THE ULTIMATE HOCKEY LEAGUE
NEWS
VOLUME
1 ISSUE 1
WELCOME TO THE INAUGURAL
ISSUE OF THE ULTIMATE HOCKEY LEAGUE NEWS. A BI-WEEKLY LOOK AT THE GOINGS ON IN
THE UHL
2002 2nd ANNUAL DRAFT
ISSUE - HEADLINES
Gaborik
GOES #1 - Top
10 Picks reviewed
REVIEW
OF LAST YEARS TOP 10 AND SLEEPERS
New
Blood
TEAM BY
TEAM DRAFT ANALYSIS
AND OVERVIEW
Wade
Gets Hitched?? Poor Stark now drinking alone?
PrideGM
rumoured stoned on remote island?
Brawlers go straight?
2001 Draft Overview
The Shogun made a bit of a
surprise move in the draft selecting Gaborik first overall when many thought
Yashin was the sure fire pick. It appears that
Yashin’s character or lack thereof may have been the final deciding factors.
The pick caused chins to drop at the Moose table, rumour has it Moose were
counting heavily on taking Gaborik second.
The shogun did not stop there
adding a quality leader wt #6 with Hartnell and what some may consider a
surprise with Bell at #12 all in all the Shogun seem to be patiently building
around youth and have a good foundation to work from.
The Moose took Richards second who some had rated higher
than Gaborik and ended up quite pleased with that pick giving them someone to
feed Thornton, Elias, Sundin and Murray over the next few years. Comrie went
third to Manitoba giving then them a much needed Centre, but why not
Yashin? Yashin slipped to #4 going to
the Dogs who have been trying to move him ever since. No respect eh Alexi?
Surprises of the Draft: Czechmanek, Klesla and Vanaanen
slip from first round . Yashin goes #4.
This Years Top 10
1.
Gaborik (Shogun) – Special
player, great pick with a superstar potential
2. Richards – (Moose) – Future star, versatile and smart.
Will be a great compliment to Moose snipers.
3.
Comrie –
(Mauraders) – Reminds many of Doug
Weight, still a bit of a surprise at #3
4.
Yashin- (Bulldogs) – thought
to go #1, awesome offensive talent, durable, no character or defence.
5. Havlat -
(Jacks) - Could turn
out to be the best of them all.
6. Hartnell- (Shogun) – Heart and soul leader with power
forward potential, not unlike Gary Roberts.
7.
Lemeiux (Fog) - Just what the fog needed one of
the all time greats just wait for
the playoffs.
8.
Khavanov ( Dragons) Team
needed d – they got he only 4/4 available. Still a surprise pick
9.
D. Sedin (Icehawks) – Had a
tough year in Vancouver but the potential is definitely there.
10. J. WIllimas (Flyers) - Good
offensive prospect on a good team. Safe pick.
Last Years Top 10 – Where are they now?
1.
Luongo (Seattle) franchise
goalie getting better
2. Gagne –(Charlestown) Flyers will be his team in three years. Elite
player
3. Tanguay
–(Biloxi) Flying
Frenchman had a down year without
Forsberg;
Great Talent
4. McLaren – (Reno) Defensive stud is hurt too much.
5. Vishnevsky
(Surrey) Soon to be the most hated
man in hockey
6. Gomez
(Manitoba) Down year without
Mogilny
7 Regehr
– (Tri-City) Slow developing, still a good one
8. Stuart (Fog) becoming the player many predicted
Another Rob Blake
9. Halpern
–(Biloxi) took a step back
10. Nabokov - (Reno) Becoming
one of the better Goalies in the league
Top
5 Sleeper Picks -
1.
Klesla – Chiefs –
18th – I had him ranked at
#7. Chiefs will smile for years over this one
2. Dipietro – Moose –27th – Should be a
franchise goalie with time.
3. Czechmanek – Jacks – 23rd – A bigger version of Hasek.
and just as flakey
4. Van Ryn – Blast – 32nd – A future pp quaterback will
be tutored by McInnis.
5.
Vanaanen –
(Mamoths) – 22nd – The kind of D- man every team needs . Kevin Lowe
clone.
I told you so --- Na na na !! – Sleepers no more
1.
Giguere – (3rd
Rounder Falcons ( ahem I made that pick))
now a star in the making
2.
Kaberle -
(Icehawks 2nd Round) -
putting it all together
3.
Fischer - (Moose
3rd Round) – Body by Fischer – Total Defensive package.
Top Prospects for Next Years Draft - Advance scouting for next draft. Here are some guys to keep an eye on.
I.
Kovalchuk – Atlanta The best offensive prospect in a
decade
D.
Heatley- Atlanta Superstar
all around player
E. Cole
– Carolina Impossible
to knock off his feet and fast
K.
Kolanos – Phoenix Watch for concussions
D.
Blackburn – NYR Franchise
goalie
R.
Vrbata - Colorado Another excellent Colorado Prospect
P.
Datsyuk – Detriot Watch
his stats with Yzerman hurt.
K.
Huselius – Florida World
class puckhandler.
P. Brendl–
Philly sniper
J.
Jillison – San Jose loads
of potential
New Blood
Once again there has been a shuffle, The Jacks have
folded spreading wings and becoming the gulls. With the Horne family taking
over the reigns. Best of Luck to the outgoing Jacks GM Stan Karras.
The Maniacs have been contracted and spread about the
league.
The Dragons are day to day operations have been taken
over by Darryl Bellows. Look like Grant needs some time away, enjoy buddy I am
sure Tony will keep you updated on the league while you are on sabbatical.
The Bulldogs have moved to Michigan.
Team by Team analysis
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Biloxi Blast 1999-2000
44-24-14 102 points 2000-2001
21-49-10 52 points 2001-2002
63-14-3 119 points |
All the accolades and awards in
the world didn’t give the Blast what they wanted last year, a cup. A four game
sweep by the Pride in the semi’s after destroying the Moose proved to be a
bitter pill. Rumour has it Owner Wade Traversey was so distraught about his
teams playoff failure he went out and got married?
This team is always well run
and remains strong however, they are not as strong as last year and a division
title is no lock with Reno looking powerful.
Team Strengths: A very well balanced group
who can do it all and compete with any team.
Team Weaknesses: Looking for another dman,
need a pp quaterback.
2002 Draft Analysis
All in all decent value for a
limited number of picks.
M.Turco – (1st) –
Could be a very good Dallas new #1 will be scary in the playoffs with a 61%
IRSP
Van Ryn – (2nd) – great value
for a late second pick
Walz(3rd) –
Excellent value for a third rounder
Daigle – (4th) –
WTF?
M. Garon – (5th)
– Could be another great sleeper pick
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Calgary Fog 1999-2000
37-37-6 80 points 2000-2001
42-28-10 94 points 2001-2001
41-31-9 90 points |
What a difference a year makes.
The Fog marched all the way to game seven of the finals last year beating the
Brawlers and mammoths along the way.
This team relies on its offence to carry the day. Adding Lemiuex makes then that much more
scary. Theodore is rounding into form and should have a decent season.
Team Strengths: Forwards and scoring. Goalie
of the future
Team Weaknesses: Defence needs upgrading, can
be pushed around.
2002 Draft Analysis
Nothing like adding fuel to the
fire by picking Lemieux. Vasicek will round into a good two way player the rest
were just fillers. Blake will prove handy is injuries pop up. Didn’t really
address their defence.
Lemieux (1st) - nothing need to be said here
Vasicek (2d) - Holik in the making
Bradley (4th) –
Checker
Murray (5th) -depth
player
Blake (5th) – could
prove very useful
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Charlestown Chiefs 1999-2000
55-17-8 118 points 2000-2001
46-20 16 106 points 2001-2002
44-29-7 96points |
Maybe not a hundred points or a
division title but a solid season that was ruined by a first round upset by the
Maniacs. Looking for that division banner this year and a better showing in the
playoffs with a healthier team. The addition of Oates gives then the playmaking
Centre they have been seeking for a few years. Definitely a pre-season favourite.
Rumour has it that pressure is
on Chiefs management to deliver a cup this year after having some serious
playoff flops the last couple of seasons. The collars are getting tight in
Charlestown.
2002 Draft Analysis
They didn’t have a first
rounder but they go one in the second by stealing Klesla, one pick before the
Moose, leaving the Moose crying in their scotch. This has to be considered a
successful draft just on that basis.
Klesla(2nd) –
Frabchise d- man down the road – Lidstrom’s successor in Charlestown
Johnston (3rd) –
Good depth for the chiefs here.
Wallin(5th) – Flyer
on a likely minor leaguer
Valk (5th)- Checking
depth
Team Stregths: Balance and depth once again
are the call signs
Team Weakness: None really. At least that I can see.
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Hampton
Moose 1999-2000 15-59- 6
36 points 2000-2001 25-43-12
62 points 2001-2002 29-41-10
68 points |
Once again Moose made the playoffs on the last week of
the season after improving slightly on the season before. They can longer rest
on their laurels. They now have the horses in place to be a serious threat for
the division crown. They have a solid core and balance. Surprised many with
their playoff upset over the Renegades. Last years Giant Killers are looking to
become Giants.
2002 Draft Analysis
The moose were initially pissed
( 15 seconds worth) at missing out on Gaborik but in hindsight Richards may be
a better fit for their team with his passing ability and flexibility with the
new injury rules. Grabbing Dipietro in the second and Noronen in the third
round stabilized their goaltending for years to come.
Richards – (1st)
should rack up the assists and be a future #2 centre.
Pyatt – (2nd) – Big,
fast and Rugged. Could have big upside.
Dipietro – (2nd) –
Future franchise goalie if all goes well.
Mezei – (3rd) –Big
Rugged Mobile defender just like GM likes em.
Noronen – (3rd) – Insurance
in case Dipietro flops.
Markov –(4th) –
Could be a future pp qb if his d improves
Jokinen-(4th) –
Depth player who is flexible.
Antropov – (4th) on
a hunch
Ylonen (5th) Depth
and PK skills
Team Strengths: Centers and overall team
balance
Team Weaknesses: Goalie could have a higher
IRSP. Could use another offensive D-Man.
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Las Vegas Dragons 1999-2000
47-27-6 100 points 2000-2001
49-22-9 107 points 2001-2002
37-38-5 79 points |
Who said goaltending doesn’t count? The dragons got too
little too late from Turek causing their drastic fall in the standings. Things
don’t look a whole lot brighter for Rookie Coach Bellows as he will be without
Lindros for the whole season. The goaltending will be improved but eh dragons
will be a little starved for offence and the pressure will be on Naslund. Could
be a retooling year.
2002 Draft Analysis
The dragons picked Khavanov
with their first looking to shore up their d, another sore spot. He will help
but they have too many holes to fill this season without lindros.
Khavanov – (1st) –
Solid steady and reliable, safe pick
Sekeres - (3rd) – Looking for more help
on the d –side with a little offence
McDonald – (3rd) – Surprise
third rounder
Pahlsson – (3rd) –
Once highly touted could still pan out
Kultanen (3rd) –
Role player
Petrovicky – (4th) –
Shit disturber
Blouin – (4th) –
Versatile musclehead
Team Strengths: decent forwards
and defence
Team Weaknesses: lack of depth,
no lindros
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Manitoba Mauraders 1999-2000
24-48-8 56 points 2000-2001
31-42-7 69 points 2001-2001
29-45-6 64 points |
After taking a step back and missing the playoffs late in
the season the maraders retooled a bit over the summer adding some offence to
the defence with Tanabe and a future first line centre in Comrie. Burke should
help the goaltending situation greatly this year as the Mauraders will be their
gritty selves once again. Having Alfredsson for 68 games will help as well.
2002 Draft Analysis
The drafting of Comrie was a good sign for the offence
and the future but he will need timeto develop. Ference has potential if he can
stay healthy.
Comrie(1st) – Future #1 Centre
Ference (3rd) – Rugged rearguard.
Team Strengths: Gritty forwards very good in own zone
Team Weaknesses: lack of offence.
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Montreal Brawlers 1999-2000
36-37-7 79 points 2000-2001
44-32-4 92 points 2001-2002
46-28-6 98 points |
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The defending division champs field a tough team and this
year a little less of a gay team with Oates being shipped off to division Rival
Chiefs. Gm Tony Stark known as “Stark Raving Mad” by his collegues, insists
that the Brawlers have as a whole rejected that alternative lifestyle and are
ready to get down to business. Will be
in tough to repeat as division champs, Chiefs are better and Moose have
improved. Storm are no push over as well, at least not in the regular season.
Never shy about pulling the trigger, ( on trades I means) look for many moves
before the year is out. Has already made a deal angling towards a high pick
next year. Don’t forget he has hasek as well. Taken out by the Fog in the
semi’s in their attempt to repeat.
Here's a quote from the Brawlers GM.
" We have decided to drop the alternative lifestyle habits of our team of the last couple years and focus on what we do best. We smack people around and win hockey games."
2002 Draft Analysis
Knutsen will be a more than adequate replacement for
Oates and fromwhT I gear he’s straight as well.
Knutsen (1st) – Best passer in draft.
Poulin (5th) – Good support player
Berry (5th) – Mean ass d-man
Wallin(5th) – Likely farm material
Team Strengths: Balance from top to bottom , Tough intimidating
Team Weaknesses: too many bad penalties, little youth aging team.
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Moose Jaw Mammoths 1999-2000
33-38-9 75 points 2000-2001
37-33-10 84 points 2001-2002
39-31-10 88 points |
The Mammoths once again improved with 88 points but got
handed their lunch in the playoffs by the Champion Pride 4 games to 1. This
team is slowly maturing offensively led by Iginla and the ageless wonder Ronnie
Francis. Their defense is a hard to penetrate as a chastitiy belt and just as
ugly. They clutch they grab and they win.
2002 Draft Analysis
The Mammoths surprised some by picking Arkipov at #11 but
he looks ot be a good prospect. Vanaanen was a steal in the second.
Arkipov (1st) – Solid offensive centre getting
better
Vanaanen(2nd) – will fit in well on Mammoth
blueline
Poapst (3rd) – Role player
Campbell (4th) hoping to inject some O into
the D
Mayers (5th) – Pain in the ass checker
Allison (5th) – A project
Team Strengths: Defence and Roy
Team Weaknesses: Front line
centers still on their last legs
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Maillairdville Nordiques 1999-2000
32-38-10 74 points 2000-2001
28-42-10 66 points 2001-2002
26-49-5 57 points |
The Nords were reeling so bad they got chased out of town
and moved to new digs. They even Stole Dale Hunter off of the Moose coaching
staff. They should be much improved this year with Guerin leading the way on
offence and solid goaltending from Lalime.
2002 Draft Analysis
After having a good draft last year they traded all their
picks away this year.
Team Strengths: Solid set of forwards
Team Weaknesses: average defence at best.
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Reno Renegades 1999-2000
42-30-8 92 points 2000-2001
40-34-6 86 points 2001-2002
46-29-5 97 points |
The team no one wanted to face in the first round got sent home early by the Moose. Still this is one of the teams to beat this year. They and the Blast should have a dogfight for the division crown. This is another Gm who is not afraid to make moves and lots of them. He has positioned his team for a serious run at the cup this year.
2002 Draft Analysis
Reno was dying to move up on draft day but settled fro
Williams at #10 and Beech at #14. Both are keepers but management will have to
be patient. They made some great picks in the second round and filled out their
draft with depth players.
Williams (1st) – Good offensive potential
Beech(1st) – Potential front line playmaker
H. Sedin (2nd)- Very Good value with this
pick. Two way centre with soft hands
Lydman (2nd) – Another good 2nd
round pick, 2-way d-man
Vyborney (3rd) – A bit of a project
Williams (4th) – Not related to the above.
Team Strengths: truly balanced
scoring on all lines, if you shut one down
the other two kill you. Very good goaltending
Team Weaknesses: Could use another hard rock d-man to clear the creasse
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Gibsons Gulls 1999-2000
36-42-2 74 points 2000-2001
28-48-4 60 points 2001-2002
30-44-6 66 points |
The Gulls, formerly the Jacks, boast some good offence but the d is still their Achilles Heel, Cechmanek will help for sure but they still need some work. New management has already recognized this and is trying to shore up this weak spot. Mike Horne Could be in for a rough season but Kovalchuk could be his consolation prize come next years draft.
2002 Draft Analysis
The Gulls made a statment by keeping their pick and Drafting well. Havlat can be star, Cechmanek is a proven quantity so the base has been started for a good team. Patience is the operative word here.
Havlat (1st) – Star potential has all the tools
Cechmanek (2nd) Awesome value for a second rounder
Boucher (3rd) – Needs time
Ozolinsh(4th) – Great move for a fourth rounder
Hendrickson(5th)- Character addition good checker
Team Strengths: a decent forward set with Kariya and Selanne
Team Weakness: Defence is below average
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Seattle IceHawks 1999-2000
36-38-6 78 points 2000-2001
44-27-9 97 points 2001-2002
38-34-8 84 points |
This team appeared to be in a retooling phase last year and dropped a bitint he standings. They did advance to the second round but eere iced by old rivals the Fog in seven games. They were looking to move up in the draft but could not pull it off. They will rely heavily on aging warhorse Gilmour to get the puck to their multitude of snipers.
2002 Draft Analysis
Low key again in the draft the netted a potential star in Sedin and followed that up by taking the underachieving Kraft in the hope they get a top flight centre someday.
Sedin (1st) Should be a safe bet if he stays healthy
Kraft (2nd) All kinds of talent needs to use it.
Team Strengths: Great set of offensive wingers and d-men, future star goalie
Team Weakness: Need a centre so bad they can taste it.
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Surry Shogun 1999-2000 not in
existence 2000-2001
25-44-11 61 points 2001-2002
17-56-7 41 points |
Sometimes you have to take a step backward to go forward. That’s what the Shogun did last year relying more upon youth and building for the future. By the way that future looks pretty bright in case you haven’t been paying attention. Playoffs, well maybe not but not far away either. Bindra and Forsberg bring instant respect. Gaborik will look good flanking Forsberg for years to come.
2002 Draft Analysis
The Shogun drafted first and well taking Gaborik,
Hartnell and Bell in the first round. All
of these guys will play valuable roles in the teams growth.
Gaborik(1st) – Maybe best player in draft
Hartnell(1st) – Future captain
Bell (1st) – Solid future with grit.
Fedotenko (2nd) – Could be a sleeper in Tbay
Peterson –(4th) – Minor league star
Cairns (4th) – Mean tough SOB
Depuis (5th)- Good depth
Team Strengths: youth
Team Weaknesses: defence weakened by trades.
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Toronto Storm 1999-2000
41-28-11 93 points 2000-2001
50-18-12 112 points 2001-2001
38-34-8 84 points |
The storm dropped a little last year in the regular season but are still led by some veteran stars. However they cannot seem to get past the first round of the playoffs. Last year led to some retooling with a little more emphasis on offence that should pay some dividends this year, Mogilny most notably. They are in a tough spot with every team in their division as good as or better than they were last year. It will be interesting to see if their if there style of play changes.
2002 Draft Analysis
The Storm traded all their picks with the exception of
picking up Irbe and Moss in the 5th
round to provide an band aid to their goaltending situation.
Team Strengths: reliable veteran star firepower
Team Weaknesses: Defence could use some help.
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Michigan Bulldogs 1999-2000 Not in
existence 2000-2001
22-51-7 51 points 2001-2002
28-43-9 57 points |
The bulldogs did a solid job of improving on their first season but just missed the show after a strong start. This team plays a tight defensive game but the offence is improving with a full year from Allison and the addition of Sykora, not to mention Yashin in the middle. Things appear to be on the upswing of this well run team.
2002 Draft Analysis
The Dogs couldn’t pass up on Yashin with the #4 pick and Salvador is
reliable if if not spectacular.
Yashin (1st) – One of the top offensive centers in the game
Salvador (2nd) – steady d man.
Mitchell (3rd) – former 1st rounder , a project
Chubarov(5th) – Depth player who may have a future
Team Strengths: defence and centres
Team Weaknesses: still could use a little morefirepower, Kolzig will have a tougher year.
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Vancouver East-Side Pride 1999-2000
33-37-10 76 points 2000-2001
21-48-11 53 points 2001-2002
39-35-6 84points |
Well well guess who is king of the hill now? The pride rode the playoff scoring heroics of Jagr, Amonte and Koivu and the Stellar netminding of Cujo to the cup. Whats does this year hold for the fuzzy kitties. The big three will be back as part of an excellent forward unit and Cujo will perform but can the d hold the line? Well according to Team GM Mike “Bud” Lawrence
2002 Draft Analysis
Draft Shmaft…. Pride Gm spent draft day lounging on some beach… sipping brews among other things….. hmmm .. maybe he is a genious?
Team Strengths: veteran team scoring with great goaltending
Team Weaknesses: d is not that great.