2004 FALL SEASON PREVIEWS

BLUE JACKETS

The Jackets are the most complete team and look to repeat as Darcel champs.  A feat rarely accomplished.  Led by rookie sensation Ricky Da Ponte and Joe Lucas (replacing Jay D.)  this team can run the floor with the best of them.  With a strong supporting cast of the 4 �Kings� Larry P., Imtiaz D., Joe L. and GM Bob G. the Jackets will have skill, depth, chemistry, versatility and leadership.  Unknown to most (but not GM Bob G) Irfan R. and Bavesh M. can make a difference if they can adjust to this high level hockey.  Also, look for veterans Richard K. (power play specialist) and Rick O. to supply grit and hustle.  Last but not least, goaltender Amelio M. who has come into his own this year in tier 2 is looking to be the next best thing�.as he desperately wants to be known as the top goalie in Darcel!

GREYHOUNDS

GM Tony O. has finally won his battle for a name change (but not to the Silver Bullets).  This team has the 2 biggest trash talkers in Bitta S. and Tony O., but they will need more than that to contend in this talented league.  Look for Marco G. with his endless effort and Manny M. who is playing out for the first time in Darcel (but known to be a good player) to make an impact for the �Dogs�.   As well as UBHL Tier 3 playoff MVP goalie Nayyar R. who has been rock solid in his trimmer form.  However, this team will need BIG seasons from some question marks:  can Jag J. find his form after a long layoff due to injuries?  Can Chris H. use his great offensive skills more effectively?  Can Frank S. and the John�s (Johnny C. and John M.) provide enough grit and production for this team to compete?  If not Tony O. and co. will be golfing early!

MAROONS

Rookie GM Osman B. has assembled a team he is very familiar with, he drafted his youngest brother Tariq B and he has 5 players from his Tier 2 Greenbirds.  Riz K. and Ali W. will be playing their 3^rd season together, this chemistry led to 30 pts. last season, and needs to be even better for the Maroons to win a championship.  Ahmed C. and newcomer to Darcel Larry L. will provide this team with a solid defense.  Add to that, 2004 Tier 2 Top Defenseman award winner in Ijaz C. and you have arguably the best defense in the league (unless the Jackets have something to say about that).  However, look for the Hawk trio to lead this team to success.  With Ralph P. in net coming off an incredible summer which started with a Darcel championship (in his rookie season), Tier 2 playoff championship, Tier 2 Provincial Championship and a B National Championship�. can this continue?  Also Gary J. who has added a tier 2 Provincial all-star selection to his already impressive resume will head up the offense but will need lots of help.  Last but not least of the Hawks is impressive rookie Sami J who will open many eyes with his speed, skill and great attitude.  

ORANGEMEN

Watch out!  Balraj is back as GM and player.  His 1^st order of business to attain superstar Gurw. S. who will have to score, play D and lead this team to success.  Then came Polar Hawk Gordie S. who is excited and motivated to be a part of Darcel�.could be a dangerous mix for opponents.  What do 2 very offensive players need to succeed on Baraj�s team?  More offense, bring in record holder Dhar S. (most points in a season with 61), George K. (top 10 in career Darcel scoring) and Sean V (71 pts. in his 2 seasons at Darcel).  Known for his all offense approach, Balraj�s team could lite it up.  However, lack of speed will hurt this team, only Gordie S., Sean V and Herm S. (who is a great 2 way hustler) can be considered exceptions to the rule.  Newcomer Jeff O. will add stability and smarts to this team, but it�s too early to rate him as an impact Darcel player.  Also, Parm D. will add size and good luck to this team as he is the ONLY player to win 2 Darcel Championships last year.  The only goaltending duo in the league has veteran Mike T. will be paired with newcomer Davey M.  whose experience in tier 1 should serve him well in this highly offensive environment.

SHARKS

The Sharks were already a strong team before the draft with Tier 2 Provincial MVP Steve C. at the Helm.  When you add the best D man in the league in Mike M. (sorry Ricky) you have the most powerful 1-2 combo in Darcel.  This team is an assembly of runners (some might say like chickens with their heads cut off).    However, there is lots of talent here.  Mike W. (known best for double hat tricks in 3 consecutive games last year), although he could not handle the heckling last season (Tomas where are you!) hence the decline in production last season.  Keith S. will also provide grit and scoring but he must stay out of the box.  Alex F and Conrad C. are the glue that will help bring this squad together.  Helder and Pardip will provide dedication, consistency and hustle which is essential for any good team.  The unknown�how will Andrew S. do in his rookie Darcel season?  Last but not least, seasoned veteran Yasar R. in net, who should only get better with an entire summer season under his belt including winning top goalie honours in the Masters Division.

SUN DEVILS

This team is built like the mid-80�s Oilers�.offence, offence and more offence.  GM Raidel has assembled a team with probably 4 of the league�s top 10 forwards.  Newcomers Mass P. and Danny F. have great chemistry and combined for 42 points in Tier 2 this summer.  They are backed up by Craig L. and Raidel C. who had 82 points combined in Darcel last season.  Leadership will not be a problem for this team either as Vinder S., Ranbir S. and Al R. are all GM�s and Captain�s of their respective summer teams.  However, they will need to supply strong D to go with that guidance otherwise a quick playoff exit could be in the works.  Also, Nadim J. adds size, versatility and enthusiasm to this squad.  If newcomer Jeremy M. can chip while adjusting to Darcel (and stay out of the box) this team has the potential to set records for scoring.  Last but not least, netminder Mark R. who is coming off an excellent season where he won Top Goalie and Most Game Stars will have to adjust to the higher competition and tempo.