Claimed:Lynx loaded with S36 talent

[scotty 59]

Lynx loaded with S36 talent

 

OTTAWA, Ont. – The perpetual fluctuation of the VHLM balance of power is once again on display in S35. After limping into the playoffs with a meager 58 point season a year ago, the Ottawa Lynx have been nothing short of being the class of the loop this year.

 

With 38 wins to their name through only 46 games, the Lynx have already shattered last season’s point mark with 79 this season. Like any great VHLM team in recent memory, the Lynx’ resurgence has been largely propelled by an exceptional group of young talent – several of whom are poised to go onto VHL stardom in the near future.

 

Leading the way offensively is draft eligible Robin Gow, who has already amassed 87 points in only 46 games played. The 6-foot-2, 205 pound centre is an offensive dynamo who has taken the league by storm in his first full season in the league. Leading the team with 64 assists, Gow has emerged as one of the league’s top playmakers and has found excellent chemistry with the team’s leading scorer, Jeevan Samuelsson – who has 56 goals to his name.

 

Gow is pegged as a consensus first round pick, and for good reason, says one VHL talent evaluator.

 

Mike Szatkowski has Riga fans excited about their future in net.

 

“He’s a big kid and with his skillset offensively, you don’t find guys like that every day,” the scout said. “I’d like to see him find a more competitive side to his game as he doesn’t really use his size the way he should from a physical standpoint, but you have to like this guy’s potential as a top line VHL forward down the road.”

 

Gow isn’t the only Gow in town, as Robert Gow III is another prospect that has raised some eyebrows in VHL scouting circles. The 5-foot-9, 183 pound winger lacks ideal size, especially in comparison to Robin, but he does have an intriguing offensive skillset and has shown flashes of his ceiling this season despite a modest 7 goals and 11 points on the scoresheet.

 

“Robert has some ability that makes you think this guy can be a player, there’s no doubt about that,” the talent evaluator said. “We just haven’t seen the consistency from him yet. He’s got a good shot and above average playmaking skills, but he just hasn’t put it all together just yet. The size is a concern, but I think he skates well enough where he can eventually develop into a solid offensive contributor in our league.”

 

With the focus on forwards out of the way, it would be unwise to forget about goaltender Mike Szatkowski Jr., who Riga fans have high hopes for as the future face of their franchise for years to come.

 

Unlike the Gow’s, Szatkowski’s will not be eligible for the S36 Entry Draft as his rights are already held by the Riga Reign through the VHL’s tender procedure. The 6-foot-3 netminder is an intimidating presence in net and it’s shown in the VHLM this year as he has a sparkling 2.36GAA and .901 SV%.

 

Szatkowski’s strengths lie with his technical skill as he has an excellent glove and blocker and is effective with his rebound control as well. There are some concerns about his lateral movement in net, however, as our scouting source says he does labour with his movements at times.

 

“There’s a lot to like about him, but he’s still pretty raw overall,” the scout said. “Moving around the net, his lateral skating isn’t at a VHL level and that’s going to need to improve for him to make the jump. Based on where he is in his development, I think he’s going to need another year in the VHLM before he’s ready to come up but he does have some intriguing upside when you’re projecting his game 2 or 3 years down the road.”

 

As always, hindsight will tell whether or not this trio goes onto fulfill their high expectations, but for now, Lynx fans can enjoy the show.

[Fire Tortorella 2,653]

[Mike 708]

awesome

[Fire Tortorella 2,653]

Content: 3/3 - Yeah, the Lynx are doing pretty well this year so far. We'll see how far they're able to go, but many of the current members of the Lynx should go on to have successful VHL careers.

 

Grammar: 2/2 - Nice. Only found one.

 

Lynx’ resurgence = Lynx's resurgence

 

Appearance: 1/1 - Solid.

 

Overall: 6/6

[Doomsday 4,048]

Content: 3/3 - It'll be interesting to see how much 1st round talent the Lynx had after this season. Jeevan Samuelsson for 1st overall!

 

Grammar: 2/2 - The destroyer of penguins got this covered.

 

Appearance: 1/1 - Awww yiss!

 

Overall: 6/6 - WHERE ARE THE SMILIES!?

 

FINAL: 6/6

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Claimed