Continuing our look into the IHHL Tea Leaves, we now turn our mystic eyes to the Dunlop Conference. The Western Conference has traditionally been a wild and high scoring and it appears a modicum of grit will be added to the mix as the conference picked up the Soviet Bears and Seattle Wolves.
Saskatoon Sasquatches - A
In another incredible surprise, top prospect Jack Eichel fell to an astounding fourth round selection for the Sasquatches. You have to start to wonder about the mental stability of most of the owners in this league after letting Eichel fall so far. Their loss is the certainly the Sasquatches gain going forward this season.
Denver Demon Donkeys - A-
The Demon Donkeys enter the 2015-16 season a bigger and stronger team than last season. While the first lines are impressive, the depth on the bench is clearly the most impressive in the Dunlop Conference. We have to give them a minus, however, after selecting goalie Semyon Varlamov. Varlamov had a stellar performance two years ago but stumbled last season and will have to prove himself.
San Jose Soviet Bears - B+
What a time to be a Soviet Bears fan. After bringing home the IceBucket their first season in San Jose, the Soviet Bears managed to pull off a great draft despite being in the #5 draft position. In a very unconventional move, team owner Scott Hall elected to draft a goalie in the first round, taking the highly touted Carey Price. While solid goalkeeping is always desired, changes in the league scoring structure over the past few years may actually devalue this move. Only time will tell if that move, balanced with drafting offensive talents like Pavel Datsyuk and TJ Oshie will pay off and keep the Soviet Bears on track to head back to the top of the league this season.
Las Vegas Ballas - C
We here at Game Misconduct are still not at all sure how this team was ever sold to Dan Hall. He continues, against all odds, to field a solid squad. Against the conventional wisdom that has permeated the league for years the Ballas drafted two goalies, Pekka Rinne and Roberto Luongo. The Rinne and Luongo tandem looks to be a bit shaky but they will have a formidable defense in front of them as well which should help.
Seattle Wolves - C
The Wolves certainly have one thing going for them coming out of the draft. Offense. Steven Stamkos will be joined this season by the likes of Taylor Hall, James Neal, and P.K. Subban creating one of league’s most dangerous units. There is, however, a significant drop off once you look past the core of the team you are left with questions up and down the lineup.
Opening Night
Don't forget gentle readers, tonight is the kick off of the IHHL season. This weeks match ups, concluding on Sunday, October 18, are:
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