Jasper Canmore - Hall of Fame Article

[Red 499]

Jasper Canmore - Class of S72

 

Position: C

Birthplace: Canada

Height: 6'8"

Weight: 250 lb.

Username: @Bushito

 

At 6'8" and 250 pounds, saying that Jasper Canmore was a polarizing player is an understatement. As his teammates and opponents could attest to, Jasper had it all. He could score, he could skate, he could play D and he could hit, but above all he could pass the puck and do this all while towering over every other player on the ice. Over the span of eight seasons Jasper lamented his mark on the league with numerous individual and team awards. His playmaking ability is well represented by his Alexander Beketov trophy in S62, this also led him to many team successes which are highlighted by his Continental Cup win, also in S62, as well as his two Victory Cups in S61 and S62. Despite these achievements Canmore wasn't always the dominant force he was in his prime years. Canmore worked tirelessly following his rookie season to become the player he is now known for which earned him the Dustin Funk Trophy for most improved player of the year in S59. With the amount of hardware and respect Canmore claimed over his career, he is a clear choice to be inducted to this seasons Hall of Fame.

 

Career Awards

S57 - Skylar Rift Trophy (Playoff MVP)

S57 - Founders Cup

S59 - Dustin Funk trophy (Most improved Player)

S61 - Victory Cup

S62 - Victory Cup

S62 - Continental Cup

S62 - Alexander Beketov Trophy (Assists Leader)

 

S56 (VHLM - Yukon Rush)

23 GP | 1 G - 2 A - 3 P | -3 | 2 PIM | 2 HIT | 2 SB

Playoffs: 7 GP | 0 G - 2 A - 2 P | +1 | 0 PIM | 2 HIT | 0 SB

 

Jasper got his first taste of professional hockey after signing as a waiver claim to the Yukon Rush. While he didn't hit the ground running, he did show short flashes of brilliance when he had the chance. At this point of his career he was a very raw and young prospect who was sheltered with limited playing time on a mediocre Rush team. In the playoffs, Jasper seemed to be a bit more lively as he was creating more chances for his teammates. On top of this his team managed to get past the play in round but only to be defeated by Las Vegas in 5 in the second round.

 

S57 (VHLM - Oslo Storm)

72 GP | 41 G - 98 A - 139 P | +30 | 34 PIM | 157 HIT | 12 SB

Playoffs: 11 GP | 3 G - 16 A - 19 P | +9 | 6 PIM | 21 HIT | 2 SB

 

After making the move to the team he eliminated in the previous season Jasper managed to have his first break out season in the pros scoring an astounding 139 points in 72 games played, good for third in league scoring. His flashes of brilliance in his first season developed into consistent chance creation and scoring production. He went from a sparsely used depth player to the first line center on the best team in the league in one year, which shows how much he improved in the offseason. Canmore was joined by many other talented prospects including defensemen Nicodemus Raven and wingers Ben Green and Aksel McKnight. Together these group of players pushed Oslo to be the top team in the regular season which earned them the top seed and a bi in the playoffs. Beginning in the second round, Oslo were set to play against Jaspers former team in the Yukon Rush. Motivated by this Canmore  led the series in scoring, showcasing his playmaking ability with numerous assists. However, Yukon despite being the underdogs, managed to push Oslo to 7 games where they would eventually lose after late goals from both Canmore and Kalashnikova pushed Oslo over the edge. The next and final series was much less of a test for Oslo as they swept Ottawa with ease in the finals. Canmore's high point of these playoffs came in this series in game 4 after he assisted the late game winning goal to clinch the founders cup for the Storm. With 19 points in 11 games Canmore was then rightfully awarded the Skyler Rift trophy for playoff MVP, announcing himself  as the hottest prospect on the market.

 

S58 (VHL - Calgary Wranglers)

72 GP | 18 G - 30 A - 48 P | -30 | 2 PIM | 6 HIT | 20 SB

Playoffs: Did not qualify

 

After Canmore's outstanding year in the minors, he managed to turn enough heads to get his first opportunity in the big leagues. Jasper joined a below average Calgary Wranglers team immediately becoming there first line center and one of there most valuable players. Posting a respectable 48 points in 72 games played Jasper didn't blow anyone away like he did in his second VHLM season, yet when you consider the team he played on this can be forgiven. Although Calgary did not qualify for the playoffs this year, Canmore's decent offensive production led them towards 6th place in the league, the highest among non playoff teams.

 

S59 (VHL - Calgary Wranglers)

72 GP | 40 G - 39 A - 79 P | -4 | 35 PIM | 100 HIT | 83 SB

Playoffs: Did not qualify

 

Jasper Canmore's breakout season again came in his second campaign, just like in minors. Improving from 48 points to 79, Jaspers biggest improvement came in his goal scoring ability after recording his first 40 goal season. This changed the way the league looked at him since he was previously known as a pass first player. But now after recording as many goals as he had assists Canmore was now seen as an all around offensive threat. With the way he developed this season, Canmore was rewarded with the Dustin Funk Trophy for the most improved player of the year. Yet with the advancements Jasper made this season, it wasn't enough to push the wranglers into a playoff spot, as just like last year, they fell right outside once again with 6th place.

 

S60 (VHL - Calgary Wranglers)

72 GP | 39 G - 55 A - 94 P | -4 | 102 PIM | 171 HIT | 26 SB

Playoffs: 9 GP | 4 G - 7 A - 11 P | 0 | 4 PIM | 10 HIT | 4 SB

 

In his 3rd season in the VHL, Jasper got his first taste of playoff action as the Wranglers sneaked into the playoffs with 78 points. Calgary was led by another offensive outburst by Canmore as he again added to his production with 94 points in 72 games. Added to this Calgary added star defensemen Keaton Louth to bolster there roster. In the post season Calgary was first paired against HC Dynamo in the play in round. With the series going to 3 games Calgary managed to edge by the Dynamo winning game 3 after Canmore potted the overtime winner less than 2 minutes in. This would be the highest moment for Canmore in the playoffs as they would bow out later to the New York Americans in 6 games. Despite not earning the ultimate prize, individually Canmore's first playoff experience was a success. Posting 11 points in 9 games, Jasper was clutch when his team needed him which built on his reputation as a reliable playoff performer.

 

S61 (VHL - Calgary Wranglers)

72 GP | 43 G - 71 A - 114 P | +79 | 34 PIM | 114 HIT | 16 SB

Playoffs: 14 GP | 3 G - 11 A - 14 P | 0 | 4 PIM | 10 HIT | 4 SB

 

In season 61, expectations were now high for the Wranglers and Jasper Canmore after there first playoff appearance, and they delivered. Canmore again built on past seasons as he scored 114 points in 72 games. In the past two seasons Jasper would go back to his previous identity as a pass first player even while putting up another 40 goal season. Canmore's work ethic was now on full display as he slowly developed into the leagues 2nd best scorer. As for Calgary, the production brought by both Canmore and Louth brought them a Victory Cup as the leagues top team in the regular season. This of course qualified to there second consecutive playoff appearance. With a bi in the first round, Calgary began the playoffs in the second round against the team that eliminated them the season before. The hard fought series went to 7 games as the Wranglers would eventually come out on top after a convincing 6-3 win where Canmore recorded 2 assists. Canmore would then appear in his first VHL playoff finals as Calgary would face the Dynamo once again. But much like the Calgary-New York series the Dynamo would find revenge as they edged by Calgary after a heartbreaking 4-2 loss. Again even if Jasper Canmore couldn't get the job done, he still had a very impressive run scoring at a point per game pace.

 

S62 (VHL - Calgary Wranglers)

72 GP | 46 G - 96 A - 142 P | +90 | 71 PIM | 123 HIT | 27 SB

Playoffs: 13 GP | 5 G - 13 A - 18 P | +11 | 4 PIM | 24 HIT | 7 SB

 

Season 62 is the season that most will look back remember Canmore for. His tireless devotion to improving hit it's peak when he tallied a whopping 142 points in 72 games good for 4th that year. His playmaking ability again went up another notch as his 96 assists won him the Alexander Beketov Trophy in this season. With this type of production, Calgary was yet again undoubtedly at the top of the standings earning there second consecutive Victory Cup. This wasn't there goal though, Calgary was determined to rebound from the heartbreak from the year before. Calgary again had succeed in making it all the way to the finals after beating the bears in 6 and were eager for redemption as they faced Quebec in the finals. Quebec would prove to be a tough matchup for Calgary because of there strong depth being led by Defensemen Colton Rayne. After Quebec had tied the series at 3-3 it looked as if Calgary was on the brink of heartbreak again, Yet this time it was Calgary coming out on top scoring 3 goals to finally clinch the elusive Continental Cup they'd been searching for the past 3 seasons. Canmore's role in this playoff run was instrumental. Much like the regular season he used his outstanding playmaking ability to dominate play and lead Calgary to the ultimate prize.

 

S63 (VHL - Calgary Wranglers)

72 GP | 40 G - 75 A - 115 P | +56 | 82 PIM | 168 HIT | 31 SB

Playoffs: 12 GP | 2 G - 9 A - 11 P | +1 | 22 PIM | 19 HIT | 6 SB

 

In the season following Jaspers most prized accomplishment, Canmore experienced slight regression. Even with his drop in performance he was still among the best centers in the league finishing 2nd overall in scoring that year.

Calgary was also not the powerhouse it once was as they finished 3rd in the standings that year missing out on the Victory Cup for the First time in 3 seasons. This still however booked them a ticket to the playoffs where Canmore had a chance to defend the Cup for the first time in his career. Again beginning with a bi, Calgary began there campaign in the second round against the Seattle bears once again and had repeated the result of last year eliminating the bears in 6. This qualified them for there 3rd straight finals appearance where they were set to face the Riga Reign in hopes of going back to back. This unfortunately, did not come to fruition as the Wranglers were defeated in 6 games. 

 

S64 (VHL - Calgary Wranglers)

72 GP | 30 G - 31 A - 61 P | -51 | 52 PIM | 136 HIT | 42 SB

Playoffs: Did not qualify

 

As Jasper Canmore went deeper into his career he began to see the effects of ageing more and more. And with major departures hindering the Wranglers Roster, including star Defensemen Keaton Louth. This season would prove to be one to forget for both Canmore and Calgary. With much less star power leading the way, Calgary were not able to make the playoffs slipping out with 59 points. It was clear from this point on that Calgary needed a rebuild which meant that Jasper needed to say goodbye to the organization he devoted the majority to his career to.

 

S65 (VHL - Helsinki Titans)

72 GP | 36 G - 44 A - 80 P | +19 | 108 PIM | 131 HIT | 36 SB

Playoffs: 15 GP | 4 G - 9 A - 13 P | 0 | 23 PIM | 33 HIT | 4 SB

 

For Canmore's final season he was moved by Calgary to Helsinki, a contending team with other stars such as Julian Borwinn and Vesto Slipher for one final shot at the Continental Cup. After immediately being named the captain of the Titans, the team went on to secure a playoff spot at the 4th position in the standings. Canmore contributed with 80 total points this season which was second most on the team. Despite not being the strongest team in the post season, the team was determined to bring home one last piece of hardware for there veteran leader. The playoffs started with the play in round for Helsinki where they easily dismantled a good New York team to advance to the second round. There they saw the Seattle Bears who were considered by many to be the favorites going into the post season, yet Helsinki with the help of Canmore were able to defeat them in 6 games. Finally once again Canmore had found himself in the Continental Cup Finals for the 4th time in his career. Having only won once before he was eager to come out with at least 2. Disappointingly though, this was not to be as Helsinki Devastatingly blew a 3-2 series lead losing in game 7 by a score of 6-2. While this may have not been the happy ending Jasper Canmore was hoping for, His legacy wouldn't be tarnished as he remains one of the most elite playmakers of his era. 

 

Career

576 GP | 292 G - 441 A - 733 P | +191 | 486 PIM | 949 HIT | 281 SB

Playoffs: 63 GP | 18 G - 49 A - 67 P | +10 | 67 PIM | 102 HIT | 36 SB

 

Reflecting on Jasper Canmore's career it's evident that he was a clear cut competitor. Even if he only won 1 Continental Cup, you can't help but think with a little more luck he could have won 4. Jasper will be remembered most by his tantalizing frame, his playmaking ability, his constant willingness to improve and his ability to show up in the playoffs. He is then well represented by his personal accolades as they perfectly describe the type of player he was. With these successes it's easy to see why he was selected to be this seasons new addition to the Hall of Fame.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Hoopydog 195]

I think this article is very good, it is clear that a good amount of research and effort went into making this. The way it's laid out makes it really easy to read and the extra line at the start of each season helps lead the reader through the piece. Overall, amazing job on capturing the ups and downs of the players career.

 

9/10