VHLM Sophmores Poised to Have Breakouts in S75

[fromtheinside 1,289]

With draft hype behind us (for now), and the offseason slowly winding down, it's time to start looking forward. As we all know, Season 74's Recruitment Drive created for one of the most robust and exciting draft classes our league has seen for quite some time. Rookies were popping up left, right and center last year. Players like VHLM Playoffs MVP @RedSusCabe McJake and @tcookie25Addison McLaren are locks to have monster campaigns in Season 75 with no question. But what I would like to examine now are a few players who are about to enter their second VHLM season who you may have flown under the radar in their rookie campaigns, but in my mind are primed to have major breakthroughs in this upcoming season. Without further ado, let's get started!

 

 

 Dominic Gobeil- LW (HOU)- 171 TPE @domg5
Gobeil's origin story began last season when he was claimed off waivers mid-season by the Saskatoon Wild. The winger quickly endeared himself to his new teammates in the locker room, but Dom was always going to be hard pressed to get any meaningful minutes in Saskatoon because of the great forward depth the Wild boasted last season. Forced into a depth role, Gobeil never complained, kept his head down and kept grinding. After a prompt first round exit by the hands of the Mississauga Hounds, Dom looked forward towards the VHLM Dispersal Draft. Determined to move up the draft board, Dominic went complete beast mode during his time in the offseason. His player development has been quite impressive. The hard work immediately payed dividends as Houston called his name with the 28th pick of the draft. With the regular season less than a week away, Gobeil is projected to play on the first line for the Bulls and log some major minutes. People may look at Dom's rookie stats (5 points in 34 GP) and may have their doubts, but with an increased role combined with the incredible developments made in his offseason, there's no doubt in mind this will be a breakout year in the making for Gobeil.

 

 Sheldon Juniper- LW (YUK)- 195 TPE @fyrefly

Sheldon was another left winger who came into the league at around the half-way point last season. Much like Gobeil, by the time Juniper got settled into Miami, he was relegated to playing a smaller role for the remainder of the regular season. However, the outlier here is that Juniper's rookie playoff campaign was absolutely bonkers. After posting only 13 points in 38 contests during the regular season, something shifted in Miami come playoff time. The youth movement in the Mauraders locker room sparked perhaps the most unlikely title run the VHLM has ever seen., and Sheldon Juniper was arguably one of the most important parts of that young core. In 18 playoff appearances Juniper tallied 16 points, 10 of them goals and THREE of those goals were game winners. Scoring three game winners during your first ever playoff run is enough evidence to me that Sheldon has that X factor that could make him special. There's definitely no cup hangover either. This offseason Sheldon has continued to develop at a super high rate. It's speculated the Juniper has a chip on his shoulder, and if you dig deeper, you really can't blame him. Despite his incredible playoff run, Juniper wasn't taken until late in the 2nd round, when GM @MexicanCow123 called his name at pick  23. From the warm sandy beaches in Miami, to the cold and windy mountains in the Yukon, Sheldon is going to be a man on a mission this season to show all the GMs in the league they made a serious blunder passing over him. 

 

 Kaladin Kvothe- LW (SDM)- 131 TPE @DangerGolding

The trend of late-signup wingers continues as we take a closer look at Kaladin Kvothe. By now you probably can see a trend forming. Like the first two players mentioned, Kvothe was a latecomer last season, and the comparisons don't stop there. Kvothe also landed on a super successful, offensively stacked team in Las Vegas. So as you may have guessed, his role upon joining the team was limited. In 13 regular season games KK only posted a goal and an assist. He also added 5 points (2G, 3A) in 12 playoff games, but ultimately the opportunities were few and far between. Don't be fooled. Since coming into the VHLM, Kvothe has maximized his potential development every single week. What jumps out at me is his ELITE scoring ability. Kvothe is rated amongst some of the highest players in the VHLM for pure scoring. Assuming he continues to amass gains, the rest of his game will start to round out and Kvothe could be a lethal player this season. The Brit was forced to wait a long time to hear his name be called on draft day, going 49th overall to the San Diego Marlins. While the Marlins also have alot of scoring depth, I believe Kaladin will find a way to get himself into a prominent role this season. As they say, the cream always rises to the top!

 

 Tom Eagles- D (PHI)- 158 TPE @Greg_Di

Rounding out my list of sophomores is a young defender known as Tom Eagles. Tom was a super late waiver pickup by the San Diego Marlins last season. While his numbers from last year won't jump out at you, he managed a respectable 9 assists in 19 contests, which for a rookie defenseman on a rebuilding Marlins is quite respectable. Come draft day, Eagles was an early second round pick, going to the Philadelphia Reapers 16th overall. The Polish defender was heard to be undergoing rigorous offseason training back home in Warsaw during the offseason. He will be joining an already incredible D-core in Philly that boasts the likes of superstar Jolly Greene Giant, as well as Bob Tristian. Under the tutelage of Giant, Eagles could be looking at a breakthrough year with the Reapers and may end up being one of the league's best defensemen when it's all said and done!

 

This wraps up a look at a few of our second year players who could be on the brink of something special. Like I mentioned in the introduction, the rookie class of S74 was massive and impressive, and there are plenty of other guys entering their second season who are going to stand out and turn heads. I am eagerly awaiting to get this season started so we can see how it all shakes out. Until then, cheers!

 

*will be claiming for Media Spot for Week-End Nov 22*

[a_Ferk 764]

3 minutes ago, fromtheinside said:

 Dominic Gobeil- LW (HOU)- 171 TPE

[Dom 1,445]

It was really fun to read this, Scotty Kaberle is an other player to watch closely for S75. Rumors say that he is progressing at the speed of light.

[fromtheinside 1,289]

@domg5

[Prout 373]

Causally waiting for next couple articles about the best D pairing in the M and breakout season for Cowboy

[Banackock 8,040]

Hi

[Dom 1,445]

1 hour ago, Prout said:

Causally waiting for next couple articles about the best D pairing in the M and breakout season for Cowboy

The expectations are there, will the first selected player in the S75 VHLM draft handle the pressure? I think he will!

[Prout 373]

43 minutes ago, domg5 said:

The expectations are there, will the first selected player in the S75 VHLM draft handle the pressure? I think he will!

Lower them lol regardless of where I got picked.  Haha we’ll see! 

[fromtheinside 1,289]

7 hours ago, Banackock said:

Hi

hey there

[tinafrombobsburgers 367]

[JigglyGumballs 1,056]

Review:

 

I really like the concept of detailing future breakout stars for the VHLM. I don't too many media spots actually putting those players in the spotlight. I really suggest doing one for the VHL as well if you can. The formatting is also really good and easy to read. My only suggestion is to add a little more colour to make things pop a bit more. Otherwise really good read!

 

9/10

[Retuperkele 21]

Good stuff. Really looking forward if these guys can put up to their expectations you set them. Good insight based on last season and the projectory heading into next season

 

7.5/10