Thoughts on Goal

In this edition of Thoughts on Goal we will give out some midseason awards, look at the power rankings, and have some thoughts on the heated race for the playoffs.

MVP- Kevin Smith Honorable mention - Todd Brown

It's hard to believe that Kevin hasn't won this award yet, but is understandable with all the talent he has had around him in years past. But playing with him this year I think I can see how gifted this guy is. All the little stuff he does and how he makes players around him better. I think this should be the year he gets it. Todd Brown should also be considered for this award. He is one of the best offensive players in our league and has even stepped up his defensive game this year also.

Best Goalie - Tim Herman Honorable mention - Sean Hagan

You may have to double take on this one. No i'm not crazy just hear me out. Tim Herman may be surrounded by a defensive wall on the voodoo but the numbers that he is putting up are not to be ignored. Sean may be on a team that is without

a win, but if you watched some of the saves that this guy has made you wouldn't question me. If you can look past save percentage and wins you would see how this guy is in the mix.

Best Defenseman - Dave Jewell Honorable mention - Austin Boyd

Dave plays an all around offensive/defensive game. He does all the things a defenseman should do and more. Austin is one of the main reasons it's so hard to get a shot on Herman. With his great wheels and smart playmaking ability he is one defender that makes good offensive players look bad.

Rookie of the Year - Ryan Foltz Honorable mention - Mike Jacobson

Little was known about Foltz by many when the season started. When it got underway even the untrained eyes of hockey saw that he had some skill. He has an accurate wrist shot and some decent skating ability. If he continues to grow he may become one of the better players of the XHL. Jacobson has shown some skill in net and out of it. When out he has shown some skill alongside brown.

Power Rankings

Maniax- Though they got their first loss coming at the hands of the colonials, they fought back and got a big win against them later in the week

Colonials- Even without Reiter and Stamler this team is one of the best. Scary to think of it that way.

Wolfpack- So they lost to the colonials with Reiter and Stamler and lost to them without those two???? Still a great down to earth team they just need to put it together.

Voodoo- They haven't given up more than 6 goals in a single game this season. With Llewellyn starting to look good and Amick coming back soon, this team is starting to look scary.

Rogue- Of the teams that didn't make a good transition to the drome I would put the rogue at the top. All the talent is there they just can't seem to put it together.

Swashbucklers- Almost pulling an upset without Wyatt would of made them almost a sure 6th seed. But they need Wyatt back in net and some great play down the stretch to secure a playoff spot.

Generals- They need to get some help down the stretch and maybe pull off an upset if they want to be in the playoffs this year.

Venom- With each passing game playoffs are looking less likely.

Iron Lions- Well if they can stick together and work as a team they could pull off a couple wins.

Warriors- I think we all are pulling for them to get a win this season. Could happen with their game coming up against the iron lions.

With most teams already through the halfway point of their seasons, some teams in the middle of the pack are fighting for that precious playoff spot. With two more points and a game in hand the swash seem to be the favorite over the generals. They both won a game against each other this year so they don't play again.

The games that will have the most importance of deciding who will get it will be when each team faces the venom. The games when these teams played where for the most part close. So predicting the outcome is up in the air.

This is the generals remaining schedule-
venom, iron lions, warriors, voodoo x 2, wolfpack.

I see 3 wins and 3 losses which would put them at 7-11 with 14 points.

This is the swashbucklers remaining schedule-
warriors, wolfpack, colonials, venom, rogue, maniax, voodoo.

Lets say they have one win against the warriors and go 6-12 with 12 points.

This is why that venom game MAY be very important barring any upsets. If the swash beat the venom and go 7-11 and the generals go 7-11 we could have a tie for the six seed. We will find out very soon, but untill then just have fun and enjoy the games. Have a fun 4th of July everyone.