A Look At Team Europe: Defensemen

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A Look At Team Europe: Defensemen (and Goalies)

Last week, we took a look at the forward corps that Team Europe has to offer, and boy are there some gems. This week, we’ll look at the defense and goalies. 

 

Elasmobranch Fish 

TPE: 301

Team: Calgary Wranglers (VHL)

Nationality: Spanish

 

The second VHLer on Team Europe is giant 6’8” defenseman Elasmobranch Fish. The Spaniard is making his case for rookie of the year, and with 42 points in 52 games (which is very impressive for a defenseman), he’s looking like the real deal. Fish is a shutdown defenseman (90), but can also score (80), handle the puck (80), pass (70), and skate (70). Fish is the two-way defenseman your team needs. Calgary stole him at 7th Overall in his draft, and he’ll be a top 4 d-man for them for a long time. 

 

Denver Wolfe

TPE: 265

Team: Minnesota Storm

Nationality: Irish

 

Denver Wolfe is the first Anglophone player on Team Europe, and will play on the first pairing with Fish. Wolfe has been outstanding this season, leading all VHLM defensemen in scoring with 85 points. Wolfe is a two-way defenseman like Fish. He can score (70), defend (75), pass (75), skate (75) and handle the puck (70). He’s going to be a star in the tournament. Look for him to lead all defensemen in points. 

 

Codrick Past

TPE: 140

Team: Ottawa Lynx

Nationality: British

 

Back to back Anglophones here as British defenseman Codrick Past will play on the second pairing. Past is a promising defensive defenseman. He’s got shutdown tendencies (75 defense), but can pass (75) and handle the puck (70) well. He’s got 66 points this season, with 56 of them being assists, so expect Past to supply a bushel of apples to all of his teammates during the tourney. 

 

Andreas Sundell

TPE: 122

Team: Minnesota Storm

Nationality: Swedish

 

Andreas Sundell might be the most underrated defenseman on the team. While he is undersized (5’8”), what he lacks in height he more than makes up for in speed (72 skating). He’s a solid defender (70) and is good on the puck (69 (nice)). Sundell has produced solidly, with 29 points. He offers a more finesse-based game compared to Past, and should compliment his linemate well. 

 

Richard Hejtsel

TPE: 123

Team: Yukon Rush

Nationality: Latvian

 

A player who I’ve written about before is Richard Hejtsel, a teammate of mine in Yukon. Hejtsel is a more limited version of Past. He’s a good defender (75) with a good eye for a pass (70), but can’t really do anything else. With 54 points (49 assists) and 93 hits, he’ll offer a good ying to Championship’s yang. 

 

DWin Championship

TPE: 78

Team: Ottawa Lynx

Nationality: Swedish

 

The most unheralded prospect on Team Europe is DWin Championship. Little is known about this Swede, but he’ll look to make the most of his time with the team. 

 

JB Rift

TPE: 346

Team: Toronto Legion (VHL)

Nationality: Irish

 

The third and final VHLer on this team is 6’7” behemoth JB Rift. The Irishman will start between the pipes for Team Europe. Rift hasn’t played much for Toronto, but when he has, he’s looked great. Rift is currently 6-1-1 with a .914 save percentage and a 2.23 GAA with one shutout. He’s the perfect starter for this team. 

 

Owen May

TPE: 169

Team: Houston Bulls

Nationality: Swiss

 

Backing Rift up is arguable the top goalie prospect in the VHLM in Owen May. May has been outstanding for the Houston Bulls, as he’s went 29-21-4 with 3 shutouts. Sure, his save percentage (.878) and GAA (3.16) don’t look all that good, but don’t let these numbers fool you. He’s a top prospect who’s going to be a starter for whomever he goes to in the draft. 

 

Overall, this is a very solid team. It’s safe to say that @TsarPeter, the team’s GM, did an amazing job of picking his team. Europe is arguably one of the favorites.