Juniper goes on a tear and propels Marauders into Playoffs

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                                 It was down to the wire. The Miami Marauders and the Philadelphia Reapers were in a tight battle for a playoff position, and the Reapers were on top by a point entering the Marauders' last three games. Although two of those games were against lightweights San Diego and Minnesota, their final, critical game was against the Saskatoon Wild, who have fallen in the standings, but are a strong team nonetheless. The Marauders, however, battled through the adversity to claim the final playoff spot in the East. They had a 5-1 annihilation of the Storm, a 3-2 scare against the Marlins, and a 3-1 grind-out against the Wild. And a large part of this sudden success was Sheldon Juniper, overlooked 4th liner playing 2 minutes a game turned 2nd line rookie sensation. In those three games, Juniper potted three goals and added three assists for six points, or two points per game. 

 

                                 Some people were unsurprised at Juniper's breakout. OHL coach for the Sarnia Sting and former NHLer Derian Hatcher knew this was going to happen from the moment Juniper took the ice on his first Sting training camp. "This kid has all the right skills. He can shoot, he can defend, and he isn't a softie. That's a recipe for success." 

 

                            A VHL reporter caught up to Juniper after the Marauders' final win against the Wild:

 

Reporter: Well, it's certainly been an eventful night for you, Sheldon. Six points in three games, that's a tall task! What changed tonight?

 

Sheldon Juniper: I've been on the ice and in the gym a lot recently, improving my game. My GM @Ricer13 has been a really good motivator, showing me the ropes of the league and helping me develop. I also have some really talented teammates in Eoin Byrne @LatinViking, Addison McLaren @tcookie25, and Cabe McJake @RedSus, among others. It's really fun in the room.

 

Reporter: The Marauders have officially made the playoffs, clinching the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. It's been a long road from one of the worst teams in the league to a playoff spot. What's been working recently?

 

SJ: Ricer and @Zetterberg have signed a lot of waiver players, including myself, and I think these waiver players have filled spots in the lineup and pushed our team to it's best. I think our team has developed a lot of chemistry since all the recruits, and we're now showing what we can do, take down top teams.

 

Reporter: Now for some more personal questions. We know that you are eligible for the VHL draft, and you've caught the attention of some scouts. What are your thoughts on this, and will it affect your play in the postseason?

 

SJ: Right now, all I'm focusing on is our upcoming playoff series and improving my game more. But it is nice to know that my play is being recognized, and I guess it'll be a motivator for me. 

 

Reporter: Back to more current situations, you are also going to go back into the VHLM dispersal draft, where you may not return to the Marauders. What do you think about this, and where is your preferred landing spot?

 

SJ: I love it here in Miami, and I hope Ricer can bring me back. However, if worst comes to worst, I'll happily join whatever team drafts me. But again, that's not the focus right now. I'll be more interested once the season is over.

 

Reporter: Thanks for your time, Sheldon. 

 

SJ: Thank you.

 

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