2007 DARCEL
SPRING SEASON PREVIEWS
RANK # 1 – ORANGEMEN
GM – BITTA SANDHU
After a terrible fall season which saw the Omen finish last and get quickly eliminated in the playoffs, brother Sandhu took over the GM duties from Gurw. To rectify the ship. For many seasons Bitta has desperately wanted to GM but his Probationary status in the league would not allow him to assume that role. His wish has finally come true. Bitta brings with him a wealth of experience and scoring to his team. He has however, collaborated a group that is worthy of the #1 ranking and making Bitta an early favorite for GM of the Year. The forwards include: Craig L. always known to be top 5 (if not 3) in league scoring, the tireless Craig B and Ameetpal D who will run teams down all day with their great speed and endurance, Parm D who is a force around the net and Sean V who once healthy has always been a 30 point man (he is being replaced by Gurw until his return). This will allow Gurw the opportunity to see how little brother cleaned up the mess created by big brother. The defense is solid, along with Bitta, Jude A who is an offensive D man, Riz K whose speed covers a lot of ground and the veteran Kumar R who will provide stability on the back end. Goaltending will be supplied by the BIG Nayyar R who is terrific behind strong teams.
Strengths: balanced scoring, great speed, well balanced, no liabilities. Second line is better than most other teams.
Weakness: If any…too many individual players who like to do too much themselves and need to understand the team concept.
Overall: Clear choice for #1…it is theirs to lose
RANK #2 - SHARKS
GM – STEVE CARDOSO
After a great season which saw the Sharks lose 1 game but get eliminated in the Semi’s, Steve has revamped his team. Only 1 player remains from last season. Steve is the perennial scoring king of Darcel and will probably assume the Career scoring lead in week 1. His speed, scoring and endless energy make him a force against anyone. But who will support him? Enter Neemez K a relative unknown at Darcel, but a crafty smart player who knows how to adjust his game and play with anyone. He could be a great linemate for Steve. Omar S and Mamoud M (rookie) will form the basis of a potent second line. Omar’s ability to hold the ball and make great passes along with Mamoud’s work ethic and defensive awareness will generate ample scoring opportunities for this line. This preview has been edited to include a late breaking trade: Ali W was traded for Usama (Maroons). Usama has blazing speed and this rookie will turn some heads. The Defense will consist of the always tough Curtis H making his return to Darcel, the veteran leadership of Ranbir S, HelderM whose grit and willingness to get dirty and rookie Frank “the tank” B who has great hockey sense and a rocket from the point. The duo of Yassar R and Anthony F will tend goal for this squad who are both very solid and quick.
Strengths: great offense with speed, scoring and smarts. Steve C will be top 2 in league scoring. Balanced Defense and no weak players.
Weakness: Lack of a true “blue chip” offensive defenseman and possible inconsistencies with secondary scoring behind Steve.
Overall: Will challenge for top spot, but a sub par season by any players and this team could slide to the middle of the pack.
RANK #3 – MAROONS
GM – SHANE MALHOTRA
After winning the fall championship, Shane has seemed to find the formula for success….come in with a #3 ranked team and win with great chemistry, balanced lineup and every player making contributions. Shane brings tremendous leadership, solid defense and the ability to jump into the rush with him. His forward contingent will consist of a top line named “Richard”, namely F and K. Both Richards combined for 83 points last season. This will be a true number 1 line. The supporting offense is solid with big Mike S who is a handful around the net, Keith D and Rick O who are solid contributors as well. 3 of the 5 forwards played for Shane’s championship team last season. Accompanying Shane on “D” will be the newly acquired Ali W who is a solid point man, George K who resurgence and great wrist shot will provide offense and Conrad C who is always reliable at both ends of the floor. In net will be Amellio M who is looking to bounce back from a sub par season. Amellio will do a lot better with a solid defensive team in front of him.
Strengths: Balance, chemistry, leadership and ability to have everyone make significant contributions to winning.
Weakness: Secondary scoring…the top 4 players on this squad are proven scorers, but will the rest of the team provide enough offense to win again?
Overall: #3 is a perfect ranking as the Maroons are not deep enough to overtake #1 and 2 but are clearly better than #4 and 5.
RANK # 4 – BLUE JACKETS
GM – BALRAJ DHALIWAL
Balraj returns to the GM world after being suspended by the league from GM duties to better understand the role, game and players. Balraj has vowed to take his team to the playoffs and be the Cinderella story. Balraj brings a hard nosed approach and can be heard cursing at players…his own and the other teams. His willingness to accept a role and work hard make him valuable to any team. He surrounded himself with a solid group including reigning scoring champ and #1 pick Gary J who can do it all but can he do it without Superstar talent on his squad? Rookie Marco S will be a pleasant surprise and will be top 10 in league scoring. The second offensive unit will consist of Balraj, “Slapshot” Dave, and another rookie Erik A who can dangle with the best of them. The defense will be anchored by John T who was instrumental in winning a championship with the Maroons in his rookie season. The return of veteran Gurp (the octopus) D will provide solid contributions at both ends of the rink. Adam (Bubba) P and Andy (rookie) will round out the D as solid stay at home defensemen. Ralph P will be between the pipes and will keep the Jackets in most games. He also has the pressure of being the first ever goalie in the history of Darcel to be drafted amongst the players.
Strengths: Top 5…Gary, Marco, John, Gurp and Erik are solid and can play against anyone. Gary is one of few dominant forwards in the league who can flat out beat players one on one to create offense.
Weakness: Second unit is unproven, inconsistent or unknown. Will Gary andCo. Get frustrated with the talent drop off or will they rise to the occasion and show some leadership?
Overall: #4 this team will surprise teams on some days, but over the course of a long season they will be battling for a playoff spot.
RANK #4 – SUN DEVILS
GM – VINDER SINGH
For the first time, there was a tie with 2 teams in the Ranking. The Jackets and Sun Devils are equally good (or bad) and it would be too difficult to distinguish between them. Vinder S is a rookie GM at Darcel but the crafty veteran is not a rookie GM or otherwise. He has a great knowledge of the game, players and how to maximize situations to his team’s benefit. He has a Hull and Oates type of top line with pass first Tony O who has been the Career Darcel Scoring leader until this season began and Osman B who will always shoot first! The offense is supported by Gurjit B and Jamie P who have consistently scored over 20 points per season since their arrival at Darcel. Azhar K will round out the forwards with his hustle and grit. The defense will consist of Vinder, Bilal B who is a solid 2 way player, Peter M (a.k.a shotblocker) who is every goalie’s best friend and Henry M. Manny M will tend goal after coming off a championship. Look for him to face many more quality scoring chances this season as his team is not defense first.
Strengths: top line will score goals and second unit will be consistent offensively. Goaltending is solid and chemistry exists among linemates.
Weakness: lack speed and players with ability to create offense from nothing. If any of the top 4 players miss games this team could be in trouble.
Overall: #4 will battle with the Jackets for the last playoff spot. Will probably face many uphill battles.