2004 SPRING SEASON PREVIEWS

BLUE JACKETS

The Jackets look to be the team to beat on paper.  However, the game is not won on paper.  Led by superstar captain Gura S. the defence which includes GM Sheldon M., Imtiaz D. and Al M. will be solid.  Up front the dynamic duo of Craig L. and Greg B. who won a Darcel championship the last time they played together will be a formidable foe.  Also, on forward are the �killer B�s� Osman B. and Tomas B. and the size of Parm D.  In net, another stud of a goalie will take over for Sandro L. who has a season ending injury (we wish him well).  This star is Ralph P. who most recently will be remembered for leading the United Hawks to Bronze at the 2003 Tier 2 National Championships.  Look for Ralph to make his debut in week 3.

Overall ranking: #1

MAROONS

GM and superstar Riadel C. has assembled a group of forwards he is familiar with, namely his brother Roger C. and Keith S. who played for him last season and on defence his buddy Carlos and John M. who also played for Riadel last season.  Speaking of defence, the Maroons boast possibly the best 1-2 punch in the league with Harry S. and Peter M. who will block every shot in sight and what he doesn�t block look for another newcomer in net to shut the door.  This goalie would be John D. who plays for the United Hawks & Oilers in Tier 1 and was awarded the Top goalie in tier 1 in 2003.  However, how will JD adjust to gym hockey?  Can he handle the heat? 

Look for this team to be stingy on defence and win with timely scoring.

ORANGEMEN

Gm Mike E. is �just trying to make the playoffs�.  After 2 unsuccessful seasons as GM, Mike E. looks poised to at least make the post season.  Led by #1 Overall pick Mike M. and Mike E. this team boasts 2 of the top 3 highest scoring �D� men from last season.  Upfront Larry P. and Sean V. have the potential for 80 points between them.  This teams fate will probably be decided how the supporting cast does.  Can Ali and Riz work some of their chemistry  into goals?  Will �Slapshot Dave� have enough juice left in his shot make a difference?  Will Raji S. step it up to help out his GM buddy?  How about the newcomer Steve R., he will have to produce a solid rookie season to help this franchise get the gold.  In net, the goaltending tandem of Dan B. and Mike T. will have to produce better numbers than last season.  Especially Mike T. who had a league worst 14.50 GAA. 

Look for the Orangemen to battle for a playoff spot.

SHARKS

GM Steve �scoring champ� C. is going for another scoring title AND championship.  This team has tons of offence with Steve, Bitta S. and Omar S.  No other team can boast such a terrifying threesome upfront.  Add the size of Mike S. and hustle of Pardip B. and this forward contingent is as good as any and then some.  The defence lacks a bonafide number 1 QB.  However, defence by committee will be the ingredient for success.  Ranbir S. (first time ever not a GM) should provide leadership; underrated Richard K. is always steady; Al R. provides some grit while the half season duo of Bilal B and Turab B. will be solid regardless of who is there.  In the pipes look for Yasar R. to have an even better second season now that he is more comfortable and the fact that is no fasting month this season.

Look for the Sharks high octane offence to lead them to the playoffs with some high scoring games. 

SILVER SEVEN

GM Tony O. is looking for back to back championships.  It has only ever been done by 1 person.  Tony will have long time linemate Mike B. back in the fold.  Can Mike stay out of the box long enough to produce offensively?  Will he be able to adjust to the gym game?  If not, this could be a long season for the Silver Seven.  Rounding out the forwards will be Raj B. who is a solid F/D, Chris H 17 pts. In 7 games in his rookie Darcel season and Tom D. a newcomer who his friend and GM has high hopes for.  The defence will be solid with George K., Bob G., Helder M. and Curtis H. who must master the art of playing �D� while staying out of the box (since he is on probation).  Manny M. will mind the net with his acrobatic and entertaining style of ball stopping.  Look for Manny to contend for the top GAA with a better defence than he had last season.

Look for the Silver Seven to hang around .500 all season but make some noise when they make the playoffs.

SUN DEVILS 

First time GM Mike W. assembled a veteran dynamo to balance his inexperience as GM.  Look for leadership from captain Vinder S. aka �banana leader� and superstar Ian W. who finished 3^rd in scoring last season while playing �D�.  Also on defence will be highly anticipated newcomer Brian C. whose shot is rumoured to be jaw dropping.  The Devils probably have the best defence core in the league with Alex F. adding to the mix.  Upfront this team looks solid with Mike W. and Dhar S. who holds the record for most points in a season at 61.  However, Dhar needs to bounce back from a sub par season.  Frank S., Keith D. and Johnny C. will provide some points and grit upfront.  In goal, Nayyar R. will look to continue his great comeback year with another solid season.  Nayyar�s stats should be among the best behind this defence.