Newfoundland Berserkers Firing on All Cylinders at the Halfway Point

We are just over the half way mark of season fifty four in the SMJHL and the Newfoundland Berserkers have taken the league by storm absolutely obliterating opponents so far sitting way a head in first place in the league. Heading into the year, Newfoundland was expected to improve from where they left off overachieving with an extremely young core in season fifty three. After finishing in third in the eastern conference last season that ended with a heart breaking game seven first round playoff loss to the St. Louis Scarecrows, the Berserkers were determined to come back stronger and better than ever with a more developed and experienced roster.

So far in twenty six games this season the Berserkers hold an impressive record of twenty one wins, three loses and two over time losses. To put things into perspective Newfoundland currently has a ten point lead on first place in the SMJHL standings. They have the most goals for in the league with one hundred and six (twelve more than the Carolina Kraken, the team with the second most goals, who have played one more game than them) and the second fewest goals against in the SMJHL with fifty two (trailing the Kelowna Knights by five goals having played two more games than them). This puts the Newfoundland Berserkers at a goal differential of plus fifty six and the SMJHL team with the next highest goal differential is drastically lower at a plus thirty five.

(The Berserkers celebrate with their fans after a win in their home barn)

These stats exemplify the pure dominance Newfoundland has been having over their opponents this season in the juniors, not only winning on most nights but consistently putting up lop sided scores. Newfoundland is currently on an eight game win streak and have been on fire offensively scoring twenty two goals in their last three games. With the single season wins record at forty two the Berserkers have a chance to potentially take a run at breaking this junior record if they can keep up their strong play and continue riding their hot streak. However, the ultimate goal for the Berserkers since day one had never been to finish first during the regular season or break regular season records. Instead the team is keeping focused on bringing home Newfoundland their first ever Four Star Cup. So let us take a look at how all the Berserker players have been doing so far and what it will take for Newfoundland to keep up their winning ways on their quest to the Four Star Cup.

Newfoundland Berserkers Forward Lines

First Line
Left Wing Steve Harrington --- Center Mats Marner --- Right Wing Slatt Potts

For a team with a ton of offensive fire power, the first line has been somewhat of a disappointment so far this season. As 425 tpe players, Potts and Harrington have each put up a respectable nineteen points. Both of them have also put up double digit shot blocks and have been super effective on the power play but there is definitely room for improvement from the top line wingers as they have not reached their full elite offensive potential. Out of the entire forwards group, Mats Marner has had the most disappointing season thus far. Marner was given the responsibility to be an on ice leader on the first line but has often disappeared once the puck is dropped (like during Newfoundland’s last two nine goal wins where Marner only managed to put up one point  combined). Out of the top nine forwards in Newfoundland Marner, has the second lowest point totals and the worst points per minute played out of all forwards on the team while not standing out defensively either. When the games become more tight checking and low scoring as we near the playoffs this line is going to have to step up their game.

(The long standing captian of the Newfoundland Beserkers Slatt Potts is looking for a cup in his final season in the SMJHL)

Second Line
Left Wing Patric Twist --- Center Matthew Forrester --- Right Wing Ryuuji Minamino

This forward group has hands down been the best line in the juniors offensively this season and has an underatted defensive game as well. Ryuuji Minamino has been on fire this season averaging over a point a game and leading the entire SMJHL in point so far, as well as, leading the league in power play goals. He also has double digit shots blocked and hits. His line mate Forrester is similarly having a really good offensive season, leading the league in assists and is just under a point a game right now. Patric Twist has been a two way force on this sitting just outside the top ten for shots blocked amongst forwards with thirty three, is in the top ten for hits amongst forwards with fifty one and has also put up twenty two points, leads the league in short handed goals and has the second best plus minus league wide through twenty six games. His game should be looked at as the gold standard for two way players in the SMJHL.

(Twist has had a breakout sophmore season earning himself a well deserved all star nomination for his solid two way play)

Third Line 
Left Wing Mattias Birdstrom --- Center Guy LeGrande --- Right Wing Clean Andrei Kostitsyn

This has been an extremely versatile line for the Newfoundland Berserkers playing in a checking role but also putting up some great numbers offensively. Clean Andrei Kostitsyn has been lighting up the score board with an impressive twenty one points in twenty six games and is the top ten for goals in the league. Clean has also put up over thirty five hits not shying away from the physical game. Clean's line mate Guy LeGrande has also been quietly having an underrated season putting up twenty one points, forty hits, fifteen blocked shots and is a plus sixteen being another solid two way presence. In addition, Birdstrom has been a great complimentary player on this lethal third line positively contributing offensively and defensively to the teams success. This line will need to sustain their strong two way game if the Berserkers are to continue their winning ways.

(Newfoundland's third line is so clean right now, there is a lot to be excited about when they step onto the ice)

Fourth Line
Left Wing Niccolo Livius --- Center Lassi Suhonen --- Right Wing Liam Slate

This has to be one of the greatest fourth lines of all time in my opinion. Who would have thought that rookies Lassi Suhonen and first overall pick Liam Slate would excel to the extent they have in such a limited role. Slate and Suhonen sit fourth (with ten points) and fifth (with nine points) in rookie scoring so far this season even though each of them are averaging under ten minutes a game. To put things into perspective Slate only has six less points then first liner Marner even though Slate is playing around eight less minutes a night. While it may be difficult for Slate or Suhonen to win rookie of the year due to their limited roles, their incredible efficiency should not go unnoticed. In addition, Niccolo Livius has been a great heart and soul player for the team, being a protector on the ice standing up for his teammates and knocking the crap out of anyone who tries to bully the Berserkers around. Offensively Livius has put up a respectable ten points on the fourth line while really excelling in the defensive end being in the top five for shots blocked amongst forwards with thirty nine and adding forty eight hits. I would not be surprised to continue to see this fourth line being the ultimate X factor for the Berserkers and provide the depth needed to win a championship.

(The fourth line of the Newfoundland Berserkers has really been clicking, providing a huge spark for the team)

Newfoundland Berserkers Defensive Pairings

First Pair
Jukka Timonen --- Tinke Jutila

This pairing has found a lot of chemistry this season and complimented each other really well having a good balance of offense and defense. Jukka has been one of the top offensive defensemen in the league with eighteen points in twenty six games ranking in the top five in points amongst defensemen. In addition, Timonen has also racked up a decent thirty two blocked shots. Furthermore, his partner Tinke Jutila has been having a quietly good year with thirteen points, forty two hits and thirty seven shots blocked. The pair have been heavily relied upon with each defenseman playing over twenty minutes a night and will be a huge factor in minimizing Newfoundland’s goals against average and helping jump start the play into the offensive zone.

(Jukka has estbalished himself as a true leader on the back end for the Beserkers on and off the ice)

Second Pair
PBJ Souppan --- Jack Klompus

This has been the breakout pairing for the Berserkers this year as the two sophomores have worked hard on their games to reach another level. PBJ Souppan has been killing it this season offensively establishing himself as an elite offensive defenseman with twenty three points in twenty six games which leads all defensemen in points and puts him in the top ten for points out of everyone in the SMJHL. Souppan has also put up an impressive forty nine shots blocked which ranks him in the top ten in the SMJHL. I would honestly not be surprised to see him win the defenseman of the year award in the juniors. Jack Klompus has also been a solid contributor offensively for Newfoundland this season with fifteen points in twenty six games and has been reliable in his own end limiting other teams scoring chances. This second unit has been playing like a first line unit and has rounded out arguably the best top four in the SMJHL.

(Souppan's stock is quickly rising as his play makes a strong case for him to be considered the best defenseman in the SMJHL right now)

Third Pair
Elias Kierkegaard --- Renji Atake

This third pairing has provided some valuable depth to the Berserkers blue line and has put up decent numbers offensively and defensively within their limited role. Kierkegaard has put up nine points along with twenty hits and sixteen shots blocked. On the other hand, Atake has recorded eight points, twenty nine hits and fifteen shots blocked. As we get deeper into the season and then begin the playoffs expect the Newfoundland Berserkers to rely more on this pairing.

(Kierkegaard has estbalished himself a reliable bottom pairing defenseman in Newfoundland this season)

Newfoundland Berserkers Goaltenders

Starting Goaltender: Cale Amundsen

Cale has left off where he finished in season fifty three as the best goalie in the SMJHL. This season with a year of experience under his belt Amundsen is even better and is unquestionably the best goaltender in the junoirs by a long shot. When looking at the goalie leader boards you mostly just see Cale’s name as he leads the league in wins with eighteen, goals against average with 1.85, save percentage with .927 and shut out with three (amongst goalies who have played ten games or more). He has been the back bone of this team once again and would not be surprised to see him get nominated as the most valuable player in the SMJHL this season. When Cale is in the zone it is almost impossible to beat him, I almost feel bad for opposing players as at times it can feel unfair playing against him. Thats how good Amundsen is.

Back Up Goaltender: Junior Guarda

As the back up for the team, Guarda has put together a string of solid performances having three wins and one loss in four games with one shut out. Junior has a goal against average of 2.70 and a save percentage of .903. As a rookie Junior has helped the Berserkers earn those much coveted extra points to help them maintain first place in the standings. I expect Junior to keep developing to one day take over the reigns from Cale once he is called up to the big leagues.

(Guarda and Cale have teamed up to form a great goaltending duo and have really pushed each other to another level on the ice)

Overall Team Synopsis

With six Newfoundland Beserkers representing the eastern conference at this season’s all star game with PBJ Souppan, Patric Twist, Jukka Timonen, Matthew Forrester, Ryuuji Minamino, and Cale Amundsen it truly exemplifies the depth of talent Newfoundland has on their roster. I honestly do not think there is a deeper more talented team in the SMJHL and within the locker room the guys are coming together to work hard and win as a unit. There is a different feeling around the Berserker locker room this year as the sky’s the limit. Internally we know we can accomplish something really special but it will take a one hundred and ten percent commitment to the grind of working to be the best. I am excited to be along for the ride and see my teammates succeed. Hopefully we can reach our potential and bring home Newfoundland’s first ever Four Star Cup!     


Word Count: 2496

 

 
Slava-Ukraini Heroyam-Slava || Yukon Malamutes || Toronto North Stars
Name: Slava-Ukraini Heroyam-Slava
Nationality: Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine
Height: 6"4
Weight: 230
Number: 91
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Career Statistics:
SMJHL Regular Season:
S53 | GP: 66 | G: 14 | A: 28 | P: 42 | +/-: 12 | PPP: 1 | PIM: 0 | H: 68 | SB: 4 | TA: 31 | GA: 38
SHL Regular Season:
SMJHL Post Season:
S53 | GP: 11 | G: 2 | A: 3 | P: 5 | +/-: -3 | PPP: 0 | PIM: 0 | H: 22 | SB: 0 | TA: 4 | GA: 10
SHL Post Season:
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Career Transactions:
S74 Drafted 11th overall to the Yukon Malamutes
S75 Drafted 6th overall to the Toronto North Stars

 

WHAT A TEAM

We tried to warn them.

Fourth line is criminally underplayed

#fire@JNH

The Beserkers definitely have figured out what works best for them this season, as Detroit definitely did last season. Lets see if they can go all the way.