Claimed: Riga V the world [1/2]

[Tyler 885]

Riga Vs. the World

 

Following an eventful season which saw them manage to steal a game from the eventual VHL champion Helsinki Titans, Riga Reign fans will be looking towards the World Cup to see their players in action. Being a team that is likely headed for something of a rebuild, the Reign are not one of the most heavily featured teams in the tournament, however they do have a few players involved. On Team Mercenary we have Marc Andre Leblanc, one of the team's breakout players this year as well as Fredinamijs Krigars. The two players had solid campaigns this year and will look to build on it in the World Cup. The other entries from Riga are superstar defenseman and possible MVP of the entire league Guntis Petenis who should be among Team World's top performers if his league performance is any indicator. 

 

Last but not least we see two Scandinavian players. David Hamilton is more of a depth player for Riga which speaks to the quality of his World Cup team's defensive squad. The other is German born Elijah Dotran who is another player who teams may have some interest in as the off season kicks off in to high gear.

 

With all of the players mentioned seen as possible trade bait for the teams rebuild, it will not just be Reign fans who are keyed in on the players in question. Leblanc especially could be worth a shout for a team looking for a cheap option up front who still has a lengthy career ahead of him. Rumors have floated him around to Davos as well as Quebec of late, though it is unsure what either team is offering or how serious discussions have been so far, but he would be a good pick up for either team. Krigars seems to be more of a depth option and may be a player who could stick around in his home country a little while longer, if only because his value is likely lower than the other players. 

 

With Petenis it is a tough sell. The player may well win the MVP award for the past VHL season, but due to his age as well as his position he may command less of a return than would be expected. When looking across the league, there aren't many teams who would be willing to add a player at the value Riga would be wanting for such a player. Rumors have him in Davos as well, but time will tell.

 

In regards to the World Cup itself, it would seem Canada's to lose though of course we have yet to play a minute of action so far. Canada's roster, from top to bottom, is stacked with some of the premium talent in the entire VHL with league leader Unassisted  keen to play a key role in his countries success. The team which will most likely pose the greatest deal of resistance to Canadian domination will be Team World led by Petenis, but it is certainly Canada's tournament to lose at this point.

[Gudnason 607]

Good to see you have faith in Team World

 

[DollarAndADream 3,356]

Review:

Great article, man.

Petenis definitely had a good season, and the World Cup will sure be exciting as well.

I also like how you still have Milos Denis in your sig. Long live Boychuk/Denis in Quebec.