Claimed:Change of Scenery - Week of June 9th - 15th

[Guest Svoboda_3]

Anytime a player goes through their struggles, finds themselves in a funk or can't get the necessary ice-time required in order to be successful, sometimes a change of scenery is needed. For four new Wild members who came over in two separate deals, not only have they rejuvenated their seasons, but through ice-time and a vastly different situation, the confidence and production from these players have been exonerated. Here's a tale of two seasons for these four players:


Mikael Svensson
In a complete instance, Mikael Svensson went from mediocre season to one of the best VHLM point producers. Skating with the Turku Outlaws prior to the blockbuster trade, which involved four 3rd round selections as well as the acquisition of three roster players for center Devin Sundberg, Mikael had 32 points in 25 games as a second-season Outlaw forward. Upon hearing about the deal to Saskatoon, Mikael was excited for the challenge and the opportunity to be the focal point of the offense on a young and inexperienced team. Since the trade, not only has Mikael turned around his season, but he has climbed the points leader board to sit 7th in league points, scoring 52 goals and adding 36 assists for 88 points in only 36 games, translating into 1.70 points per game. Mikael has not only been a real cog in the Wild offense, but he has helped mentor and aid the young players on the team, creating an exciting brand of hockey despite the Wild not being in full contention. As the Wild transition from rebuild to contender, Mikael will be a real important part of the offense in Season 40.


Walt Pringle
Walt Pringle was another second-season player for the Turku Outlaws. Included in the package deal with Mikael Svensson and Braxton Hunter, Walt was brought aboard as a primary depth player who could fill the needed roles that otherwise wouldn't be filled by other roster players. Entering the trade with 22 points in 25 games, Walt was producing, but probably not at the rate that he had envisioned himself doing, especially for a returning player for the Outlaws. Since the trade, Walt has been one of the more productive Wild players and is currently playing with all sorts of confidence. Without the production of the depth players, the Saskatoon Wild wouldn't even be within a sniff of a playoff picture, even though Saskatoon still sits eight points back of Brampton for the final playoff position. What all this means for Pringle and the other players is that entering Season 40, the Wild will have a solid foundation to build from and with the renewed confidence, these players will be expected to lead the Wild back to respectability.


Braxton Hunter
Braxton Hunter has probably benefited the most from the trade out of all four players. In 25 games with the Turku Outlaws, Braxton had only mustered 6 goals and 6 assists and was a player in and out of the line-up. Since arriving in the Bridge City, Braxton has amassed 18 goals and 44 assists for 62 points, giving him 74 points, a +39 and 96 hits during the campaign. Braxton was a frequent member of the 4th line in Turku, and with Saskatoon lacking depth at all positions and lacking those secondary scoring personnel, Braxton fits the need perfectly for the Wild. Braxton has been a breath of fresh air with his efforts on the ice and with all the intangibles that he brings to the Wild. Hunter has been a strong two-way player and has thrived immensely under all the ice-time he's been given. As a player also returning to the Wild next season, Saskatoon will have an array of talent and skill up front to compete with the best the VHLM has to offer.

 

Aaron Hartley
Playing a rather small role for the Bern Royals, Aaron Hartley was acquired in a package deal which also saw a 1st round selection in S40 and a 2nd round selection in S39 come to Saskatoon in exchange for Mikkel Boomgaarden and a Saskatoon 2nd rounder. Hidden down on the depth chart of the Royals, Aaron came to Saskatoon having produced 21 points in 25 games, which in all fairness, wasn't too bad of numbers. Since the acquisition by the Wild, not only has Aaron been thrust into a more prominent and responsible role, but he is contributing at more than a point per game average, having potted 42 points in 35 games with his new club, translating into a solid output for someone who was regarded as a trade throw-in. With 17 goals and 46 assists for 62 points in 60 games, combined with a +10 and 101 hits, GM Brett Slobodzian can only be satisfied with how the trade worked out with regards to how well Aaron has adapted to the Saskatoon system. Aaron will be a key component next season as well when the Saskatoon Wild look to assert themselves in the tough North American Conference.

Edited June 17, 2014 by Svoboda_3

[Guest Svoboda_3]

Will add pictures later tonight, so don't grade yet.

[Guest Svoboda_3]

Good to go now. Also got permission from Higgins to post this for last week.

[Will 4,660]

Content: 3/3

Nice. You seem to really be turning the Wild around ever since you took over last season. I really like the moves you have been making, and I expect Saskatoon to become a stomping force sooner rather than later. Great to hear these four members are getting in a good groove over in the prairies, I hope it keeps up!

 

 

Grammar: 2/2

Didn't find anything.

 

Appearance: 1/1

Looks good.

 

Overall: 6/6 

[Smarch 3,153]

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