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stud · 09-11-2013, 08:12 PM

Edmonton Blizzard Off-Season

The Edmonton Blizzard have made a lot of transactions for the past couple of seasons. After winning the Challenge Cup in the 13th SHL season, the Blizzard were faced with the retiring of many players, also players that would sign with another team, and as well as players that were traded in the following off-season. The Blizzard have always envisioned the 14th SHL season to be of naught with their more retiring players. They could have competed for the Challenge Cup but that would have spelled trouble for their future. Despite the failure of the 14th SHL season, the Blizzard head to the off-season with light on the other side of the tunnel. General Manager Teztify managed to acquire two first round picks for a total of three season 15 SHL draft picks.

The Off-Season

Trade Day
The Blizzard's off-season provided big success starting from the highly touted 'SHL Trade Day' where the Blizzard made huge splashes with three transactions and were arguably the big winners of the day. The Blizzard acquired a total number of three big players and sent away zero roster players: back up goaltender Jordin Fourfour, four draft pick, and a million dollars in cash were the compensation. The low risk high reward trades the Blizzard made instantly puts them back in contention.

The 679 TPE Teemu Nurmi was third in the Chiefs in scoring and the first in Chiefs defensemen scoring. He will be able to provide solid offense and defense with his stellar skill set for a Blizzard team who already has a deep pool of defensmen. Kyle Keenan will bolster the Blizzard's scoring with his 683 TPE. The Blizzard had the second most goals in the league last season but lost some of the scoring because of the trades that happened at trade deadline. Kyle Keenan is a big replacement. Ivo Willems would provide a big superstar presence for the Blizzard. The Blizzard's already potent offense would be feared accross the SHL.

Acquisition:
Teemu Nurmi
Ivo Willems (Rights)
Kyle Keenan

Departure:
Jordin FourFour
S15 NEW 1st Round Pick
S16 EDM 2nd Round Pick
S17 EDM 3rd Round Pick
S16 EDM 4th Round Pick
$ 1,000,000

S15 SHL Entry Draft

Not only did the Blizzard have restocked some of their firepower, they also had two first round picks in the S15 SHL Entry Draft. The SHL draft concluded with the Blizzards drafting four active players with their four total draft picks. These players will likely play in the SMJHL with very short stints in the SHL barring any injures.

2nd Overall â€“ RW - Mikhail Krivokrasov
TPE: 311
Height (ft.): 5'10"
Weight (lbs.): 180

CK = Checking: 50
FG = Fighting: 25
DI = Discipline: 62
SK = Skating: 93
ST = Strength: 86
EN = Endurance: 80
DU = Durability: 50
PH = Puck Handling: 90
FO = Face Offs: 50
PA = Passing: 88
SC = Scoring: 88
DF = Defense: 68
PS = Penalty Shot: 50

Mikhail Krivokrasov surprisingly dropped to second overall after a big hype of going first overall. Krivokrasov will join a stacked Edmonton Blizzard team but out of all the prospect, don't be surprised if Krivokrasov snucked on the bottom six. Expect Krivokrasov's rate of progression to be as fast as Renegades's defenseman Chris Partlow.

The Russian has a small frame at 5'10â€ but he is gifted with great skating abilities and puck handling. He moves the puck like it's on a string and likes to draw opposing players away from the play, opening up a player for a sniper or a playmaker. He's usually the one ahead of the play and might often get rewarded with breakaways.

What to expect:
If Krivokrasov surprises and lands a bottom six role, expect Krivkrasov to get 12 points in 50 games.
If Krivokrasov is sent down, expect him to get 55 points in 50 games.

10th Overall â€“ LW â€“ Riko Muerto
TPE: 245
Height (ft.): 6'1"
Weight (lbs.): 211

CK = Checking: 80
FG = Fighting: 25
DI = Discipline: 67
SK = Skating: 80
ST = Strength: 67
EN = Endurance: 79
DU = Durability: 65
PH = Puck Handling: 74
FO = Face Offs: 50
PA = Passing: 74
SC = Scoring: 73
DF = Defense: 73
PS = Penalty Shot: 50

Riko Muerto provides a big locker room presence and will undoubtedly be one of the Blizzard's future leaders. His character is uncanny and the Blizzard already loves his presence. The 6'1 two-way forward will spend another season in the SMJHL but in due time will be included in Edmonton's core. His progression will probably be similar to Edmonton's defenseman Vinny Chezno but, like him, will be an important part of the team.

His defensive game is starting to round up and will be a big part of the penalty kill for any team. He plays hard every game and will often mix it up after the whistle.

What to expect: Expect Muerto to provide defensive play to Kelowna Knights. He will have 30 points in 50 games and have more than a hundred hits with a great rate in the penalty kill.

16th overall â€“ Randy Bobandy
TPE: 212
Height (ft.): 5' 10"
Weight (lbs.): 240

Height (ft.): 5' 10"
Weight (lbs.): 240

CK = Checking: 53
FG = Fighting: 25
DI = Discipline: 62
SK = Skating: 78
ST = Strength: 60
EN = Endurance: 87
DU = Durability: 50
PH = Puck Handling: 70
FO = Face Offs: 50
PA = Passing: 75
SC = Scoring: 75
DF = Defense: 90
PS = Penalty Shot: 50

Looks like nobody wanted to touch the naked man as he fell all the way down to the second round. Bobandy has a very high potential but his work ethic is questionable. He didn't spend a lot of time training in his junior season and thus teams shied away from picking him. Bobandy still has a lot of room to improve on and out of all the prospects from second round and all, Bobandy probably has the highest chance of becoming an SHL superstar.

Despite his small frame, Bobandy plays a stellar defense. He doesn't deliver that much check, if any at all and he will likely grow to be a powerplay quarterback in the future. His slick offensive set is what teams wish for once Bobandy has fully developed.

What to expect: Expect Bobandy to have 25 points in 50 games with his SMJHL team

Free Agency and Post Free Agency

Blizzard's only free agent transaction was the signing of Ivo Willems, who they recently got from the trade with the Manhattan Rage. This was a big signing since Ivo Willems is a big superstar for the Manhattan Rage. With this acquisition, they further strengthen their top six. With the loss of their retiring and traded players, the Blizzard lost a total of 32 goals. Willem alone had 24 goals with the Manhattan Rage. Despite this only acquisition in free agency, the Blizzard had an outstanding free agency indirectly since three out of six teams in their conference are going to be rebuilding.

The Blizzard made more big moves post free agency as they acquired 700 TPE centreman Reggie Williams from the Chiefs for a S17 2nd rounder, S16 3rd rounder and S16 4th rounder. Williams played a big role in the two times the Chiefs won their cup and he will greatly help Edmonton with his playoff experience. He was tied for the most points with the Minnesota Chiefs as he managed to put up 41 points in 50 games on the struggling Chiefs team.

The Blizzard also made another move, and their last one so far as they acquired big-name defenseman Willie Weber as the Winnipeg Jets decided that their conference was too tough and decided to rebuild. Willie Weber was the bright light last season for the Jets as he scored 47 points in 50 games playing on the blue line. He will have many opportunities to do the same in Edmonton as he will be dependent on every night. The Blizzard surrendered Randy Bobandy, James Neugsbaur, their S16 1st rounder and Los Angeles Panthers 2nd round pick in S17.

Edmonton Blizzard Roster

Code:
Forwards

TPE &nbsp; &nbsp; Name &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Height &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Weight &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Birthplace &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp; Ivo Willems &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6'0" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;190 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Nijmegen, NET

&nbsp; Lucas Smith &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6'2" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;211 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Saskatoon, CAN

&nbsp; Reggie Williams &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6'4" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;235 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Dunblane, SCO

&nbsp; Kyle Keenan &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6'2" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;205 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Chicago IL, USA

&nbsp; Laraque Obama &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6'2" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;193 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Montreal QUE, CAN

&nbsp; Alexander Andrezjeck &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6'1" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;185 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Radomsko, POL

&nbsp; John Langabeer &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6'1" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;185 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Commack, USA

&nbsp; Daniel Malenfant &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6'3" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;215 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Riviere-du-Loup QUE, CAN

&nbsp; Belial &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;5'11" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 200 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The Dead Sea

&nbsp; Dickie Adua &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 5'11" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 185 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;USA

&nbsp; Mikhail Krivokrasov &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 5'10" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 180 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Moscow, RUS

&nbsp; Sven Wolf &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6'3" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;228 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Halmstad, SWE &nbsp; &nbsp; 

&nbsp; Riko Muerto &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6'1" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;211 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Reykjavic, ICE

Defense

&nbsp; Willie Weber &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6'5" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;237 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Regina, SK, CAN

&nbsp; Cole Reinhart &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6'2" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;205 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Kiel, GER

&nbsp; Teemu Nurmi &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6'3" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;210 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Helsinki, FIN

&nbsp; Michael Haan &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6'3" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;207 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Haderslev, DEN

&nbsp; Gene Parmesan &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6'1" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;223 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Calgary AB, CAN

&nbsp; Vinny Chezno &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6'2" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;205 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Peterbrtough ON, CAN

&nbsp; Frank Fencepost &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6'8" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;222 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Rat River, YUK, CAN

Goaltenders

&nbsp; Jakub Aittokallio &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6'4" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 217 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Tampere FIN

Probable Lines on the Season

Ivo Willems - Reggie Williams - Lucas Smith
Kyle Keenan - Andrew Andrejeck - Laraque Obama
John Langabeer - Daniel Malenfant - Belial
Sven Wolf - Dickie Adua - Mikhail Krivokrasov

Willie Weber - Teemu Nurmi
Michael Haan - Cole Reinhart
Vinny Chezno - Gene Parmesan

Jakub Aittokallio
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