Expansion Steals the Reapers Should Keep an Eye On During Tonight's Draft

[johnnyhockey42 13]

There is a great deal of excitement going on in the VHLM at the moment with talks of the expansion draft happening in a mere couple of hours. Not one, but two new teams will tear up the ice this upcoming season alongside Yukon Rush, Ottawa Lynx, Halifax 21st, Las Vegas Acres, Oslo Storm, and the Saskatoon Wild.  Hailing from two hockey-rich parts of North America, here is a brief introduction on one of these future organizations.  

 

1. Philadelphia Reapers

GM: @BladeMaiden

As a new member of the VHL community and upon observing the preexisting teams, I was very surprised to not see a team already representing this city.  Sports are a centerpiece in Philly’s culture, and they always have been so it is good to see the city of brotherly love being represented in the 65th season of Victory Hockey League Minors.

 

Top Expansion Steals for the Reapers Franchise

 

Expansion teams should never be underestimated.  While there is a lot of ground to be made up when beginning a new franchise, there is also a great deal of motivation, momentum, and passion behind the players and owners of the organization, effectively covering the ground to be made up and doing so quickly.   The Reapers have the chance to do something special with the amount of talent exploding in this league, but the organization should definitely not rely on only goal-scorers.  Here is a quick look into a handful of VHLM players that may not be regarded as elite players, but their depth in their current teams proves their potential to become franchise staples in Philadelphia.

1. Dave John O'Quinn

• Team:  Saskatoon Wild

• Defenseman

• 6 feet, 3 inches, 207 pounds, 33 years old

• Origin: Canada

Saskatoon had a tough last season, and that means O’Quinn will definitely be looking for a winning team to lift up his spirits.  With his older age and impressive stats in such a short time with the Wild, he has the potential to develop in Philadelphia to become a “Leader of the Reapers.”

 

2. Joe Nixon

• Team: FA

• Goalie

• 6 feet, 3 inches, 150 pounds, 19 years old

• Origin: United States of America

Vegas had a great goaltending situation last season, it’d be impossible to protect both of their stars Joe Nixon and Kevin Weekes.  Both tenders are free agents this offseason and they are bound to be picked up for some big contracts.  Philly needs some long term security in front of the net, and Nixon would fill that role perfectly before his eventual draft selection to join the VHL.

 

3. Dimitri Volosenkov

• Team: Ottawa Lynx

• Left Wing

• 6 feet, 0 inches, 190 pounds, 21 years old

• Origin: Russia

The Ottawa may have to let go of this promising Russian prospect with their current contract situation.  If this is the case, then Philadelphia should not be apprehensive about making this pick. Though he doesn’t have a lot of games under his belt, he is a great skater and shows promise in his shooting ability, and he has the physical strength to back up his offensive abilities.

 

These players should definitely be on the radar for the Reapers if they aren’t already.  There’s a great deal to be excited about in this increasingly popular league, and as a new player, I’ll be interested in the activity from the Reapers.  More on the second expansion team, the Houston Bulls, after the expansion draft.

Edited February 17, 2019 by johnnyhockey42
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