Hall of Fame Article - Hunter Hearst Helmsley

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Hunter Hearst Helmsley - Class of S75

 

Position: C

Birthplace: United States of America

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 250 lb.

Drafted: S66 - 1st Overall (Riga Reign)

Username: @Beaviss

 

Being one of the most notable and prolific first overall picks in league history, calling Helmsley a prodigy would be an understatement. Hunter was the crown jewel of the stacked S66 Draft class that included both Julius Freeman and Jet Jaguar, both of which are previous inductees. Beginning his career in Halifax in the VHLM, Hunter began as a waiver pickup garnering attention after posting impressive numbers in his D-1 year. HHH wouldn't stop there as he announced himself in the following season as the most promising prospect in decades. To the surprise of no one, Hunter was selected first in the S66 VHL entry draft which began a highly respectable career for the era he played in. Hunter was know as a complete and polished offensive force who could contribute on both sides of the ice, this is highlighted by his Individual awards where he won both the Mike Szatkowski and the Scott Boulet trophy for leading the league in points and being voted as the best two-way forward in the VHL. As for team successes however Helmsley often came up short as he never won a championship despite having an illustrious career. Nevertheless, His dedication to the league and accomplishments during the regular season make him rightfully deserving to be included into the class of S75.

 

Career Awards

S65 - Ethan Osborne Trophy

S65 - Mitch Higgins Trophy

S65 - Alexander Chershenko Trophy

S69 - Victory Cup

S71 - Scott Boulet Trophy

S71 - Victory Cup

S71 - Mike Szatkowski

 

S64 (VHLM - Halifax)

24 GP | 7 G - 12 A - 19 P | +11 | 6 PIM | 21 HIT | 0 SB

Playoffs: 12 GP | 3 G - 11 A - 14 P | +2 | 2 PIM | 17 HIT | 0 SB

 

Hunter entered the league as a waiver signing at a fairly young age being more than a season away from being drafted into the VHL. Not much should be expected from a player this young, yet Hunter was able to prove early that he was something special. Posting 19 points in just 24 games Helmsley started scoring at a rate that would have earned him a high selection in the S65 Draft let alone the S66. Hunter's production only continued to grow as Halifax entered the playoffs posting an astounding 14 points in 12 games which further announced him as a bonified top prospect. With this production he helped lead his team all the way to the finals where he and Halifax lost in 6 games.

 

S65 (VHLM - Yukon)

72 GP | 57 G - 68 A - 125 P | +16 | 14 PIM | 36 HIT | 29 SB

Playoffs: 7 GP | 6 G - 5 A - 11 P | 0 | 4 PIM | 2 HIT | 2 SB

 

After Emerging as an extremely promising prospect in his short cameo the year before, Hunter was drafted first overall by the Yukon Rush to no one's surprise and immediately became one of there most important players. Helmsley met every expectation there was for him in the regular season improving again in his production scoring 125 points in just 72 games. At this point there was no doubt HHH was a can't miss prospect that had bottom feeder teams salivating. His impressive point totals continued in the playoffs but unfortunately his team couldn't match his success as the Yukon Rush were eliminated in the semi-finals in six games. Hunters Highly Impressive numbers and dedication to the game earned him three separate accolades including VHLM MVP making him the obvious first selection in the VHL Entry draft where he was picked up by the Riga Reign.

 

S66 (VHL - Riga)

72 GP | 26 G - 24 A - 50 P | +2 | 29 PIM | 37 HIT | 34 SB

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

 

HHH began his pro career with much excitement after his stellar performance in the minors. In Riga he was plugged in behind behind notable starts such as Podrick Cast and Edwin Preencarnacion playing behind them in what would be a supporting role in his first season. Playing a full season, HHH managed to collect 50 points and 26 goals in 72 games played. For a true rookie (being one that isn't playing in there D+1 year) this is extremely impressive, even if it wasn't necessarily the point totals people were expecting after all the hype that surrounded him. Nevertheless this was a good season for Helmsley to build upon as he looked to become a force in the future. The playoffs however was something to forget for both HHH and Riga as they were swept handily by HC Davos in the first round.

 

S67 (VHL - Riga)

72 GP | 24 G - 32 A - 56 P | -10 | 40 PIM | 33 HIT | 28 SB

Playoffs: 12 GP | 5 G - 5 A - 10 P | +3 | 16 PIM | 16 HIT | 5 SB

 

In his second season Helmsley managed to avoid the sophomore slump, but only slightly improved on his scoring from the prior season scoring 56 points in 72 games. It was clear at this point that Helmsley's transition to the VHL wouldn't be as smooth as it was in the VHLM. Despite this, His team as a whole still managed to perform as they made major moves in the off season to restructure there roster. With players still above him on the depth chart such as Kastelic and McWolf, HHH played a similar role to last seasons team where he provided reliable depth, this team was then strong enough to qualify for the second time with Helmsley on the roster. After Qualifying Riga and HHH were eager to redeem themselves from the failures of S66 and make an impact in the playoffs, which they did. It was here where Helmsley finally showed a glimpse of what was expected of him when he was drafted. Posting 10 points in 12 games, HHH was a huge part to Riga's impressive run that took them all the way to semi finals where they were heartbreakingly defeated in 7 games. However, Hunter had reason to hold his head high as he was finally started to find his game that would push him towards stardom.

 

S68 (VHL - Vancouver)

71 GP | 30 G - 35 A - 65 P | +23 | 99 PIM | 188 HIT | 24 SB

Playoffs: 7 GP | 4 G - 3 A - 7 P | +1 | 14 PIM | 29 HIT | 4 SB

 

After his breakout playoff performance in S67, HHH was shockingly traded to the Vancouver Wolves in exchange for Rauno Palo and a first round pick in S69. This blockbuster would place him on a team with rival S66 draftee Julius Freeman as they would now become the future of the Vancouver Wolves. In his new home Hunter would build on his playoff performance by scoring just under a point per game while drastically improving his defensive play posting a +23 plus/minus. HHH would also add a new element to his game by being much more physical, recording 188 hits as opposed to 33 hits from last season. This would lead to another playoff appearance for HHH as the Vancouver Wolves would finish second in there conference. In the post season yet again Helmsley took small steps further stepping up offensively when his team needed him. Posting a point per game for the first time in his pro career HHH was an offensive catalyst and his team's best forward during the postseason. Unfortunately though, his production would not be good enough as he would bow out to yet another game 7 heartbreaker, this time in the first round.

 

S69 (VHL - Vancouver)

72 GP | 42 G - 50 A - 95 P | +36 | 151 PIM | 295 HIT | 22 SB

Playoffs: 13 GP | 3 G - 7 A - 10 P | 0 | 25 PIM | 46 HIT | 5 SB

 

Up to this point in Helmsley's career he had only managed to take small steps forward in his game, slightly improving each season. However S69 would prove to be different as he finally found a way to put it all together for his first breakout season. With 95 points in 72 games, HHH was producing like the star everybody expected him to be when he was drafted. He led his team in points and finished second in league scoring. Him along with Freeman's impressive season led Vancouver to a Victory Cup for highest point total during the regular season. Both entering there prime, HHH and freeman were now the face of the Wolves franchise as they entered the playoffs as the top seed looking for a deep run. Through 13 games in these playoffs Helmsley would fight admirably and produce a total of 10 points. Although his production dropped from the regular season he provided enough offense to make Vancouver competitive. There run began by beating the Toronto legion in a 7 game thriller of which the Wolves came out in top. After this they had to face the Seattle Bears who were in the middle of there dynasty. Although Vancouver fought hard Seattle's playoff prowess pulled though as Vancouver were eliminated in six games.

 

S70 (VHL - Vancouver)

72 GP | 30 G - 50 A - 80 P | +21 | 101 PIM | 268 HIT | 24 SB

Playoffs: 5 GP | 1 G - 4 A - 5 P | +2 | 4 PIM | 15 HIT | 2 SB

 

Helmsley's breakout season was followed by another strong season where he put up 80 points in 72 games played. Now for the second season in a row Hunter had finished with the most points on his team proving that last season was no fluke and that he was ready to be Vancouver's main offensive driver. Vancouver's core also remained relatively in tact as they now included younger up and coming players such as Brock Louth and Jeff Downey. With this team Vancouver managed to remain strong as they finished at the top of there conference for the second year in a row. It was obvious the time for Vancouver to win was now as they had a good mix of veterans and young players who wouldn't be around for ever. Despite the strong season, Vancouver's playoff woes continued after being knocked out early in the first round in 5 games to the Seattle Bears once again.

 

S71 (VHL - Vancouver)

72 GP | 32 G - 56 A - 88 P | +14 | 117 PIM | 289 HIT | 18 SB

Playoffs: 11 GP | 4 G - 5 A - 9 P | +5 | 21 PIM | 30 HIT | 10 SB

 

In S71 Helmsley again put up extremely impressive numbers for Vancouver scoring 88 points in 72 games played. It was at this point where Helmsley began to solidify himself as the best two way threat in the league. This was marked by his Scott Boulet Trophy for being voted the best two way forward and by his Mike Szatkowski Trophy for leading the League in points for the first time in his career. Helmsley's steady play led Vancouver to capturing there second Victory cup in three seasons. With another strong season under Helmsley's belt, the time was running out for him to capture the ultimate prize. Vancouver's playoff journey began in the first round against the bottom seeded Calgary Wranglers. Calgary managed to put a fight, but it was clear Vancouver's star power was to much for them. Next up in the second round for the third consecutive season Vancouver was paired with the red hot Seattle bears who were still in the midst of there dynasty. In a lopsided 5 game series it was clear Vancouver couldn't catch a break against the Seattle bears as there post season experience led them past Vancouver for the third straight season.

 

S72 (VHL - Davos)

73 GP | 36 G - 47 A - 83 P | +10 | 101 PIM | 198 HIT | 32 SB

Playoffs: 4 GP | 1 G - 0 A - 1 P | -4 | 4 PIM | 10 HIT | 1 SB

 

Following the heartbreak from last season, it was clear it was time for Helmsley to move on as Vancouver began it's rebuild. What culminated afterwards was a massive 3-way trade involving HC Davos, Vancouver and the new York Americans. Hunter would then be sent to play his second last season with Davos along with two other S66 Draftee's Jet Jaguar and Jerry Garcia. With those three players at there core Davos was poised for a massive season. HHH would continue his success in Davos as he had another impressive scoring output. Tallying 83 points in 72 games played, as well having a +10 plus/minus showed that his two way game had also transitioned nicely to Davos. His team would benefit from this by earning a playoff spot and would face the Helmsley's former team, the Riga Reign. The playoffs however would only bring more disappointment for HHH after HC Davos were brutally swept by Riga in the first round.

 

S73 (VHL - Warsaw)

72 GP | 45 G - 68 A - 113 P | 0 | 109 PIM | 259 HIT | 52 SB

Playoffs: Did not Qualify

 

After Hunters short stint in Davos he signed a 1 Year deal worth 5 and a half million with the new expansion franchise Warsaw Predators. In there first season, Warsaw wanted a player that there fans could recognize and look up to as the face of there new franchise, with this signing it was clear Hunter Hearst Helmsley would be that player. With this being Hunters last season in the league and Warsaw's first, there was a lot of pressure to perform for Helmsley. And he did just that. With 113 points in 72 games played HHH exploded offensively as he dominated the league becoming an instant fan favourite in Warsaw. Playing on a relatively weak team made HHH the go to guy in every situation which allowed him to take charge on his own and play freely. This however had it's downside in that Helmsley's offensive outburst was not enough to carry Warsaw to the playoffs, Which meant even after having set a career high in goals, assists and points, Hunter would miss out on the post season for the first time in his career.

 

Career

576 GP | 265 G - 362 A - 627 P | +96 | 747 PIM | 1567 HIT | 234 SB

Playoffs: 56 GP | 18 G - 24 A - 42 P | +3 | 84 PIM | 147 HIT | 30 SB

 

During a time in the league where scoring was not very prevalent, Hunter Hearst Helmsley sticks out like a sore thumb. Once he found his footing in the league during the latter half of his career he was nearly unstoppable. Over time he developed into one of the most prominent two way players the league has ever seen having had a positive plus minus for nearly every season in his pro career. And although he couldn't replicate his regular season dominance into the playoffs, HHH still managed to make the playoffs in 9/10 seasons, which speaks for itself. With this in mind it's with no doubt that we welcome Hunter Hearst Helmsley into the Hall of Fame class of S75.

 

Continuing the tradition created by @fromtheinside, We decided to conduct a short interview with HHH to get a glimpse of his journey into the Hall of Fame.

 

Interviewer: In Season 69 you had your first real breakout season scoring 30 more points than the previous year. What did you change that made you improve so quickly.

 

Getting promoted to the first line. That was the season when one of the greats to lace them up for the Wolves got moved out. That was also the first time HHH and Freeman got together for any length of time.

 

Interviewer: What would you consider the biggest highlight of your career.

 

Playing with HHH's main partner in crime Freeman. It was a match made in heaven and it was a combo that dominated the league for many seasons.

 

Interviewer: What was it like playing with so many of your fellow S66 draftee's.

 

It was great coming into the league with those players. We never won a cup but we had a lot of fun and some great regular season success. Its really a shame we never got that cup together.

 

 

Edited January 15, 2021 by RedSus

[Victor 11,043]

Good article again and very quick, thanks @RedSus

 

One thing to watch out for is using 'there' instead of 'their'  

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2 hours ago, Victor said:

Good article again and very quick, thanks @RedSus

 

One thing to watch out for is using 'there' instead of 'their'  

ah shit, lol thx.