S69 VHLM 100-Goal Club

[animal74 1,606]

S69: The VHLM 100-Goal Club

 

 

Playing hockey is hard. Playing in the VHLM is very hard. It takes grueling work and dogged determination to fill the net on a consistent basis. Many dreamers on skates have envisioned themselves flying on the ice with a VHL team logo on their chest only to start in the VHLM and realize they are not cut out for one of the best minor leagues in the world.  Many begin the journey, most get drafted by a VHLM team, quite a few hang on for a season or two, fewer yet fulfil the rigorous training and practice necessary to reach their dream of playing in the VHL.

 

The VHLM is not for the faint of heart. This is why certain milestones must be praised and savored, as many players do not reach these heights. Today we will look at those who have reached 100 goals in the VHLM this season or should score their 100^th goal by season’s end.

 

Achievement Unlocked:

 

Roadkill Steve @stevo, RW, San Diego Marlins

Goals: 123

The “German Tank” is a straight shooter, plain and simple. He followed a promising rookie season with a monster year in S68 where he was third in league scoring with 63 goals and 128 points. Coming into S69, he only needed 16 goals to reach 100 which he did early on. He is currently in second place in the league with 39 goals in 40 games and is looking to hit 70 and capture the Alexander Chershenko Trophy but there is stiff competition. As the season progresses, Roadkill Steve will also add to his franchise all-time leading totals in goals, assists, points, shots, and game-winning goals.

 

 

Chett Bandy @mmarcoux98, LW, Minnesota Storm

Goals: 117

The hulking American winger is in his fourth VHLM season and while it took him a while to adjust to the league, he has steadily improved each year and is only 6 goals away from reaching his career-high of 42 goals from last season. He only needed 19 goals to crack 100 and now stands at 117 for his career. He is currently sitting in 7^th place in league scoring, is the hits leader, and leads by example for a rebuilding Minnesota team in which he is the all-time leader in games played, goals, assists, points, penalty minutes, hits, and shots.

 

 

Justin Rushmore @street, LW, Yukon Rush

Goals: 112

Justin Rushmore has been an unstoppable force this season as he is barely hanging on to the league lead in goals by produce a goal-a-game for 40 goals in 40 games after finishing 7^th with 46 last season. His 100^th goal is a thing of the past now as he easily surpassed the 28 goals he needed to reach the milestone. His recipe for success has been to shoot the puck more than anyone else as his 274 shots pace the league by 40! And he’s producing this much while on a troubled Yukon team. At his current pace, he will pass Apollo Aho for the most goals in franchise history.

 

 

On The Last Level:

 

Ondrej Ohradka @animal74, LW, Saskatoon Wild

Goals: 97

After a monster 50-goal season last season, Slovakian sniper, Ondrej Ohradka, is knocking on 100’s door. While his goal production has dipped due to playing on a stacked Saskatoon juggernaut, he should reach the milestone easily in the next few games. And while his goal is the Founder’s Cup, there is a chance he may become the Wild’s all-time goal scorer – especially if he continues his recent hot streak.

 

 

Case Martell @Shaka, RW, Philadelphia Reapers

Goals: 87

Already the Reapers’ all-time goal scorer, the slick American is leading the Reaper in goals with 23 and game-winning goals with 8 which is second in the VHLM. He on a slight decline from his 42-goals last season but should hit 100 near the end of S69.

 

 

Jesse Nyman @Jesse Nyman, LW Saskatoon Wild

Goals: 85

Jesse Nyman has been an impact player for the Saskatoon Wild since coming over from Houston in the off-season with Dagmar Havlova and championship experience. While being more of a playmaker, the fantastic Finn has used his longevity in the league to get close to 100 goals while leading all forwards with a +56. He is on pace to smash his career highs in most statistical categories and with 26 goals already this year, 15 more should be very attainable.

 

 

Dark Horse:

 

Raleigh Ritchie @DangerGolding, RW, San Diego Marlins

Goals: 75

The slight Brit is on pace for 52 goals after a wonderful 45-goal campaign last season. Watching Roadkill Steve for two seasons has definitely helped Ritchie develop into a fine sniper in his own rite. At this rate, he should eclipse the century mark near season’s end especially if continues as the league second-leading shot taker.

 

 

Jaxon Walker @hewasajazzman, RW, Mexico City Kings

Goals: 74

Part of the Minnesota firesale, Jaxon Walker has come into his own with the dominant Mexico City Kings. Currently leading all VHLM forwards in points with 81, Walker is the sparkplug that stirs Mexico City’s bebida. He needs to light the lamp a little more often as with 34 goals so far (7^th in the league), he is on pace to finish the year with 99 career goals.

 

 

Patrik Tallinder @Patrik Tallinder, LW, Mississauga Hounds

Goals: 73

Patrik Tallinder is having a stellar season. Together with Kris Rice and Nate Wright, they form one of the most potent lines in the VHLM this year. The talented Swede and linemate Rice are 3^rd and 4^th in the goal scoring race with 39 and 36 goals respectively. Filling the net at nearly a goal-a-game pace, Tallinder has already set career highs in goals, assists, and points and shows no sign of slowing down. He leads the league in game-winning goals with 11 and hat tricks with 4 and is on pace for an astounding 68 goals which would just push him over 100. Already the Hounds’ all-time leader in goals, shots, and game-winners, he needs only one point to become the franchise’s all-time points leader as well.

 

 

One of these gifted goal-scorers will be presented with the Alexander Chershenko Trophy at the end of the season. Hopefully they all will join the VHLM 100-goal club, a worthy achievement to be sure.

 

Edited December 6, 2019 by animal74

[animal74 1,606]

Over 1000 words. Will claim for next week as well.

[DangerGolding 222]

Ritchie is just scoring by probability really, shoot enough shots and some will go in.

[animal74 1,606]

2nd claim for this Media Spot - 2/2.

 

And I scored my 100th VHLM goal!

Edited December 9, 2019 by animal74