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2005 SPRING SEASON PREVIEWS A new year brings a new Darcel season.
Before this year�s previews are discussed, it should be noted
that last season�s predictions were almost dead on.
Here are your friendly reviews: GREYHOUNDS
The Greyhounds have dramatically improved, Provincial MVP and Darcel leading scorer Steve C. defected from the Shark squad to take over the Hound Dogs. Rumour has it the arrival of Helder M. at the GM table forced Stevie out. However, Steve will not have the D-fence he had last season but who needs it with this loaded offence. Adding to the offensive assault is Raidel C. and Craig L. who combined for 61 points last season, which was BELOW their normal standards. Keith D. will add grit and scoring, while �slapshot� Dave always plays his best on Steve�s team. Captain Curtis H. will add a little of everything: scoring, defense, leadership and toughness (but can he stay out of the box�this is not a goon leagueJ). The biggest asset this team has (next to scoring) is the speed added by the likes of Alex F., Riz K. and rookie Chris P. who have speed to burn. The Dog�s will definitely be the fastest team this season. Last but not least, goaltender Amelio M., who is looking for back-to-back Darcel Championships (sorry Amelio 2 games as a fill in doesn�t count as a championship). Amelio had the best numbers last season, but can he do it with an offensive juggernaut? This team is explosive, with speed to burn.
Add 3 sure picks to finish the top 10 in scoring and you have an
instant contender. This team
is a lock to make it to the Finals...OVERALL RANKING #1 MAROONS
Another rookie GM at the helm. This time Gordie S. has taken over for the Maroons franchise which has not made the playoffs in 2 consecutive seasons�.could it be a curse? This team has loads of top end talent to score, including rookie Mike T. who posses the most lethal shot at Darcel (although a case could be made for the other Mike), the always energetic Marco (where�s Tony) G., the versatile Jude (I am injured again) A., However will chemistry be a problem with this group of dynamic (nice way of saying interesting) personalities�..enter the dressing room peace keepers Vinder S., Frank S. and Bob G. who will also add leadership, strong D and a veteran presence. Last but not least the unknown Bhav M. and Johnny C. will provide grit, depth and some timely scoring. The Maroons will need to be better than last season to win a championship. Maroons returnee Ralph P. knows about that. After an incredible summer, which started with a Darcel championship (in his rookie season), Tier 2: Playoffs, Provincials and National Championships�.Ralphie could not guide his team into the Darcel playoffs�but this is a new year. Chemistry, commitment and teamwork will be the deciding factors for this squad. However, the Maroons are too loaded to have even those factors keep them from some success�..Will probably battle in the 2 vs. 3 Semi Final�.Overall Ranking #2 ORANGEMEN
Gurw. S. is back as GM. Can he follow up his great summer and Darcel season with some front office success? His 1st order of business was to attain budding superstar Matt T. with the 1st overall pick in this season�s draft. Gurw. And Matt who will both score, play D and lead this team to success will also have help from some buddies. Dhar S. (still the record holder for most points in a season with 61) and Mike (Chara) S. will provide a strong presence around the net, both have good hands and cannot be stopped down low. Add the speed and skill of newcomer Craig M. and Rengi M.�.this could be a dangerous mix for opponents. The balance does not end there�.Andrew S. (3rd in league goals last season) will provide offence, Ranbir S. on D will add some leadership and Ali (Team England?) W. can help on offence and defense. The only thing keeping this team from a higher rating is the question mark in net�Rookie Dilshad A. will be tested in this league which is very difficult for goalies where a strong resolve is essential otherwise a goalie can break (where is Arman?). Overall this team boasts arguably 2 of the top 4 players in the league�.which can be devastating to opponents. Lots of balance, good
team chemistry will serve this team well.
But how will the goaltending hold up?
Some questions surrounding this team, but the O-Men should still
make it to the Semi�s....Overall ranking 3rd. BLUE JACKETS
The Jackets are a very balanced team and look to three repeat as Darcel champs. A feat NEVER accomplished. Led by Playoff MVP and GM Imtiaz D. and champion teammates from last season Bitta S., Ifran R. and Rick O. this team already has half the nuclease of last season�s championship team. Mix in strong defense provided by Peter �shot blocker� M., Larry L. and Suleman �Solo� C. with the offensive punch of rookie Neemez K. and Nick A. and you have a recipe for success. Last but not least, goaltender Yasar R. who posted great stats this past season with the most wins and 2nd best GAA. Look for this team to be very competitive and balanced. The question for the Jackets is�can the pieces coming in replace the pieces going out (which won a championship)? The Jackets have solid D,
atleast 3 top notch scorers and balance�they will probably play in the 4
vs. 5 Elimination playoff game, but when will the Cinderella clock strike
midnight for The Blue Jacket Franchise? SHARKS
Rookie GM Helder M. decided to draft familiarity when
put in an unfamiliar position. His
first 2 picks were superstar D-Man Mike M. and his buddy Mike W.
The Mike�s will both help on offence and defense.
Helder also added the perennial games played and career points
leader in Tony O. (who stepped down as GM after some sub par seasons).
The return of steady Sheldon M. and versatile Richard K. were added
to solidify this defense. While
Sean V., Sameer J. and Chris H. were added to provide balanced offence
(they combined for 55 points last season), and all are capable of
bettering those numbers. Nayyar
R. will return as Shark bait in net and looks to make a statement to Team
India Scouts watching his performances.
This team has balanced scoring, solid defense and should be the
least penalized team. SUN DEVILS
Balraj has traded in his pumpkin for a banana, as he is now
the GM of the Sun Devils. This
team is built in group�s�.Gary J. and Osman B. tore it up last season
with a combined 68 points (2nd highest for any line) like. They will have to do more of the same if the Devils are to
make the playoffs. The D
however, is strong and will provide leadership, scoring from the back end
and veteran savvy. This group
consists of: Mike E., Raja S., Gurp D. and George K�Conrad C. can play
defence or offense (23 points last season) and Parm D. will provide size
and presence around the opposition goal.
Manny M. is back between the pipes after a season of playing out
(he swore if Helder outscored him he would go back in net�.sorry Manny
7-5 for Helder). Manny will
be the backbone for this team�the question is will the rest of the team
rise to the challenge? This
team is not as deep as some of the others (see Hounds), but will need to
gel, work together and rise to the challenge otherwise golf will star
early.
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