Offseason Moves to this point, and napkin lineup ideas for next season.

Consider this the first of many blogs heading into the upcoming SJHL season. I know it's only June 8, but honestly not a day goes by where I don't think about the upcoming season.


Since you last read me, a lot has changed with the Stars and with the SJHL in general. Lets start with the new additions to the club and what can be expected from them this season.

Blake Tatchell - F


Blake Tatchell is no stranger to the Battlefords, and members of the Battlefords should be no stranger to him either. He led the Midget AAA Stars in scoring last season, and contributed offence when he played with the Jr. A Stars in a handful of games last season.

'Tatch' was a guest of mine two weeks ago on The Sports Fix, and he seems really pleased with his decision to stay in the Battlefords. I asked him what his goals were, and he said that he hopes he can score 20 goals and improve defensively. Every encounter I've had with Blake has been pleasant and I'm very excited for Blake to continue his career.


Jordan Lane - F


At 6'7 and 250lbs, it's probably safe to say that Jordan Lane will be among the tallest players in the league next season. His skating and speed are obvious question marks, but Ken Pearson is "big" on on this kid (No pun intended). He scored 10 goals as an 18-year-old in Dauphin two years ago and could be a top-nine forward for the Stars this season. Not only can Lane contribute offensively, but his toughness is undeniable. Aside from Tony Oak, and Mitch Wall, the Stars were a rather small team last year and Lane certainly changes that dynamic in a hurry. There is a chance that Lane could crack a WHL roster, but barring that, the Stars will obtain his services.


Ward Szucki - F

This is another player that Ken Pearson was extremely happy to acquire. A 6'3 forward with some good speed, size and finish. He scored 16 goals for the Yellowhead Chiefs last season in the Manitoba Midget AAA League.


Devon Speiss - D

Speiss was an all-star with the Yellowhead Chiefs last season and is another player that comes highly regarded from Manitoba. He's 6'2, a right-handed shot and according to the coach has tremendous poise and patience with the puck.


When you consider the fact that the Stars only made two offseason commitments last season (Valleau and Anderson) one must be pretty happy about the early progress of the offseason. If you look at the players who are eligable to return, this team seems to have a ton of depth at their disposal. If all of the Stars were to miraculously return next season, here's what I think you'd see:


Peake - Graf - Meunch

Wall - Leclerc - Szucki

Anderson - Tatchell - Lane

Oak - Miller/Toporowski - Watt

Other options at this point would include: Tanner Schwab, Skylar Dunser, Erik Pedersen.


Defensively it might look like this:


Lebreton - Kleidon

Klaussen - Brodbin

Speiss - Malek

Cole


And in goal:

Birch - Hilldebrand



Now I'm not exactly sure how different this lineup will look in September, but when I look at the lineup as is right now I really like how the team breaks down defensively. Goaltending is rock-solid, and offensively I think we are almost there. I think we are a legit number one centerman away from making a real run at the division.


More blogs to come with more regularity, I promise!