JORDAN22 3 Posted March 29, 2015 Share Posted March 29, 2015 Gunnar Axelson, former scoring legend of the VHLM's Saskatoon Wild and later New York Americans, Seattle Bears, Riga Reign and Vasteras Iron Eagles, has launched the "Gloat for Gunnar" campaign, trying to get a push for the VHL Hall of Fame. Let's take a look at the statistics for Gunnar (featuring the top ten)... GOALS: 292 #3 for RW (Career), #T-2 for RW (Season) As far as right wingers go, Gunnar Axelson had an electric career as far as scoring. Axelson was a marksman, and really cared about nothing except for scoring. Despite being completely one dimensional, Axelson still excelled. He finished #3 as far as right wingers in goals scored, behind Pavel Koradek (Hall of Famer) and Yuri Grigorenko. Grigorenko played nearly a full season more than Axelson, and finished with less than 10 more goals total. As far as seasons go, Axelson finished with 63 goals, the second highest total ever for a right winger, to none other than Koradek. As far as scoring goes, you can't go against Axelson. POINTS: 570 #8 for RW (Career), #4 for RW (Season) Axelson didn't have the multiple great seasons that Koradek did, but he had the longevity and consistency. Axelson finished 8th overall for points at the right wing position, and had the 4th highest total in a single season (two other players posted better years, Koradek and newly inducted Hall of Famer Odin Tordahl). Axelson didn't have spectacular assist numbers to boost his points total, but he is carried on this list by his large number of goals. Axelson now coaches a youth hockey team in his hometown of Stockholm PLUS/MINUS: 178 #8 for RW (Career) Axelson never posted an outstanding season with a high plus/minus, but he was consistent. Finishing a spot behind Tordahl again, Axelson still ranks in the top ten in plus/minus for right wingers. For the Wild in his ridiculous VHLM year, he posted a plus/minus of 144. His highest total in the VHL was Season 26-27, when he had a plus/minus of 39. This is not amazing by any means, but he also had three seasons above a 30 +/- and two more above 20. POWERPLAY GOALS: 65 #T-3 for RW (Career), #T-5 for RW (Season) Axelson could score without an advantage. Give him the advantage, and he can score even more. Finishing in the top three as far as career powerplay goals, Axelson can affirmatively be called one of the best on the powerplay, ever. In Season 26-27 again, one of his best years, he scored 16 powerplay goals, good for the fifth best season for powerplay goals by a right winger in history. GAME WINNING GOALS: 59 #3 for RW (Career), #T-2 for RW (Season) What may be more important than any other statistic here is the "clutch factor" of Axelson. Gunnar brought his experience in the tough youth leagues in Sweden to the VHL, and could really score when it counts. Axelson is 2nd to only Grigorenko in the season, and behind he and Anatoli Zhumbayev for the career. Where Axelson may lack in other categories, Axelson makes up for it with the game winning goals. What's more important than winning the game? Nothing. Axelson also added many other impressive statistics, such as 18 hat tricks, 45 1st stars, and a single fight won. Gunnar has set up many different campaign posters around not only his hometown of Stockholm, but also all over VHL cities. "If you ask me," said Axelson, "I'm the best damn scorer to live. Regardless of what the stats say. I didn't even practice the last half of my career. I still scored those goals like nothin'." It's also to be mentioned that Axelson won a Founders' Cup, Dionne Trophy, Sakic Trophy, Hull Trophy, Esposito Trophy and a World Cup title. Played alongside two Hall of Famers in Ben Glover and Daniel Braxton as part of the New York Americans, yet they came up short against his former team, the Seattle Bears. Axelson could never seem to capture a Continental Cup to round out the "Big Three" of titles in the VHL. Axelson playing with Team Scandanavia, World Cup Champions NOTE: This is not meant to be taken seriously. Although I wouldn't object to Axelson being inducted Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/18730-axelsons-push-for-the-hall-final-66/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank 5,211 Posted March 29, 2015 Share Posted March 29, 2015 He'll be inducted in Season 117 out of respect. Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/18730-axelsons-push-for-the-hall-final-66/#findComment-197739 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Higgins 3,618 Posted March 29, 2015 Share Posted March 29, 2015 I'll see what I can do for the S117 campaign Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/18730-axelsons-push-for-the-hall-final-66/#findComment-197752 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Victor 10,943 Posted March 29, 2015 Admin Share Posted March 29, 2015 Blast from the past. You'd definitely make the VHLM HOF. How are you getting the info on who's RW? You're #51 in goals overall, does that mean 48 of the players ahead of you were centers or left wings? (and Valiq) Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/18730-axelsons-push-for-the-hall-final-66/#findComment-197773 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JORDAN22 3 Posted March 29, 2015 Author Share Posted March 29, 2015 Blast from the past. You'd definitely make the VHLM HOF. How are you getting the info on who's RW? You're #51 in goals overall, does that mean 48 of the players ahead of you were centers or left wings? (and Valiq) I went to the portal - pro league - career leaders (or season leaders) - Went from All (in the top right corner) to right wings If this isn't complete I'm going to feel pretty stupid. Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/18730-axelsons-push-for-the-hall-final-66/#findComment-197780 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Molholt 2,185 Posted March 29, 2015 Share Posted March 29, 2015 It is like 4 seasons out of date Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/18730-axelsons-push-for-the-hall-final-66/#findComment-197782 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Victor 10,943 Posted March 29, 2015 Admin Share Posted March 29, 2015 Ah that means no one from before S20 was included. And guys whose careers started before S20 won't have their full stats. Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/18730-axelsons-push-for-the-hall-final-66/#findComment-197783 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JORDAN22 3 Posted March 29, 2015 Author Share Posted March 29, 2015 Close enough.. Victor 1 Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/18730-axelsons-push-for-the-hall-final-66/#findComment-197787 Share on other sites More sharing options...
DollarAndADream 3,356 Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 Content: 3/3 - Nice article. As someone who's been around since like S36ish, it's nice to read up on some history.Grammar: 2/2 - Nothing really. "and could really score when it counts." - when it counted Appearance: 1/1 - Good.Overall: 6/6 Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/18730-axelsons-push-for-the-hall-final-66/#findComment-198096 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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