S71 VSN Mock Draft

[Doomsday 4,034]

 

It's been quite an eventful few days here at the VHL. The Moscow Menace finally lifted the Continental Cup as league champions, defeating the Calgary Wranglers in six games. The Minnesota Storm held off a furious effort from the Ottawa Lynx to finish their season as Founder's Cup Champions. Some unnamed individual broke the Portal. But, at long last, it has been fixed and the new season can begin! Tomorrow, the next generation of VHL players will hear their names called as their professional hockey dreams become reality. And, as always, the VSN is here with another mock draft!

 

Myself, @Berocka, @McWolf, @Erik Summers, and special guest/scouting wizard @Patrik Tallinder have each predicted how the first two rounds of tomorrow's VHL Entry Draft will unfold. We then averaged out all five selections for each pick, using the averages to determine the picks for the final mock draft. But first, a quick disclaimer: This mock draft is made based on the draft picks held by VHL teams and the TPE earned by draftees as of March 13th, 2020. Any trades or updates made after that date are not reflected in this mock draft. 

 

And now, the Season 71 VSN Mock Draft!

 

 #1. Riga Reign 

Kyl Oferson | @Nykonax | C |

San Diego Marlins | TPE: 381

Doomsday: 1 | Berocka: 1 | McWolf: 1 | Summers: 2 | Tallinder: 1

 

With the first overall pick, the Riga Reign step to the podium with the daunting task of replacing the recently retired Ryan Kastelic. Fortunately for them, they can add the VHLM's most prolific centre with the top pick. Scoring 153 points (74 goals, 79 assists) with the San Diego Marlins last season, Oferson will have over 400 TPE before his first appearance with the Reign. He could see time at wing for his first season with Riga, but the Reign are extremely fortunate to add a franchise centre to replace Kastelic. Oferson is built to score, as noted with his 74 goals in the M last season and scouts speculate that he could have an instant impact in the VHL. As an added bonus, his agent doubles as the Assistant General Manager for Riga, making this an even easier decision for Benjamin Zeptembergs.

- Doomsday

 

 #2. HC Davos Dynamo 

Roque Davis | @Josh | D |

San Diego Marlins | TPE: 382

Doomsday: 2 | Berocka: 3 | McWolf: 2 | Summers: 1 | Tallinder: 2

 

The HC Davos Dynamo finished dead last in the regular season, a healthy 35 points behind the Riga Reign, but trades and lottery luck had it so that they are going to be the second team to call a name from the stage on draft night. However, Davos has the advantage of having an empty roster, bar defenseman Fernando Jokinen and goaltender Samuel Ross, so with this pick, they can’t go wrong with the TPE leader of this draft class and possible Mitch Higgins Trophy winner Roque Davis. Davis is just coming off a 118-assist, 154-point campaign, two marks that hadn’t been surpassed since Adam Warlock literally broke the VHLM in Season 58. As if his offensive performances weren’t enough, the Portuguese blueliner is a strong presence in his own zone, evidenced by his 108 shots blocked this past season. Plus, as if his resume wasn’t impressive enough, Davis and Davos are only one letter apart. It’s a match made in heaven.

- McWolf

 

 #3. Seattle Bears 

Ola Vikingstad | @Dil | C |

Ottawa Lynx | TPE: 364

Doomsday: 4 | Berocka: 2 | McWolf: 3 | Summers: 3 | Tallinder: 4

 

After three seasons at the top, it is finally time for the Bears to rebuild, or at least retool. That starts with Ola Vikingstad. Ola has lost in the Founder’s Cup finals two seasons in a row on two different teams. However, both of those teams may not have even sniffed those finals without him. This season, playing for the Ottawa Lynx, Vikingstad averaged over an assist a game and finished the season with one hundred and thirty points. This kid is all offence. Not every centre has to be a two hundred foot player, sometimes you just need someone to put pucks in the back of the net and Ola Vikingstad has delivered.

- Erik Summers

 

 #4. New York Americans 

Jim Bob | @jRuutu | LW |

Ottawa Lynx | TPE: 359

Doomsday: 3 | Berocka: 4 | McWolf: 6 | Summers: 5 | Tallinder: 3

 

The New York Americans finished just shy of the playoffs last season despite a big step forward in their rebuild, so how does Joel Ylonen spark his team with this pick? How about with a big, nasty forward in Jim Bob that can also make New York's young forwards even better? Bob's physical element to his game is his most noticeable impact, but in a league filled with goal scorers, Bob is one of the rare playmakers. He racked up 76 assists in the VHLM with the Ottawa Lynx last season, adding 16 goals for 92 points. His 336 hits were second in the entire VHLM, behind only Thomas Landry II. Jim Bob is a perfect fit for the New York Americans, who will surely gain a consistent contender for the Scott Boulet Trophy with this pick. 

- Doomsday

 

 #5. Prague Phantoms 

Stone Wolski | @DollarAndADream | G |

Houston Bulls | TPE: 366

Doomsday: 5 | Berocka: 7 | McWolf: 4 | Summers: 4 | Tallinder: 6

 

As Brick Wahl (the imitation) enters his final season, Prague's search for a replacement won't take long at all. General Manager Jason Glasser is projected to have the best goalie of the draft class, Stone Wolski, fall right into his lap at fifth overall, and it's hard to picture the Phantoms passing on him should this happen. Wolski would immediately be able to fill in nicely as a back-up in Season 71, with Wahl able to enjoy one last season while Wolski develops further. Boasting a rare save percentage over .900 in the VHLM with .915% with the Houston Bulls in Season 70, Wolski is simply a can't-miss prospect for a team like Prague that could really use him. 

- Doomsday

 

 #6. Helsinki Titans 

Thomas Landry II | @Doomsday | LW |

San Diego Marlins | TPE: 316

Doomsday: 6 | Berocka: 5 | McWolf: 5 | Summers: 8 | Tallinder: 5

 

The wings are currently a strength for Helsinki, but they lack many pure left-wingers. Landry II comes in and immediately solves that. With Bennett likely being ready for S72, the left side will soon look much more impressive. A menacing opponent, Landry II will hit everything that moves, while still playing with an electrifying offensive ability that was nearly impossible to stop in the VHLM this season. His 60 goals and 145 points this season were incredible, placing him at 4th in each of those categories among the draft class. His 372 hits also placed him at 1st in the entire league. He has never fallen below 14 TPE in any given week since being created and has earned 20+ in 8 of his 13 full weeks to date, which makes him a prospect any team would be ecstatic to have. 

- Patrik Tallinder

 

 #7. D.C. Dragons 

Hugh Jass | @TheFlash | D |

Houston Bulls | TPE: 283

Doomsday: 8 | Berocka: 6 | McWolf: 7 | Summers: 6 | Tallinder: 8

 

Alright, this one probably doesn’t fit that much. The D.C. Dragons probably won’t be on the market for a defenseman, given their already depth blueline, but Hugh Jass is too good to pass with the 7th overall pick. The Canadian blueliner finished second to Roque Davis in points by VHLM defensemen and in assists last season. But if there’s one aspect of the game in which he outshined the star defenseman: in his own zone. The Houston Bulls defenseman should be in the running for the Ryan Sullivan Trophy thanks to his impressive haul of 161 hits and 132 shots blocked, to go along with his 132 points. As I said, I don’t think D.C. is the best fit for a quickly developing defenseman, but still, you can’t go wrong with a two-way defenseman that can score at this pace while still having top-tier defensive awareness.

- McWolf

 

 #8. Vancouver Wolves 

Uhtred | @leafsman | RW |

San Diego Marlins | TPE: 288

Doomsday: 7 | Berocka: 8 | McWolf: 9 | Summers: 7 | Tallinder: 7

 

With their first pick in the draft, Vancouver chooses to bolster their forward group with a goal scorer as pure as they come, with Uhtred. His 68 goals placed him second in the draft class, and his 148 points ranked third. He has impressive speed and handles the puck with ease, which compliments his scoring instincts extremely well. Uhtred has earned 15+ TPE in 9 out of his 13 full weeks so far and has earned over 100 capped and uncapped TPE. The Wolves currently don’t have any promising forward prospects, and there’s no doubt he’d be a huge addition to their team immediately and for the future. 

- Patrik Tallinder

 

 #9. Seattle Bears 

Joe Proto | @Proto | LW |

Minnesota Storm | TPE: 195

Doomsday: 9 | Berocka: 9 | McWolf: 8 | Summers: 9 | Tallinder: 9

 

Proto is likely to hear his name called the earliest on the draft day among all first gens, and for good reason. Ever since joining, he’s been extremely active on the forums and has earned an abundance of TPE in just a short time. He has wasted no opportunities for TPE, earning every possible capped TPE so far. He still has a season to go before being ready for the VHL, but after likely dominating the VHLM next season, he is on the trajectory to greatness. His presumed dominance is by no means farfetched, with his impressive TPE earning and a playoff performance where he really came alive. He posted 18 points and 72 shots in only 14 games. If that’s an indication of what’s to come, Seattle will be thrilled with their selection. 

-Patrik Tallinder

 

 #10. Riga Reign 

Joakim Bruden | @PadStack | G |

Ottawa Lynx | TPE: 245

Doomsday: 10 | Berocka: 10 | McWolf: 10 | Summers: 10 | Tallinder: 10

 

The Reign have been a contender for some time now and it is hard not to feel like their window could be closing. However, with a top of cap space that window could easily be extended for a few more seasons. Assuming Finn Davison stays on for his final season, they will be looking to acquire his replacement in soon and Joakim Bruden could be the perfect fit. Bruden didn’t have an easy go of it in the VHLM, but he played a role in propelling Ottawa to the finals. If he lands in Riga, he will have an entire season as a backup to bring his game to the VHL level and make his case as a franchise goalkeeper. 

- Erik Summers

 

 #11. Toronto Legion 

Erik Killinger | @Peace | LW |

Houston Bulls | TPE: 373

Doomsday: 11 | Berocka: 11 | McWolf: 11 | Summers: 11 | Tallinder: 11

 

Toronto looks well-positioned to transition into a prosperous era for the team and the arrival of Erik Killinger is a big part of that. After winning a cup with Saskatoon in his first season in the VHLM, Killinger tried to carry the Houston Bulls to a similar fate. They fell short of the finals, but Erik showed flashes of excellence throughout the playoffs. A special-teams specialist, Killinger had twelve power-play and two shorthanded goals in S70. Don’t be surprised if he is making noise in the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy race next season. 

- Erik Summers

 

 #12. Moscow Menace 

Zyrok12 | @Zyrok | D |

Ottawa Lynx | TPE: 180

Doomsday: 12 | Berocka: 13 | McWolf: 12 | Summers: 13 | Tallinder: 12

 

Zyrok12 is an android (probably?) defenseman that possesses all the tools to be one of the next generation’s great offensive blueliners. He possesses deceptive speed, a good offensive zone vision and, most importantly, he has one of this draft class’ best slapshots. Add to that a knack for making clutch defensive stops, and you get a defenseman who’s solid on both sides of the ice. His downside compared to most players selected earlier is that he might need one more season down in the VHLM before he can make the jump to the big leagues, which makes him a particularly interesting player for the most recent winners of the Continental Cup. In fact, the Moscow Menace are in a position where they’ll gladly select a player that can help them repeat their success down the line, without disturbing their tight cap situation this upcoming season.

- McWolf

 

 #13. Moscow Menace 

Pengu | @Pengu | C |

Halifax 21st | TPE: 167

Doomsday: 14 | Berocka: 14 | McWolf: 13 | Summers: 14 | Tallinder: 13

 

A first-gen player with legitimate star potential, Pengu has not been around for long but is quickly making a name for himself as a prospect. He has experience in other sim leagues, making him less of a risky option for Moscow, especially at 13. He has averaged around 21 TPE per week to kick off his career, including 73 in his last 3 full weeks. His 52 assists this season placed him at 10th overall in this draft class, even while his season was abbreviated by 18 games due to joining late. This pick helps diversify Moscow’s prospect pool as well, with Aleelee Kiak being a winger, and the previously selected Zyrok12 being a defenseman. 

- Patrik Tallinder

 

 #14. Helsinki Titans 

Adam Syreck | @Spade18 | LW |

Ottawa Lynx | TPE: 182

Doomsday: 13 | Berocka: 12 | McWolf: 16 | Summers: 12 | Tallinder: 23

 

In his first full season in the VHLM, Adam Syreck put up 68 points (29 goals, 39 assists) with the Ottawa Lynx after playing in only six VHLM regular-season games in Season 69 (nice). In last year's draft class, Syreck would have been a first-round pick, but in this deeper class, he drops into the second round, where VSN has projected the Helsinki Titans to select him. After losing future Hall of Famer Julian Borwinn to retirement and with Kronos Bailey further deteriorating with Quik gone, Syreck is a very solid addition. He'll need another season in the VHLM, but once Bailey is retired, Syreck will be ready to fill that roster spot. His work ethic has been a bit erratic this month, but being drafted in the bigs could prove to be a spark for him. 

- Doomsday

 

 #15. HC Davos Dynamo 

Richard Penisson | @bluesfan55 | C |

Ottawa Lynx | TPE: 155

Doomsday: 16 | Berocka: 15 | McWolf: 18 | Summers: 16 | Tallinder: 15

 

Ah, a meme name. He’d fit just right in Davos. The BloosFan player agency is no stranger to representing successful Icelandic forwards, as Arnor Sigurdsson excelled in a depth role with the Riga Reign in the mid-to-late 60s. Richard Penisson seemed to be poised for a successful run in the VHL as well. His growth rate and skill set might be reminiscent of a future depth player, but if he lands in Davos, the centerman will be given every opportunity to succeed right off the gate, as they desperately need talent at every position. Penisson’s wrist shot is as accurate as virtually anyone’s from this draft class, and he gives himself tons of opportunities to score with his speed and puck handling skills.

- McWolf

 

 #16. HC Davos Dynamo 

Xavier leFlamant | @BarzalGoat | RW |

Philadelphia Reapers | TPE: 168

Doomsday: 15 | Berocka: 21 | McWolf: 14 | Summers: 15 | Tallinder: 22

 

This, I believe, is the pick that the VSN is the most conflicted on. Personally, I think this is a great fit for Davos if leFlamant can continue to progress. As you get into the second round, finding the right guy can get difficult, but Xavier leFlamant is a real gem of the second round in my opinion. The Philadelphia Reapers were largely carried by their goaltending this season, but their top line could be truly deadly at times. It will be interesting to see if the Dynamo’s fresh GM will be willing to take the chance on a player like leFlamant. 

- Erik Summers

 

 #17. Malmo Nighthawks 

Ray Sheilds | @Zetterberg | C |

Houston Bulls | TPE: 147

Doomsday: 22 | Berocka: 20 | McWolf: 15 | Summers: 17 | Tallinder: 14

 

Do you know what I said about leFlamant being the most conflicted pick? This is the one that makes that a tight race. On the face of it, I think this is the most interesting pick of the second round. Sheilds has been consistently improving and certainly shows star potential, but he is very new to the league and it is highly unknown as to whether he will keep up his pace. I could see a team getting aggressive and taking him very early in the second round, or he may fly under the radar and become an absolute steal for some lucky team later in the draft. 

- Erik Summers

 

 #18. New York Americans 

Rich Dickbutt McFudderdudder | @Weretarantula | D |

Ottawa Lynx | TPE: 127

Doomsday: 17 | Berocka: 17 | McWolf: 19 | Summers: 20 | Tallinder: 19

 

New York, after already adding a hard-hitting forward with their first pick, elects to go for the 5’5” defenseman, McFudderdudder. The Swiss teenager has a great defensive mind, and handles the puck with exceptional poise, leading to mistakes being a rarity for him. This reflects in his astonishing +83 rating this season with the Lynx. To add onto this, his powerful shot creates offensive chances frequently, with him totalling 37 points in S70. Similar to two of New York’s picks in last season’s draft, the Gutzwiler twins, McFudderdudder inspires confidence from team management because of his consistency in earning TPE. He has done welfare and press conferences every week since joining, always earning at least 8 TPE. 

- Patrik Tallinder

 

 #19. Seattle Bears 

Bob Helminen | @Bob Helminen | LW |

Halifax 21st | TPE: 133

Doomsday: 20 | Berocka: 22 | McWolf: 22 | Summers: 19 | Tallinder: 16

 

One of the feel-good stories of the Halifax 21st this past season, "Big Bob," as his teammates called him, had himself an impressive first season in the league. Scoring 74 points (38 goals, 36 assists), good for just over a point per game is certainly impressive for a first-year player. Helminen is geared to be a shoot-first type of player and he is certainly off to a good start with his build. Although he has been a welfare player thus far, his activity is consistent and Helminen will make a good addition to any team. Seattle, in particular, will like adding Big Bob, especially considering he won't add to their cap woes in Season 71 due to needing another season in the VHLM. Keep an eye out for Helminen in Season 72! 

- Doomsday

 

 #20. HC Davos Dynamo 

Gary Neal | @LittleRiDog | LW |

Houston Bulls | TPE: 122

Doomsday: 24 | Berocka: 24 | McWolf: 17 | Summers: 23 | Tallinder: 21

 

A well-balanced scoring forward, Gary Neal is consistent and effective in all facets of the game. His build is put together well and makes him a versatile threat to his opposition. He put up a solid 20 goal, 41 point season with Houston in S70, and those numbers will likely rise considerably next season if he continues progressing how he has so far. Not only is he consistent on the ice though, but in earning TPE as well. He has averaged 11 TPE over his last 8 full weeks, never dipping below 8. Davos has a pretty nice addition to their prospect pool here, with Neal entering the VHL as early as S72. 

- Patrik Tallinder

 

 #21. Vancouver Wolves 

Jeff Blaze | @NyQuil | RW |

Houston Bulls | TPE: 151

Doomsday: 21 | Berocka: 16 | McWolf: 21 | Summers: 18 | Tallinder: N/A

 

At this point, Jeff Blaze has the 18th most TPE of all eligible draftees, but our mock draft has him fall to the 21st pick, currently held by the Vancouver Wolves. On first look, Blaze looks like a solid all-around offensive player, with the tools to make it as a top-tier playmaker or as a top-tier sniper, as exemplified by his 22-goal, 32-assist statline from last season. So why does he end up falling down 3 spots compared to his ranking? For starters, while he ranks as the 18th prospect at the moment, some lower-ranked players seem to be developing faster and rapidly catching up with him. Then, while his toolset seems to suggest he might become a strong offensive asset, his indecisiveness when it comes to passing or shooting might actually be seen as a weakness. He’d probably be held in higher regard by the different General Managers if he committed to one of the two.

- McWolf

 

 #22. Vancouver Wolves 

Big Chungus | @Ferda | D |

Ottawa Lynx | TPE: 125

Doomsday: 23 | Berocka: 23 | McWolf: 23 | Summers: 21 | Tallinder: 24

 

After cruising through the regular season, the Vancouver Wolves' lack of defensive depth caught up with them in a stunning upset in the first round to the Seattle Bears. How can Keaton Louth address that, you say? How about adding a 6'8, 250-pound defenseman late in the second round? Big Chungus has the potential to be a very unique player for Vancouver if he can continue to develop. He scored 17 goals, with 16 assists for 33 points for the Ottawa Lynx last season, showing a powerful shot from the blue line. His responsible defensive play, along with his consistent work ethic makes Chungus a really nice selection late in the second round, although he will need another season in the M to further develop. Perhaps he can make more use of his massive frame and become a fearsome hitter to go with that slap shot? 

- Doomsday

 

 #23. Moscow Menace 

Bo Burrows | @Walter Fizz | D |

Houston Bulls | TPE: 118

Doomsday: 19 | Berocka: 19 | McWolf: N/A | Summers: 24 | Tallinder: N/A

 

Bo Burrows certainly feels like a second-round player, but it is very hard to place where he belongs and I think that is why he has nearly fallen to the third. He has a very physical playstyle and spent a lot of his time in Houston sitting in the penalty box, but he still managed to put up thirty-two points. His most impressive stat, by far, is the +/- of sixty-nine (nice). His playoff performance was a little lack-lustre, but he will have another whole season in the minors to improve and could become a special talent as time goes on. 

- Erik Summers

 

 #24. Moscow Menace 

Gavin Harris | @BigIrish | D |

Mississauga Hounds | TPE: 121

Doomsday: 18 | Berocka: 18 | McWolf: N/A | Summers: N/A | Tallinder: N/A

 

And there we have it, the last pick of our mock draft. The lack of time between the end of the season (the portal fuck up) and the Entry Draft has prevented us from going all-in and adding a third-round, but two rounds is still good, I guess. We are closing this with the Moscow Menace’s fourth selection of the event, stand-at-home defenseman Gavin Harris. Harris is one of the best - if not the best - defensive defenseman of this whole draft class, as evidenced by his impressive haul of 173 hits and 134 shots blocked. He is one of few blueliners from this new generation who’s not afraid to do the dirty work, while not focusing too much on getting his name on the scoresheet. That being said, the American blueliner still has a knack for finding open teammates, giving them easy setups. All in all, Harris plays the most unselfish kind of hockey, which is fairly uncommon in the VHL, and any team would be lucky to get a guy like him on their team.

- McWolf

 

Best of luck to all teams and draftees this year!

 

Love, VSN

[TheFlash 317]

Ain’t mad at it

[hedgehog337 3,480]

3 minutes ago, Doomsday said:

 #7. D.C. Dragons 

Hugh Jass | @TheFlash | D |

 

This actually could be very accurate. for diff reasons though.

[Enorama 1,980]

Just now, hedgehog337 said:

 

This actually could be very accurate. for diff reasons though.

 

heh

[Esso2264 772]

2 minutes ago, Enorama said:

 

heh

heh

[Victor 10,531]

12th and 13th overall probably would have been right if I kept those picks.

[fonziGG 1,065]

17 minutes ago, Esso2264 said:

heh

heh

[Nykonax 1,550]

1 hour ago, Doomsday said:

Summers: 2

@Erik Summers we're gonna have a problem here bud

[McWolf 3,111]

1 hour ago, hedgehog337 said:

 

This actually could be very accurate. for diff reasons though.

heh

[DollarAndADream 3,356]

[BarzalGoat 728]

@McWolf is the only one who believes in me

[Peace 1,518]

Look at that stud Toronto is projected to get.

[McWolf 3,111]

23 minutes ago, BarzalGoat said:

@McWolf is the only one who believes in me

reuniting with your HSK buds seemed plausible

 

stop bailing on us tho, we missed you

[BarzalGoat 728]

Just now, McWolf said:

reuniting with your HSK buds seemed plausible

 

stop bailing on us tho, we missed you

I’m not bailing I’m right hereeeeeee

[Pengu 87]

I'm not used to getting drafted before I uncap. Hmm lol fun read!