Americans taking steps forward

[oilmandan 686]

The S64 campaign is well underway and for the rebuilding New York Americans, its been a step in the right direction so far. After only managing 14 victories and 137 goals for in S63, the Americans have a 7-8-1 record so far and 46 goals scored. The surprising start has the Yanks in a tie for 5th in the VHL and holding the final playoff berth. This being a far cry from finishing a dismal 34 points out of the playoffs last year. But we digress, much too early to be talking playoffs at this juncture.

 

Last seasons rookies have all taken a big step forward in helping the club be better, along with another influx of S64 draft picks that joined the team. Ismond Kingfisher has been much better to start this year, helped in part to the fact he isn't having to face 50 to 70 shots a night. The “easier” workload has helped him stay fresh and focused. NYA G has yet to play this season and the club hopes he can surprise people again this year with above expected backup work.

 

On the back end captain Joseph McWolf has played rock solid so far, he had been quite high up in total points, hits, blocks and of course penalty minutes in the first few weeks. Although his statistical feats have tailed off a bit. He is proving to be everything the Americans were hoping for when they drafted him.

 

1st overall selection Ryan Sullivan Jr has stepped in as Mcwolf's partner from day one this season and the chemistry the two have is hard to miss. Sullivan Jr has taken little time to adjust to the VHL level of play and seems to be thriving with the heavy minutes to start his career. The top forward line remains the same as it was last opening night.

 

The trio of Roctrion King, Shawn Shawinganen and Dan Wilinsky have the makings of a solid group yet again. The shoot first, ask questions later King and Wilinsky have been piling up the goals to start, scoring 10 and 11 goals respectively, while Shawinganen has rode a hot hand as well with 9 markers.

 

The new forwards in the group are Joel Ylonen and Ryan Zabby, who have both fit in nicely to start.  Both are natural centermen and have been competing for playing time down the middle. The friendly competition has worked well for the Americans, as both are making contributions to their team. The pair have vastly upgraded the Americans depth on offense, and appear to be hungry for the chance to play top minutes down the road.

 

Ylonen is an early favourite for the rookie of the year, tallying 5 goals and a whopping 14 assists in 16 games. Zabby has had to adjust to playing on the wing mostly and it has taken him a couple games to look comfortable. Over the past few contests he has begun to look better and better. So far Ryan has 5 goals and 14 points of his own.

 

The Americans’ schedule continues to be tough this week, with multiple games against the top 4 teams in the VHL.

 

@Spade18 @Advantage @McWolf @Romaris @Cornflakers @Esso2264 @RyanZabby

Edited January 7, 2019 by oilmandan