Claimed:Poole Looks To Future

[Ninetyfourgoalie 168]

Poole Looks To Future

 

After the Lynx were swept in the North American Finals at the hands of the Yukon Rush, many turned their attention to Ottawa defenseman Jerrick Poole, who seemingly came out of nowhere to provide his team with a surprising boost defensively late in the season and into the playoffs.  But, perhaps even more surprisingly, he certainly was no slouch in the offensive zone either.  Poole will be one of the hottest prospects in the Season 39 VHLM Dispersal Draft this off-season and if he continues to not only perform but improve at his current rate, we very well may see him in the VHL at the beginning of season 40.

 

When Poole made the decision to come to the VHL, he was quickly nabbed by the Lynx who were in desperate need of goal prevention as they looked towards the VHLM playoffs.  He quickly made an impact in his very first game, picking up a goal off a blocked shot and began to find a groove with the team and began to display signs of not only VHL potential but the ability to become a very good or even elite player in the coming seasons.  In his fifteen regular season games for the Ottawa Lynx, Poole was able to score two goals and assist on five more to go along with a +/- of 1.  While these numbers certainly were nothing outstanding, they were a glimmer of hope for the young defenseman trying to make a name for himself as a defense-first player in an offense-first league.

 

Jerrick Poole has appeared more and more comfortable with each game.

 

But, once the playoffs came, Jerrick truly began to excel and establish himself as a top prospect.  He made quick impacts on the scoreboard and was a major help in the Lynx's defeat of the Blades in six games.  While they were unable to get past the dominant Yukon Rush, who the Lynx were ultimately swept by, one could not help but notice what Poole was able to do in the post-season.  In their ten games, Poole's seven points were sixth best on the team while his 5 assists were third-best.  In addition, his +5 rating and 27 shots blocked were both team highs for the playoffs.  After his outstanding, and perhaps even breakout, performance this post-season, it appears that the sky is the limit for Jerrick Poole.

 

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of Poole's game is not what can be seen on the box score.  As many have noted, the VHL is, without a doubt, an offense heavy league.  Very few teams actually have trouble putting the puck in the net but what separates the elite teams from the rest is an ability to prevent goals.  Many young players entering into the VHL Entry Draft lack the ability to be strong contributors defensively yet Poole already is a solid defender, making him a player that, after a full season in the VHLM, should easily be able to contribute for just about any team in the league.  But, the reason why he will likely be a top prospect for the season 40 VHL draft is not only because he is strong defensively - he simply works harder than many of his peers and it's unquestionably beginning to show on the ice.

 

Poole's name has been popping up as a strong Season 40 prospect in early analyses of the draft class

 

As Jerrick Poole focuses his attention of the off-season and the VHLM Dispersal Draft, it will be interesting to see where he ends up and how it bodes for his future.  As for Poole, when asked about next season, he said that he "just hopes to be in a good situation.  Obviously, my primary goal is to make the VHL and be a productive player there but it's always nice to have fun along the way.  I had a great experience this season in my short time with Ottawa and I'm looking forward to wherever I end up, although coming back to the Lynx would be pretty sweet in that it appears like I would definitely be able to compete for the VHLM championship there.  Overall, I'm just excited for whatever comes and I can't wait for next season to start!"

[Guest Svoboda_3]

Content: 3/3

713 words. A pretty remarkable Media Spot focusing on your rise as a prospect and your time in Ottawa. I would love to add your work ethic at the VHLM Dispersal Draft to the Saskatoon Wild.

Grammar: 2/2

North American Finals = North American Conference Finals

establish = established

breakout, performance = breakout performance

draft = Draft

Appearance: 1/1

A title, italicized font and pictures.

Overall: 6/6

[Ball 453]

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