<center>Toronto North Stars' Prospect Report</center>
It’s was a season to remember if you’re North Stars' fan. After a successful S33 SHL entry draft, where the team picked seven players, Toronto finished third in the Eastern Conference with 55 points. In the first round of the playoffs, they faced West Kendall Platoon. The Platoon were busy counting stars and forgot that they had a series to play. Fortunetly, they were put out of their misery in four games. The Eastern Conference Final looked like it was in the pocket for the North Stars as they were leading the series 3-1 against the powerful Wolfpacks. However, New England came howling back to win the series in 7 games.
All this achievements were incredible for a team that had a terrible S32 season finishing dead last with a mere 44 points. This immense improvement in a very brief time is testament to the management and players' character and desire to perform. Another area that also saw a development after season S32 is their prospect pool. In the S32 SHL entry draft, the North Stars selected John Markie twenty-sixth overall with their only pick of the draft. Unfortunately, his progression stalled and was eventually released. Many feared for the future of the team due to lack of prospects and the sanctions imposed (forfeiting of S33 and S34 first round pick). However, the management were able to turn things around in the S33 draft and this brought new life to the locker room, which showed by the performance of the team on ice. Below is a report on the seven Toronto North Stars prospects.
Chris York was an unknown Norwegian trying to make his mark in the SMJHL. Prince George Firebird took a gamble and drafted him 38th overall. One can say it was a pretty safe gamble. During his first season, York got 4 goals, 3 assists for a total of 7 point due to limited ice time. The North Stars literally had zero prospects in their rank at that time. They were looking for a franchise player, but unfortunately, they had to forfeit their 1st overall pick. However, York’s lack of popularity played in Toronto’s favor as they could pick him late first round (eleventh overall). They realized that York was not only talented but also a hardworking individual, and quickly singed him for three years. York stayed with his junior team for a second season. His ice time increased allowing his to play a major role in the PGF success during the regular season. He got 17 goals, 16 assists and a total of 33 points.
Future: York is dynamic sniper with incredible speed and puck handling ability. What he lacks in size makes up with his soft hands and his high octane game. He is a strong puck handler who rarely loses the puck on his own accord and can dangle and deke out opponents with ease, using his body to protect the puck. Rumor has is that he will spend his last year in the SMJHL before making the jump in S35. York has the highest TPE of his draft class. The North Stars got themselves a player that can represent the face of the franchise for years to come. In addition, his bank size will allow him to purchase gears and training for several years.
Fletcher Carric was a well known teenager around this part of the world. The sought after talent in the junior was drafted 14th overall in the very deep S32 SMJHL draft by the St-Lous Scarecrows. His first season was good and showed he wasn't just hype. The North Stars were convinced of his potential and drafted him in the 2nd round (16th overall). He had his breakout season last year invigorating further excitement sourounding this player. Carric is your typical two-way center, capable of playing at both end of the ice. His size and strength makes him the perfect center for the top 2 lines. Plus, he won’t find himself out of place centering the third line either due to his strong faceoff and defensive abilities.
Future: With Sevan Karlsson (1.249 TPE), Andrey Barbashev (1,222 TPE), Dane Rowe (792 TPE) and the recent arrival of Zallerras Szlerchek (1,402 TPE) the position seems crowed. Therefore, Carric will probably spend another year or two with his junior team to improve his game before making the jump. A situation that probably pleases both player and St-Louis Crow’s GM.
Jack Dodds is a smooth skating two-way defenseman with the ability to pick the right pass. He had two great seasons in the junior and improved the defensive side of his game over the year. His game was immense for his team’s championship wining run last season. His positive work ethic definitely justifies being drafted 19th overall. He has the potential to be a top 4 defensemen if he continues to improve his skills. Unfortunately, he lacks the money to train week in and week out, but once the new season kicks in, he can start training again.
Future: He should be up with his SHL starting this season competing for a top 4 spot immediately. Fans are eager to see some new blood in the team after a long time and are excited to see what Dodds can bring.
Zander Rhys was the second defenseman drafted by the North Stars in the S33 SHL draft. This rice hogging German had a career year last season. He doubled his production from S32 season and finished 2nd with the most points among defensemen while being +10. He should be a strong candidate for the top defenseman award for S33 SMJHL (ahem… award committee). The North Stars are definitely excited by the development of their 21st overall pick. Selecting him this low was a steal. Rhys is a hardworking individual with a passion for the game, and will provide a solid two-way game for Toronto for years to come.
Future: His bank isn't that impressive, but does have two jobs which should be enough to maintain the income stream required for training and purchasing equipment, as long as he continues putting the effort. In Toronto, he can definitely crack the top four defenseman spot right away. However, there are have been rumors that Rhys wants another shot at the Four Star Cup next season. Halifax won the President trophy twice in a row, but they seem unable to get through the Eastern Conference Final. Next season will be Rhys last chance to win it.
Olli Ojala is great playmaking winger with the nose for goals. His impressive S33 season proves exactly that. He has the vision for pin-point accuracy passes, and the speed and strength to fight for loose pucks. Above all, he is responsible in his zone. Along with Dodds, Ojala also won the Four Star Cup last season with Montreal Militia.
Future: His progress has stalled and the lack of funding doesn’t help. Really unfortunate because he was undeniably talented. The North Stars are thinking of calling Ojala this season. He will add depth to the team and should be a great bottom 6 player.
The hard hitting Finnish is your typical two-way defenseman with great passing ability. His first two seasons with the Falcons is a testament to that. There was lot of hype surrounding the player when he first moved to the States.
Future: His lack of motivation has stopped his progression and will not be SHL-ready anytime soon. Too bad, he does have the bank for shiny new gears each season.
Kapperkanen was the last (44th overall) and 4th defenseman picked by the Toronto North Stars. He had a great year in the junior last season and even showed slight improvement in his game, but that was about it.
Future: Don’t expect to see Kapperkanen is SHL anytime soon. His bank is small and lacks the rigorous commitment into training. A career SMJHLer if he continues to miss the morning skate.
Conclusion
The North Stars have talented prospects in all positions. They should be graduating in a season or two and will make this team deeper and even more competitive. Look out SHL as Toronto looks to lifted their curse in a not so distant future.
To all the prospects eligible for this year's (S34) SHL draft, know that there are positions available for you. There will definitely be competition, but both team and players will benefit from it. Toronto is an attractive destination for you!
As always, this was Kobe Jones from SHL Daily. Until next time!
S52 "A" Alternate Captain of the Calgary Dragons
"GM" - Former Prince George Firebirds and Regina Force General Manager
"C" - Former Captain of the Halifax Raiders
S48 Brandon Holmes Trophy Recipient - Top Defensive Forward - - - - - - - - - - - Davos Otasrob Player Page Davos Otasrob Player Updates
Just some insight on Carric for you <a href='index.php?showuser=2476' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-17'>ThePandava</a>, Dank and Rowe are our #1 and 2 centres. Big Z is playing Wing this season and I was playing wing since I took away points from my faceoffs to allow me to still be elite.
ThePandava![[Image: VkRiFym.png]](https://i.imgur.com/VkRiFym.png)
![[Image: dankoa2004.gif]](https://sig.grumpybumpers.com/host/dankoa2004.gif)
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