S74 VHL Mock Draft, Presented by: VSN

[Plate 285]

 

Greetings, VHL community!  Another eight weeks or so has flown by and with another Continental Cup awarded (congratulations to the Seattle Bears!), it’s time for the next crop of fresh talent to come join the ranks of the VHL elite.

 

We will be presenting the first round to you, so let’s hope you folks at home can keep up!  We have seven writers contributing here, bringing you the juicy details on the future talents that the players that have made this top 16 list are worthy of bringing.  As you may have heard, this particular draft is absolutely stacked with young talent!  You really don’t want to miss what the scouts have to say about them!

 

Will this draft contain the next superstar?

 

Will there be a later pick that emerges as an elite talent?

 

Stay tuned, ‘cause here we go:

 

 First Round Predictions 

 

1st Overall

Warsaw Predators

ALOE DEAR @Renomitsu

Left Wing

Houston Bulls 

46g - 49a - 95pts

 

I think it would be expected that a new franchise finishing dead last and ending up with the first overall selection, would definitely pick the best player available.  That’s exactly what’s happening here.  Aloe Dear is a fearsome sniper, playing top line minutes and certainly proving her very high value.  Her 46 goals and 389 shots are excellent, getting her top-ten rankings.  Finishing the playoffs with 9 points in 10 games, she showed she’s ready for the next level already.  With Warsaw lacking star power due to HHH’s retirement, she would already be the franchise player to build around.

-MattyIce-

 

2nd Overall

Chicago Phoenix

Christian Mingle @Quik 

Center

Houston Bulls 

47g - 35a - 82pts

 

Picking second overall after their inaugural season, the Chicago Phoenix are looking for a reliable piece they can build their offense around. While Christian Mingle isn't the player available, even at his position, with the most TPE, VSN believes that Chicago will go with Mingle for the aforementioned reason of reliability. The Phoenix really aren't loaded with a lot of higher-end prospects, so they absolutely need to hit on this pick. Squirrely dan and Adam Syreck had excellent rookie campaigns, and Mingle would be an excellent fit for them. He scored 47 goals with the Houston Bulls in Season 73 and displays excellent defensive awareness, but Mingle's skating absolutely must improve immediately in order to carry that success over to the VHL.

-Doomsday-

 

3rd Overall

Vancouver Wolves

Luke Thornton @Jtv123

Left Wing

Miami Marauders 

20g - 42a - 62pts

 

With Gino Digiannantonio, who Vancouver selected 4th overall in Season 72, failing to live up to expectations, the Wolves struck a deal with the London United to trade up and add a top prospect. Luke Thornton, the playmaking left winger from the Miami Marauders, provides tremendous value at third overall and should quickly eclipse the struggling Digiannantonio. Most young prospects favor goal-scoring, but Thornton's pass-first mentality will win him a lot of fans with his new teammates. He's also defensively sound in his own end, but you won't see him throwing the body much at the pro level despite his size. Vancouver’s re-tooling takes a big step in the right direction with this selection.

 

-Doomsday-

 

4th Overall

Prague Phantoms

Venus Thightrap @BladeMaiden

Center

Houston Bulls 

52g - 73a - 125pts

 

With the fourth overall selection, the Phantoms go for electrifying center, Venus Thightrap. User BladeMaiden’s last player, Brick Wahl, finished his career in Prague, earning an unbelievable five individual awards in his two-year stay there. Considering Thightrap’s exceptional season in the VHLM which included 52 goals and 125 points, in addition to her flawless TPE earning, history may be destined to repeat itself with Prague landing another BladeMaiden superstar. The Dane is a two-way force, never cheating for an offensive chance despite all the offensive talent that you could dream of. She has not missed any capped TPE up to this point, and has claimed a nice 75 uncapped TPE alongside it. This is indisputably one of this draft’s top prospects, and Prague will be thrilled to land what is likely their first line center down the road at fourth overall.

-Patrik Tallinder-

 

5th Overall

Los Angeles Stars

Markus Schauer @Plate

Defenseman

Houston Bulls 

24g - 85a- 109pts

 

Having been the top-ranked, draft-eligible defenseman for most of the season, German Markus Schauer has proven more than enough to get selected before quick-rising Emi Rune.  I mean, 85 assists and 109 points in his rookie VHLM campaign with Houston??  Leave other players a chance!  Quick on his feet, great with his hands, super intelligent offensively and defensively, optimal size, what isn’t to like about this player?  Los Angeles gets their franchise defenseman at 5th here.  Some may argue that his success was largely influenced by the Houston Bulls having a very strong team and having leading scorer Riley Knight Gee as his defense partner, but for a rookie to step up and be dominant like that, is absolutely incredible.

-MattyIce-

 

6th Overall

Vancouver Wolves

Emi Rune @Emi

Defensewoman

Saskatoon Wild 

10g - 64a - 74pts

 

If you want to talk about explosive growth in the S73 season - career Saskatoon defensewoman Emi Rune will always be in the conversation. Vancouver will be wise to select their AGM player Rune, as she is one few defenders creeping into the top 10. Rune has elite offensive capabilities. Relying mostly on her passing ability and ability to play the puck. A point per game player is hard to come by enough as it is. When you throw the defensewoman title on there are well, people will have eyes on you in the earlier picks of the draft. Seventy-four points, with 64 assists, is a fantastic start to this young woman's career. That isn’t even mentioning the 116 blocked shots or the +25 she posted as a member of Saskatoon. Where Emi Rune really shines ladies and gentlemen, is her veteran locker room presence. This is a skater that any team would envy to have if only because of her maturity and dedication for a new love for the league. We wish Rune, and I personally with Rune, the best of luck in the draft and in her time here in the VHL.

-Plate-
 

7th Overall

New York Americans

Onde Sandstrom @fonziGG

Right Wing

Las Vegas Aces 

36g - 31a - 67pts

 

This 7th pick could be seen as controversial, with the member’s insistence that he be drafted no earlier than the 2nd Round, but we imagine the New York Americans will start their rebuild with the Swedish winger, Onde Sandstrom. He is looking like a solid piece that the Americans can build a new solid core around. He has nearly everything you could want in a forward, with excellent scoring ability and a solid 200 foot game to boot. The Americans can use any and all players, except in net, where they have promising prospects, and Onde would be a great fit to kickstart a new generation in New York.

-Hylands-

 

8th Overall

Vancouver Wolves

Ryan Schwarz - @Enorama

Left Wing

San Diego Marlins 

33g - 26a - 59pts

 

This towering 6ft 8 sniper has the senses to play the game very well.  Putting up 33 goals and 59 points with a +42 is quite an accomplishment, that’s no easy task.  He’s a very busy player, getting involved at BOTH ends of the rink.  Yeah, you read that right; a sniper that’s responsible defensively as well.  He will need to work on strength possibly, for if he does, he would be a fearsome player to play against.  With representation by Enorama, the famous agent of legend Ryan Kastelic, he can develop extremely quickly into an essential piece.  With Vancouver needing forward help, he would slot in perfectly to provide some much needed second line power with his effective 200ft game on opening night.

-MattyIce-

 

9th Overall

London United

Doug Dimmadome @Esso2264 

Goaltender

San Diego Marlins 

51-19-2, 0.896% - 2.33gaa - 9so

 

At 9th overall Doud Dimmadome will make his way to London. The highest rated goalie in the draft, with huge upside, will be headed to a team that desperately needs his goaltending. Dimmadome was selected 14th Overall in the S73 dispersal draft. We could talk about his almost 0.9  SV% (0.9 being elite in the VHL). We could also talk about his nine shutouts in 51 wins as a Marlin. 0.904 SV% in the playoffs is what I want to talk about. You put up numbers like that consistently in the playoffs and championships will come. Dimmadome is a contender, brick wall, and an absolute stud between the pipes. London won’t take up the chance to pass on this elite goaltender here at 9th overall.

 

-Plate-

 

10th Overall

London United

Lester Green @Smarch

Defenseman

San Diego Marlins 

7g - 29a - 36pts

 

London needs defense.  United GM Joseph McWolf should take advantage here by selecting the defensive-minded Lester Green.  Although listed at 5’5 and 140lbs, this diminutive American defenseman has some wheels, and power.  He has absolutely devoted his game to protecting the defensive zone.  He can contribute offensively, putting up 36 points last season, including six points in 11 games in the playoffs with the San Diego Marlins.  For Green to blossom, he will have to work on his two way game and contribute offensively to be a complete defenseman, maybe eat a few steaks to bulk up along the way as well.

-MattyIce-

 

11th Overall

Calgary Wranglers

Jeffrenomitsu The 3rd @Jeffie43
Right Wing

Houston Bulls

33g - 37a - 70pts

 

Although surrounded by fantastic players, the lanky winger from Singapore was an important cog in the most successful regular-season in Houston Bulls history. Able to create chances in close, he was one of seven players to score 30 or more goals on the team and his 6’ 6” frame gave goaltenders fits when he was screening them to the tune of 15 PPG whilst on the Bulls’ record-breaking power play. He has shown another gear as well as he led the Bulls with 6 goals in 10 playoff games. His range and athleticism equally help him to dangle around defenders or strip pucks away from opponents. Scouts may want to see some more poutine on his body to add some heaviness, but Calgary will appreciate his skill, intelligence and two-way acumen which make up for his lack of speed. 

-animal74-

 

12th Overall

London United

John LeClair II @flyersfan1453

Left Wing

San Diego Marlins 

18g - 16a - 34pts

 

With the second first round pick acquired from their trade with the Vancouver Wolves, London decides to add to their forward core with John LeClair II.  The son of the legendary Philadelphia Flyers power forward, he plays a physical game, just like his father. LeClair II was an absolute menace last season, recording a staggering 355 hits in the VHLM with the San Diego Marlins. Critics may point to his low offensive output, suggesting he needs more time to season, but LeClair II will likely fit nicely onto a London team looking to replace it's inactive placeholders. LeClair II has a great chance to compete for quality ice time on a top line, along with special teams roles. This is a really ideal landing spot for him.

 

-Doomsday-

 

13th Overall

Calgary Wranglers

Julian Nousiainen @okochastar

Center

Houston Bulls 

31g- 78a - 109pts

 

Yeah, Nousiainen is going to Calgary.  With Kris Rice traded to Moscow, Jubis should nab Nousiainen right here.  In addition to ACL Tear in retirement mode, Nousiainen is a potential star centerman in the making, and would slot in perfectly in Calgary’s second-line two-way centerman role; behind newly acquired Scott Greene in the Kris Rice trade.  His 78 assists, 109 points and nine game-winning goals were VHLM top-ten worthy.  His game is very-well rounded at both ends of the ice and has more than enough talent to play on a second line and play a key role in special teams.  VHL centerman beware, he’s excellent in the faceoff circle and he will cause many problems against even the top faceoff specialists.

 

-MattyIce-

 

14th Overall

Riga Reign

Lexi Glass @AW13

Right Wing 

Ottawa Lynx 

24g - 19a - 43pts

 

Riga’s conference finals loss to Helsinki was not all bad as they find themselves picking at 14th overall. I think they take Lexi Glass of the Ottawa Lynx in this spot. Riga has an aging but deep defense and they have a pair of prospects in the system to refuel there, what they really need is a winger that is not only young but fits on the right side and Glass fills both of those needs. He had a solid but not incredible season in Ottawa last season. Despite this, I think Riga’s coaching staff have what it takes to turn Lexi Glass into a 2nd line or elite winger in the VHL. He can even make an immediate impact in the VHL with his signature wrist shot and one-timer. He still has plenty of room to develop and if Riga does end up taking the 19 year old Glass, it will certainly be a pick the franchise won’t regret.

-Patrik Laine-

 

15th Overall

Helsinki Titans

Kasper Kankkunen @Z16 

Defenseman

Las Vegas Aces

23g - 44a - 67pts

 

Helsinki is in a very tight spot right now. They do not have cap restraints but have a forward and goalie surplus. Heading into season 74, they will have 8 forwards including new arrivals Patrik Laine and Oh Sens; in the crease, three goalies with the calling up of Calvin Harvey. The defense is a four man crew with no prospects to fill the void when 3 of the 4 will inevitably retire in the next 3-4 seasons; for that reason alone, Helsinki will address this need and take Kasper Kankkunen. Kankkunen fits the exact bill of what Helsinki needs defensively, a two-way defender who is both excellent in the defensive zone, the neutral zone and the attacking zone. In his first full VHLM season, Kankkunen was a force in all 3 phases of the game. In the attacking zone, he got some time on the power play and ended up putting up 67 points in 72 games and more than two-thirds of that was even strength. In the defensive zone, he was excellent at locking down opposing forwards, sporting a +8 across a season where Vegas failed to make the playoffs. Last but not least was his neutral zone play. He would scare opposing forwards with his hitting ability, recording 114 hits across the entire year. Helsinki has had a history of turning mid to late 1st round picks into elite talents, such as Erik Summers. If anyone can turn Kankkunen into one of the VHL’s premiere two-way defensive talents down the road, it would be Helsinki. Not only does it fit what the team needs logically, but it is a solid pick where the team doesn’t have to reach for him. It wouldn’t just work out for the Titans, it also works out for Kankkunen as well. He was born and raised in Finland and I bet it would mean the world to his family and friends to see him play in Helsinki every time they play a home game. This is a pick that makes both parties involved happy and that’s why I can see this happening when Helsinki is on the clock.

 

-Patrik Laine-

 

16th Overall

Seattle Bears

Isabella Campbell @Banackock

Center

Houston Bulls 

30g - 53a - 83pts

 

Finally, picking last in the first round is the Seattle Bears, the honor bestowed to the Continental Cup Champions. It's not the only luxury that the Bears will receive here, as the GM Player rule will award Seattle with sweet, sweet nepotism with General Manager Blake Campbell's daughter, Isabella. All jokes aside, her arrival is a very timely one for the Bears. Ambrose Stark has already announced his retirement, and newly-acquired Kris Rice has three seasons to go before his career is up as well. Campbell was a dangerous and versatile center for the Houston Bulls, and she slots perfectly into Seattle's future. It's almost as if it's divine design at work for the Bears. 

 

-Doomsday-

[ThePerfectNut 563]

It would be amazing if I do go over there.

I tried too with my last player too

[fonziGG 1,065]

Interesting

[Quik 4,113]

5 minutes ago, Plate said:

Mingle's skating absolutely must improve immediately

 

[AW13 196]

Everyone calls Glass a he  haha 

[Laine 1,361]

Just now, AW13 said:

Everyone calls Glass a he  haha 

My apologies 

[fonziGG 1,065]

9 minutes ago, Plate said:

with excellent scoring ability

[AW13 196]

19 minutes ago, PatrikLaine said:

My apologies 

lol its no worries, it has been everyone 

[NotAVHLM-GM 1,858]

38 minutes ago, Jtv123 said:

It would be amazing if I do go over there.

I tried too with my last player too

 

Hope so for you Jtv, Vancouver is a great landing spot. Best of luck man

[McWolf 3,111]

@Jtv123 would like to offer his mock condolences to @Plate, as LA apparently is a bad landing spot.

[Crstats23 328]

@Plate @PatrikLaine Vegas made the playoffs, You said at pick 15 that they didn’t just a heads up so your not putting out inaccurate information 

[Laine 1,361]

1 hour ago, Crstats23 said:

@Plate @PatrikLaine Vegas made the playoffs, You said at pick 15 that they didn’t just a heads up so your not putting out inaccurate information 

Yeah I talked with Spartan and I realized my mistake, my bad 

[Crstats23 328]

All good man just looking out for you guys so there’s no wrong information 

[rory 1,759]

Jiggly is already LA's franchise dman, we don't need no replacement 

[mattyIceman 1,035]

57 minutes ago, rory said:

Jiggly is already LA's franchise dman, we don't need no replacement 

 

Jiggly Plateballs @Plate @JigglyGumballs

[JigglyGumballs 1,056]

I don't mind being in a franchise defensive pairing tho