Julius Freeman - Hall of Fame Article

[Red 499]

 

Julius Freeman - Class of S74

Position: LW

Birthplace: United States of America

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 210 lb.

Drafted: S66 - 2nd Overall (Vancouver Wolves)

Username: @rjfryman

 

Selected 2nd Overall in the S66 VHL draft, the Vancouver Wolves got everything they could have hoped for with Julius Freeman. After playing a full eight season career, Julius Freeman won the Kevin Brooks trophy a total of three times, which speaks volume to the type of player he was. Freeman was a through and through goal scorer who totaled more than 30 goals in 7 of his 8 seasons in the VHL. With a polished all around game, Julius excelled in all aspects of the game. He could pass and he could skate which made him a dangerous dual threat when attacking defenders. This allowed him to utilize his shooting ability as much as possible knowing that defenders wouldn't know what to expect from him. With these skills he was able to make the early jump to the VHL after only playing in one VHLM season. Julius would play for Vancouver, the team that drafted him for the majority of his career, only moving to the New York Americans in his 7th season to finish out his career. In the time spent in Vancouver he won his first and only Continental cup in just his second season. He also won all three of his Kevin Brooks trophy's in Vancouver, which ties him for second all time for Kevin Brooks trophy's won. With these accolades, it was clear that Julius was a winner from the beginning, especially when you realize he never missed the playoffs once in his entire career spanning all the way back to his VHLM days. For these reasons, Julius is a much deserving and obvious choice for the S74 Hall of Fame.

 

Career Awards

S67 - Continental Cup

S69 - Kevin Brooks Trophy (Goals Leader)

S69 - Victory Cup

S71 - Victory Cup 

S71 - Kevin Brooks Trophy (Goals Leader)

S72 - Kevin Brooks Trophy (Goals Leader)

S72 - Scott Boulet Trophy

 

S65 (VHLM - Halifax)

72 GP | 40 G - 60 A - 100 P | +31 | 16 PIM | 72 HIT | 20 SB

Playoffs: 13 GP | 5 G - 8 A - 13 P | +4 | 2 PIM | 2 HIT | 3 SB

 

Julius began his career with the Halifax 21st, and immediately made an impact. It's common for players to struggle in there first season in the VHLM, but it was clear that Julius wasn't an ordinary prospect. Putting up 100 points and 40 goals as a rookie is an outstanding feat which caught the eye's of many if not all the scouts in the VHL. Playing on a relatively strong Halifax team, Julius was the best player. Despite being one of the younger players on the roster he led the team in points and was named assistant captain. His offensive drive and leadership pushed Halifax to a second place finish that season only behind the Minnesota Storm. In the playoffs, Julius again put up extremely impressive numbers, even if they were not of the standard of his regular season. His performance led Halifax all the way to the finals where they were knocked out in 6 games by the aforementioned storm.

 

S66 (VHL - Vancouver)

72 GP | 12 G - 27 A - 39 P | +6 | 12 PIM | 11 HIT | 13 SB

Playoffs: 17 GP | 4 G - 5 A - 9 P | +1 | 0 PIM | 3 HIT | 2 SB

 

After his eye opening season in the VHLM which got Julius drafted 2nd overall behind future teammate Hunter Hearst Helmsley. He decided to make the jump to the VHL opting out of returning for another VHLM season. In his rookie year Julius put up a very respectable 39 points in 72 games played joining a competitive Vancouver team that was vying for a playoff spot. While his VHL career got off to a slightly slower start than his VHLM career did, it was clear this was just a stepping stone for Julius as this would turn out to be his least successful season. In the playoffs he made a similar impact, supporting Vancouver as a strong depth player for a deep playoff run that saw Vancouver reach finals after two difficult series. There success would end there though as they were swept by the Helsinki titans in the finals. This seemingly put a chip on the shoulders of all the players on Vancouver including Julius as they looked redeem themselves the following season.

 

S67 (VHL - Vancouver)

72 GP | 37 G - 36 A - 73 P | -1 | 30 PIM | 78 HIT | 31 SB

Playoffs: 18 GP | 9 G - 8 A - 17 P | +7 | 9 PIM | 7 HIT | 7 SB

 

Julius's second season would be where he breaks out. This would mark the first of 7 straight 30 goal seasons for Julius as he began to develop into a consistent shooting threat. This would also be the first season where Julius would record over a point per game, a feat which he managed to do a total of 5 times. As for Vancouver they improved to place 2nd in the league in points after finishing 4th the season prior. This would book them home ice advantage in the first round where they battled with the Calgary wranglers in a surprisingly difficult series which went to 7 games after Vancouver eventually won in thrilling fashion with an OT golden goal. This gave Vancouver the confidence boost they needed to fuel a deep playoff run. Next was the Toronto Legion who the wolves made easy work of in the second round to reach the finals in back to back years. Here they would face the team the swept them the year prior. With something to prove, Vancouver needed to right the wrongs from season 66 to regain the respect they lost, which is what they did. In six games Vancouver knocked of Helsinki in a convincing 5-2 win where Julius tallied an important tieing goal in the first to win there first continental cup since moving to Vancouver. The most notable highlight for Julius in this run would be game 5 of the finals where he took the team on his back scoring a goal and 2 assists to take the lead in the series. This would be the first and only continental cup that Freeman would earn in his career.

 

S68 (VHL - Vancouver)

72 GP | 33 G - 36 A - 69 P | +13 | 23 PIM | 36 HIT | 16 SB

Playoffs: 7 GP | 4 G - 1 A - 5 P | -2 | 0 PIM | 3 HIT | 4 SB

 

In Julius's third season in the league he hit a small slump offensively as he dipped in points slightly. However this could be attributed to Julius working more on his defensive game as he improved his all around game. Once again Julius would put up a 30 goal season to add to his 286 goal career. After winning a continental cup a season before, Vancouver kept up there winning pace as they recorded a second place finish in the North American division for the third year in a row. In the playoffs Vancouver and Julius failed to match the successes of last season as they were eliminated in 7 games to the Wranglers, reversing the scenario from the year before.

 

S69 (VHL - Vancouver)

72 GP | 44 G - 45 A - 89 P | +42 | 12 PIM | 41 HIT | 25 SB

Playoffs: 13 GP | 7 G - 2 A - 9 P | 0 | 6 PIM | 30 HIT | 4 SB

 

Season 69 would mark the most successful and productive season of Julius's career as he crossed the line into stardom. One of three 40 goal seasons, Julius would win his first individual award, the Kevin Brooks Trophy awarded to the player with the most goals in the season. This would be the first of three Kevin brooks trophy's he'd win which ties him for second all time. His 89 points was also the highest he'd record in his career, the same went for his plus/minus as he rounded out his game to be a defensive force as well as a goal scorer. With his production this season Julius was now Vancouver's go to guy and one of the best players in the league, leading them to a Victory Cup at the end of the regular season. The playoffs however, would paint a different picture. With only 9 points in 13 games a lot more was expected of Freeman in the postseason, although this didn't hinder Vancouver's playoff hopes as they would go as deep as the second round where they would bow out to the Seattle Bears in six who would go on to win the continental cup.

 

S70 (VHL - Vancouver)

72GP | 36 G - 43 A - 79 P | +16 | 34 PIM | 122 HIT | 18 SB

Playoffs: 5 GP | 3 G - 2 A - 5 P | +3 | 0 PIM | 7 HIT | 2 SB

 

Julius would continue his immense goal scoring pace in his fifth season. His performance may have not been as prolific as his fourth but this didn't change the fact he was still one of the best goal scorers in the league. Vancouver would finish first in there conference once again being led once again by Julien and linemate Helmsley. After another big regular season the Wolves could not gain momentum in the playoffs as they were defeated by the Seattle Bears in six.

 

S71 (VHL - Vancouver)

72GP | 40 G - 39 A - 79 P | +7 | 46 PIM | 90 HIT | 22 SB

Playoffs: 11 GP | 5 G - 3 A - 8 P | +5 | 8 PIM | 18 HIT | 2 SB

 

By this point in his career Julius had cemented himself as a proven consistent goal scorer posting 40 goals for the second time in his career and earning his second Kevin Brooks trophy as well. Julius's production once again propelled Vancouver to a very successful regular season as they won there second victory cup is 3 seasons. In the playoffs they managed to go further than the previous season but still couldn't mange to get over the hump and repeat the glory of of season 67 as they once again lose in 5 games to the Seattle bears.

 

S72 (VHL - New York)

73GP | 45 G - 42 A - 87 P | +23 | 129 PIM | 278 HIT | 33 SB

Playoffs: 11 GP | 4 G - 8 A - 12 P | 0 | 12 PIM | 55 HIT | 6 SB

 

For Freeman this season was headlined by a blockbuster 3-way trade that sent him to the New York Americans. As Vancouver looked to rebuild, Freeman was traded to a strong and deep Americans team where he immediately became there best player. The team was poised for a playoff push after making a splash which is what they accomplished. Finishing third in the conference, they failed to secure home ice even though they succeeded in there ultimate goal of making the playoffs. In the process Julius was credited with his third and last John Brooks Trophy along with a Scott Boulet Trophy after having another phenomenal season notching a career high 45 goals. As they headed into the post season the hopes were high, and Julius did not disappoint. Freeman would record over a point a game for the first time in the VHL post season after tallying multiple assists. Despite this, the rest of the Americans couldn't follow suit as Julius was stopped once again by the Wranglers in 7 games.

 

S73 (VHL - New York)

72GP | 39 G - 39 A - 78 P | +33 | 108 PIM | 260 HIT | 33 SB

Playoffs: 7 GP | 3 G - 2 A - 5 P | -8 | 10 PIM | 29 HIT | 3 SB

 

In his final season Julius continued to do what he did best. Tallying another 30 goal season to his name he finished his career with 7 in total as he showed the league that even if it is his final season, he's not going to slow down. The New York Americans rallied off of Freemans farewell tour by making the playoffs once again. Freeman as usual was their star and leader as they headed into there second round matchup against the team that has haunted Julius, the Calgary Wranglers. Unfortunately, it was Deja vu for Freeman as for a third time he couldn't solve Calgary as New York lost in 7 games, ending an incredible career.

 

Career

577GP | 286 G - 307 A - 593 P | +139 | 394 PIM | 916 HIT | 191 SB

Playoffs: 90 GP | 39 G - 31 A - 70 P | +6 | 45 PIM | 152 HIT | 30 SB

 

Looking back on the eight season Julius Freeman played, it's easy to see that this player had a drive for winning. not only did he score goals, he contributed everywhere he could, he rounded out and perfected his game for the benefit of his team and was rewarded by never missing the playoffs in his nine season journey. Despite only winning the continental cup once, Freeman should go down as one of the most if not the most competitive player the league has seen and is no doubt deserving of this hall of fame nod.

 

To review Julius Freemans great career a little better we decided conduct a short interview with the man himself to get his insight about his path to the Hall of Fame.

 

Interviewer: Your draft class was filled with a ton of talented players, did any of them motivate you to make your player better.

 

"When I joined the league the VHLM draft already had taken place. I was behind by a lot of TPE and didn't know any better. I looked at the portal every day and sorted by TPE and saw some people who were doing so well. I was always looking toward the top. At the top when I was scraping and crawling to get every TPE possible was HHH and Shane Mars. I had a number of team mates in Halifax who also were motivating factors. Dimitri Volosenkov was on my team and was the LW ahead of me in the depth chart. I foolishly said that I would shortly take his starting position soon. He laughed it off but at the end of the season I was playing 1st line with him. Another player that motivated me was Jet Jaguar. At the trade deadline Halifax acquired him and I saw what an amazing and wonderful team mate looks like. He was determined and just a overall great guy. When drafted to Vancouver I had team mates like Beau Louth, Rauno Palo and many many more amazing and wonderful team mates whom I always pushed myself to try and be better than them. Many of them I still think I am not living up to my goal of surpassing but each one of them showed what it was needed to be a top player. After the second or third season when some of the players started drop off I always kept looking to be the top guy in our season, both in accomplishment as well as TPE. Unfortunately when you have Beaviss in you class it is a hard task to close the gap in TPE, but every other metric I tried my best to be one of the best and once Players like Jet started to also be a top player in the league it pushed me even harder to try and be the best."

 

Interviewer: What was the biggest highlight from your career.

 

"There are a couple, its really tough. 3 Kevin Brooks Trophy's are nothing to sneeze at but for me I think it has to be a team accomplishment. I loved the Continental Cup we won in 67 but I was just the third piece to that cup winning team. I did great but there were other better players who really carried us to that win. I loved the Victory Cups in 69 and 71 because we were one of the best teams and I was a key piece in both of those cups since I also won the Kevin Brooks that season. The 72 Kevin Brooks and Scott Boulet were amazing since I was traded to a bubble team and after the trade we were one of the best teams in the league. But with all that It might sound weird but I honestly think my greatest highlight was that Freeman since he joined the league with Halifax to the end of his career he never missed the playoffs."

 

Interviewer: Is there anything you would have changed about Freemans career or any regrets you might have.

 

"There is one thing. After I believe S70 after feeling scorned about getting 2nd team all VHL while being the Kevin Brooks winner I felt as if in order to get more individual recognition. I started to put points into Checking. It gave me many Hits and honestly it was one of the reasons why I got the Scott Boulet in 72 but honestly I feel like it hurt my teams ability to win at some points. Me going from averaging sub 30 PIM's for most of my career once I started to get Checking my PIMS went up and my ability to be on the ice when my team needed me. So If I had 1 do-over it would be never bumping my CK past a certain point."

 

I'd like to give credit to @fromtheinside for the interviewing section idea.

 

Edited November 13, 2020 by RedSus

[fromtheinside 1,290]

Absolute masterpiece! 

Well done Cabe. Also congrats to Julius Freeman on his well deserved nod into the hall!