A (kinda) quick look into the S64 Saskatoon Wild [1/2]

[Peace 1,518]

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN -- Today we're doing a quick look into the defending Founder Cup Championship team, the Saskatoon Wild; to say they were in a position to repeat their title - or at the very least defend it - would be muttering lies and false hope. The Saskatoon Wild were criminally frisked, everything of value stripped from the team.

 

Rylan Peace, Toby Fitzgerald, Anthony Dabarno and Chace Trepanier were all called up to the majors, now unable to play in the VHLM even if they wanted to. Oh how Saskatoon would look like a better roster with them back, but it simply isn't possible - not for Saskatoon or any other VHLM team. Simply saying these promotions hurt the Wild is an understatement.

 

Brick Wahl, Mark Gebauer and Piotr Jerwa - and we applaud them for their incredable accomplishments by rising to the majors so quickly - were taken from the Wild in the VHL Entry Draft, however they would have been ineligible to play in the miniors anyway, similarly to those listed above. There is a fine line between VHLM suitability, and being 'too skilled' to play in the minors despite statistical implications.

 

Carles Puigdemont, Kyson Blake, Matt Materazo, Dallas Jones and Jad Clapperton were all drafted away from the Saskatoon Wild following the VHLM Dispersal Draft. Losing each individual hurt the Wild's chance at a repeat championship, but they approached last season with an 'at all costs' mentality. Should the Wild have retained their picks, they would have been able to keep some of their roster players, but would they have won the championship?

 

As of right now (December 24th, 0045) the Saskatoon roster is as follows:

 

Curtis Gary -- Gary will be returning for second season with the Saskatoon Wild after being drafted to the club during S63's VHLM Dispersal Draft twenty-sixth overall. Curtis Gary has steadily improved since being drafted and is slotted as the Wild's top center in front of Kip Baier and Trevor Cobelo; unfortunately for Gary, he is the Wild's top trade asset and may be moved the closer to deadline the team gets.

 

Anton Edvin -- Acting GM Peace opted to keep this struggling right winger on his roster by selecting him in the sixth round of the most recent dispersal draft, and although he shows intermittent improvement, Edvin is unlikely to be included in a trade due to the stagnant development. A part of the issue is his lost interest, and will most likely retire into free-agency following his final seasons with Saskatoon. At his skill level, however, it's unlikely the Wild release him until his contract is expired.

 

Anderson LaVey -- LaVey is a tricky topic, the player has totally given up on improving himself yet is still suiting up for Saskatoon Wild games. He's a serviceable winger for the Wild, who need roster players, but too talented to release at the moment despite the 'lack of heart'. Although his utility may be deceptive, he's a third line winger at best on any competitive team.

 

Kip Baier -- Baier was in and out of activity, but at some point during the Wild's run to their championship victory, Baier completely (like LaVey) gave up on self improvement. Despite the best efforts of GM Nguyen and Acting GM Peace, Baier seems to be complacent with his situation. Baier will most likely ride out the remainder of his contract with the Wild, or be released, whichever comes first.

 

Burnt Toast -- Toast makes his return to the Wild roster after a stellar season, a season that stunned scouts even though his 'skill set' was below the average. Toast likely rode the back of a strong Wild offense, so this is a true test of his constitution. Can Toast maintain being a respectable defender, perhaps even an asset despite a total lack of improvement, or was his success what we expected?

 

Alexander Kachur -- When Acting GM Peace selected this player, he was hoping to ignite a fire under the prospects ass. Unfortunately, the prospects hasn't returned any form of communication and may be totally absent. Potential release in favour of an active player, however he's talented enough to keep on the depleted Wild roster if he even reports for games.

 

Brett Ewig -- Another hopeful pick, but similar to Kachur. Might be a release regardless of any 'talent' he developed in the short period of improvement he showed.

 

Prabh Ria, Trevor Cobelo, Gordon Cole and Sidhu -- The jury is still out on these players, but it appears they're going to be inactive.

 

Jeffery Wickersty -- He's communicating with the GM staff, but the jury is still out.

[Fire Tortorella 2,653]

REVIEW: I'd say those trades are always worth it if they result in a championship. Overall, an interesting article about the current state of the Saskatoon Wild roster. I always enjoy reading these types of media spots since I don't know everyone around the VHLM or the entire league anymore. Unfortunately, it seems like the Wild will be doing their best to rekindle the interest of some players/members who are no longer active, but it always feels good to find and develop those diamonds in the rough. Good luck this season!