SPRING 2006 PREVIEWS
This season will bring some changes. For the first time ever Darcel will consist of a 12 game regular season. However, the playoffs will be reduced to 2 weeks. The Elimination game and the Semi Finals are one-game playoffs. The finals will also be one game, but it will consist of 3 periods each 30 minutes long with a 5-minute intermission between periods.
The New NHL is followed by the new Darcel.
Even though we have the cleanest league that is not good enough. There have been changes to reduce the number
of teams and players and eliminate some of the people who don’t want to play
the game as it is intended…. competitive fun!
The players will be expected to have regular attendance, control their
sticks and keep their yaps shut! The
referees have been instructed to enforce a zero tolerance policy. If you cannot live under these conditions do
not play.
Now to the previews:
GM: Steve C.
Scouting Report: one man wrecking crew. The leading scorer of the league since his arrival.
Team: This team is unanimously considered the team to beat. With Superstars Bitta S and Osman B adding to the offense, they will score like to mid 80’s Oilers. The Defense will be solid with Mike E and Peter M who will shut down the opponent’s top snipers. It does not get easier from here as Ali W, Riz K and Pardip B will provide endless hustle and Mike S will be the Big man down low to create to openings for the speedsters. When all else fails this team has Amelio M in net to shut the door.
Weakness:
Chemistry- the Mallozzi brothers hate each other and are constantly arguing. Similarly Bitta S will rip into Amelio if he gives up a weak goal. As long as Amelio plays well things will be fine….watch out for the fireworks if he doesn’t.
Passing- Who will feed Osman and Steve the ball, as both players are known to be top scorers in the league, but neither is recognized as a top flight passer. Bitta S and Mike E are the best passers on this team and both will be playing D.
Overall: This is their Championship to lose…. Ranked #1 (by far!)
GM: Ian W.
Scouting Report: Always one of the top 2 D men in the league. The most recognized GM for fair play and shared playing time for his players.
Team: This team is all about chemistry….Gary J steps in as the number #1 overall pick. He will have long time teammate Tony O at his side to feed him the ball. The second line will consist of the hustle of Adam and Rick O and “slap shot” Dave K. The defense will be tough to beat… Alongside Ian, will be underrated Richard K, Frank S and Vinder S who combine offense, defense and chemistry to complement their top line. This team’s chemistry will make for an enjoyable season, as well half of this squad played together last season…including netminder Ralph P who is trying to make the playoffs for the 1ST time since winning the championship in his rookie season.
Weakness: Outside of their top 4 (Tony, Gary, Richard and Ian) this team has no big threats to score. If someone can contain the number 1 line, this is a very beatable team. This squad also has a couple of players who are opposite of the leagues and GM’s philosophy of sharing playing time…how will that affect them?
Overall: Will challenge for top spot but number #2 is all they will achieve.
GM: Shane M
Scouting Report: Worked his way back from major knee surgery. He has the tools to be a big time D man, but must understand and adjust his mentality to the new game. Best motivational and organized GM by far.
Team: This team features last season’s scoring champ Craig L, with his line mate from last season Sean V…they combined for 71 pts last season. The speed of Craig B and hustle of Jamie P formed a solid second line for the Grey Hounds last season…can they bring more of the same. Add the skills of Chris H and shot of Harpreet S this team has some balanced scoring. The D will be anchored by Shane, Raja S and Ranbir S who all bring experience, knowledge and leadership to the table. They will also chip in offensively when needed. Look for the dynamic duo of Turab and Yasar to backstop this team with many great saves, as both goalies are top-flight net minders.
Weakness: This team has 6 forwards and 3 D…who will be the 4th D man? Will Shane be able to trade for a D man or convert a forward to D? If anyone can do it…Shane will. Also, will a goaltending duo be a distraction? The Maroons are the only team with 2 goalies.
Overall: This team might be destined for the middle of the pack, however beating the top team and losing to the 5th place team is something this squad is capable of doing…Ranked #3
GM: Nick A
Scouting Report: Nick’s 2nd time as GM. He lacks leadership but is a highly skilled and offensive player, who has surrounded himself with familiar faces.
Team: The team of the Kings! Top picks Nabeel K and Nick (both kings) will give this squad a legitimate top line. Henry and Naveed M (former King) will provide hustle, while Parm D (tier 5 King) will be a goalies nightmare providing chaos around the net. The defense will be led by fellow kinsmen Kumar, Rengi and Imtiaz. As well, George King will captain all the King’s Men. Another King Manny M will be back in the pipes after a season out where he amassed many PIM’s and points.
Weakness: This team lacks speed on the backend (Rengi excluded), which could be detrimental against the quick teams. Leadership could also be an area of concern, the Jackets may not have the direction and leadership their opponents have.
Overall: The King Jackets will have offense, but not much else….Ranked #4
GM: Gurwinder S
Scouting Report: Gurw. Is coming off back to back championships as a GM and is a perennial scoring and defensive leader in the league.
Team: The Orangemen defense is similar to the squad that finished 1st last season. Helder M, Nadim J both returnees and Alex F is a reliable veteran while Gurw will control and quarterback the game. The offense is a different story, the combo of Mike W/Dhar S will put up points, but where is the support? Conrad C and Aish E are always reliable both ways, smart, versatile and will contribute offensively. The supporting cast will consist of the hardworking Balraj D and newcomer Gurgit B. Between the pipes, Nayyar R should provide a BIG presence and calming influence on this squad.
Weakness: Lack of offensive support beyond the top 4 players….Can the 2nd line contribute. Will having a Dhar/Mike split ruin any chances for chemistry? If Gurw or Aish miss a game, can this squad compete with the likes of the high flying Sharks?
Overall: Good thing all 5 teams make the playoffs…Ranked 5th.