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« on: August 04, 2009, 08:06:34 AM » |
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Its a busy time for VPL clubs as everyone is looking for new talent for the upcoming season. With the impending relegation of at least 2 teams to the newly formed Premier B division in the 10-11 season, the upcoming campaign could prove to be the most competitive and heated races in the VPL's 90 year history. Teams will be looking to find new talent, bring back old talent and some.. just trying to survive the upcoming season without being relegated.
Before the busy transfer season begins lets take a look at what each of the 9 premier teams need to have a chance at winning the most prestigious hockey title in the America's. Let's start from the bottom and work our way to last years league champions.
Surrey Lions
Key Players:
Ranjeev Deol, Devohn Texerria, Various imports
Last year's premier league rookie's had a solid campaign and have already bolstered their line-up with the addition of Ranjeev Deol and Devohn Texerria. Although they finished in last place, they played several of the top teams very tough and took points from many teams during the year. These are no cellar dwellers, look for them to improve this season and challenge for a playoff spot.
Need to Improve:
They will need to address their goaltending as they were exposed by the top teams last year. Adding another midfielder or defender to provide service for their skill players would really bolster their chances of making the playoffs.
VRC Jokers
Key Players:
Paul Wettlaufer, Pete Short, Steve Warren, Mike Oliver
A team that plays everyone tough and causes top teams problems seems to struggle with consistency and being able to get a complete side out every week. They had some great results last season beating many teams ahead of them in the standings. if they are able to get the services of their National team players for the entire season they could sneak in to the top 4.
Need to Improve:
They will need to find more youth to help increase the pace of their game. They have skills players with tons of fight, but need youth in hopes of keeping this clubs hopes of staying alive in the premier.
University of Victoria
Key Players:
Connor Meakin, Derrick Norton, James Kirkpatrick, Kevin Laidman, Patrick Howell, Keegan Perriera (rumored)
The mighty Vikes struggled last year when the Canadian Junior National team went away losing the services of many of their top players. Rookie coach Mike Lee had them playing a very uptempo game and got the most out of this squad. Their success this season will hinge on how many players return to their squad and which players decide to play for rivals Victoria Selects.
Need to Improve:
Goaltending has been their achilles heel the past few seasons but it has improved steadily. The Vikes could use another defender who can move the ball in the backfield as well as a striker to clean up the many half chances created by tge Vikes speed.
Burnaby Lakers
Key Players:
Robin D'abreo, Sukh Butter, Taylor Curran, Matt Peck
A team that shows lots of promise but seems to struggle with getting a quality side out every weekend. They have had some tremendous results and seem to be to a few points astray of making the playoffs every year. They will fight to be mid table and possibly find their way in to a playoff race.
Need to Improve:
This team needs to get their best players on the field game in and game out. They also need to add a forward and a midfielder to generate more attack. Another veteran striker would do wonders for this team and could see them make the jump from pretenders to contenders.
India Club
Key Players:
Bindi Kullar, Harp Virdi, Wayne Fernandes (Rumored)
As long as Bindi Kullar is somewhere near the pitch India Club will be in every game this play this season. The possible addition of Wayne Fernandes now gives them dangerous players in each line and a world class penalty corner striker to add 15+ goals per season. A team that has always been dangerous is a whole lot more dangerous.
Need to Improve:
Their role players are getting older and they will need their youth players to take over doing a lot of the dirty work for this team. Another midfielder or striker would make this team a favorite to capture another title.
Victoria Selects
Key Players:
Ravi Kahlon, Sonny Kahlon, Aneal Basi, Mike Lee
The hardest away game of the year, teams travel to Victoria and play a smart squad who make teams have to work to even win 1 point, let alone take 3. We know the stars of this team are some of the best in the league, but the others are who will determine this teams success. Victoria has talent within the junior ranks, but will some of their u16's and u18's be able to step up and provide what is needed to win the title?
Need to Improve:
The team they bring to the city can be sparse at times. If they don't come over with their best team they are hard pressed to take all of the points, remember they play double headers on the mainland. They need their big 3 every match and could use another striker upfront to help Aneal and Jesse Kaloti.
United Brothers
Key Players:
Gubbar Singh. Ravi Agnihotri, Jatinder Kullar, Gurinder Singh
One of the toughest teams to play, and possibly the toughest with the new self start rule. They defend well and teams need to be prepared to win by 1.. or get totally blown out. They do whatever it takes to win and have some of the most skilled players in the league. Not to mention, they have arguably the most skilled juniors in Canada.
Need to Improve:
They just need another defender to take the load off the aging backfield and another midfielder to give them some more legs defensively.
University of British Columbia
Key Players:
Ben Martin, Jesse Watson, Philip Wright, Marian Schole
The glory days may be over for the T-birds. The club will lose some of its more senior and experienced players to duties overseas. However, with younger players picking up the slack this team could make a charge for the premiership. If they can get goals from Jesse Watson via PC's and score by committee they could bring the title back to the Point Grey Campus.
Need to Improve:
Who will play in the midfield? That is a huge question, and do the birds have enough talent to make up for their inexperience?
Vancouver Hawks
Key Players:
Ian Smythe, Dave Yule, Marek Gacek, David Carter, Mike Hobkirk, Ant Wright
Easily the most balanced and the deepest of all the clubs. They have solid coaching, are organized and have 16 guys who can all play premier hockey at a good standard. They are the team to beat and will continue to be as they reap the benefits of a good youth system and the returning members from UBC to their club. They may drop points with a draw here or there.. but I don't see this team losing much.
Need to Improve:
They could use another quality striker who can unhinge a defense. Hawks were involved in some close tilts last year and could use a few extra goals to get themselves out of some of those tight matches.
Feel free to respond with your thoughts, and as you find out of player moves, transfers and trades please post updates.
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