Claimed: Not like the Vodka - RP [1/2]

[Banackock 8,143]

Vyacheslav Smirnov - Not like the Vodka, but just as good?

 

 

 

Player name: Vyacheslav Smirnov

Position: Center 

Number: 93

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 203

Birthplace: St Petersburg, Russia

 

What do teams look for when they're drafting a player? Well, for VHLM GM's, it's all about that TPE. Unfortunately for Smirnov, the draft is coming up on Wednesday and is unable to partake in the draft as he becomes eligible for the league on Thursday. So, he enters the waiver system and likely will be able to choose the team he wants to be on. Lucky for him, his agent is also part of the Oslo Storm system and furthering, has close ties to Head GM, LaFlamme. For the VHL, while they tend to look at who is most active and of course, TPE, Vyacheslav Smirnov is a GM player - and for them, that's likely too bad. If this wasn't the case, there's a very strong chance that he would be high on each teams radar and would likely go pretty high in the draft. Not only does the Banackock have efficient signs of consistency for creating good players, but Smirnov is boasted in Russia as being the next big thing to hit the Victory Hockey League. While we are getting ahead of ourselves, let's break it down for you, shall we?

 

Positives 

 

Scoring and offensive ability - He's a shoot first kind of guy and has said again and again that Alex Ovechkin has been a hero for him. Growing up in Russia, it's easy to cling onto such a strong player in North American hockey and for someone who likes to snipe top cheddar, there's probably nobody better than Ovie. His shooting ability is stronger, but his offensive side can take over at times. Look for him to be a mixed breed, but heavily favour the ability to shoot. We expect big things in the goal department from this kid, so all eyes are on for that red light to be going off.

 

Skating - His feet move better than most that we've seen in recent years and it's something that he strongly prides himself in. He's taken numerous camps, classes and lessons and from time to time can even be caught in the act at figure skating lessons. We're not talking the strong twirling, though we have seen him do it. To be a strong player, a dominant scoring force in the VHL, you're going to be able to need to skate. Watching his progression here is going to be needed.

 

Dirt Dangles - Puck handling is another thing he's got. You ever see those videos of little Russian kids dirt dangling all over the fucking ice making those pylons there bitch? He was one of those kids. You could call him a Russian prodigy looking to make a strong name for himself. He's got the hands that a hockey god gave him and of course, these compliment each of his strong attribute stats. Of the 3 positives he's got, this could be a neck and neck race to which asset becomes better.

 

Negatives

 

Face off - We're not really saying it's a negative. There's no negative sides to Smirnov at this point, but if he wishes to go higher, Face off's are something he's going to need to focus on. He's the guy in the middle for the Seattle Bears and will likely find himself in the middle of Matt Thompson and Sergei Federov as long as things pan out for the Bears. It's a huge position and he needs to be that guy they can count on. Question is, will he? Likely so. We're not worried.

 

Fighting - He's a bitch when it comes to fighting, but was there ever a russian who was really good at this? At some point, you say what the fuck? Kick some ass. Drop the gloves - which we're sure he will at some point. But he isn't the fighting type. He leaves the fighting for the goal scoring and does all the talking there. Be ready.

 

Checking - For the kind of player he has stated he wants to become, his checking isn't anything crazy and his strength is likely something to do with that. We want him to be a dominant guy who doesn't get taken off the puck, is able to crash those boards - back check, forecheck, and he's going to need strength. At the given moment, you can likely expect to see him play a less physical game and focus on different aspects of his game.

 

Ending thoughts

 

At the end of the day, the Bears really hope he becomes effective but the worry for him to become something strong TPE wise isn't really there. He's with an agency that really put a lot on their players to put in the work, given the position of his agent. We expect Smirnov to be full throttle ahead - earring the TPe, getting every chance he can to improve himself. It's a win/win for the league. If we could, and we're going to try right now at guessing his rookie season, but with Thompson growing and Kovalev going to be stepping up in Smirnov's rookie year, we'll put him at the 80 point, 40 goal range. Maybe a little off - but close to there. 

 

+8 Smirnov (claiming when recreating).

882 words

 

 

[DollarAndADream 3,357]

Review:

Just as good as the vodka, probably. Like an Ovechkin kind of vodka.

Great RP.

DIRT DANGLES!