Claimed: Devereux Race [1/2]

[Boomcheck 161]

One Horse Race

 

The race for the Devereux trophy is always the most interesting and there are a variety of factors that go into this. From back in the day, usually the goaltenders with the most amount of effort put in would compete for this award but things have changed a bit since the league's contractions. Less teams and more players create better parity and difficulty for even the hardest working of players to get through. I don't expect earth shattering numbers this year, but any solid performance should be enough to put this award away with relative ease. The 56th season is still young, but lets take a look at who will be contending for this award so early on.

 

 

Ike Arkander - Ottawa

 

The front runner for the award this season, in fact ... There's no contest thus far. He has the best save percentage in the league by far. They aren't Apollo Skye numbers but the VHL drafted prospect has shown definite improvement in his game and will look to take over completely at the VHLM level. Is he the best? Yeah, by a mile. He's my favorite to win this award. Seven wins in nine games? Looking like a smooth year for the Swedish net minder. He has yet to record a shut out but as stated before,  there is a lot of time for him to rack those up like VHLM goalies of the past.

 

Shawn Brodeur - LV

 

My dark horse --- One that is trailing behind Arkander by quite a bit BUT ... He's been updating and that's key. Improvement over the season will show immediate gains and success, his next set of starts should prove to be something special if he can get his engine up and running. He has a unique set of skills and is not some cookie cutter goaltender like Arkander-- I like off the wall projects so i'm a fan of his .... Regardless, I doubt he catches Arkander but the season started recently and there are a lot of games still to be played. It wouldn't be the first time a goaltender's performance falters near the end of a season so young Brodeur has a shot. Keep at it!

 

 

I don't see anyone else contending, but I would love to see them prove me wrong. O'Tarth would be third, but the other two have way better teams around them at the moment-- At least in terms of results. Having a solid team is only half of the equation but I can definitely see this sleeper waking up and shocking some scouts. Brodeur and Arkander will have the support of fire power and likely get favorable match ups but they have both risen up to the occasion when called for. There is a surplus of goaltenders if you look across both leagues, but I don't see anyone else in the VHLM challenging unless they are willing to put in the effort to improve.

 

 

[TheLastOlympian07 2,388]

Review

Aww Yeah, A MS' about me kind of. Nice for me to get a little shoutout. I am disappointed in my play as I cant be consistent. Nice write up Boomcheck. Hope you keep up the nice articles.