How Have Yukon’s Unheralded Rookies Fared? [1/2]

[bluesfan55 103]

 

Yukon has done some shrewd business, picking up some very talented undrafted free agents and some smart picks late in the VHLM Dispersal Draft. Here’s how they have fared for the Rush (who currently sit 5th in the VHLM) this season. 

 

Clayton Park

Position: G

TPE: 89

Drafted 49th Overall in the S65 VHLM Dispersal Draft

 

One of the steals of the draft (in the race along with Nethila Dissanayake and Wendy Kandee Cain) is Austrian netminder Clayton Park. Park has comfortably stepped into the starting goaltender role, after supposed starter Justin Cole was called up by the Moscow Menace. Clayton doesn’t have good stats (7-11-2 with an 0.869 save percentage and 3.77 GAA), and is very short (5’10” is real short for a goalie), but has been hoovering up TPE at a rapid rate, and should be able to claim his First-Generation Bonus soon after he passes 100 TPE. To find a starting goalie that late in the draft has been a steal for the Rush, and Park could be between the pipes for the next 2-3 seasons in Yukon. A great pickup. Grade: A

 

Sami Van Den Dreissche

Position: RW 

TPE: 72 

Undrafted Free Agent

 

Sami Van Den Dreissche has proved to be a great pickup as a UDFA by the Rush. Van Den Dreissche, a Belgian right winger, has been hyped up as one of the best players to not be picked, and his activity and TPE gains have been consistent. While Sami hasn’t lived up to the hype on the ice yet (2 points, both of them assists, and a -1 in 20 games), he definitely has the talent to make it. His 60 scoring is outstanding for a player of his TPE level, and while his checking is only 50, the Belgian has shown his grittier side, with 12 hits and one blocked shot. Van Den Dreissche has the talent but hasn’t shown it yet. Expect big things from the Belgium native. Grade: B+

 

Jack Logan

Position: D

TPE: 39

Drafted 40th Overall by the Rush in the S65 VHLM Dispersal Draft

 

Jack Logan, an American defenseman, has shocked VHLM fans with his consistent and steady production. The 30-year-old rookie doesn’t have a lot of TPE (39 ain’t good) and hasn’t been a consistent updater. In fact, Logan hasn’t updated since the week of February 24. However, Logan has been a surprisingly solid producer for the Rush. He has scored 7 points (one goal and 6 assists), blocked a massive 50 shots, and has delivered 30 hits. However, he’s a -16, which is horrid for a defenseman. Logan also has 33 penalty minutes. He needs to get better discipline and find better spots on the ice. While Logan has produced both a solid point total and is willing to put his body in the way of the puck, his lack of activity isn’t good and could drive potential VHL suitors away. Grade: D

 

Every other player that was either drafted low (Sean Dennis) or was signed as a UDFA but hasn’t updated (Brady Hinther, Ethan Andreasen, Jordan Von Hooste, Philip Huynh, Steffen Hoing) hasn’t updated, but could be shrewd pickups (especially Hoing, who’s already scored 3 points in 6 games for the Rush). 

 

I’d say that the Rush have made some solid pickups with the likes of Clayton Park and Sami Van Den Dreissche. They could be stars for the franchise as they look to make the playoffs and win the Cup. Everyone else has been middling activity and performance wise, but keep an eye on Steffen Hoing. He’s immediately produced since joining the team 6 days ago. 

 

Total Grade: B

 

[leafssteen 50]

Review: This is a great look into are teams rookies. I feel as the season progressed are rookies have improved and got better every game. Also I appreciate the kind words and calling me one of the steals of the draft. I really enjoyed reading this article and I feel you did a great job of capturing the viewers interest. The in depth look into the rookies were great and I especially like the player grade ratings!

 

Well done!