D.C.

[der meister 3,236]

    Training camp is underway in the VHL and Konstyantyn Shevchenko is looking to make a big splash for the D.C. Dragons this season. While rumors have swirled around the squad in terms of acquisitions, so far nothing has materialized. In fact, the already sparse Dragons roster is a little bit thinner, with just three forwards, three defenders, and one goalie on the squad. 

 

    The top line, which I suppose we should just call the forward line, consists of Shevchenko and Tom Dufour flanking center Theo Allard. Dufour scored 32 goals and added 39 assists last season, while Allard broke the point-per-game barrier for the first time in his career, notching 37 goals and a total of 83 points. As a rookie, Shevchenko played largely on the second line, and registered 22 goals and 14 assists while literally playing with himself [perverts]. It remains to be seen if Shevchenko can elevate the forward line to new heights this season, but after what appears to be a very strong summer training session, the hulking Ukrainian looks more than up to the challenge.

 

Training camp teachings

 

    On the blue line, Eurydyka Sklodowska Dudzinska and DB IV are both returning to the squad. Dudzinska is the elder statesperson on the team, while DB IV is the more talented of the pair. Added to the mix this season is newcomer Joseph Dubois, who brings a solid, simple game to the table. Dubois has spent the last 5 seasons playing for the Cologne Express in the now-defunct VHL Europe league, scoring 339 points in 360 games. The jump from the VHLE to the VHL is a huge one, however, and initial impressions are that Dubois is more suited for a bottom pairing role than to be relied upon for large offensive contributions.

 

    Finally, returning in net is Herald Benson. This will be Benson's third year with the team. His individual numbers showed growth from his rookie to his sophomore season, with his save percentage improving by 0.14 percent from a 0.913 to a 0.927, while dropping his goals against average from a 3.79 to a 3.65. Benson is the backbone of the squad and another jump in individual performance could be the difference between the Dragons being in the wild card hunt and being a cellar-dweller this season.

 

    And let's be frank, here: no one is expecting the D.C. Dragons to be a Cup contender this season. Shevchenko and his linemates could combine for 350 goals this season and, while impressive, it still won't change the fact that they'll likely have a losing record. This is not a team ready to compete. But augmenting a powerful young winger with recent high draft picks in Brandon Petan Jr and Yinf Retiring, this is a team that could surprise some folks in the near future. Depending on the moves made by the new General Manager and his team, the Dragons could be primed to add several other high caliber pieces to their arsenal in the very near future. And if that happens, the rest of the VHL better look out.