Well, you can tell its the offseason cuz its been dead around here lately. In the spirit of sparking discussion, I thought I'd ask everyone what their top 10 is for the upcoming draft! This year seems to be a bit of a blender after the top 2, so there should be plenty of disagreement and discussion to go around! I'll start the discussion with my personal list, which has been constantly evolving lately. **DISCLAIMER:** I am not a scout. My list is based mostly off of highlights and what I've read online. I have seen many of these players play in international tournaments and I caught a good amount of the recent U18 games, but I am not and expert, just a passionate fan. If your list is different then mine, explain why you like/dislike some players more than me. Without further delay, my top 10 is:
1)Jack Hughes C USA https://www.eliteprospects.com/playe305432/jack-hughes
Undisputed #1 in my mind. Elite in all areas of his game and will be a game changer at the NHL level as early as next season. The shinning star of a very talented USDP crop. Y'all already know who he is so that all imma say about him. If you have any doubts about him just look at his stat line or watch any highlight video of him. If Jersey passes up on him I'll be extremely shocked.
2) Kaapo Kakko RW FIN https://www.eliteprospects.com/playe396655/kaapo-kakko
The undisputed #2 in this draft. Kaapo is a beast and excels in all areas of the game. Put up a very impressive season as a 17 year old in the Finish men's league this year and had better point totals than Laine, Kotkaniemi and Barkov at the same age. Projects to be an offensive threat in the NHL as early as next season. If you haven't heard of him yet you been sleepin. Much like Hughes, I don't feel like I need to go into much detail with this guy. No chance he slips past 2.
3) Vasili Podkolzin RW RUS https://www.eliteprospects.com/playe512832/vasili-podkolzin
This is where things start to get a bit murky. Podkolzin is the best bet to go 3rd overall this year, but its not as sure a thing as the last 2 guys. I personally am very high on him. He has incredible offensive skills, from his hands to his shot to his passing to his speed to his overall IQ, there isn't much to dislike. To top it all off, he is responsible in his own end and can even kill penalties. The fact that he was killing penalties for Russia at the U20s this year speaks volumes, especially since 18 year olds don't usually even play much for them in that tournament. However, the thing I like most about him is his insane compete level. The guy is unrelenting, like a dog on a bone with the puck. He's losing a little bit of hype lately because of a somewhat disappointing performance at the recent U18s, but having watched a few of his games there, I'd say he was still playing extremely well despite not putting up points. You could tell that he was a step above most of the players on the ice when he had the puck on his stick. He might not be in the NHL next year, but it wouldn't surprise me if he was. Regardless of when he makes it to the league, you can count on him being an offensive force to be reckoned with once he gets there.
4) Bowen Byram LD CAN https://www.eliteprospects.com/playe326522/bowen-byram
The best defenceman in the draft as far as I can see. He's elite at both ends of the ice and can be counted on in any situation. Put up over a PPG in the WHL this year, and to cap it all off he plays for the Vancouver Giants. (Not to suggest that where he plays in junior should be too much of a contributing factor, just a nice coincidence for Canucks fans.) He can quarterback a powerplay, kill penalties, and everything in between. The way he jumps up in the rush sometimes is like he's a fourth forward on the ice, but he also manages to be defensively responsible while doing it. Boasts elite speed and hockey IQ, and is a physical force on the ice; he can deliver some mean body checks. I doubt he slips very far past 5, so if the Canucks want him they'll have to trade up.
5) Alex Turcotte C USA https://www.eliteprospects.com/playe290043/alex-turcotte
Insanely talented and projects to be a #1 center in the NHL. If it weren't for Hughes, I think he'd be getting a lot more love. He was relegated to the second line on the USDP and still managed to put up almost 2 PPG. Possesses elite offensive skills with great hands, passing, shooting, skating and Hockey IQ. He's responsible in his own end and was counted on to kill penalties for the US team. Despite his offensive arsenal, some scouts praise his 2 way game above all else. He also plays with an edge to his game and likes to get in the heads of his opponents. I love this guy and if he somehow falls to the Canucks I'll be ecstatic.
6) Cole Cawfield RW USA https://www.eliteprospects.com/playe316168/cole-caufield
Possibly the best pure goal scorer in the draft. He was over a GPG with the USDP this year and put up an astounding 2 GPG in the recent U18s, tying Alex Ovechkin's record for goals in one tournament there (14). He's very short at 5'6", but he has so much talent that I honestly can't see it holding him back. I had my doubts about him at first, but the more I see him play the more they disappear. He boasts an elite x10 shot and can score top cheddar from anywhere in the offensive zone with ease. If he slips past 10 this year I think the Canucks will look silly for not taking a chance on him.
7) Dylan Cozens C CAN https://www.eliteprospects.com/playe286938/dylan-cozens
The Yukon native had a very impressive year in the WHL this year, leading his team in points. He's a big bodied center and a legitimate offensive threat. He boasts a very good shot and is a fast skater, but what makes him stand out to me most is his playmaking and hockey IQ. He plays a 200 foot game and is considered to be a 2 way forward. I see Dylan as a surefire NHLer given his mix of skill and size, so he's a very safe pick. I was also impressed with his performance with Canada at the recent U18 tournament.
8) Matthew Boldy LW USA https://www.eliteprospects.com/playe375501/matthew-boldy
Played on the second line of the USDP with Turcotte as his center and put up impressive numbers in that somewhat limited ice time. He has good size and projects as a power forward at the NHL level. He has a very good shot and excellent IQ, but the most impressive part of his offensive game is his passing skills. They are elite by all standards and he can thread a no look saucer pace right on the tape. The best way I can think to describe his passing is drool-worthy. Much like Turcotte, he is responsible in his own end and was relied upon to kill penalties for the USDP. His skating isn't great, but I don't think it will hinder him at the NHL level. I think he would be a perfect line mate for Boesser and Pettersson and would love it if he was available to the Canucks at 10.
9) Trevor Zegras C/LW USA https://www.eliteprospects.com/playe424453/trevor-zegras
Another elite offensive talent from this years USDP crop. Possesses elite hands, a great shot, and elite passing. Some have raised concern that he might be riding the coattails of Hughes and Cawfield, but I see him as an elite offensive talent in his own right. Some of his passes are just out of this world and he has very good hockey IQ. Like Boldy, I think he would be a fantastic line mate for Pettersson and Boesser.
10) Philip Broberg LD SWE https://www.eliteprospects.com/playe349467/philip-broberg
2 way defenceman with a great first pass, elite skating, and the skills to quarterback a powerplay at the NHL level. He's big bodied and not afraid to lay a hit, but physicality isn't a staple of his game per say. In the dzone, he is great at blocking shots and passing lanes and can get the puck out with ease. He's a human break out and zone entry machine. Like Byram, he often seems like a 4th forward on the ice but has no trouble getting back to his own end when he needs to, thanks in large part to his aforementioned skating ability. I initially had Soderstrom ranked higher because he's a right shot and played in the Swedish men's league for a large portion of the season, but I was extremely impressed with him at the recent U18s and decided to move him up. He also has higher potential than Soderstrom in my opinion and comes with the added bonus of not having a concussion right now.
Honourable mentions: Victor Soderstrom, Cam York, Alex Newhook, Peyton Krebs, Kirby Dach.
Now it's your turn: What is your top 10 for the upcoming draft? Have I oveunder rated anyone in your opinion? Have I left someone out all together? Let me know in the comments! Remember that this is just my opinion and it's ok to disagree with me, lets keep it civil. Thanks for reading!
Edit: Formatting

2018 Survey Results

Hi everyone, here we are with some results! The survey was left open for ten days in order to garner a good number of responses, and it's up on spring but we're still far from the peak observed during Summer'15. Seems like there's a mass post-Tour exodus for some reason.

Year	2013	2014	2015	2016	2018	2018
Results	2013-06-12	2014-06-25	2015-08-07	2016-11-17	2018-03-06	2018-08-20
Replies	351	598	1395	892	630	928

Top 15 Countries

Country	2015	2016	2018 March	2018 August
USA	32%	28.3%	22.84%	25.32%
UK	18.6%	17.6%	14.70%	20.13%
Netherlands	6.4%	9.4%	11.50%	11.58%
Germany	3.73%	3.4%	4.95%	6.39%
Canada	4.9%	7%	6.39%	4.22%
Australia	5.2%	4.7%	3.83%	4.00%
Denmark	3.9%	3.6%	4.31%	3.79%
Belgium	3.8%	2.7%	8.15%	3.57%
France	2.01%	1.08%	2.88%	2.27%
Norway	2.58%	1.8%	1.60%	1.95%
Portugal	1.65%	1.8%	2.40%	1.52%
Sweden	1.08%	1.09%	1.44%	1.41%
Slovenia		0.73%	0.32%	1.30%
Ireland	1.00%	1.09%	1.44%	1.19%
New Zealand		1.30%	0.96%	1.19%

No surprise to see that the USA is on top as ever, UK second and Netherlands third, but it's the way that the numbers have moved since spring in particular which grants an interesting insight into what the Tour does. It has a particularly dramatic effect on the number of Belgians, who see their share plummet once the classics are over whilst the anglosphere goes full speed ahead into yellow jersey fever.
Elsewhere, German TV covering the Tour again has a positive effect on sub numbers, whilst a couple of extra nations creep into the top 15, most notably Slovenia.

What's your age?

	u17	17-19	20-25	26-30	31-35	36-40	41-50	51+	Total
2015	2.22%	12.04%	41.51%	24.66%	10.68%	4.87%	2.94%	1.08%	1395
2016	1.5%	8.9%	40.8%	24%	12%	5.4%	5.2%	2%	887
2018 Mar	1%	7.1%	33.5%	27.4%	16.2%	7%	5.7%	2.1%	617
2018 Aug	1.7%	9%	33.9%	26.4%	15.5%	7%	5%	1.5%	905

No great changes in the age ranges since spring, with possibly a shade more young people watching than before. Otherwise it follows that the average user is in their 20s, as you'd guess for Reddit as a whole.

What's your Gender?

	'13	'14	'15	'16	'18 (1)	'18 (2)
Male	97.2%	97%	94.9%	93.4%	93.3%	93.6%
Female	2.8%	2.7%	4.8%	5.3%	5.3%	5.4%
Other	-	0.33%	0.29%	0.78%	0.76%	-
Non-Binary	-	-	-	-	0.64%	0.99%

Sticking with the theme of usual reddit demographics, it's an overwhelmingly male presence, with just 49 female respondents in all.

How much of the season do you watch/follow?

Type	March '18 (%)	August '18 (%)
Grand Tours	84.7	92.0
Monuments	79.1	74.9
WT Stage races	67.4	62.4
WT One day races	73.3	59.8
Non WT Stage races	32.6	16.7
Non WT One day races	34.8	13.7
Literally everything I can consume	35.9	18.1

So far, aside from a little change in which nationalities tune in, there hasn't been too much of a change. Here though it's plain to see the difference in fan base between spring and summer on the sub. Grand Tour watching increases (as you might expect), monuments & WT stage races lose a little ground, but everything else takes a nosedive.
It's fair to say Le Samyn is not for everyone, but that's quite the drop.

How long have you been watching Cycling?

Time (years)	under a year	1 -2	2 - 3	3 - 4	4 - 5	5 - 6	6-7	7 -8	8 - 9	9 - 10	10 - 11	11 - 12	12 -13	13 - 14	14 - 15	15 - 20	20 - 25	25 +
March (%)	4	10.5	12.6	9.6	8.1	8.9	-	6.9	4.8	-	6.2	2.2	1.8	0.8	4.5	10.7	4.9	3.5
August (%)	4	10	13.2	9.9	7.7	8.3	5	4.6	2.7	5.4	3.2	2.2	1.8	1.9	1.8	9.5	5	3.8

Simply put, most of us have been watching cycling for less than six years, and just over a quarter have picked it up inside the last three, or since mid-2015.

Time (years)	0-5	5-11	11-15	15 & more
MAR	44.8%	26.8%	9.3%	19.1%
AUG	44.8%	29.2%	7.7%	18.3%

This makes looking at the data a wee bit simpler.

Section 2

Which teams do you like or not like?

This one is sorted by karma, which is simply the number of likes minus the number of dislikes. The 2015 answers come first and are highlighted with ^2015, then the 2016 answers with ²⁰¹⁶ and then the answers from this survey are highlight with ^2018. Hopefully this will give a feel of the changing image of some of the teams in the peloton.
First off, a full 12% of respondents are apathetic about teams, with no like/dislike feelings on the matter. For those that do have them:

Team	Karma²⁰¹⁵	Karma²⁰¹⁶	Karma^Mar'18	Like^Aug'18	Meh^Aug'18	Dislike^Aug'18	Karma^Aug'18
AG2R La Mondiale	7	124	303	342	424	23	319
Astana Pro Team	-389	-343	-115	149	217	212	-63
Bahrain-Merida		-185	-125	107	471	206	-99
BMC Racing Team	66	206	244	309	427	49	260
Bora Hansgrohe		177	369	518	267	12	506
Team Dimension Data		351	250	230	473	74	156
FDJ-Groupama	-7	72	152	130	554	85	45
Lotto-Soudal	24	151	287	231	510	31	200
Movistar	42	123	125	195	465	121	74
Michelton-Scott	208	556	279	468	301	34	434
Team EF Education First-Drapac p/b Cannondale (nee-Cannondale-Garmin)	54	131	237	299	424	54	245
Team Sunweb (nee-Giant-Alpecin)	29	148	317	489	292	24	465
Team Katusha	-13	-101	-4	67	511	194	-127
Team LottoNL-Jumbo	45	183	224	454	323	17	437
Team Sky	-3	51	-155	292	236	315	-23
Quick-Step Floors (nee-Etixx-Quick) Step	87	328	347	548	238	33	515
Trek-Segafredo (nee-Trek Factory Racing)	4	175	219	216	527	31	185
UAE-Team Emirates (nee-Lampre-Merida)	-20	-28	-125	76	491	218	-142

If reams of numbers scare you (and they should), then instead here's a handy little chart instead.
What conclusions can we draw from this then? Firstly it seems that GT season brings out familiar discontent with teams like UAE & Bahrain, whilst Katusha suffer from being both previously evil and utterly useless. Astana continue on the path towards redemption with the dark winter of 2014 slipping ever further out of memory, whilst Sky sits more or less level as they mostly were prior to spring.
Chief among the favourites though is Quick-Step, outshining ~~Peter~~Bora-hansgrohe, whilst Sunweb & LottoNL are reaching previously unthinkable heights of love with the sub.
Fair to say that no one cares too much about FDJ though.

Do you ride a bike regularly?

Answer	2018^Mar	2018^Aug
For fun	61.5%	63.4%
For fitness	59.3%	59.6%
For commuting	46%	46%
For racing	20.6%	20.6%
No, I don't	14.2%	12.9%

Similar stats to March as you'd guess.

Is Cycling your favourite sport?

	2015	2016	2018^Mar	2018^Aug
No	40,7%	34,7%	30.6%	39.7%
Yes	59,3%	65,3%	69.4%	60.3%

A palpable difference between spring & summer, with the numbers most similar to the 2015 survey, also held around Tour time.

What other sports do you follow?

Sport	#	% (/920)
I don't follow other sports	84	9.13%
Association Football / Soccer	477	51.85%
Formula 1	267	29.02%
American Football	208	22.61%
Basketball	181	19.67%
Esports (yes, this includes DotA)	146	15.87%
Rugby	139	15.11%
Track & Field	125	13.59%
Ice Hockey	119	12.93%
Skiing	112	12.17%
Motorsports (Not including F1)	102	11.09%
Tennis	98	10.65%
Cricket	96	10.43%
Baseball	88	9.57%
Swimming	65	7.07%
Speed Skating	64	6.96%
Triathlon	64	6.96%
Biathlon	62	6.74%
Snooker	58	6.30%
Golf	54	5.87%
Climbing	40	4.35%
Chess	39	4.24%
Martial Arts	38	4.13%
Boxing	35	3.80%
Handball	31	3.37%
Aussie Football	28	3.04%
Volleyball	25	2.72%
Field Hockey	24	2.61%
Rowing	24	2.61%
Wrestling	23	2.50%
Weightlifting	19	2.07%
Figure Skating	11	1.20%
Gymnastics	10	1.09%
Darts	9	0.98%
Badminton	6	0.65%
GAA	6	0.65%
Futsal	6	0.65%
Lacrosse	4	0.43%
Sailing	3	0.33%
Sumo	2	0.22%
Surfing	2	0.22%
Curling	2	0.22%
Trail Running	2	0.22%
Equestrian	1	0.11%
Fencing	1	0.11%
Diving	1	0.11%

Did anyone tell you Esports was on the rise? Because it's leaping up the table every year, especially when it includes DotA. Otherwise, Soccer is king, and Formula 1 at last freed from the cruel tyranny of the Motorsports category shoots up to second, with American Football third.
Oh, and that guy who has voted sailing four times, you're in!
Other cycling disciplines

Type	Votes
Cyclocross	167
Track Cycling	148
MTB	79
BMX	10

As for other cycling disciplines, /Cyclocross leads /Velodrome as usual.

Section 3

How often do you participate in a /Peloton Race Thread whilst watching a race?	2015	2016	2018^Mar	2018^Aug
I always participate in Race Threads during races	2,8%	2%	2.2%	4%
I follow Race Threads during races	41,7%	36,7%	38.1%	42.1%
I often participate in Race Threads during races	16,8%	19%	16.5%	18.9%
I rarely/never participate in Race Threads during races	38,7%	41,25%	43.1%	35%

Summer brings more invested users than normal, reversing the trend of less people participating in race threads.

How do you watch races?

Method	2018^Mar	2018^Aug
Pirate Streams	62%	46.5%
Local TV	55.7%	64.5%
Desperately scrabbling for Youtube highlights	37.9%	30.2%
Paid Streaming services	32.3%	35.4%

The ASO is unfortunately notorious for demanding that streams are legal and just, which sees summer piracy down on average, whilst local TV is up, as is the demand for paid streaming services, be it Eurosport, NBC, Flobikes & more.

Where do you follow races (in addition to watching them)?

Type	2018^Mar	2018^Aug
/Peloton race threads	86.2%	83.4%
Twitter	30.5%	34.7%
The Cyclingnews liveticker	26%	23.5%
Steephill	0.52%	13.5%
Sporza (site/ticker)	1.89%	9.5%
Other cycling forums	15.1%	8.1%
NOS Liveblog	-	6.8%
/Peloton discord	6.5%	5.4%
Facebook	3.8%	5.4%
BBC Ticker	-	3.5%
feltet.dk	-	2.2%
/cyc/	-	1.3%
Non Cycling Forums	-	1.3%
DirectVelo	-	1.3%
/peloton IRC	~0	0.8%

Twitter as ever remains an excellent place to get news and up to date live events on almost any race, along with various livetickers.
Worth noting the option list wasn't quite as long last time, which may have affected the outcome a tad.

Do you use /Peloton mostly in classic reddit or redesign when on the desktop?

Type	Percent
Classic	75.1%
Redesign	24.9%

Most of you remain true to the old reddit. Via the powers of enhanced traffic stats it's also possible to gauge where sub traffic came from in general. Here's a sneak peak at them.. Tour de July indeed.
Third party apps don't appear because reasons.

When does the season end?

Event	%
Giro d'Lombardia	43.4
Men's WC RR	37.1
La Vuelta a Espana	10.4
Tour of Guangxi	3.4
Tour of Hainan	1.6

Now the technical answer to this is as follows:

As a general rule, the international calendar shall start on the day following the conclusion of the previous year’s final UCI World Championships event or WorldTour event and end upon conclusion of the final UCI WorldTour or World Championships event of the year in question.

Which means the technically correct answer is the final stage of the Tour of Guangxi. However, we did establish in spring that the season really begins at Omloop, not down under, and now by an admittedly small margin we've established the season really ends at the final monument of the year.
There were shouts that it doesn't really end. it just gets a bit muddier, or that Paris-Tours is the real end of all things. One person also seems to think that the year ends at the Tour of Britain, which is a slight injustice to the Vuelta.

Rank the Monuments

Event	Average Position	Rank
MSR	3.32	4^th
RvV	2.5	2^nd
PR	1.28	1^st
LBL	3.25	3^rd
Lombardia	4.01	5^th

The definitive answer in case anyone brings it up again, it's clear to see that Paris-Roubaix is the No.1 monument for /peloton, with de Ronde a clear second, MSR & LBL tied for third and Lombardy languishing at the end of the season in a distant fifth.

Rank these Titles by Prestige

Winner of:	Average Position	Rank
Giro	2.48	2^nd
Tour	1.17	1^st
Vuelta	3.59	4^th
WC RR	2.96	3^rd
Olympic RR	4.19	5^th

Just to get an idea of how clear the lead for the Tour is, a full 89% of participants rated it as No.1. Yellow is the colour of choice. Next up is the Giro in a solid second, whilst the WC RR sits third. The Vuelta is as much an afterthought in this ranking as it is in the season in fourth, whilst the Olympics really doesn't get the level of recognition it possesses in Athletics for example, sitting in dead last.
And that is that! Thank you as ever for participating in our survey, which we'll probably stick to making biannual. We've read the feedback you left at the bottom, and here's a overview of the suggestions for the sub you guys made.
The subject that received the most references (over 20% of suggestions) was the spoiler rule, including love and hate for the current scenario. Both sides present good arguments. For now, the mod-team wants to make it clear that we are not considering to make changes in the near future. However, we will likely raise the discussion again once the season is over.
We had comments asking us to take a harder stance against anti-Sky posts. We allow every opinion, about any team, as long as you respect reddit and /peloton rules. Once that line is crossed, we take action. And, as seen in the section 2 above, the community feeling about Team Sky is currently close to neutral.
Some suggestions asked for more memes and fun - we have our friends @ pelotonmemes to give an answer to your needs!
One of the suggestions was "Promote idea that disagreeable comments do not necessarily deserve downvotes. Upvote comments that promote discussion" which is something we all agree with. Lately we have seen comments that are downvoted despite contributing to discussion, and we condemn that. Don't forget that the downvote button is not a disagree button.
People asked us if we could bring Cyclocross and Track onto the sub. For now, we prefer to keep /peloton focused only in professional road racing. /cyclocross and /velodrome will continue to be the home for the content about Cyclocross and Track.
There was also a suggestion about allowing more non-English content on the sub. You could always bring articles and content written in your own language, whenever it is relevant for the subreddit. And if you bring a translation of the relevant bits, even better!
Finally, we also received feedback about small questions. A while ago we created monday question threads, in response to older feedback, in order to diminish the amount of quick self posts - and recently turned them into 'weekly question threads'. However, some may argue - especially when a mod removes/redirects a thread - that this limits the amount of content in the sub - resulting in days where pelotonmod posts the majority of the threads, which is not an ideal scenario. For now, we will continue to ask you to post very quick questions in a question thread - if there is one sticky - and if the question is about a race underway, a sticky race or results thread may be your best bet - but if you bring a longer post raising a question that respects the other /peloton rules, that continues to be allowed as a separate thread.

A Very Late Half Season Prospect Report

Hi all.
Firstly apologies for the lateness of this write-up. I've been pretty busy with life and school so I could not make my original deadline for game 41. If you haven't seen my first prospect check-in you can find it here although it obviously out of date now.
I feel it is important to add as a disclaimer that obviously I am far from a professional scout, nor have I really seen any of these players in action outside of a few games here or there. This means that the basis of my analysis is points which obviously don't always paint the full picture for a player, but its all I have to go on.
Anyway without further ado, let's take a look at some prospects.

AHL

It has not been smooth sledding for the Comets, as the team has been more or less buried under a mountain of injuries. It seems like half the team at any given time is made up of players on tryout contracts. Despite this adversity, the Comets have managed to keep their heads above water, thanks in part to some excellent goaltending, and stellar play from the players still in the lineup. The Comets sit 4th in the Northern Division.
Guillaume Brisebois (D 66th overall 2015)
Height: 6’3 Weight: 190 Hometown: St. Hilaire, Quebec
Age: 20

GP	G	A	Pts
40	1	6	7

It has been a pretty promising campaign for Guilamme Brisebois. The first year pro has added 5 more assists since our last check-in and leads the Comets in games played with 40. Brisebois has been thrown directly into the deep-end, partially out of necessity, and he's performed admirably given the circumstances.
Michael Carcone (RW undrafted, signed 2016)
Height: 5’10 Weight: 170 Hometown: Ajax, Ontario
Age: 21

GP	G	A	Pts
35	9	7	16

After a sluggish start, Michael Carcone has really picked up the pace. He's added 8 goals and 6 assists since the last check-in. As one of the few healthy Comets through the wave of injury, Carcone's improved play is definitely a part of why the Comets have managed to hold a positive record despite their bad luck. Carcone has provided the Comets with some solid secondary scoring, and he's shown some good growth in his game.
Cole Cassels (C 85th overall 2013)
Height: 6’1 Weight: 180 Hometown: Dublin, Ohio
Age: 22

GP	G	A	Pts
36	4	11	15

Are we finally seeing the emergence of Cole Cassels? At the time of the last write-up, Cassels had one solitary point, and I questioned whether he even had a future in the organization after this season. Since then, he's put up 4 goals and 10 assists in 28 games. The third-year pro has struggled to adapt to the American League after ending his junior career with a Memorial Cup win, but his 14 points are already a career best for Cassels. This hot streak is a long time coming for the Hartford native and it's really nice to see some signs of life at least from Cassels. If you remember the son of former Canuck Andrew Cassels missed the start of his season with an upper-body injury sustained during pre-season. I'm not getting my hopes too high yet for Cassels, but this improvement is an exciting development, to say the least.
Jalen Chatfield (D Undrafted, Signed 2017)
Height: 6’0 Weight: 188 Hometown: Ypsilanti, Michigan
Age: 21

GP	G	A	Pts
39	0	5	5

Without access to any real advanced stats, it's very difficult for me to discuss a player like Chatfield, since he plays a very defensively sound game and doesn't make much noise in the offensive zone. The first year pro left the pre-season with much fan-fair after playing a stretch of very excellent games. If not for a very crowded blueline, I wouldn't have been surprised if Chatfield would have been given a few NHL games at the start of the season. He's still looking for his first pro-goal, but if the Comets official Twitter is to be believed, Chatfield has been starting on the top pairing along with veteran blue-liner Patrick Weircoch for the past while which obviously is a very good look for the young defender. Chatfield is an attractive option for the team going forward on the blueline, especially if Chris Tanev gets moved out of town since they play a very similar style of game. Overall a very promising start for the young Michiganian.
Thatcher Demko (G 36th overall 2014)
Height: 6’4 Weight: 195 Hometown: San Diego, California
Age: 21

GP	W	L	OTL	SV%	GAA
28	16	7	3	0.929	2.28

If you ask me, Thatcher Demko has been the Canucks' prospect MVP this season, and yes I know Kole Lind and Elias Pettersson exist. The second-year pro has been the deciding factor in keeping the Comets afloat despite all their struggles. Demko's save percentage and goals-against average sparkle, especially when compared to his pipes partner Richard Bachman's rather ghastly 3.34 GAA and 3.34 SV%. Demko is top ten in SV% (4th), GAA (7th) and wins (5th) in the AHL, and it's just recently been announced that he, along with Reid Boucher, will be Utica's representatives at the AHL all-star game this coming Sunday and Monday. Utica is actually the host city of the game this year, so that should be extra fun for Demko to play in front of home fans. I think most people expected Demko to be good, being such a high rated goalie, but I'd bet that few expected him to be this good this early. Demko is developing at an extremely fast rate, and it is honestly not that far outside the realm of possibility that he ends up as Vancouver's starting goaltender by the end of next season. Everyone should be very exciting for this young man's future.
Nikolay Goldobin (RW/LW 27th overall 2014, Acquired 2017)
Height: 5’11 Weight: 185 Hometown: Moscow, Russia
Age: 21
With Utica:

GP	G	A	Pts
22	7	18	25

With Vancouver:

GP	G	A	Pts
14	2	2	4

Probably one of the most debated players in the Canucks or.nganization, the middle frame of the season certainly had its ups and downs for Goldobin. Not long after the last check-in, the injury bug hit Vancouver even worse, and Goldobin was called up. There were some good things and bad things that I saw during Goldy's 14 game stint in the NHL, which is a career high for him in terms of games played. The young Russian's talent is obvious, he's got great hands and clear offensive instincts. One needs to look no further for an example of Goldobin's offensive talents than his absolute beauty of a goal against the Kings, where he had Norris winner Drew Doughty searching for his jockstrap in the rafters after Goldobin walked him. That goal is going to be on end of season highlight reels across the country and was definitely the best moment of Goldobin's last NHL stint. There were definitely problems with Goldobin's stint as well. He still struggles defensively, he can tend to look invisible sometimes, and he certainly took a shift or two off here and there. Coach Green certainly didn't mince his words when he commented on Goldobin's poor practice habits early into his call-up. Speaking of, Travis clearly doesn't have a very long leash on Goldobin and he frequently found himself watching the game from the press box or riding the pine in the third period. While this is certainly frustrating for many fans, who see his tantalizing offensive game and want to see what he could do with a lot of ice time, in my opinion at least the tough love is good for Goldobin's game. Consistency has been Goldobin's biggest problem and he needs to learn to round out his game if he wants to be a full-time NHL player. Coming into the bye week with a lot of injured players returning to the lineup, Goldobin was sent back down to Utica, in order both to make room and to keep getting Goldobin ice time during the week-long break. I imagine that once some roster moves are made during the trade deadline period, Goldobin will find himself back up with the big club, but in the meantime, he needs to keep working at his game in Utica. Since returning to the Comets, Goldobin has factored in 4 of the 5 games he's played, so clearly, he's got a fire under him.
Joe Labate (LW 101st overall 2014)
Height: 6’5 Weight: 205 Hometown: Eagan, Minnesota
Age: 24

GP	G	A	Pts
31	6	5	11

It's been an up and down season for Joe Labate. The oldest Canucks draft pick left in the system, at age 24, Labate probably is what he is at this point. What Joe Labate is, in my mind at least is a big bodied, gritty forward, who will probably, unfortunately, remain an AHL/NHL tweener. Labate suffered an injury much like seemingly everyone else on the Comets earlier in the season. Labate's 6 goals tie him with his goal total from last season in a few fewer games, and he is on pace to pass his last season's point totals, although he only played about half the season due to his extended stay with the Canucks. Labate's biggest attribute, however, is his, well... bigness. Labate leads the Comets in penalty minutes by quite a considerable margin, and he's clearly using his physicality and size to his advantage. I don't know what the future holds for Labate, his age is quickly fazing him out of the "prospect" classification, but due to his size and toughness, he might be a decent piece to hold onto as a depth player.
Yan-Pavel LaPlante (LW 62nd overall 2013, signed 2016)
Height: 6’0 Weight: 183 Hometown: Chateauguay, Quebec
Age: 22

GP	G	A	Pts
5	0	1	1

Things have gone from bad to worse for Laplante, as he actually has not played a single game since our last check-in. According to this tweet by Comets play by play voice Andy Zilch, Laplante has suffered an upper-body injury and is out for an indefinite amount of time. Laplante has one more year under contract with the Canucks after this one, hopefully, it will one where he can actually play.
Zack MacEwen (C Undrafted, Signed 2017)
Height: 6’4 Weight: 202 Hometown: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Age: 21

GP	G	A	Pts
37	4	16	20

While Demko may be my MVP, Zack MacEwan gets my vote for the biggest surprise of the season. The hulking centre from PEI was a big question mark heading into the season, having just been signed along with Jalen Chatfield as an overger out of the Q. So far though, MacEwan has been one of the Comets best players, and as one of the Comets few healthy players during the injury-pocolypse that was the month of December, he played a major role in keeping the team in the hunt. Due to the injuries, MacEwan found himself playing a pivotal role on the team, anchoring the first line. MacEwan has been on the first line since late December with a revolving door of linemates, although with Michael Chaput returning to the Comets, I imagine MacEwan will be bumped down to the second line. MacEwan could actually have a few more goals than he currently does as well, he's fourth on the team in shots on goal, and is shooting currently at a very low 6.1 percent, meaning that if his shooting percentage averaged out, you'd see a few more goals from MacEwan at least. All in all, a very impressive showing from the rookie, who's quickly proving the naysayers wrong.
Evan McEneny (D Undrafted, Signed 2014)
Height: 6’2 Weight: 201 Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario
Age: 23

GP	G	A	Pts
11	2	5	7

It's a tough time for Evan McEneny right now as just one season removed from his break-out year he's suffered a knee injury that will keep him on the sidelines for five months. This means that his season is effectively over. The Ontarian has one more year left on his contract, so hope is not lost for the young defender. This is now the second season that McEneny will likely lose to injury as his 2011-12 season with Kitchener lasted just two games before injuring this very same knee. Some bad luck for sure.
Griffen Molino (C Undrafted, Signed 2017)
Height: 6’0 Weight: 185 Hometown: Trenton, Michigan
Age: 23

GP	G	A	Pts
25	2	3	5

Yet another Comet affected by injury, Molino has just recently gotten back from a lower-body injury after missing a few weeks. The speedy winger has not really factored on the point sheet too much picking up a goal and 3 assists since our last check-in. Molino has never been a very prolific scorer even back in college, so his somewhat poor counting stats aren't super surprising. Molino is one of the few Comets prospects with NHL experience, so even though he is a first-year AHL player his experience with the Canucks last season will likely help him. Thanks to his 5 game audition last season, Molino's only got this year left on his contract, although he will still be an RFA. I don't think Molino's overall ceiling is that high, however, it's never a bad thing to have a player with his kind of speed in the organization, especially in the new speed orientated NHL.
Ashton Sautner (D Undrafted, signed 2015)
Height: 6’0 Weight: 195 Hometown: Flaxdale, Saskatchewan
Age: 23

GP	G	A	Pts
36	2	8	10

Now in his third AHL season, Ashton Sautner is on pace for his best statistical season. The defender was actually once a fairly decent scorer in the WHL with Edmonton, although you'd never know it by looking at his AHL numbers so far. Sautner was one of the many Comets to go down with an injury in December, but I believe he is back now, although it can be hard to figure out since the Comets don't tweet anything outside of their starting lineup. It's always good to see an improvement from a player, hopefully, Sautner can keep it up.

ECHL

There aren't many prospects on the Canucks' ECHL affiliate, just the two defenders. In Kalamazoo's first season back affiliated with the Canucks after only one year away, the team is doing okay. They are above 500 and currently sit fourth in the central division.
Anton Cederholm (D 145th overall 2013)
Height 6’2 Weight: 210 Hometown: Helsingborg, Sweden
Age: 22
AHL:

GP	G	A	Pts
12	0	0	0

ECHL:

GP	G	A	Pts
11	1	2	3

Due to the mountain of injuries with Utica, Cederholm made his AHL debut in November. The big Swede went pointless in his 12 games, and was reassigned back down to Kalamazoo on the 19th. Cederholm has never been anything close to an offensive defenseman, and scouts have wondered if his footspeed is good enough for today's game. I keep the tone of these write-ups mostly positive, since I like any good fan want all of our prospects to succeed but after so much time since being drafted with such little real successes, I have to wonder if Cederholm doesn't just pack it up and go back to home to Europe after this season ends. He has previously played in the SHL last season after being loaned there by the team.
Mackenze Stewart (D 186th overall 2014)
Height: 6’4 Weight: 215 Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
Age: 22
AHL

GP	G	A	Pts
2	0	0	0

ECHL

GP	G	A	Pts
26	3	6	9

Perhaps one of the most unique prospects in the Canucks system, the seventh round pick has intrigued and confused Canucks fans since his draft day. I say this both because of his incredibly unlikely personal journey to being drafted, and because despite his very low numbers and perceived little upside he was given an ELC. Indeed Mackenze Stewart, who's name's lack of an I confuses even further, has a very scrutinzed figure in Canucks prospect watchers. For those who are unaware of Stewart's story, he was deaf until getting a life-altering surgery to restore his hearing later on in his childhood. Because of his impairment, Stewart didn't begin playing organized hockey until the age of 12, much later than almost anyone who has made it as far as he had. In that way, the fact that Mackenze Stewart is a professional hockey player at all is nothing short of remarkable and a great example of what perseverance and hard work can do. Stewart's story gets even more intriguing when you consider that his last season's point totals were a career high for him, not just for the ECHL but for as long as his statistics have been recorded. This means that Stewart recorded more points his first season in the ECHL last year than he ever did throughout his entire junior career. Not only that, but Stewart is on pace to beat his last season's point totals. This is a very interesting trend, throughout his career Stewart continued on a slow but steady path of improvement. The Calgarian is still a very long shot from ever suiting up for an NHL game, but his continued progression is very fascinating to see. If Stewart does continue to defy the odds and somehow makes it, I think he'll be one of the greatest stories in recent memory.

CHL

Matt Brassard (D 188th overall 2017)
Height: 6’2 Weight: 197 Hometown: Barrie, Ontario
Age: 19
Playing with: Oshawa Generals (OHL)

GP	G	A	Pts
45	11	19	30

Matt Brassard is having a pretty good season. The seventh rounder from this most recent draft is on pace to pass his last season point total. The Barrie native has been extremely solid for the Generals, leading the team in defensive scoring and being second in plus/minus. Brassard's 30 points are actually good for 11th in scoring among defensemen in the OHL. So far its been a very optimistic start for Brassard, especially for a seventh round pick. Since Brassard will be 20 by the end of the year, he will be eligible for the Comets next season should the Canucks want to sign him
Cole Candella (D 140th overall 2016)
Height: 6’1 Weight: 196 Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario
Age: 19
Playing with: Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

GP	G	A	Pts
46	3	23	26

After an injury shortened draft season, and an adismal draft +1 year, Candella was a struggling prospect coming into this season. In the offseason he found himself dealt from the Hamiliton Bulldogs to the Sudbury Wolves, which was predictied to be a better team before the season began. It seems that the Wolves have been a pretty good fit for the Mississauga native, he's already put up a career high in points this season, despite the fact that his team is one of the worst in the OHL. Nice to see some improvement from the 19 year old.
Michael DiPietro (G 64th overall 2017)
Height: 6’0 Weight: 200 Hometown: Amherst, Ontario
Age: 18
Playing with: Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

GP	W	L	OTL	SV%	GAA
36	21	12	1	0.920	2.59

Michael DiPietro is following up a storybook season with an even better season. The Spitfires starter has put up his best save percentage so far, and is almost certainly going to surpass his number of games won this season as well. DiPietro's absurdly good 9.20 save percentage is tied for first among goalies who have played in at least 20 games and his goals-against average is also good for third in the OHL. The reigning Memorial cup winners have lost a lot of the talent from last season so they are not likely to be as competitive, as Windsor currently sits fourth in the West Division. This actually more impressive for DiPietro as he has less support from the team in front of him. Most assumed that DiPietro would be one of the goalies for Team Canada at the World Juniors, although unfortunately he was cut. Luckily, DiPietro is still eligible for the team next year, and he is much more likely to make the team now that Carter Hart, who played spectacularly for Canada will no longer be eligible.
Jonah Gadjovich (LW 55th overall 2017)
Height: 6’2 Weight: 209 Hometown: Whitby, Ontario
Age: 19
Playing with: Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
OHL:

GP	G	A	Pts
22	15	11	26

Canada (WJC):

GP	G	A	Pts
7	2	1	3

It's been a very good season for Gadjovich. He's been signed to his first NHL contract, got to represent his country, and continued to play very well for Owen Sound. The big winger has missed quite a few games, first with an injury early in the season, then due to the World Juniors, and now because of an illness. Because of these missed games, it's unlikely that he will catch his lofty point totals from last season, but with how many milestones Gadjovich has achieved this year, I'm sure it doesn't bother him too much. As I mentioned before, Gadjovich got the chance to wear the red and white this winter, he was the only Canucks draft pick that made the team out of the three that were invited. He played a mostly defensive role for Canada, although he did manage to put up three points and help bring the gold back home to Canada. With Jonah being signed to an ELC, don't be surprised to see him in the AHL as soon as next season.
Kole Lind (C/RW 33rd overall 2017)
Height: 6’1 Weight: 178 Hometown: Shaunavon, Saskatchewan
Age: 19
Playing with: Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

GP	G	A	Pts
38	24	42	66

Kole Lind is having a monster season, although if you're reading this you're probably well aware as Lind has been the 1talk of the Canucks corner of the internet. The Saskatchewan native is currently tied for 10th in league scoring and is riding a 16 game point streak. Not surprisingly Lind leads the Rockets, who are also first in the BC division in scoring. Lind's point totals would likely be even higher if not for a bought of mono he faced earlier in the season. Lind was a hopeful for Team Canada, but unfortunately, he was cut from the team. While surely disappointing for Lind, the cut just seemed to piss him off. Lind play picked up considerably since being cut, in fact, he scored a hat trick his first game back since training camp. That's the kind of push back you want to see.
Brett McKenzie (C 194th overall 2016)
Height: 6’1 Weight: 194 Hometown: Vars, Ontario
Age: 20
Playing with: Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
With North Bay (OHL)

GP	G	A	Pts
31	9	14	23

With Owen Sound (OHL):

GP	G	A	Pts
9	2	3	5

A runner-up for the OHL MVP award, some were assuming that McKenzie would be playing in Utica this season so it was a bit of a surprise when the centre was sent back to the OHL. This season has been a regression for McKenzie, after scoring at a point per game pace last season for North Bay. McKenzie was recently traded from the struggling North Bay to Owen Sound, and he was for a time at least playing on a line with fellow Canucks prospect Jonah Gadjovich as well as with Vegas first-rounder Nick Suzuki. It's a bit disappointing to see that McKenzie has been regressing, especially considering he's in his last year of junior when most players have their statistically best years.
Jakob Stukel (LW 154th overall 2016)
Height: 6’0 Weight: 192 Hometown: Surrey, British Columbia
Age: 20
Playing with: Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

GP	G	A	Pts
47	22	15	37

It's been an average season so far for Jakob Stukel. The Surrey native is seemingly a very streaky scorer, although he has been trending downwards pointwise since his draft year, which obviously isn't a promising sign. Calgary is not a very good team this season, currently sitting third last in the league. One good thing for Stukel is that he is leading his team in scoring, meaning that both of our prospects in the WHL are leading their respective teams in scoring.

USA

Adam Gaudette (C 149th overall 2014)
Height: 6’1 Weight: 182 Hometown: Braintree, Massachusetts
Age: 20
Playing with: Northeastern University (NCAA)

GP	G	A	Pts
24	17	19	36

There have been a lot of prospects to get excitied about this season, and it's lead Adam Gaudette to maybe take a step out of the spotlight in the minds of the collective Nucks fans consciousness. While Pettersson, Lind, and Demko's performances have left us floating on a cloud of optimism never felt in this city before, Gaudette has still continued to do his thing. The Massachusetts native has shot up the depth chart since being drafted in the 5th round back in 2015. Now in his third collegiate season, he's been one of the best players in the NCAA. Gaudette leads both his team Northeastern, and the entire NCAA in scoring and is currently a candidate and presumably is going to be a finalist for the Hobey Baker award for the best colligate player. Gaudette was a strong consideration for USA hockey to play on the Olympic team in South Korea although he ultimately was not chosen. With Gaudette now in his third year, the team really needs to try to sign the centre now, to avoid the possibility that he could depart the organization through free agency after his fourth season.Of course, nothing is official until the ink is dry, but Gaudette's recent comments on TSN 1040 should put any major fears of Gaudette leaving to bed as Gaudette repeatedly mentions his desire to play for the team that drafted him, and even went so far as to say that he would be open to signing a contract this season. Meaning that we could see Adam in a Canucks jersey before the end of the season.
William Lockwood (RW 64th overall 2015)
Height: 5’11 Weight: 172 Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Age: 19
Playing with: University of Michigan (NCAA)

GP	G	A	Pts
16	4	7	11

USA (WJC)

GP	G	A	Pts
3	0	0	0

It was a great start to the season for Will Lockwood, he was leading his university in scoring, and then he was selected to the US world junior team. He was getting some attention at the tournament as well, until in the outdoor game against Canada Lockwood went down hard and looked to be hurt. Lockwood wouldn't play again in the tournament, and then was diagnosed with a seperated shoulder shortly after the tournament ended. He had previously injured his shoulder and thus couldn't play during the Young Stars tournament. This is a tough blow for Lockwood, who was performing quite well this season. His shoulder injury is expected to end his season.
Jack Rathbone (D 95th overall 2017)
Height: 5’10 Weight: 177 Hometown: West Roxbury, Massachusetts
Age: 18
Playing with: Dexter School (USHS)

GP	G	A	Pts
0	0	0	0

Cape Cod Whalers U18 (MHSL)

GP	G	A	Pts
8	4	0	4

Rathbone's high school season has yet to begin, so he's returned to his midget team. Rathbone's situation does confuse me a little bit. He's decided to stay at home one more year in part to remain close to his little brother with autism, and thus I guess his high school team has allowed him to play for them again, despite the fact that I'm almost certain he's no longer in high school. 4 goals in 8 games is alright, he's playing major midget which is probably the lowest calibre of the leagues that all the Canucks prospects are in. Rathbone will be attending Harvard next season, so that will give us a much better picture of the kind of player that he is.

Europe

Rodrigo Abols (C 184th overall 2016)
Height: 6’5 Weight: 192 lbs Hometown: Riga, Latvia
Age: 22
Playing with BIK Karlskoga (Allsvenskan)

GP	G	A	Pts
7	2	3	5

with Orebro HK (SHL)

GP	G	A	Pts
26	0	0	0

After 26 games of being a non-factor for Orebro, Abols was reassigned down to the Allsvenskan. He's faired quite a bit better down there than he was up in Orebro. He's tied a career high in points in a men's league with 5, although the last time he played in a men's league it was for Dynamo Riga in the KHL, so the calibre was probably a bit higher. Abols, who was a standout at Canucks training camp three years ago has certainly struggled to adapt to the pro game, after coming over from the QMJHL. The Latvian currently plays on the worst team in the Allsvenskan.
Jonathan Dahlen (C 42nd overall 2016, Acquired 2017)
Height: 5’11 Weight: 176 Hometown: Ostersund, Sweden
Age: 20
Playing with Timra IK (Allsvenskan)

GP	G	A	Pts
31	20	17	37

We go from the worst team in the Allsvenskan to the best as Jonathan Dahlen's Timra IK is dominating Sweden's second tier and is looking likely to be promoted back to the SHL next season. The person spearheading this domination has been Dahlen, who despite missing seven games due to mono leads his team scoring by a fair margin. Dahlen was reportley given multiple offers to sign with SHL teams but he's chosen to remain in Timra. It's more than understandible why he would chose to do this, as he surely wants to see how far this team can go. The former Senators draft pick was traded to Vancouver for Alex Burrows and has been a very solid player in his native Sweden. Look for Dahlen to make his North American debut next season.
Kristoffer Gunnarsson (D 135th overall 2017)
Height: 6’1 Weight: 205 Hometown: Boras, Sweden
Age: 20
Playing with: Frolunda HC (SHL)

GP	G	A	Pts
38	0	0	0

If you came expecting points this entry and Kristoffer Gunnarsson are not for you. His career professional points total in 2, which he recorded last season in the Allsvenskan. Despite his total lack of offense, the big bodied Swede is clearly doing something right as he 's managed to stick with Frolunda without being sent down, something he's struggled to do at other points in his career. Gunnarsson is far away from the spotlight in Frolunda as he shares the blueline with likely 1st overall pick (and possible future Canuck) Rasmus Dahlin.
Lukas Jasek (RW 174th overall 2015)
Height: 6’00 Weight: 165 Hometown: Trinec, Czech Republic
Age: 20
Playing with: HC Liberec Bili Tygri (Czech)

GP	G	A	Pts
38	7	9	16

With HC Benatky nad Jizerou (Czech 2)

GP	G	A	Pts
4	1	3	4

Lukas Jasek has just kept on chugging. The Czech forward did have a bit of a slip, and was sent down to the Czech second league, but has since been called back up to his top league team. According to key Canucks prospect watcher Ryan Biech, Jasek has looked like a completely different player this season, much more improved. Jasek was one of Canucks Army and other advanced stat sites favourite prospects so it is interesting to see that he is slowly improving. Jasek could still very much be a hidden gem.
Olli Juolevi (D 5th overall 2016)
Height: 6’2 Weight: 182 Hometown: Helsinki, Finland
Age: 19
Playing with TPS Turku (Liiga)

GP	G	A	Pts
25	6	11	17

With Finland (WJC)

GP	G	A	Pts
5	1	3	4

After a difficult start to the season, the 2016 5th overall pick has made big strides in his first year playing against men. Juolevi is currently third in defensive scoring for TPS, and thanks to his late start as well as the World Juniors has played some 20 games less than some of his teammates. The rookie is currently being coached by former Canuck Sami Salo, who recently appeared on Vancouver radio and was optimistic about Juolevi's progress this season. As mentioned, Juolevi also represented Finland at the World Juniors in Buffalo where he finished (hehe) tied for third in scoring and looked good alongside Finland's very stacked blueline. The World Junior tournament has been a Jekyll and Hyde situation for Juolevi, in his first tournament he played incredibly well, and his performance helped to raise his draft stock. In his second tournament, he served as the captain for Finland, however both he and his country had an absolutely disastrous tourney, finishing at the bottom of their division and having to play to avoid being relegated to the second tier. After that national embarrassment, Juolevi came into this year's tournament with mixed expectations, he'd been stripped of the captaincy and didn't even wear a letter for Finland, which is disappointing but not surprising as surely the Finnish team wanted to distance themselves from their last performance. From what I saw of Juolevi, he didn't play as well as his first tournament, nor as poorly as his second. I think this performance is more indicative of Juolevi as a player. He looked confident and poised, he was steady in his own end and was effective on the breakout. While there were a few glairing defensive errors, all in all I thought he was one of Finland's better players. Juolevi was in consideration to make Finland's Olympic team as well, although he was ultimately not selected.
Petrus Palmu (RW 181st 2017)
Height: 5’6 Weight: 179 Hometown: Joensuu, Finland
Age: 20
Playing with: TPS Turku (Liiga)

GP	G	A	Pts
44	11	13	24

Petrus Palmu is having a pretty decent season, especially as a rookie. As I mentioned, Salo recently discussed both Juolevi and Palmu on the radio, and while he did have some good things to say about Palmu, he also mentioned that he needs to work on consistency. Palmu is top 5 in scoring in the Liiga and is seventh in scoring on TPS. So all in all, really not a bad season thus far for the Finn.
Elias Pettersson (C 5th overall 2017)
Height: 6’2 Weight 161 Hometown: Ange, Sweden
Age: 19
Playing with: Vaxjo Lakers (SHL)

GP	G	A	Pts
31	13	25	38

With Sweden (WJC)

GP	G	A	Pts
7	5	2	7

There isn't much I can possibly say about Elias Pettersson that hasn't already been said. Petterssson has been one of the most discussed topic in the collective Canucks zeitgeist. The Swedish centre has absolutely tore up the Swedish league, and he's scoring at a historic pace for a rookie. Before the World Juniors, Pettersson was actually leading the SHL in scoring, but obviously since he's missed so many games because of the tournament he's no longer leading the league. He's still however fifth in scoring despite missing some games. Pettersson also plays for an incredibly stacked team, as Vaxjo is first place in the SHL with a considerable 16 point lead over the second place team. Pettersson also looked incredible for Sweden at the World Juniors. Playing on the top line with Rangers prospect Lias Andersson and Buffalo prospect Alex Nylander, the three of them pulled team Sweden all the way to the Gold medal game where they ended up losing in a heartbreaker to a last minute goal by team Canada. That top line lead the way in scoring, and all three finished with 7 points in 7 games, which lead the team. Like Gaudette and Juolevi, Pettersson was considered but not selected for the Olympics. Couldn't ask for a better season so far from the 2017 5th overall pick, and it's going to be very exciting to see what the future holds for this young man.
Nikita Tryamkin (D 66th Overall 2014)
Height: 6’7 Weight: 265 Hometown: Yekaterinburg, Russia
Age: 23
Playing with: Yekaterinburg Avtomobilist (KHL)

GP	G	A	Pts
49	9	16	25

In his first season back home after leaving the Canucks, Nikita Tryamkin has been having an amazing season. The mammoth Russian defender left many fans heartbroken after he decided to return to his native Yekaterinburg instead of re-signing in Vancouver. Tryamkin has found a new level to his game, exploding offensively like he never has before. He leads his club in defensive scoring and also wears the A for the team. Funny enough, one of the things that Vancouver was criticized for was trying to make Tryamkin a meaner more physical player and that was pointed to as a reason why he left, however he leads his team in penalty minutes by a massive margin, already having over 100 PIM. In fact, he leads the entire KHL in penalty minutes. This is an aspect of his game that has never been there before, and it must be a little frustrating for management to see that he has seemingly found his meanness after being so critical of the team for trying to make him this type of player. Tryamkin played in the KHL all-star game and was a consideration for the Russian err excuse me.... Neutral Athlete from Russia Olympic team but was not selected. Now you may be thinking, well randomj77 this is great for Tryamkin but what does it have to do with the Canucks outside of making me feel sad? Well, hope is apparently not all lost as Tryamkin's agent and KHL manager has stated that he would possibly have an interest in returning to Vancouver someday. Additionally many perceptive fans have noticed that Tryamkin does keep tabs on the Canucks on Instragram, and will like a post or two occasionally. It's far from a sure thing, but I along with many fans hold hope that our big Russian baby will return to us someday.
Dmitry Zhukenov (C 114th overall 2015)
Height: 6’00 Weight: 178 Hometown: Omsk, Russia
Age: 20
Playing with: Omsky Yasterby (MHL)

GP	G	A	Pts
17	4	12	16

With Avangard Omsk (KHL)

GP	G	A	Pts
10	1	0	1

Since being sent down, Dmitry Zhukenov has been an extremely effective offensive player. The Omsk native was a QMJHL star last season but opted to return home rather than remain in North America. He struggled to find his footing with Avangard but since being sent down to the MHL (the Russian AHL) he has gone nearly a PPG. It's good to see that Zhukenov has been able to perform at a professional level, although only time will tell if the team will be able to convince him to come to North America.
Hope you enjoy my write-up, it took a little longer than expected to finish, but hey hopefully it provides a bit of extra Canucks content during the lull of the All-star break. Please note that I wrote this over multiple days so I think the AHL stats are already 2 games old, but I didn't want to wait any longer to post. I believe all other stats are up to date as of 4:30 PST on January 26th.
Thank you so much for reading if you made it this far!

The Weight We Carry Ch 3

Holy Moly I posted that other chapter and more words just came pouring out of my skull! Well like I said earlier I'd get another chapter out and it's... well it's long. Much longer than I expected it to be too. So... here we go as I chase the story through the garden of my mind.
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New Hope Building Project Outside the wall of Divinity City. 1:03 pm local time. December 12th. Year 14 AU.
“Look, I know some of you are concerned with the changes I’ve been making since my father’s death. God rest his soul. But these changes are necessary for this family to survive. And more importantly to thrive.” I looked around the room as I spoke. Most of the men in here I’d known my entire life. Some almost as long. But the new faces were important to me too. “Especially in this time of year coming up on Christmas. Or what should be Christmas even if we ain’t allowed to celebrate it.”
I caught some of my old accent slipping out as it always did when I was just talking to family. It was hard not to. “The people rely on us now more than ever. There were times back in the great depression when we were the only people who kept the people in our neighborhoods from starvin’. And I know that was long before any of us were alive but we’re now back in a time like that. These aliens don’t give a shit about us and we know that. Even if we’re buildin’ this fuckin’ tower because they say they care about us. What they care about is factory production. How many people have you seen on the streets out here in the slums who are freezin’ their assess off since they don’t have enough luxury chits for a real fuckin’ coat huh?”
“Too many.” I heard Lorenzo speak up and I nodded.
“Too fuckin’ many.” I agreed. “So I’ve worked my magic and each of you is getting a shipment of coats in a variety of sizes to hand out to the people in your neighborhoods. Most importantly I also have coats in kids sizes.” I saw a lot of nodding at that. “I know some of you might think that since I live in the city behind the wall that I don’t get affected by all this but that ain’t the case. I come out here to the job site every day. I hear from you, I see with my eyes, I know it’s bad. We can’t string up lights, the Jews don’t get no menorahs, and… I don’t even know what the fuck they used to do for Kwanzaa but it ain’t happenin’ neither.” I heard them chuckle softly.
“These are tryin’ times. Not just for us as a family but for everyone on this planet. Just about all of you are older than me and you remember how things used to be. But this ain’t like how things used to be which is why it’s important for us to change. We gotta bring the people hope now more than eva. In those final years before these alien fucks showed up things were gettin bad. People didn’t appreciate what we did for the community no more. I saw that even as a kid. But now? Now we’re the fuckin good guys!”
“That’s right!” Martinelli said and I pointed at him with a nod as the others in the room then followed along.
“When I say we’re a family I mean we’re a fuckin’ family!” I urged and they nodded. “We’re here to take care of our people. Of our neighborhoods. To make sure ain’t nobody goin’ hungry this Christmas. Hell… you know how fucked up things are when our most profitable enterprise involves letting folks into a secret room to play with puppies or kittens eh?” I heard some laughter and saw more nods around the room. The rule to outlaw pets was just fucking barbaric as far as I was concerned.
“We ain’t pushin dope no more.” Eddy mentioned and the others kept nodding. This family had changed a lot.
“No we ain’t.” I agreed. “But we got uppers for those who’re tryin’ to get some overtime shifts to get more luxury chits for their families. With the recent batch comin’ in tomorrow I want all your prices down 25%. Holiday special. I want them to see it’s worth a few chits for a pill to get an envelope stuffed full of em come pay day. Now onto family matters.” I quietly looked around the room, careful not to focus on anyone for too long.
“I hear the grumblin’ about some of the new faces. About me bringin’ more people into the family who aren’t from home. Well we ain’t in home no more. There ain’t a New York or a New Jersey to go to anymore. This gotta be our home now. And when this tower is finished it will be better than ever. If you have any issues you come to me directly. I know some of you don’t like that I’m so young but still takin’ over from my father. I want you to talk to me about that directly. None of this back alley gripe alright?”
I reached out then and set my hand on Ivan’s shoulder. “And some of you been talkin’ about my good friend Ivan. Well I feel like I shouldn’t need to remind you of this but we all know how hard the Russians went down. And these alien fuckers don’t got no plea bargain. You get two fuckin’ choices. They turn you into goop for crops, or they scoop your brains out and turn you into a fuckin’ meat robot. The only guys you gotta worry about are out on the streets. They don’t use wires, they don’t got rats. They just knock down your door and drag you off in the middle of the night. We ain’t got a constitution to protect us no more. Who’da thought I miss the fuckin’ feds eh?”
I had some chuckles then as I saw others nod. “Then again I do got one here now don’t I?” I looked over at Johnson who frowned and the others laughed a bit harder. “That’s how fucked this world is. We’re the good guys and a fed came to in order to make the world better.” I paused for a moment. “But that’s why we gotta be careful! I’m not worried about a rat blabbin’ to the aliens, but I am worried about getting too close to the wrong people and gettin’ hit because we were lazy and got involved with some of them freedom fighters. They ain’t no good for business. They ain’t not good for family. They’re dangerous. They get their own families dead along with em don’t they?”
“But what if they just need a spot to hold up for the night?” I looked over at Joey and thought it over. This was the issue. None of us hated the freedom fighters. But if we got wrapped up with them then the I.S.A. would come down on our heads like a ton of bricks.
“We have warehouses for a reason. If you can be sure they ain’t followed then you can set em up in a crash pad for a night. But don’t go lettin’ them get too cozy right? We help em where we can but no attachments! We’re all human here and we want them to win. But they got their minds on the short term and we’re looking at the long. We gotta work with the system to make it better for us.” I glanced at my watch then. “Speakin’ of I gotta head into the city and meet with an Angel. Shit don’t that sound weird?” I shrugged. “Whateva. Get those coats spread out. Discount the pills. Anythin’ else?”
“We doin another uh… what did you call it last year?” Lorenzo asked.
“Winter solstice festival. Yeah. I’m workin’ on a permit. Last year was good but the aliens were a bit concerned by all the lights and similarities with religious paraphernalia.” I shrugged and the others nodded. “So don’t pass the word just yet but start stockin’ up a bit a booze, and sugar, and butta’. God what a world we can make money smuggling sugar and butta.” I shook my head once more. “Alright, anythin’ else?” I asked once more but they all shook their heads. “Kay, back to work. We’be been hittin’ every deadline so far and we ain’t stoppin’ now. We do this right we’ll be buildin’ everythin’ past the wall here on out.”
They began to file out of the planning room then, grabbing their safety vests and hard hats as they moved to get back to their work crews. When the aliens had shown up and taken over they’d started giving everyone jobs which was tricky for our family. But apparently they had no concept of organized crime and so they just saw a close knit group of men who officially had years of experience with construction and they all got jobs related to this. Or garbage. Our family was big on garbage. They’d had to relearn some of those skills quick but it had been a damn nice setup to get us moved to the outskirts of the capital city they had set up here on earth.
I missed New York though. I missed the ocean. I had to get one of those little wave machines to try and take some of the edge off of missing it so bad. I heard some of the guys talk about how much they missed Florida, Vegas, hell some of them even missed Atlantic City. Who’d have thought anyone would miss Atlantic city? Well it was a hell of a lot better than this soulless patch of dirt in the middle of the country. Something about the aliens not liking the ocean. Whatever.
Middle of the continent. I had to correct myself even mentally. There was no USA anymore. No counties of any kind. Just the Unity. Rumor had it there were still some sort of survivors up in the frozen wastelands that used to be Canada. With the reduced population after the war… fuck what war? After the slaughter they centralized everyone into various cities. Some were new, some were built over old spots. They didn’t care what it took. They wanted us all organized better for factory production and agriculture.
When everyone else was gone I looked over my office for a moment and then took the little thumbdrive that I had my plans in and walked to the door. Ivan, Silvio, and Tony taking their places before and behind me. As we stepped out of the office I looked up at the skeleton of a skyscraper above us. Most of the infrastructure was done and when we got to work on the interior it would go up pretty fast. Which was part of the reason for this meeting today. If I could swing it then it would help the family greatly.
We headed from the office over to the car as we each climbed in. Tony drove most of the time. Fuck I wish Cadillacs were still a thing. Not whatever the hell this little piece of shit was. I knew having a car of any kind was one hell of a luxury but I missed the cars of my youth. Giant boats that guzzled gas like there was no tomorrow. Problem was there was no tomorrow. Now we have these little electric dealies with just barely enough room for four full grown men. The Unity people had much bigger nicer cars. I’d have to see what I could do about getting one of those.
Soon we were driving through the streets headed back to the wall. There weren’t too many people out on a work day as most everyone was in a factory, or school, or some kind of job. After all they promised 100% employment and that’s what we got like it or not. Working around their employment program was very tricky but it wasn’t impossible. We got around some of it by bribing the shrinks they used for job reassignment. Convinced them it was in their best interest for us to get some low level jobs assigned ourselves as we knew who had what skills. And it wasn’t a good idea for someone with… violent tendencies to be stuck in a factory all day. They needed plenty of construction workers and foremen so it worked out in the end.
As we got closer to the wall I took my ID off my jacket and handed up to Silvio as Ivan did the same. I could see the guns and emplacements all around the gate. I smiled at the guards as we came to a stop and waited in the short line to get into the city. “Fuckin’ traitors.” I heard Silvio mutter.
“They are worth less than shit.” Ivan muttered, his accent more pronounced at times like this.
“Guys, save it for when we’re in private.” I instructed and then returned to smiling at the armored guards. They were totally decked out in the Unity gear. You couldn’t even tell they were human under all that. Metal men. These weren’t those meat robots either. They were fucking volunteers. God damn traitors. I don’t care what kind of considerations they got. The aliens liked using them to man the wall so that the Freedom Fighters would only be killing other humans. None of their precious attack dogs like the Bregnan. Brutish neanderthals. Them and these traitor fucks.
Soon we rolled up to the checkpoint and it was our turn. Eight armed guards were spaced out around the car. Tony rolled down the window, then Silvio handed him the rest of our IDs which Tony handed over plus his own. “Purpose for entering the City?” The guard asked.
“We uh live here. We work at the New Hope Building project.” Tony responded.
“Purpose for leaving the project midday?” The guard’s voice come out robotic, passive, like he didn’t give a shit about any of this and was bored. Good. When they were bored that was good. But I’m surprised they weren’t more on edge after last night. I’d have to find out why. Usually attacks were bad news. Sure they’d said on the news this morning it was a mistake but I wasn’t buying it. Least not yet.
“My boss has a meeting at the Capitol tower.” Tony answered carefully and I held up a hand to make it clear who he meant.
“You understand the rules and restrictions of carrying firearms within the city?” The guard asked next. Tony, Silvio, and Ivan were my bodyguards. I’d shown up one day at the office just after the tower project began looking like someone had beat the shit out of me. I looked like this because I told them to beat the shit out of. There’s no fooling their scanners and shit. So I asked if I could get some bodyguards since I was working on such an important Unity project. It had almost backfired as they were going to give me some of these tin cans but I managed to talk them into using guys I knew. They didn’t need to know the guys I knew were the guys who’d done this. I told them it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to beat up their boss. I was rather flattered that I had to tell them to hit me harder. If you give someone a free pass to kick the shit out of you and they don’t really want to then they must like you. Then again maybe they were worried I was too much like my father.
“Yes Sir. We have undergone all required evaluations and courses required of us.” Tony was smiling but I knew he hated this bullshit. We went through it every day getting back into the city. But having guns was good. I wasn’t worried about the Unity but there were other organizations who were envious of how well myself and my family were doing. The guard finally handed back the IDs and waved us through. Once we were in the gate the broadcasting system in our car turned on. Fuck how I hated it.
“Welcome to Divinity city! Since you’ve only been gone for 6 hours and 24 minutes I’ll just give you a quick recap! As the news broadcast this morning have mentioned the destruction of several statues and one power transformer is an isolated incident. Work crews are already in place to clean up the remains and erect new statues to celebrate our glorious Unity. No lives were lost in the incident and security has not been increased. This was a simple accident and nothing more. We’re less than a month away from the celebration extravaganza throughout the city to celebrate our 15th year of peace and prosperity. Last year religious based infractions were at an all time low! Lets beat that record this year! There’s no need for primitive myths when we have the glory of Unity all around us!”
“I wish we could turn this off.” Silvio mentioned and I glared.
“Not in the car.” I reminded him. Just because I didn’t think they were really listening didn’t mean that I was going to act like it. Even little shit with these aliens got you put on a list. And I didn’t like lists. As we drove through the city it just kept blabbering. Being thankful for our jobs, for our homes, for being fed. It never ended. We’re the ones growing the food. We’re the ones who built all these buildings. Why were we thanking them again?
We passed by a big vid screen of everyone’s favorite alien puppet The Voice of Humanity. I could only imagine how many people hated her. Then I heard Silvio speak up. “Ya know when she went in for her employment consultation she just told them she was looking forward to suckin’ alien cock so they figured she was the perfect news anchor.” I couldn’t even be mad at Silvio and laughed along with everyone else in the car.
“See I heard she didn’t mind them shovin’ a hand up her ass and turnin’ her into a puppet.” I added and they all laughed at that a bit harder.
“Heyo!” Tony shouted and I chuckled, rather proud of my addition. But it was hard to say sometimes if I was actually funny or not. These guys knew I was the boss. Some of them likely expected that if they crossed me my father’s ghost would show up and strangle them to death. But Ivan wasn’t much of a suck up and he laughed so maybe I was funny. Ivan, now there was a fucking find. He had been KGB or… whatever the Russian intel guys were since the fall of the Soviet Union. Shit I wasn’t even alive back then and I still thought of them as the KGB. Hell of a legacy.
The Russians hadn’t played into the whole Unity idea. I think they knew where that was headed. They fought to the bitter end. Not that it did them any good. But it gave a lot of other people time to get out of the cities. I’m sure there were wandering Russians out in Siberia too. The aliens weren’t fond of oceans or the freezing cold. Then again who was fond of the freezing cold besides Canadians and Russians? Maybe the tribes met up for hockey games. The thought made me smile. But the smile faded as we approached a park.
“Shit somethin’ fucked that statue up good alright.” Tony mentioned. There were lots of aliens around, armed ones towering over the work crews. They didn’t have whips but they did have cattle prods. None of us spoke as we drove past, eyeing the poor bastards who were clearing the rubble. Every so often one of the Bregnan would scream and shock someone though I didn’t see anything wrong with what he’d been doing. Fucking bastards.
“Allright.” I finally sighed once we were past. The tower was up ahead. “Vivid, livid, vivifying. Vivid experiences were lived vivaciously. Thoughtful thinkers think things through.” I carefully enunciated each word dropping my accent. They didn’t like accents up in the tower. “Boots and shoes lose newness soon. Father was calm as he threw the bomb on the dock.” I saw Silvio starting to turn his head. “Not in the car.” He stopped. Normally he’d mention that he didn’t remember my father ever throwing a bomb with any kind of calm. Normally bombs were thrown with a lot of cursing and worry. “An awed audience applauded Claude.”
“Do you think I can be taught this? To help lose my accent.” Ivan mentioned and I looked over at him.
“Sure. I don’t know that you need to but I can teach you. When we got moved here to help build the glorious Divinity City.” I glanced around the car for a moment. “I had to learn to drop the accent from back home. I slip into it whenever I’m with the guys but in the office and especially in the tower I have to talk properly.”
“You sayin’ we don’t talk proper boss?” Tony asked.
“Yes, that is exactly what I’m saying. Everything with you guys is gobadagook, and gooomoud and zeaty and fungoo and shit.” I teased butchering the words on purpose as the two up front chuckled. “Ivan here doesn’t use any of that.”
“Я скажу , что я хочу суку.” He suddenly exclaimed and I looked over.
“Don’t you start with made up words too!” I replied which had everyone laughing myself included.
“It might slip out now and then.” He mentioned. “I have no one to speak Russian with. I know only small number who speak it. None of them want to speak back. Aliens don’t like it. Soon no more Russia left. Not even memory.” That brought the mood back down and I looked over at him, tapping his shoulder.
“Hey you guys will always have space. First man into space. Yuri Gagarin right?”
“Ю́рий Алексе́евич Гага́рин.” He replied and I shrugged.
“I can’t pretend to know how to pronounce his middle name but still. Yuri Gagarin will always be the first human into space. They can’t take that away from you. From any of us. Somewhere up on the moon is a white flag that used to have the stars and stripes on it. And there’s a picture of a human family up on the moon still too. NASA destroyed the locations of those sites and the aliens didn’t feel like looking for them so we’ve still got that. You know I wanted to be an astronaut when I was a kid.”
“Really?” Ivan asked and I nodded.
“But I’m too tall. Didn’t know that back then but my dad could tell I was going to be big like him. To be an astronaut you can’t be very tall. Hell Yuri was what? 1.6 meters? He wasn’t all that tall. So even though I was doing great in school I told him my dream and you know what he said? He said the only way I’d get to space is to buy a Russian rocket and strap my ass to it.” The guys up front chuckled as they could clearly hear my dad in that quote. “So instead he began to teach me the family business. Yeah. Construction and all that. And what do you know the alien program made me a fucking architect. I think I’m a good architect. Don’t you boys?”
“Great.” Tony said.
“The best human architect of our time.” Silvio added.
“If that’s true then it’s a fucking depressing thought.” I muttered. “But seriously Ivan you guys got to space first. Be proud of that. First satellite, first dog, first man, first woman right? I think the first cat was American. But you guys also had the first person to get shitfaced in space. That’s a special award.” Ivan smirked at that.
We stopped in front of the capitol tower then and I looked out across the guards and sighed. “Okay gentlemen. I shall see you after this appointment.” I opened the door then, stepping out and buttoned my suit jacket back up.
“Boss.” I turned and Silvio was reaching, my ID in hand.
“Oh thanks. I’d forget my head if it wasn’t screwed on.” I smiled and took the ID from him. As they drove away I looked up at the tower and took a deep breath. “Unique New York. Unique New York.” Then I nodded and walked towards the entrance. I moved at a steady walking pace. Not too fast. Not too slow. A few Bregnan approached.
“Human! What is your business here!” Fuck were they aggressive today. Programming error my ass someone hit those statues, and one was just a block away from the tower.
“I am the architect for the New Hope Building Project. I have an appointment with the Professor. I’m expected.” I said quietly. It was decently early but that was on purpose. Normally they didn’t mind someone being early to an appointment.
One of them took my ID as another stepped up behind me. I sighed and shifted my stance, arms out wide. A scanner drone above me turned on even as I felt the hands of the Bregnan behind me start patting me down. They weren’t lazy about it either. He was feeling over every inch of me. Arms, chest, back, ribs, legs. I had to suppress the urge to kick him when his hands moved well up my thigh as well. After that they took my cellphone. But they left my pen and notebook. Then it was over. “Your ID checks out. Obey all rules inside the tower. Hzroug will be your escort.”
I nodded and looked over my shoulder at the Bregnan who’d patted me down. Good thing I knew his name now or I’d feel cheap. “Thank you sir.” I said simply. I was escorted forward then into the tower. All around me were signs of their technology. Holograms, levitating statues, more armed guards, hovering drones watching me, gun turrets too. They didn’t fuck around with security in their capitol tower that was certain. I also noticed none of the guards here were any of the human traitors.
I was walked across the lobby then, and we stepped into one of the elevators. It began to shoot up into the sky like it was nothing. Perfectly smooth despite how fast it was and how high up they were going. I glanced at my escort who didn’t seem impressed. Well I was impressed and I turned to look out over the city. There was the wall, and the slums beyond. I focused on the walls though. On the guard towers. It used to be everyone in my family feared going to prison. And that’s what the city was. A giant prison. Scanners everywhere. Guards. Pat downs. Sure I could leave. But I had to come back. I needed to get the fuck out of the city.
After a moment though I realized the elevator just kept going up. I was way higher than I’d ever gone before. I suddenly began to get a little nervous. Was this really an appointment with the guy in charge of the project? Or was the Professor some sort of… interrogation guy? I nervously turned back around as the elevator stopped on the very top floor. We were up at least a hundred twenty stories by now. My stomach started to tighten a bit. But the alien motioned with his gun and I stepped off onto the floor.
The floor was a strange purplish metal of some sort and in general the layout didn’t feel right but I’m not sure why. We were in a hall which was normal enough but… I just couldn’t put my finger on it. When we began to walk I realized the floor seemed… slanted? No there was like a peak in the middle. I had to walk on the side behind the Bregnan, leaning slightly to the right as I went. The tops of the walls were rounded outwards… outwards? Who the fuck does that? This whole place made me feel uneasy.
I nearly ran into my escort Bregnan when he stopped before me. He didn’t move and so I waited for a moment until he glared back at me. “This is where you’re going!”
“Okay! I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” I had to step around him the floor feeling uneven. The wall he was next to then slid away revealing a room past it that immediately looked more appealing. A cream colored carpet, wood paneling. Everything looked a bit… square but much more human and there was even a human behind a desk. Much better. “Hello, I’m the architect here to see the Professor?”
“Ah yes come in.” The man said and waved me in. As I stepped in he spoke again. “Not you.” I paused and got confused but then realized he was talking to the Bregnan. “The Professor has stated numerous times he doesn’t like his guests being escorted around. Go back to your post.”
“But the rules-”
“Would you like me to ask the Governor?” The human asked and the alien growled.
“Know your place…” He hissed before walking away and the door closed behind him.
“Real friendly guy.” I mentioned and the man behind the desk smiled. He had a smooth shaven face, brown hair, couldn’t make out his eye color from across the room.
“They don’t like taking orders from me but my boss will set them in their place very quickly. I’m Howard by the way. I’m sure that-” There was a buzz that sounded like it came from the ceiling and he stood up. “I’ll be right back.” He walked out from the desk and one of the wood panels on the far wall slid away which he walked through. Then it slid back and I was left alone in the room. Did they not believe in normal doors around here? I checked my watch for a moment. 2:36.
Looking around the room I sat down in one of the chairs that seemed human sized. Howard hadn’t returned after another few minutes so I began to draw in my notepad. Who’d have thought drawing ever would have come in handy? And then they made me a fucking architect. Sometimes I wondered what it would have been like if I’d cut ties with the family and become a totally normal architect like they’d wanted. Pretty shitty I bet. I idly sketched the room around me in the notebook and checked my watch. 2:48. Real nice guy letting me sit out here on my own.
I’m sure some bosses would have been pissed but not me. I wasn’t getting worked up. You get worked up you get emotional. You get emotional you make mistakes. I’d rather have them leave me in here for a while and do whatever than get mad about something stupid. Besides I was early for the appointment anyway. Once I had sketched the room I sketched the hall outside. Something about the proportions still didn’t seem right to me. But I couldn’t put it to paper. I glanced at my watched. 2:56. I was starting to get concerned when the door opened again and Howard stepped out. “I’m terribly sorry about that, please come with me.”
I nodded and stood up, walking over to him and following him into the room beyond. I stopped as soon as I crossed the threshold. All around me was art. Paintings, statues, carvings, hanging from wires, mounted on displays, it was like the Louvre. Or… what I figure it had been like. Not to mention the room was huge. 30 by 30 it looked like. 900 sq meters. Hell of an office at the top of the tallest tower in the biggest city left on Earth. I had to keep walking a ways past more and more art to get to the desk at the far side. There was the angel sitting behind a floating stone slab. They sure did like showing off how good their tech was.
“Professor this is Mr… oh I’m sorry I just realized I never got your name.” I glanced at Howard for a moment and was about to tell him when the Angel spoke up.
“Never mind that Howard I quite like it this way. The Architect. My people prefer titles anyway. After all I’m the Professor.” The angel smiled at me then. He was perfect. But it bothered me how perfect he was. No blemishes, nothing out of place. Golden blonde hair, blue eyes, bright white smile. It made me feel nervous.
“Ah, nice to meet you then Professor.” I looked him over and he did indeed look like a Professor. Tweed jacket, those little patches on the arm, bow tie, glasses. He even had a carefully trimmed blonde beard. But he looked like a supermodel, or maybe a porn star in the vids from before Unification. He didn’t look real.
“Likewise. Can Howard get you anything? Tea? Coffee? Coke? We have both the soda and the drug.” I blinked as this perfect looking human with angel wings said then and then he started laughing and Howard as well. It didn’t comfort me.
“Ah…” I waited for them to stop. “Just… do you have ice tea?” I ventured and Howard nodded before he started walking off into the art jungle around us. “So Mister... “
“Just call me Professor.” The angel said and leaned back in his tall leather chair, waving me to the small cloth chair before the stone slab that was his desk. I understood the importance of shit like this. Make the guy feel small. Well I got the message loud and fucking clear as I looked up at him.
“Well Professor I’m a little surprised we’re just meeting. The tower framework is almost done and I thought I’d been dealing with the people in charge all along. I hadn’t even heard of you until I tried to make an appointment to discuss the project.”
“Ah the Office of Human Prosperity Development is one of the offices I oversee. You’ve been dealing with the various Isoren and humans who work there but I’m the one who has final say on things like this. And I’m glad you made this appointment before you started work on the interior of the structure because I simply hate the plans.” He had this slight smile on his face, looked very happy. But I was worried. This was the first I had heard.
“You’re… not pleased with the design? I made it exactly to spec…”
“Oh!” He laughed then and waved a hand. “Sorry you probably thought I wasn’t happy with your work! No no no, your plans were just to spec. But I hate the spec. So I want to change it.” He kept smiling and I began to get worried. What the fuck was I getting into here? Most of my stress involved the family. If it was going to turn out that the fucking building project was a pain in my ass life was going to get really shitty really quick.
“You’d like me to change it then?” I asked.
“Yes, but tell me you were coming to me to discuss the plans moving forward. That means you had some thoughts on that of your own? I’d like to hear them.” I paused and then looked over as Howard reappeared from behind the art with an ice tea in his hand. I took it with a nod and then took a sip. That was… well it was good.
“Thank you.” I nodded again and then looked around for a place to put the glass.
“Oh just let go.” I looked at the angel and then the glass. Slowly I let go of it and it hung in midair where I left it. “Now then. Your thoughts?” I nodded and pulled my thumbdrive from a pocket but then paused as I looked at the stone slab ahead of me. There wasn’t a computer on it… “Alright I’ve got the files. I’m guessing you want me to open the one marked proposed plan?” I arched my brows as the angel spoke again and then in the air over the slab was suddenly a holographic image of the tower. “Oh I suppose a comparison is best.” He said and then the current plans appeared next to it.
“Yes… uh you see…” I started but the angel spoke again.
“So you want to change up some of the housing levels. Oh moving the hospital floor there makes far more sense and I like the additional clinic up top. But I seem to notice a division in this housing section here?” He peered at the area seeming to study it.
“Yes well that’s what I was going to talk to you about. You see my team and I have been working on this tower project for a little over a year now and we’ve hit every deadline you’ve given us-” He cut me off once more.
“Good work on that by the way. Despite various projections regarding work stoppage and strikes you’ve kept it going. I meant to send you some sort of congratulations. Do you like champagne? Most of my collection is 16 years old as I’m sure you can guess why but I promise it's only the finest. I’ll send you a bottle.” I paused, unsure when I’d last had champagne.
“Thank you Sir.” He smiled and nodded briefly letting his massive wings spread out and then brought them back in close.
“Please, I’m not a sir. See my tweed jacket? And the suede patches.” He tapped the elbows of his jacket. “I’m a Professor, and you’ve got a pencil and a notebook. We’re both dressed to our profession eh architect?” He smiled and for some reason this all made me feel a bit more nervous… but I need to go ahead with the plan. Too much depended on it.
“Well… the tower. I had been thinking that with how hard my team and I have worked on this tower that we might… get a chance to live in it. Some of my crew live outside the wall and this would be a huge improvement in life for them to live in a tower like this. So-” Yet again he spoke over me.
“So you wanted to have a little section for the team who built the tower? Now I get it! Yes that’s a marvelous idea! It sets a wonderful precedent! Work with the Unity on these projects and you’ll be rewarded. Even beyond the walls! Yes yes that’s great. And this spot here in your living area. It’s sort of like… what did they used to have in towns? The square yes? You get out the elevator from the main section here and have to go through the square to get to these private residences. Yes a wonderful idea! What sort of statue should we put there?”
“What… statue?” I started to ask.
“Yes! We must have a statue. Normally I’d just send over a stone mason and make something like what we have in the parks in the city but they’re going to be busy for a while. Is there any human statues you can think of?” He looked at me closely and I didn’t know what to say.
“Uh… you mean like… Michelangelo’s David?” I tried and he frowned.
“I don’t remember that one…” He tilted his head and then an image appeared above the stone slab next to the building plans. “Oh that! Marvelous work! A truly brilliant man with a chisel and stone. Though I always wondered why he made the penis so small.”
“Uh.”
“Was he also the one who painted the ceiling of that religious building? I forget the one… in a place that looked like a boot. The… the guy reaching out to touch the bearded man? The penis was a bit small in that one too. So much art show women with full figures, full lips, full breasts, but the men must be standing around someplace cold don’t you think?”
“I… uh…” I was dumbstruck. Barely able to keep paying attention.
“So yes marvelous statue. I’ll have the crate sent over to you. Oh right the frame is all that’s up! Let me know when you want it and I’ll send it over. Though your plans for a garden in this area? You know real gardens are against our policy.”
“Uh… vegetables.” I stammered out.
“Oh a vegetable garden! Very organic. Yes that’s fine. Now I wanted to talk to you about these sections here.” He highlighted some of the lower floors I had dedicated to restaurants and a play theatre. “I was wondering could some of these be converted into something else? I don’t think a play house is the right choice for a building like this. We like to keep such cultural aspects closely monitored. Meaning within the wall. I was thinking a club. A place for people to get drunk, wild, and listen to loud music.”
“But… the Unity prohibits-” I started, more confused than ever. He shook his head at that and wagged a finger at me.
“Prohibits such businesses yes. But this won’t be a business. You’ll charge just enough to cover costs. Which I’ll keep low by providing you with essential supplies. Also a section upstairs for special guests. In fact two different levels one for special and one for the most important. Then a section here for people to stay if they want.”
“Like… a hotel?” I ventured to which he nodded and waved at me.
“Yes! A nice little hotel so if they get too tired in the club they won’t have far to go. Of course I’ll need this club and these rooms monitored.”
“What? Si… Professor I.”
“It’s for an experiment you see. Unity business.”
“I… I can design it and build it but running it-” I never got to finish any of my sentences as he butted in once more that smug smile of his very clear.
“You can run it too. I’ve read your file.” That made me pause. What did he know? Was I about to get fucked? “It’s very impressive. You’re a driven man. And so was your father. He hauled garbage for a living and yet had a nice home in the community past the wall. You yourself became an architect. A good one at that. Now, you could follow in your father’s steps and be a garbage hauler but I think we both know he’d want more from you than that. You show leadership. I’ve seen it in how you keep this schedule moving so smoothly. You get that tower done you can design this residential district however you want. I’ll ensure no one disturbs you. And once you move in I want you to be my man in the building. Since you’ll be living beyond the wall I’d imagine you’d like some say in how your home is run.”
“I… yes Professor.” I slowly managed to say. “Would this mean that Unity security-”
“No. They aren’t interested in having to patrol an entire tower like this past the wall. You’ll have to start screening and hiring security personnel. I heard how you were so savagely beaten last year. Seems the men you picked as bodyguards have worked since then. Isn’t it just tragic how some barbarians don’t like those of us who praise the Unity and work to empower it like you and I?” He slowly nodded at that, hands steeped, looking concerned. “That’s why I want you in charge. You clearly believe in Unity. In the cause. So I want you out there showing everyone what we can achieve. Together.” He nodded at that and then stood, hand extended. I stood up and reflexively extended my hand which he shook. “Great! Then it’s a deal! Howard will see you out. I’ll see you soon with those new plans!” I was mostly in shock.
“See you soon?” I ventured as Howard set a hand on my arm and lead me away from the angel to the exit. What the fuck had just happened? Was this a dream? What the fuck had just happened?
“I’ll call you soon so you’ll have my private line.” Howard was telling me and I could only nod. Before I knew it I was back out in the hall and the door had closed behind me.

[60 Teams, 60 Days] Ferris State University Bulldogs

Ferris State University

Western Collegiate Hockey Association (2013-Present)
Central Collegiate Hockey Association (1979-2013)
Founded: 1884
Location: Big Rapids, MI
Attendance: 14,707
Nickname: Bulldogs. The school newspaper named the team Ferrisites, and the Big Rapids Pioneer called them the Spartans. It wasn’t until 1931 that the name Bulldogs was used to describe the school’s basketball team. “…He asked what would happen if an irresistible force met an immovable object, then said that [basketball coach William T.] McElwain believed the question might be solved when the ‘irresistible Central State Teachers College Bearcats met Ferris immovable Bulldogs.’ He went on, ‘…it is discovered that the name (Bulldogs) has been applied to them because of their demonstrated ability to hang on to their men and never let go…’”
Mascot: Brutus. Our large bulldog spends the game wandering the arena entertaining the kids or messing with the students in the Dawg Pound. During the second intermission, he typically takes a sled on the ice, skates from the red line to the blue line and attempts to “score a goal”. BONUS! Pre Makeover Brutus! NSFL
Unofficial Mascot: Monkey Man. The Monkey Man has spent the past few seasons dressing up in a monkey suit to cheer on the Bulldogs and harass the opponents during warm ups and the games. The most fun is during pregame stretching. The building is so small, the only place to get the entire team together to stretch is on the concourse (usually a little after 2 hours to game time, so the only fans in the building are students waiting to get in the Dawg Pound), so Mr. Monkey Man likes to heckle everybody except Bowling Green, who has invited him to join on a few occasions.
Band: Ferris State Pep Band. The band is not well received by students, if I am honest. They play songs at wildly inappropriate times (i.e. playing Tequila immediately after a goal against or playing something as we are attempting to salute a player recovering from a serious injury), and have a habit of walking in front of everybody during play. It's nice to have a band at a college game. We just wish they would work with us a little better.
Fight Song:

Cheer those Bulldogs,
Watch them fight.
Boost those Bulldogs,
They’re alright.
We’ll stand by the Crimson and Gold,
Fight, Fight, Fight!
Bulldogs of Ferris,
Cheer that Bulldog Varsity,
Steer that team to Victory.
Fight you Ferris Bulldogs and gain another victory.
Fight! Fight! Fight!
Fight for the Ferris Crimson and the Gold.

Note Nobody sings the song, except the part where you say “WOO!”
Arena: Robert L. Ewigleben Ice Arena. Opened 1976. Capacity: 2,493. Named for the former school president who is responsible for getting the program to jump from ACHA to NCAA Division 1. The rink is part of the Ewigleben Sports Complex which includes the D1 rink, a small half sheet used for 3 on 3 games and youth practices, Wink Arena (basketball) and a volleyball court.
Student Section: Dawg Pound. Known for being one of the top student sections in college hockey, the Dawg Pound is both rowdy and ruthless, especially when it comes to the opponents goalie. There are typically 2 white boards floating around the section with witty, funny or downright obscene phrases or drawings, often drawing laughs from opposing players during warm ups. Because it is a general admission student section it's normal to see students lined up at the doors as early as an hour and a half before the doors open. The doors open at 6 and the first three rows are typically full by 6:05.
First Season: 1979-80 (CCHA) 26-11-1
All Time Record: 563-628-129
Championships: 0
Frozen Four Appearances: 1 (2012)
Tournament Appearances: 3- 2003 (Lost Midwest Regional Final to Minnesota), 2012 (Lost National Championship to Boston College DAMN YOU JONNY GAUDREAU!), 2014 (Lost Midwest Regional Final to North Dakota)
Rivals:
Western Michigan University. This is simply a geographic rivalry. Being just 2 hours north of Kalamazoo, Ferris and Western battled for supremacy of Western Michigan (or we did until the CCHA died). Our most memorable moment is a game from 2013 that involved a line brawl, a goalie challenging his counterpart to a fight (Frank Slubowski didn’t answer the call, if you were wondering), a last minute tying goal and a shootout win for the Bulldogs! Unfortunately, realignment in 2013 placed Ferris in the WCHA and Western in the new NCHC, so the teams have not played during the past two seasons.
Minnesota State University. This is a brand new and growing one starting in 2013-14 with the new WCHA, possibly replacing Western, since they got scared and ran off to the NCHC. So far, we have had a handful of very tight and physical games, one involving a full line brawl featuring goaltenders, and met twice in the Final Five. It might get a little more interesting if Ferris can finally win a damn game though.
~~Grand Valley State University.~~ Oh right... They don't even have a hockey team! I suppose beating them in every other sport will have to suffice.
Uniform History Note Ferris State’s hockey is not well documented on the internet, so the dates are estimated based on my memory of the team photos hanging in the rink.
2014-15 Season: 18-20-2 (13-14-1)
Coach: Bob Daniels (1992- Present) 397-409-89
2013-14 Roster:
Captain: CJ Motte, G, Sr
Alternate Captains: Simon Denis, D, Sr and Kyle Schempp, C, So
Leading Scorer: Matt Robertson, RW, Jr: 6-17-23/ Gerald Mayhew, So, RW: 11-12-23
Leading Goal Scorer: Gerald Mayhew, So, RW
Big Moments:
Home Opener vs. Michigan. Ferris State opened up the season at home against Michigan. A combination of excitement for the season (as the season before was brilliant) and a well known team coming to town meant the Dawg Pound was rowdy and loud starting about 30 minutes before the puck was dropped. The Bulldogs scored early and often en route to a 4-3 win in a game that saw both teams play incredible hockey. The highlight of the night was goaltender CJ Motte slamming the door on his younger brother, Tyler Motte’s, breakaway drawing a “LITTLE BROTHER!” chant from the students.
WCHA Playoffs Round 1 @ Bemidji State 3OT. For the second straight year, Ferris faced off against the Beavers of Bemidji State in the first round of the WCHA playoffs, this time in Minnesota. For the second straight year, Ferris went into game 2 with a chance for a sweep and head back to the Final Five. For the second straight year, the game required multiple overtime periods to do it. Ryan Lowney eventually ended the triple overtime game with a great shot from the point.
2014-15 Summary
The 2014-15 season was a big step backwards for the Bulldogs, after taking the MacNaughton Cup and advancing to the NCAA Regional Final in 2013-14. Ferris State’s struggles stemmed from a lack of offensive production from the blueline and from the senior class (Jason Binkley led the seniors in points, finishing 10th on the team). The season started with a strong win against a good Michigan team. The conference schedule started less favorably, however, when the Bulldogs were swept aside by Michigan Tech in Big Rapids. The series was the first 2 home losses since the home opener the previous year. The team appeared to get back on track after a dominant sweep of Alaska Anchorage by a combined score of 14-2, but that was immediately followed by a disappointing home split with Alabama Huntsville and a tie and loss to a very bad Wisconsin team. Ferris had a chance to redeem the season on a big stage when they headed to the Motor City for the school’s first appearance in the Great Lakes Invitational. Instead, they were shutout by Michigan State and dropped a 4-2 contest to Michigan Tech. The low point of the season was a 7 game losing streak at the hands of #1 Minnesota State and Bowling Green. The regular season ended with a sweep of Lake State in Sault Ste Marie. With those two wins, CJ Motte became the program’s all time wins leader. The one bright spot of the season was the great play of the sophomore class, most notably Schempp, Mayhew, forward Chad MacDonald and slick skating defenseman Ryan Lowney. The Bulldogs knocked off a surprisingly good Bemidji State team in the first round of the WCHA playoffs before being easily swept aside by a dominant Minnesota State in the Final Five Semifinal in St. Paul, MN.
2015-16 Season
Schedule
Draftees
Kyle Schempp, C, 2014 New York Islanders (Round 6, 155 Overall)
Key Games
Oct. 9-10 Home and Home against old rivals Western Michigan University
Oct. 16-17 Home vs. Michigan Tech
Nov. 6-7 At Minnesota State
Players To Watch
/#6 Kyle Schempp, Jr, C. The Islanders draft pick from Saginaw, MI showed that he was a star early on as a freshman, getting first line minutes for much of his first two seasons. He had a slow start to last season after a shoulder surgery in Summer 2014 but had a very strong finish to the season.
/#22 Matt Robertson, Sr, RW. The Rohnert Park, California native came into his own last season playing on a line with Schempp and Gerald Mayhew, tying Mayhew for the team lead in points.
/#10 Ryan Lowney, Jr, D. Lowney is downright fun to watch. I compare him to Martin St. Louis because he stands only 5’8, but isn’t afraid to get in to it with anybody bigger than him, which is everybody. As if that wasn’t enough, he has incredible stickhandling skills bordering “Datsyukian” (Ok, he’s not quite Datsyuk, but it’s still fun to watch). Lowney hails from Redford, MI.
Greatest Players:
Chris Kunitz (1999-2003): 152 GP 99 G 76 A 175 Pts, Hobey Baker Finalist (2003). NHL: Anaheim Ducks (2003-09), Pittsburgh Penguins (2009-Present) 733 GP 224 G 287 A 511 PTS, Stanley Cup Champion (2007, 2009) First Team All Star (2013). International: Team Canada- Olympic Gold Medalist (2014), World Championship Silver Medalist (2008)
Kunitz is undoubtedly the greatest player the school ever had both during his days at Ferris and in his professional career. He made an instant splash for the team when he scored 20 goals during his freshman year. After two more great seasons that saw him put up 29 and 38 points, Kunitz was ready to make a name for himself on the national stage. The 2002-03 season was historic for the Bulldogs, and much of that is due to Chris Kunitz's play. He smashed school records by scoring 35 goals, 44 assits and 79 points in 42 games. The team would end up winning 30 games and making its first trip to the NCAA tournament. The following season, he was signed by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, where he would split time between the NHL and AHL for a few seasons before scoring 25 goals for the Ducks en route to their first ever Stanley Cup. Two years later, he was traded to Pittsburgh where he would win his second Cup. 2013-14 proved to be his best NHL campaign as he tallied 35 goals and 33 assists and earned a spot on the Canadian Olympic team that would bring home Gold.
Zach Redmond (2007-11): 141 GP 22 G 68 A 90 PTS. NHL: Atlanta Thrashers Draft Pick (2008. Rd 7 184 Overall) Winnipeg Jets (2012-14) 18 GP 2 G 5 A 7 Pts, Colorado Avalanche (2014-Present) 59 GP 5 G 15 A 20 PTS. International: Team USA- World Championship Bronze Medalist (2015)
Atlanta Thrashers draft pick Zach Redmond led the Bulldogs from the blueline for four years. He put up career highs in assists and points during his junior year with 6 goals, 21 assists and 27 points. He was on pace to surpass those during his senior year, however, injuries limited him to just 26 games where he tallied 7 goals, 13 assists and 20 points. Redmond spent the 2011-12 season with the St. John's Ice Caps of the AHL. Due to the NHL lockout, he remained there to start the following season as well. When the NHL resumed, Redmond was called up the the Winnipeg Jets where his career was nearly ended. During a practice, Redmond took a teammates skate to the thigh, cutting his femoral artery leaving him with a nasty scar. Redmond would recover and return the next season where he played 10 more games in the NHL. In the Summer of 2014, he signed with the Colorado Avalanche. Redmond was selected to play for Team USA in the 2015 World Championships where he took home Bronze.
CJ Motte (2011-15): 127 GP 66-49, H. AHL: Bridgeport Sound Tigers (2015): 4 GP 1-2-1, Rochester Americans (2015-Present)
CJ Motte, nicknamed Dexter by a small group of fans, split time with senior Taylor Nelson during his freshman year, the brilliant 2011-12 season that saw Ferris State run all the way the the National Championship game. After Nelson graduated, CJ became the obvious choice to be the starting goaltender. Motte hit a bit of a sophomore slump in 2012-13, as he was good but nothing spactacular and finished with a .500 record and 5th in the CCHA. 2013-14, however was an entirely different story. The season started with Motte and sophomore Charles Williams alternating the first 4 games of the season. CJ won both of his starts and took over for the rest of the season, and what a season it was. Motte was 28-9-3 and was absolutely unbeatable at home. His play earned him a Hobey Baker nomination and he finished as a Top 10 finalist. Motte would shut out Colgate in the first round of the NCAA tournament before allowing only 2 goals in 5 periods to North Dakota in the regional final. His play as a junior earned him the Captain's 'C' for his senior year where he would continue his stellar play. This time, however, the team wasn't able to back him up, so he finished 18-20-2 despite posting career highs for GAA and SV%. Motte left college and immediately signed with the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers where he won his first start. This summer, CJ Motte signed another AHL deal with the Rochester Americans.
Best Coach:
Bob Daniels- 1992-Present- 377-387-87. 2x CCHA Coach of the Year (2003, 2012), 2012 Spencer Penrose Award (Top Coach in NCAA as voted by American Hockey Coaches Association), 2014 WCHA Coach of the Year
Greatest Games:
2012 Midwest Regional Final: Cornell vs Ferris State 2-1 Win- 5 minute penalty kill and a goal immediately at the end of the penalty propelled Ferris to a 2-1 win and a trip to Tampa for their first ever Frozen Four!
2012 Frozen Four: Union vs Ferris State 3-1 Win- A late goal by junior Kyle Bonis ended up being the game winner and Ferris State moved on to the National Championship Game vs. Boston College
2013 Western Michigan vs. Ferris State 3-2 Win SO- We fought, We won.
2014 WCHA Playoffs Round 1, Game 2: Bemidji State @ Ferris State 3-2 Win 2OT- Captain Scott Czarnowczan scored on a strange, fluttering shot to send Ferris to the WCHA Final Five
2014 Midwest Regional Semifinal: Colgate vs. Ferris State 1-0 Win- In the 4th matchup of the season against the Raiders (who had won 2 of the 3 games with shutouts), it took freshman Gerald Mayhew batting a puck out of the air to beat goaltender Charlie Finn and Colgate 1-0
2014 Midwest Regional Final: North Dakota vs. Ferris State 2-1 Loss 2OT- Despite being the #2 seed in the region, Ferris came into this game as slight underdogs against the powerful University of North Dakota. The Ferris State onslaught was repeatedly turned aside by goaltender Zane McIntyre (then Zane Gothberg), who stole the show by making 43 saves in the 2OT win.
2015 WCHA Playoffs Round 1, Game 2: Bemidji State vs. Ferris State 3-2 Win 3OT- Ryan Lowney ends the longest game in school history to send the Bulldogs back to the Final Five for the second straight year
Traditions:
Just before game time: “I! I believe! I believe that! I believe that we will win! I believe that we will win!...”
Before opening faceoff: “Drooooop It! Drooooop It! Drooooop It! Thank You Asshole!”
Ferris Powerplay:
Leader: Ice cold beer!
Students: Makes you wanna cheer!
L: Ice cold wine!
S: Makes you feel fine!
L: Ice cold whiskey!
S: Makes you feel frisky!
L: Ice cold puck!
S: MAKES YOU WANNA SCOOOOORE!
Goalie plays puck behind net: L: Know your role! S: Stay in your hole!
City: Big Rapids, MI
Population: 10,517 (2013)
History: Big Rapids Industrial School was founded in 1884 by Woodbridge N. Ferris. A year later, the name was changed to Ferris Industrial School and later Ferris Institute. 1893 was an incredibly significant year for the school. A young student asked Mr. Ferris to train him for a career as a pharmacist. He did, and state officials were so impressed with how well he did on the state board exam, Ferris was encouraged to establish a full time pharmacy program, which remains the most well known program at Ferris State. In 1898, the school made the change from private to a public school. In 1949, the State of Michigan purchased the school and it was again renamed Ferris State College. Before the state could take control, however, a fire broke out destroying all but three buildings (Alumni Building, Old Main and Prakken) which are all haunted. In 1963, the name was changed from Ferris Institute to Ferris State College. In 1987, the FSC became Ferris State University. The Bulldogs' magical run in the 2012 NCAA tournament proved to be quite huge for the school as well. The National Championship appearance was immediately followed by record enrollment over the next 3 years.
Local Dining
Crankers Brewery- Great food, and open into the wee hours of the morning, so pretty much all you can ask for in a college town
Schuberg’s- Old school bar in downtown Big Rapids with some fantastic burgers
Other Sports:
Hockey is the school’s only Division 1 sport and the most successful sport, however, the football, basketball and volleyball teams all had great 2014-15 years. Football went undefeated through the regular season and into the 2nd round of the playoffs. We also haven’t lost to Grand Valley State since 2011, which isn’t really relevant except it pisses them off something fierce since it’s the only sport they care about and they still can’t beat us. Basketball and volleyball also came home with GLIAC titles.
Other:
If you’re ever in Big Rapids, I highly suggest visiting the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia. It’s a small museum in the basement of the school library and, well you can probably figure out what you’ll find down there. It is definitely a powerful experience to walk through. If you want something a bit more fun and less serious, the Wildlife Center is also a fun time. If you’ve ever wanted to go nose to nose with a huge stuffed giraffe (we all know you do!), this is the place to do it. Most importantly, if you happen to be in town in January of February, grab your skates and a stick and get in on a pickup game at Hemlock Park! Nothing beats outdoor hockey under flood lights with the snow falling!
Academics
Ferris State University is has over 150 programs divided into 7 colleges.
College of Arts and Sciences
College of Business
College of Education and Human Services
College of Engineering Technology
College of Health Professions
Michigan College of Optometry
College of Pharmacy.
The Optometry and Pharmacy programs are very prestigious and considered by many to be the best in the nation. These are the programs that are typically brought up when discussing Ferris State, but they are not the only highly touted programs. The Plastics and Rubber Engineering majors are undeniably the best of the few in the country (Only 7 colleges in the United States has a plastics program. Only 1 has rubber) according to the very unbiased opinion I have come to over the past 2 years as a Plastic Engineering student at Ferris.
Notable Alumni:
If you wear glasses or have had eye surgery, I’d be willing to bet a Ferris State alum played a big role in correcting your eyesight.
Red Wings Head Coach Jeff Blashill. I chose to not include him in the great players list because, well, you have to be a great player to be mentioned that. Mr. Blashill was not, but we still love him.
Woodbridge N. Ferris. Ok, so he's not exactly an alum, but he founded the school so I think it fits. After founding the school in 1884, Mr. Ferris went on to serve as Governor of Michigan from 1913-1917. After that, he went on to Washington to serve as one of Michigan's senators from 1923 until his death in 1928. Plus, he has an awesome name.
Also Me.
What’s Next?
I think this will be a rebound season for the Bulldogs. This year’s junior class has been improving every game since they started and look ready to take the reins and lead us back into NCAA tournament contention. Our only major concern is in goal. CJ Motte, who anchored very good teams for 3 years after platooning as a freshman during the 2011-12 season, graduated leaving Bob Daniels with quite the decision to make. Does he choose senior Charles Williams? Williams was a very good goaltender in brief stints during his freshman and sophomore years, so he should be the favorite except he missed all of last season with an injury (Unfortunately, I don’t know what it was). How about junior Trace Pennock? Trace allowed 2 goals in 9 minutes during a blowout win against Alaska Anchorage, and that is his only in game experience over his 2 seasons. Or does he defy all of that and choose incoming freshman Darren Smith, who put up a .909 SV % and 2.81 GAA with Madison in the USHL. Final Thoughts: It’s a great time to be a Bulldog! We finally got Western back on the schedule and a big name team not named Michigan is coming to town! Also, the B1G still sucks and the CCHA was better.
LOOK OUT TAMPA! WE'RE COMIN BACK!
Let’s Go Dawgs!
Shoutout to JohnDoeMonopoly for setting all of this up
Relevant Subreddits
/collegehockey to talk about the game we all love but with facemasks.
/60teams60days for more info on this awesome series!

Who Could/Should the Flyers take in the Draft (more than just the 1st Round)

With the draft starting tomorrow I thought I'd take a look at who the Flyers could draft.
Sorry up front for poor grammar. I've done this over a few days and I'm usually hopping from tab to tab.
7th Overall
We've been talking about who the Flyers could take at 7th since before the season ended. There is not a lot I could say here that hasn't been said before on this sub. But I thought I'd lay it out there.
Ivan Provorov (D) - His great offensive prowess is matched by his suffocating D. A tremendous prospect but one has to wonder if the Flyers aren't going to try and bolster their forward prospect corp.
Mathew Barzal (C) - A great playmaking center; after coming off an injury he averaged 1.625 points per game over his last 24 games.
Mikko Rantanen (F) - The Finnish winger made a big impact with TPS this season. He finished 2nd on the team in scoring and wore the A most of the season.
Lawson Crouse (LW) - Probably the most controversial player in the draft. He's got the lowest ceiling of most players going in the top 14 but he probably has the highest floor outside of McDavid and Eichel.
Zach Werenski (D) - He put 9 goals and 25 points as a 17 year old with Michigan this season. To put in perspective how crazy young he is, Werenski could graduate at a younger age than Matt Read started college.
Pavel Zacha (F) - Zacha is a tough nut. He has raw superstar potential but had more trouble transitioning to North American play than most people expected. Most rankings have him outside the top 10, except for Bob McKenzie who has him ranked 6th meaning most teams are still really high on him. I wouldn't be surprised if the Flyers picked him at 7.
Have to Reach - Scott Laughton, Sam Morin, and Travis Sanheim were all ranked lower than the Flyers spot so it's not out of the question that the Flyers prefer someone who is a few spots down on most pundits rankings. Kyle Connor might be the most underrated player in the top 15. Tons of skill, great vision, and a great two way game. Timo Meier has a knack for the net but the knock against him is that he only put up points playing on a line with Nikolaj Ehlers (but when Ehlers missed some time with an injury Meier's production stayed the same). Colin White put up good numbers this past year but has put up great numbers in international tournaments. And darkest dark horse Evgeny Svechnikov a big framed sniper with a high ceiling.
Hextall recently said that the team really needs to hit in this draft. You can read that as him saying they need to hit a home run and go with the highest ceiling; you can read that as him saying they can't afford to miss so they'll go with the safest pick. Personally I think that means he's going for a guy with a higher ceiling.
Who I Think They Will Take: Mathew Barzal. There are no real bad options but I think they will ultimately look to grab a dynamic offensive producer. Why no Provorov? If he's on the board I think the Flyers will grab him but my gut says he wont make it down to 7th.
29th Overall
The later half of the first round is usually subject to more turmoil than earlier half. But the more draft rankings you look at this year the more you see nobody really has a great idea of what's going to happen.
Oliver Kylington (D) - A lot of people know Kylington because he was projected as a top 10 pick in the first half of the season. An injury kept him out a good chunk of the season including the WJC and I believed that helped his drop in the rankings (he dropped from around 7-8 to around 11-12 from the December-January rankings when he was injured). Being sent from Farjestad in the SHL to AIK in Sweden's second league plus having a lack luster U-18 World Championships further drove him down in most draft rankings. Bob McKenzie still has Kylington ranked in the upper 20s while some rankings, including ISS, have him ranked outside the first round. Kylington still has that top half skill and if he falls to the Flyers at 29th he could be a steal. Though if the Flyers go for a D with the 7th pick I think it'll be unlikely they go with another defenseman with the 29th pick even if its Kylington.
Denis Guryanov (W) - Guryanov (or Gurianov depending on where you read it) is another guy that would have to drop a little bit for him to reach the 29th pick. Incredibly talented with speed and a great shot. He was a late riser up draft ranking during the year (he was thought of as a second rounder for most of the season) but now most places have him ranked in the early 20s. The Russian Factor is waning but it might just be strong enough to have Guryanov slip right down to the Flyers.
Jansen Harkins (C) - Harkins great vision and a great playmaking ability make Harkins one of the best players available in the late first rounds. While most rankings have him in the mid twenties McKenzie's ranking has him at 30 putting him right in the Flyers wheelhouse. He also has a strong defensive game and a great work ethic. He's like a more talented Scott Laughton.
Brock Boeser (RW) - A top end goal scorer. Can crash the net and get dirty goals and can snipe from distance. One thing to note about Boeser, he's committed to playing at North Dakota next season meaning he had to have been recruited by Hakstol. Boeser probably wont be NHL ready for another 3 to 4 years so Hakstol may not even be with the team at that point but I bet Hexy will get Haksy's opinion on UND's star recruit.
Jake Debrusk (LW) - Tough, hard working two way winger who really has a scoring touch. Debrusk pocketed 19% of his teams goals this season, second highest percentage in the WHL behind only Oliver Bjorkstrand who was better than goal a game. But Chicago and Tampa Bay showed that a elite two way winger (Hossa and Palat respectively) are possibly the best compliment to a superstar pair.
Daniel Sprong (RW) - Sprong has been the focal point for his teams offense for two seasons now. He was considered a top tier talent at the start of the year but has slowly slipped probably because he didn't haven't as big a break out as people might have expected. He still has elite skill and would be a great player to grab late in the first round.
Jeremy Roy (D) - He's got the offensive abilities to be a stand out offensive defenseman and the positioning to make him a great defensive defenseman. High ceiling and a high floor. He's also a stud on the power play. He finished 7th in the Q in PP assists even though he missed about a third of the season. He may not end up being the Flyers top PP guy in the future (especially with Sanheim and Gostisbehere) and doesn't have a big booming slap shot but his ability to make crisp accurate passes from the blue line is definitely something the team that drafts him could build upon. Again I don't know if the Flyers will go after 2 defenseman in the first round so if they grab a D at 7th it's unlikely the go after him. But he does have great potential and is more likely to be on the board than Kylington.
Jack Roslovic (F) - Gritty forward who is probably destined to play wing in the NHL. He finished 2nd in points on the US National Development team in USHL play. Expected to go later than the 29th pick he could be a player the Flyers like based on his grittiness and production.
Jacob Larsson (D) - Great speed and vision but an unpolished offensive producer. That said he is great in his own zone but isn't a stay at home shot blocker. He's kind of like Hampus Lindholm or Jonas Brodin in that his defense is further along than his offense (at least at the time of the draft) but has the right skill set to develop a bit more offense. Pretty unlikely but could be a guy that strikes the Flyers offense.
Anthony Beauvillier (F) - If the Flyers reach I think Beauvillier is the most promising if not most likely option. Small but has game breaking ability. Speed, hands, and can snipe. His size could be an issue but I think more teams will be more open minded about taking an incredibly skilled if fairly small forward.
Daniel Vladar (G) - Goalies are hard to predict in a lot of ways. Draft position wise Vladar could jump up earlier into the first round or he could fall all the way out of the second round. They are also the hardest position to project. In the 2000 Draft Brent Krahn went 9th Overall while Henrik Lundqvist went 205th. There is a lot to like about Vladar's raw skill. And if he impressed Euro goalie scout Antero Niittymaki and in turn Hextall enough they could grab Vladar because he likely wont be around when the 61st pick rolls around.
Erik Cernak (D) - If you've followed the big international junior tournaments than you probably know Cernak. He's been the great Slovak hope for a few years. Playing in the U18 World Championship at 15 and the U20 at 16 made some pretty big waves. Those waves have kept Cernak on most teams radars even if most draft rankings barely mention him at all. In January Bob McKenzie still had him ranked as a first rounder. McKenzie has him ranked 41st in his final draft rankings. Even though he's played at a high level for years he is still very raw. He could turn into one of the best defensemen to come out of this draft or he could barely make a blip in the NHL. That high end potential could woo the Flyers but it's pretty unlikely they take him at 29th.
Who I Think They Will Take: Jake Debrusk. I definitely wont be disappointed if Harkins, Boeser, or Sprong is taken. There are a lot of very talented players and they are all very close. I just think taking a two way winger who can bucket a ton of goals will really help the Flyers a few years down the road.
61st Overall
The further we get into the draft the harder it will be to predict who will be available. A passionate scout, a player having the right game in front of the right set of eyes, or team having a long gap between picks could see an unexpected player jump way up on draft day. I'm listing these players like they are on a draft board. Better players are higher even if it's less likely they will be available when the Flyers pick. And my basis for whether or not they may be available is based on Bob McKenzie's rankings.
Jeremy Bracco (RW) - Some rankings have Bracco listed as being a mid first rounder; a testament to his immense talent. Standing at only 5'9 two inches could possibly be the only thing separating him from being significantly higher pick. Bracco would have to fall a ways to reach the Flyers at 61st Overall. McKenzie has him listed at 53rd but he does have the type of talent that could make other teams jump up and grab him even earlier than that. But size still might be an issue for some teams and he could slip down to the Flyers pick.
Ryan Pilon (D) - A smooth skating defenseman who along with Ivan Provorov made up one of the best D pairs in the entire CHL. Pilon was the guy who would hang back but his speed and smarts allowed him to handle that pressure of being the guy who was sometimes the last man back. Not projected to be a big time scorer but he does have the offensive skill to build upon. If the Flyers go with Provorov with the 7th Overall I would be really interested to see if they could keep their pair together cause it was really strong. Even if the Flyers don't grab Provorov at 7th taking Pilon at the end of the second round is still a great choice (if Pilon falls to them).
Thomas Novak (C) - Project by most to be a mid second rounder (though he's ranked 57th by McKenzie) Novak has top end talent and great intelligence. Quite a high ceiling for someone who could easily go this late in the draft. He does have a ways to go to reach that potential but a few years at Minnesota could get him there.
Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson - The Swedes have been great at producing 2-way forward prospects over the last few drafts. Karlsson has some pretty good skill, strong defensive instincts, and a great work ethic. Playing last year in the USHL and is going to play at Boston University in the fall. Speaking of fall, Karlsson will have to fall a bit to reach the Flyers but he does seem like kind of player the Flyers would grab if available.
Jordan Greenway (LW) - 6'5 and over 220 lbs this power forward has tons of potential. Great speed and a great passer makes him more than just a big body in front of the net. Greenway was ranked in the top 15 at the start of the season but has fallen all the way to 62nd in McKenzie's final ranking. Consistency issues, a lack of goals, and possibly unreasonable expectations led to his free fall in the rankings. The potential is for Greenway is definitely still there.
Alexander Dergachyov (F) - Another big body power forward who also mixes his size with speed and skill. Dergachyov has some slick hands that really help around the net. Not dissimilar from Wayne Simmonds. Another player that would have to slip a bit to reach the Flyers but is more likely to fall because the previously mentioned Russian Factor.
Filip Ahl (W) - The third player in a row that is a 6'4 and over 200 lbs. Ahl had the best season of the two previous entries and equally high of a ceiling. Good vision and good hands if not as good as Greenway's and Dergachyov's respectively. While not being a standout he is incredibly efficient in all aspects of his game. While be consistently ranked as an early 2nd rounder McKenzie didn't rank him in the top 75 in his last ranking. I don't think it would be too surprising if the Flyers grabbed Ahl even if they took him over more touted players like Greenway and Dergachyov.
Matej Tomek (G) - Tomek was brought up a few weeks ago in this sub when someone posted that the Flyers were the only team to meet with him at the combine. The Slovak put up great numbers playing in the NAHL last season (1.83 GAA and a .928 Sv%). Another player committed to North Dakota next season and thus recruited by Hakstol. With Hobey Baker Nominee Zane McIntyre signing with Boston Tomek has a good chance at winning the starting job coming out of camp. If the Flyers grab I think it's more likely they wait to see if he falls to 70th but if they are high on him they could grab him at the end of the 2nd round.
Roope Hintz (F) - Finnish forward who can really finish (see what I did? Finnish/finish. We have fun). All word play a side the large framed forward has a knack for finishing a strong defensive game. He could be compared with the other big forwards Greenway, Dergachyov, and Ahl, but Hintz is more diverse. Doesn't have the slick hands or top end speed but all around strong offensively and he is easily the best defensively.
Rasmus Anderson (D) - Physical and speedy with good offensive instincts. He's strong and does a good job protecting the net but is far from a deficient skater. I definitely noticed his physical play but he is pegged more as on offensive defenseman with more work needed to round out his game.
Mitch Vande Sompel (D) - The top D on the top junior team in Canada. The undersized offensive defenseman put up great numbers last season with Oshawa. The big thing standing in MVS' way is his size. While teams may be more likely to give a small forward a chance most may still be weary of a 5'10 defenseman. He's well rounded and the Flyers might see him as a Kimmo Timonen type defenseman who can excel in both zones despite his dimunitive size.
Gabriel Gagne (F) - A lanky but strong 6'4 power forward who is good behind the net. For those keeping track at home that's five power forwards that might be available at 61st Overall. Gagne I think is at the bottom of that pile but the Flyers might see something different in his game, work ethic, or personality that puts him a the front of what is really a tightly grouped bunch of power forwards. If the Flyers go with a big guy at the end of the second round they got a lot to choose from and no real bad option, it all will come down to who they prefer.
Who I Think They Will Take: Jordan Greenway. As I just said it could be any number of big forwards. I think Greenway has the highest ceiling and the potential to still be on the board. If the Flyers don't go with a big forwards I think there is a solid chance they opt for a goalie. Matej, or even Vladar or MacKenzie Blackwood if they are still on the board.
70th Overall
This pick's closeness makes it possible for some of the people listed above to fall the the Flyers third round pick. Again the later we go the more speculative these players positioning gets.
Nikita Korostelev **(RW)* - Really good at getting open and getting a good shot off. Some games I saw with Sarnia Korostelev impressed me as much as Zacha (though that might have come from me watching Zacha with a more critical eye). A guy with good offensive instincts outside the high scoring zones are hard to come by and a guy who can mix that with a great shot has a lot to build upon.
Kyle Capobianco (D) - Quite the offensive defenseman who had been hid on one of the worst junior teams in recent memory. Capobianco helped produce 26.8% of Sudbury's total offense this past season which is one of the highest percentages in the whole draft. There was recently an article on hockey that mentioned he could grow into a more defensively sound player his offensive instincts should definitely put him on the Flyers radar at 70th Overall. It's easier to teach defense than offense.
Yakov Trenin (C) - A good two-way game Trenin uses his big frame to protect the puck and work opponents off the puck. Not a bruiser but he can play physical with some solid skill to build upon. He's a pretty good passer but I think an underrated shooter.
Blake Speers (F) - It's not much to read into but in 2011-12 when Speers was a Bantam he scored 86 goals and 167 points in 37 games in his league. Speers is a hard worker with good skill who may have had a harder time adjusting to the OHL than most (if you call 67 points in 57 games in his draft year struggling). His ceiling is pretty high but even if he doesn't reach it his work ethic could make a valuable contributor in the future.
Brendan Guhle (D) - The prototypical nasty WHL defenseman. Definitely a guy who is good in his own end and put up some impressive numbers later in the season. In the last two months of his season he put up 15 points in 22 games. If his offense continues to grow he could end up being a steal.
Erik Foley (LW) - A little physical, a little bit of a pest, but definitely knows how to find the back of the net. Though he's under six feet tall he has a drive to the net that could make him a handful. Similar I think to Andrew Shaw who is also not the biggest guy put can really do work in front of the net.
Samuel Montembeault (G) - His good size and quick clean movements could have easily put him on the Flyers radar. He back stopped the team that gave up the fewest goals in the QMJHL. But the one thing that could really help Montembeault is the Flyers connection to his team Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. One of the Armada's owners is the Flyers own Ian Laperriere. Whether it's at Lappy's suggestion or not the Flyers have given shots to many Armada players in the past. Previously they have brought players like Christopher Clapperton and Nikita Jevpalovs to rookie camp and recently signed BB's best player Danick Martel. The eyes have definitely been on Montembeault this past year and if those eyes liked what they've seen Montembeault could be the Flyers' preferred goalie in this draft.
Robin Kovacs (RW) - With 17 goals and 28 points made Kovacs one of the top scorers coming out of a European professional league. Slick hands, a great shot, and a well rounded defensive game gives Kovacs a lot of potential going forward. His lack of top end speed speed and diminutive weight has pushed him down further than his stats imply he should be, but with this kid's shot and skill he would be worth taking the risk on.
Jens Looke (W) - Flyers eyes will have definitely been on Looke this season. He played with Oskar Lindblom at both the club and international level. He played a checking role on the Swedish World Junior team and still managed two pick up 3 goals. With Brynas he, like Lindblom, bounced around the line up a little bit but he mostly skated in the bottom six. Most talk about him as been his playmaking ability; something that really couldn't shine through playing against men. It's still quite impressive for a player of his age to play a whole season in the SHL.
Parker Wotherspoon (D) - Projected to be more of a defensive defenseman Wotherspoon does have some tools that could turn him into a well rounded defenseman. Good speed and a lack of size (6'0 and around 170 lbs) means he isn't a boat anchor attached to the offensive rush. His offensive skills are rough but that didn't stop him from putting up points in the WHL and team Canada at U-18s (where he tied for the team lead in points among defensemen). Could have tons upside and his defensive prowess could draw the Flyers attention.
Who I Think They Will Take: Samuel Montembeault. Matej Tomek might still be on the board as well. I think the question most people will have with me is that now the Flyers are through 4 picks and have not taken a single defenseman. It is our biggest weakness as a team but our biggest strength in our prospect pool. I think they will lean more towards offense in this draft. They easily go with defense especially if defensemen like Provorov and Kylington are available when the Flyers pick in the first round.
90th, 98th, and 99th Overall
Such a tight grouping of picks gives the Flyers an interesting opportunity. In 2013 the Flyers took Tyrell Goulbourne in the 3rd Round because they didn't have a selection for another 50 picks. A "safe" pick for a player projected to be a depth role player. With the opposite situation of an overwhelming number of picks (plus a management change) the Flyers could use a couple picks to shoot for the moon on high risk high reward players.
Dmytro Timashov (W) - Great hands, great speed, and great vision. The Swedish national is the go to boom or bust guy in this draft. Tons of offense but standing a hair over 5'9 and a lack of a well rounded game not is probably what pushed him down. I've seen him play a bunch and I'm really amazed this guy is projected to go so low. He may never play a game in the NHL but if he does he could be an offensive star.
Loik Leveille (D) - There is an awful lot to like about Leveille. Good positioning defensively, good instinct offensively, and skill that helps him at both ends of the rink. Why would such a player Leveille fall to the 4th round? Lack of great speed mostly. Leveille isn't that big standing only around 6'0 but is listed at 220 lbs. If he doesn't pick up speed he may never make it to the NHL but I'm all for taking a guy with the two way skill of Leveille.
Troy Terry (C) - Speedy with a knack for putting the puck in the net Terry has a good amount of skill for a player that could go so late. One of the things that interest me about Terry is how a new opportunity could cause him to sky rocket. He was pushed down the line up at the National Development team playing behind a number of early round picks. He is also one of the youngest players in the draft (if he was a born a week later he wouldn't be eligible for this draft). The mix of skill and potential would definitely make him somebody the Flyers could look at.
Jesper Lindgren (D) - Tons of speed and offensive instincts gives Lindgren a very high ceiling. Sweden is great at developing well rounded two way players so while his offense is what gets attention he is far from defensively deficient. Highest scoring under 18 defenseman in the Swedish junior league. Could slip because he's ranked outside of the top 100 in most rankings I could easily see the Flyers taking him in the 90s.
Conor Garland (RW) - The QMJHL's leading scorer went unselected his first time through the draft last year. Very small (only 5'8) but with a lot of skill and a good work ethic. Even though small players are all the rage it would still take a lot of development to turn this player into a top end player. But his skill definitely makes him worth it.
Anthony Richard (C) - Another undersized point producer from the QMJHL. Richard was teammates with Nicolas Aube-Kubel so the Flyers probably got a great look at the speedy undersized sniper. I don't think he has as much skill Aube-Kubel (but I'm a lot higher than most people on NAK) but Richard has got a really excellent shot. He his speed and shot should have put him a lot higher but his size (5'9/165lbs) have where the Flyers could take a flyer on a quality player.
Radovan Bondra (W) - The big Slovak winger could be the sleeper power forward in the draft. Much like the power forwards I mentioned around the 2nd round Bondra (no relation to Peter Bondra) has good speed and a good skill set to go with his big size. I thought he played well in a defensive role at the World Junior Championship so he could develop into a depth role if his offense doesn't develop.
Pavel Karnaukhov (F) - Playing on the Calgary Hitmen with Travis Sanheim and on a line most of the year with Radel Fazleev the Flyers definitely got a good look at Karnaukhov. He's hardworking two-way center (the line with him and Fazleev drew the tougher defensive assignments) but like Fazleev has the skills to develop into a bigger point producer. He's got a very good shot and isn't afraid to jam at the net to create goals.
Dylan Malmquist (C) - Arguable the top player for years at the Minnesota high school powerhouse Edina; helping them to two state championships in his time. The jump from high school to college (he'll attend Notre Dame in the fall) isn't always the easiest it's more common for players from Minnesota. High risk, high reward.
Brad Morrison (C) - Slick hands and speed are Morrison's best attributes. He really stood out when watching Prince George and earlier I though he should be ranked much higher. He does need space to really get the play going and his 161 lbs spread across his 5'11 frame makes him really light. He will definitely need to put on a good amount of weight for him to play in the NHL but I'm all for grabbing a guy with speed, hands, and a pretty good shot in the early 4th round.
Alexandar Georgiyev (G) - The small-ish Russian goalie made the decision to leave the MHL (the Russian junior league) to go play with TPS in Turku, Finland. Why? TPS goaltending coach Urpo Ylonen is a legendary goalie guru. Ylonen retired (but stayed on as an adviser) and one of his disciples took over. Development is the biggest issue in developing a talented goalie into an actual NHLer. Georgiyev could be the sleeper because of the organization he's involved in.
Adam Marsh (LW) - Though his numbers aren't as impressive as some other possible QMJHL sleepers (he scored 24 goals and 44 points in 60 games) there are a few other factors that make Marsh an interesting sleeper pick. Cutting out an ice cold stretch in the middle of the season (only having 10 points in 26 games) Marsh was point per game. You can't ignore such a bad stretch but you can try to explain it. Marsh, an American, wasn't coming from the USHL or even the NAHL but was coming from his local Midget league. Rookies in the NHL often struggle after hot starts; Marsh could be no different. If the light weight six footer puts on the weight and builds on the strong parts of his season people could look back and think how did this guy fall so far.
Andrew Mangiapane (F) - Undrafted in 2014 Mangiapane was on what was called the best line in the CHL this past season with Joseph Blandisi and Kevin Labanc. Possibly just a result of great chemistry and maybe he'll end up just being a great junior player but if the Flyers see something I wouldn't be surprised or all that upset if they grab him in the 4th round.
Caleb Jones (D) - Quite different from his older brother Seth Jones. Smaller with a slightly different developmental path Caleb put up solid if numbers for a defenseman in the USHL. One could argue that if his older brother wasn't Seth Jones he wouldn't have gotten the opportunity he has but a strong performance at the U18 World Championship (tied for the team league for points amongst defensemen) should help to quell that assumption. A strong defensive game to compliment his offensive potential makes him an interesting later round pick. He'll be moving to his brother's old team in the WHL; if he steps it up with more opportunity in a tougher league he could become quite the player.
Christopher Mastomaki (C) - A big hardworking two way center who put up good numbers in the Swedish junior league but couldn't really put up points in the Allsvenskan (Swedish 2nd league). Not the fleetest of foot but his intelligence and work ethic could have him slightly higher than the Flyers draft board than others.
Joseph Masonius (D) - He was the highest scoring defenseman on Team USA at the U17 World Hockey Championship (a team that featured Noah Hanafin and Zach Werenski). He has tons of upside but didn't preform up to expectations this season with the National Development Team or the U18 World Championships when he wasn't in the shadow of either of those two great defensemen. If the Flyers still believe in that high ceiling they could grab him with their cluster of picks in the 90s.
Casey Fitzgerald (D) - He's small but fast with a great sense for the game. His offense is continuing to develop and is heading to Boston College in the fall. He played with the National Development team along with Caleb Jones and Jason Masonius. It's hard to tell who is at the top of the pile and the Flyers probably have one they prefer over the others, but it's no guarantee they take any of them at this point in the draft.
Joseph Cecconi (D) - A smooth skating defenseman who leans more to his own end of the rink. He apparently skates well, has solid size (6'2), and is heading to Michigan in the fall. I don't know if I would draft him but he's ranked higher than most of the people I just listed so it would surprise me if the Flyers took him.
Hayden McCool (F) - I'm going to be honest, I like this player cause his name is McCool. A power forward who had a hunger and a drive for the net. There are better power forward prospects out there, but only one of them is named McCool.
Mathieu Joseph (RW) - Good skill, good shot, and late developer. He had a few stretches where he missed time due to injury. His goal scoring could definitely grab the Flyers attention but I don't think they would take him over Adam Marsh his teammate with Saint John.
Tons of talent and tons of potential. There is a chance that all of these players will be off the board when the Flyers pick at 90; there is a chance that all of these players will still be on the board after the Flyers pick at 99. Everything is up in the air at this point in the draft.
Who I Think They Will Take:
90th Overall: Loik Leveille (D)
98th Overall: Jesper Lindgren (D)
99th Overall: Brad Morrison (C)
The Later Rounds: 128th Overall, 158th Overall, and 188th Overall
We are beyond rankings at this point. Not that players at this part of the draft aren't ranked but the rankings are basically meaningless. Teams like who they like for their own reasons. I'm just going to list off a few guys that I would really like the Flyers to take a look at in this part of the draft.
Maxim Lazarev (W) is a great talent. A bit undersized and the early knock on him is that he is perimeter player more suited for Europe. Went undrafted last year. I'd say high risk, high reward, but at this point of the draft the risk isn't that high. Marcus Vela (C) is a big skilled center from the BCHL who can score dirty goals. Jiri Fronk (W) 21 year old power forward who made the move to USHL as an overager. Long way away but could play in the AHL next year. Yegor Korshkov (W) 6'3 Russian went undrafted last year but had a major year in the MHL finished with a higher PPG than first rounder Guryanov. Tanner Laczynski (C) skilled center who made an easy jump into the USHL this season. Going to Ohio State in 16-17. Samuel Laberge (RW) big hard working winger who could make a big offensive jump next season. Played at Rimouski with Sam Morin. Lucas Michaud (RW) highest scoring underage forward in the USPHL (a lower teir American junior league). Will play in the USHL next season and Maine the year after that. Daniel Muzito Bagenda (W) project as a second rounder last year and eventually went undrafted. A strong season in the Swedish junior league could put him back on the right track and on the Flyers radar. Jake Jaremko (F) Minnesota Mr. Hockey for 14-15. Hard worker with skill. Will play in the USHL next year (actually on the same team as Lucas Michaud and Daniel Vladar) and Minnesota State after that. Vyacheslav Leshchenko (RW) the hard working 20 year old Russian winger had a great World Junior tournament and had a higher PPG average than Vlad Kamenev (2nd rounder last year) in the KHL this season. Filip Pyrochta (D) was one of my favorite sleeper picks from last year who went undrafted. After a rough start transitioning to North America Pyrochta started putting up points to match his smart defensive game. Will go back to play in the Czech Extraliga next year. Karson Kuhlman (F) undersized and overage for this draft he is two way forward who had a decent freshman year at Minnesota-Duluth. Matt Schmalz (F) 6'6 who took a big step after being undrafted last year. Like Kyle Capobianco he played on a terrible Sudbury team so his numbers might don't fully live up to his potential. Michael Zipp (D) another Calgary Hitman. Physical defenseman with a good shot. More of a stay at home guy but he developed better offensively over the season and could go further. Christian Jaros (D) another sleeper I liked from last year. Hard hitting 6'3 defenseman who skates well and from what I've seen untapped offensive potential. Matthew Freytag (F) tough two-way forward who goes to the dirty areas at both ends of the rink.
And those are just some that jumped out to me. The Flyers might not be high on any of these guys but I think they have some potential.

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Men's Olympic Hockey Championship Line: USA +140 ...

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