Halifax 21st SuperSailor #25 (S96 Week 4): Petr Novak

[LucyXpher 1,413]

The Halifax 21st, who began the season with a very green and youthful roster, are now coming into their own!  With a record of 11-3-0 in the last 14 games, the 21st are cruising towards a playoff spot with only 10 games remaining in the Season 96.  A recent article by @Mysterious_Fish which showed each team's average TPE relative to their standings position really highlighted how impressive the 21st have been as of late.  With an average TPE of 169.9, Halifax ranked behind all but one team in the VHLM, and yet still sit 5th overall in the standings, only 2 points behind the Miami Marauder's whose average TPE was 253.6!  Halifax's success is owed in large part to the herculean efforts of Jon Webber III, who has been one of the best goalies in the VHLM this season, and who could even be in the conversation for league MVP by the season's end.  Take nothing away from Halifax's skaters, however, as a collective team effort has boosted the average skater TPE to 169.9 from 99.3 at the beginning of the season!  That's a collective 60 TPE jump across 14 players, which has meant that every player has been earning consistently and working towards the team's goal of a playoff berth.  Despite not ranking at the top of the league and having to fight for every point, it's been an exceptional and exciting season for the Halifax 21st, and I am very greatful for the efforts of each and every player on this team.  It's quite rare to have this level of consistency in the VHLM-- especially from a team that features 11 first gen players who are still learning the ropes.  With 5 days of sims left in the season, it's looking more and more certain that the Boat Gang will achieve their goal of reaching the playoffs, and after that, who knows what could happen.  

 

This week's SuperSailor, however, is a player who has been a great contributor in the locker room and in the sims, though his on-ice contributions don't always make him the most popular player around the league-- let me explain.  Petr Novak currently has 8 points through 62 games, which at first glance doesn't really capture the eye.  The eye popping statistics, however, are that Novak ranks 6th in the league with 161 hits, and 6th in penalty minutes with 94.  Look, I know what you might be saying, he's a certifiable goon... well, the username @LastGoon007 checks out.  There is something to be said for the value of such statistics, however, and Novak has brought an element to the game that many of his teammates lack.  In my opinion, a good hockey team needs its fast and skilled scorers and playmakers, a solid goaltender, and responsible, puck-moving defenders-- but it also needs someone who's willing to get their hands dirty, to fight, to hit, and to sacrifice for the team.  Does Novak's style of play sometimes leave the 21st shorthanded?  Sure, but it's not to an extreme excess and there is certainly value in it-- even if management would like to see him develop his defensive game going forward.  What really stands out for Novak is his role as a leader in the locker room.  Since the beginning of the season, Novak has been a vocal and positive leader, even securing poutine bonuses for teammates who have performed well.  He's been consistently growing and making fun contributions around the team.  This kind of leadership to back up his physical play and standing up for teammates goes a long way and is worthy of commendation.  As a player who is expected to become a very important member of the 21st defense in future seasons, Novak has come as advertised and has very much lived up to his draft position at 14th overall in his VHLM rookie season. 

 

Congratulations to Petr Novak on being named the 25th SuperSailor!  

 

Honorable Mention: Michael Lee Jr @blueredlover is one of only 2 players in the VHLM that were selected in the 5th round to remain active and earning!  Drafted with only 54 TPE, Lee Jr has climbed an impressive 56 TPE (to 110 totall) over the past 5 weeks and has carved out a consistent role as the team's 3rd/4th line center.  As Lee Jr continues to develop, the opportunities will certainly be there for more icetime and an increased role.  While it's easy to heap praise on players who pile up points on the top lines, it's the players like Michael Lee Jr, who quietly and consistently continue to develop and fulfill an important role, that deserve a ton of credit! 

 

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Edited 6 hours ago by LucyXpher

[Mysterious_Fish 385]

3 hours ago, LucyXpher said:

A recent article by @Mysterious_Fish

Hey that is me. I saw the notif and I was wondering why tf I was pinged