Claimed:Tits gonna tit

[Will 4,660]

The Titan Era

 

It's been a whirlwind couple of seasons for the Helsinki Titans. Coming out of a rebuild with some lucky draft selections, some big names were acquired, and a Continental Cup win was recorded in their first season of 'competing', S45. What would come next, however, would be even bigger. Although the Titans effectively stayed the course between S45 and S46, other than dropping one Brady Stropko and acquiring Jackson Miller later in the season, I don't think a lot of people really expected them to repeat their victory in S46.

 

Hell, I didn't expect to repeat. Going into the final series against Calgary, I certainly wasn't over-confident. Not because I doubted the ability of Helsinki, but more so because STHS has a history of being a fickle bitch and I kind of assumed it would once again strike down upon a prospective repeat team. In any case, I was even more so surprised that the series only lasted 5 games - the Wranglers had an impressive roster with the additions of Light and Stropko at the deadline, and admittedly I felt slightly bad for beating them two years in a row. That only lasted for a minute or so, though.

 

Indeed, the past several seasons have been incredibly lucky for Helsinki. From selling when we did, to having the first 3 picks in the S45 Entry Draft, to being the first team since S25/26 Davos to win back-to-back cups - not to say there wasn't a lot of hard work by many people that went into all that, but evidently luck is always a significant factor when it comes to the league and STHS.

 

It wouldn't be hard however for someone to look at the Titans and wonder if their luck has run out, at least for now. Two cornerstones of the roster, O'Malley and Klose, have embarked on new beginnings via Free Agency. There is no downplaying the importance of those two players in Helsinki's success over the past two seasons, and there almost certainly wouldn't have been a victory in S45 if it weren't for the trade that brought them to Helsinki. 

 

While their loss will of course be felt, it doesn't spell the end for the Titans. Between the improvements that other roster players have made and the attracting of big-name free agent Bismarck Koenig (who is now the best center on paper in the VHL), the Titans should not be underestimated going into this season. The ever wise Greg Clegane summed it up nicely (with a CIV reference!) in saying:

 

"Klose and O'Malley were key to setting up our dynasty but it is time to enter a brave new world. Farewell for now and good luck."

 

 

[Phil 5,119]

Gonna be a fun season regardless of what happens!!

[Kesler 1,514]

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