Steves so far

The Colombia Steves started of the season with a lot of changes to their roster. A new league structure meant that every game would be difficult. So far the Steves have met all expectations and the players who have made the step up from the farm have all made contributions.

The Steves sit top of the league with a seven point lead over their nearest divisional competitors. A run of 6 straight wins has them at 9-2-0. The Steves have had a busy opening schedule and they have needed all their depth to cope with some very tough back to back games.

After leading the Dinosaurs to the farm Cup last season, Peter Budaj was called up to the Steves. So far this season he has 3 shutouts and leads the league in both save% and GAA. Budaj has been supported by Jonas Hiller who has been solid in net when called upon. Another player called up from the farm, Nino Niederreiter finds himself on the Steves top line. Nino has contributed 11 points so far and leads the team in shots. Nino will hope to improve on his shot conversion rate to cement his place on the top line. Brayden Schenn spent some time in the pros last season, but injuries prevented him from settling in. After finishing the season on the wing for the Dinosaurs Schenn was called upon to fill the number two centre position for the Steves. After a slow start Schenn has started to pick up points, and playing along side Janik Hansen and David Perron, Schenn should be looking to have a breakout season. Bob Ring was 50/50 to make the Steves. GM J-Iggy has said many times that Ring is too good to be a 3rd liner. However playing on the 3rd line along side Shane Doan, Ring has outshone not only Doan, but also a few of the guys ahead of him. Competition for places in the starting line-up is bringing out the best of everyone, and if this continues the Steves may cause a few surprises this season.

D for the Steves has proven to be much improved over last season. De Haan, Parent and Gudbranson have all made the transition to the pros. Along with Keith, Babchuk and Edler, the Steves now have one of the most dangerous defensive units in the league.



Down on the farm…

The Dinosaurs have a few new faces in the line-up and remain a strong team. They will need their new signings to fill the holes left by the big names that have moved up to the Steves if they are to have any chance of retaining their cup.

Nicolas Kerdiles got off to a flying start picking up points in each of the first 9 games of the season. Kerdiles 18 points is tied with Jeremy Williams for most on the team. Williams has always found ways to find the back of the net, and despite limited time playing on the 3rd line is raking up the goals. Ryan Strome and Nail Yakupov are big stars for the future. They both had great success last season and are looking to continue that this season. A relatively slow start by their own standards, both are over a point per game, but will be looking for more offence. 1st round pick Ryan Hartman has settled in straight away. 13 points in 11 games is a great start to his career.

The Dinosaurs lead the league in goals scored, but they will need to improve defensively to be successful. Late round picks Mark Injay and Marc Newyaker were overlooked by many GM's as "novelty players" but have proven to be more then useful. Injay has even found himself called up to the pros for a couple of games to cover an injury.

In net, Varlamov and Conz will battle it out all season. Were expecting them be split the starts fairly evenly. Early signs are that Varlamov has the edge over Conz. Henrik Lundqvist remains on the farm to cover injuries. He will find himself getting the odd start during busy periods and has a solid victory to his name already this season.

Can I borrow some of those goals please?! Some goal tending and defense would be nice too

Yeah, im gonna keep my goals thanks!

Were in a postition where our top rookies are on the last year of thier cheap contract so were going all out this season. There are going to be cap issues next season!