ontorisamajorhockey.ont: The Official Source for OJL Action

[Ontorisa]

Arugo Olympians
Olympians Complete Minor League Swap
Marcus Hanzedra among those traded to the Saliasburg Nightmares.

Newly-acquired Cazan Julukas, has spent the season so far in the LSJL, recording 16 points in 30 games played.

The Arugo Olympians have traded forwards Marcus Hanzedra, August Ensipalar, Zachary Leloup, and a 102nd OJL Entry Draft 6th Round Pick to the Saliasburg Nightmares in return for Cazan Julukas and a 3rd Round Pick in this year's 99th OJL Entry Draft.

Leaving the Olympians organization are:

• Marcus Hanzedra, Defense, who was signed this past off-season to a #700,000 one-year, two-way contract, has been playing in with the Olympians' LSJL affiliate, the Emlaj-Drokas Phoenix. In 25 games played, Hanzedra has recorded 8 points (7 assists, 1 goal). Hanzedra was selected 45th Overall in the 90th OJL Entry Draft by the Qajs Storm.
  
• August Ensipalar, Center, was a college free agent signing from the Tetorosburg Central College back in the 94th OJL Season. Splitting time between the Emlaj-Drokas Phoenix and the Posdraj Panthers, Ensipalar has recorded 13 points in 19 games played with the Panthers, and 2 points in 11 games played with the Phoenix.
  
• Zachary Leloup, Left Wing, who was drafted 202nd Overall in the 96th OJL Entry Draft, has been playing in the Lõuna Vesi Jäähoki Liiga (South Water Hockey League) with the Posdraj Panthers. In 27 games played so far this year, Leloup has recorded 14 points (8 goals, 6 assists). He has yet to suit up a regular season game in the OJL.

Joining the Olympians organization are:

• Cazan Julukas, Right Wing, who was an undrafted free agent signing from the MJL's Pakaluyer Barbarians in the 96th OJL Season. Julukas has been playing full time with the Nightmares' LSJL affiliate, the Torkashem Screaming Eagles, recording 16 points in 30 games played. Julukas had previously been coached by Olympians current Head Coach, Kristof Gabrusak.

"We feel that this moves gives us an opportunity for the off season, freeing up contracts that otherwise would have prevented us from acquiring prospects who we feel deserve an OJL contract right now." Olympians General Manager, Jusa Manuic, said following the trade. "We wish the best to Zachary, Marcus and August with their new club."

[Ontorisa]

Why Giants GM Kas Throhanskov's Promises Shouldn't Give Fans Hope.

The Giants may have landed 28-year old right wing Xeja Holstasjar, but they are nowhere near cup contention.

Everyone, here are the Plespro Giants. Known for their consistent playoff appearances yet lack of playoff success, the once mighty team is now in the midst of a frantic and, quite frankly, panicked rebuild. Headed by the young general manager in 42-year old Kas Throhanskov, the team suffered two of its worst seasons in over 20 years. The problem is, the pain isn't going to be getting better, it's going to be worse.

This past off season, Throhanskov spoke at the 96th OJL Entry Draft about the Giants "having the ability to compete for the playoff next season", with "a strong potential for the cup the season after". The Giants "highlighted" this aspiration by picking up 17-year old right wing Soren Rijardsson this past draft, who should be OJL-ready in about 3-4 seasons at least. Coupled with a fairly weak prospect pool, an overpaid yet under-performing roster, and a lack of general direction, the team should be gearing for a lengthy rebuild instead of trying to make the most out of their old core players in Caspar Kanturssen, and Ijlik Pakurras.

Don't get me wrong, I liked what the Giants did at the draft. Picking up Rijardsson at 6th Overall was a fairly obvious choice. Not only does he bring immense youth and speed to the team, but he's a tenacious forechecker, responsible in his own end, and is a versatile winger. The problem is that the Giants then go and trade the rights to one of their best players in Sagrid Tumollossen for a 3rd Round Pick and defenseman Neymar Skaghajs...

That's right, Neymar Skaghajs, victim of the "he needs a breathe of fresh scenery" complex by fans and managers alike, is on his fourth team in two seasons. Getting depth and maybe a decent 3rd Pairing option isn't too bad, but when said potential 3rd Pairing option is pencilled in to be your fourth-best defenseman, then we're getting into some major issues. The Giants this season are not going to be good, not by a long shot.

25-year old center Mikka Banjastrom warms up with the Plespro Giants during the 95th OJL Regular Season. Banjastrom finished the season with 31 points in 78 games played.

The existing roster for the Giants is already rough enough without going too far into their off-season acquisitions. If Mikka Banjastrom is still your second-line center, while putting up 31 points a season, you are truly in for a rough time. Up and down the Giants roster there are painfully glaring holes in the team's format. Zula Jamussat should be nowhere near a playoff team's top 6 forward group, yet here he is playing consistent second line minutes for the Giants. Tomas Anjosraz is not an OJL-quality player, but is still trusted to kill penalties and to grind down opponents even though his footspeed is nowhere close to his competitors'.

Trust me when I say that the highlights of the team are still your old stars in Kanturssen and Pakurras, and that the flashy name in Xeja Holstasjar will burn out instantly.

Oh yeah, did I mention that the Giants signed Xeja Holstasjar to a 6-year, #45 million deal (#7.5 million AAV)? That's right, they signed Holstasjar. They were the fools to look at one 30-goal season with the Lisadesburg Coyotes and think that they had found their man. Unfortunately for them, they forget that Holstasjar played in a very front and heavy system, and he was paired alongside of the likes Prakos Panjaarvi and Bloas Tamajatturs. If you were not able to put up 30 goals like that, then there is a problem. The issue is that with Panjaarvi and Tamajatturs, Holstasjar was fantastic, yes, but without them, the 28-year old was simply just there. For instance, during the Coyotes' playoff series against Calvisburg, Holstasjar was paired alongside the likes of Rasmus Torriskag and Nikolai Syshenskov and performed horribly. He was slow, he was uninspiring, and he let a speedy rookie in Petyr Franzis blow past him and pot the game-winning goal in the 5-4 overtime Game 3 loss.

And you gave him #45 million.

Let's not forget about the failed projects and OJL outcasts that line the team's roster now. Everyone remember when Skan Olyiatriks was supposed to be good? Now he's highlighting a weak Plespro Giants roster as a 27-year old, still struggling to find a team that will keep him on longer than for two seasons as a depth forward. Pako Grevathor anchors the Plespro Giants' 3rd Line when in reality, he's still a small, defensively irresponsible, "playmaker" who has hands of stone and the hockey IQ of a brick. Notable former 4th Overall Pick who was picked before a certain Rieaa Delsja? Having a hard time remembering the name? Does Ilisk Cortaamsen ring a bell? He's now the Giants' best penalty killing defenseman.

Instead of trying to accept reality and rebuild, the Giants have simply tried throwing any warm body onto the ice for this season. Sure, the additions of 2014 4th Rounder, Lukas Iakssen, and 2015 2nd Rounder, Petyr Baumassen, may help the team out, but they are simply not enough. Quite truthfully, none of the team is anywhere close to a playoff series, never mind a cup contention.

Sorry to break it to you Giants fans, but this team is going to stink. Hard.



PS. Why the actual hell have you guys not gotten a proper back-up yet? You think Paulas Orienche could stop a beach ball, never mind a puck?

[Ontorisa]

Heratoi Zapisakli Extraliiga Commissioner Announces Plan to Move to Professional Hockey in 2022

Kordawe HC's Mattias Cerwivak during a game against cross-province rivals HC Poskalt Jets. Heratoi has been without a professional ice hockey league since 1981, when the HZE transitioned to a Major Junior system following financial turmoil.

"It's time we returned to the true roots of the Extraliiga." Heratoi Zapisakli Extraliiga (HZE) Commissioner Pascal Kolwiziak told media during a press conference today. "Heratoi has a proud history in ice hockey. Our neighbours have national ice hockey leagues, why don't we?"

Kolwiziak has announced today that the HZE, a longtime major junior hockey league on the Isles, has begun planning for an eventual transition back to professional ice hockey. This plan would involve bringing in more financial weight to the league, as well as renewing existing television, sports network, and sponsorship deals, alongside of establishing new ones in foreign markets. This move comes to no surprise as the HZE has recently taken the spot of the second most popular ice-hockey league in the Isles, right behind the OJL, and has amassed a profit around $826 Million NSD (#669.06 Million Eckels). With such a high popularity many have begun to question why the HZE has not turned professional once again. Considering the league has multiple teams based in their southern neighbors in Eglasour, and that it has recently eclipsed the Eglasourans' hockey league in terms of profit and financial potential, it appeared to have been a no-brainer.

There have been multiple critics of the potential move however, as worries have surfaced about the HZE potentially returning to its 1970's financial status if the transition from junior hockey becomes official. Additionally, Zahokiat dal Heratoi President Aidrien Lujokivec has expressed concerns about the hockey infrastructure within Heratoi despite officially backing the move.

"I'm worried about how the league will operate." Lujokivec said when questioned about the plans. "If we were to follow the ENHL format, where would we relegate to? The Bantam and Midget leagues? We would have to finance a completely new pyramid of hockey in Heratoi. If we were to follow the OJL format, we would have to create an entirely separate and financially-independent league for our minor league systems to work. That would include expanding to more, untested locations who may not have any interest in ice hockey. It is a difficult process, but the Zila completely support the move."

The uncertainty however, has not affected the Heratoian hockey players playing overseas in both the ENHL and the OJL. 23-year old Kazah Sycuwick, a native of Ventasburg, of the Fort Yeals Trailblazers was asked about the question. His response?

"Good, about time."

Fellow Heratoians in Villi Cazarnik, Kori Djukonevic, and Saj Ruyanovich, have all expressed immense support in the plans. The belief is that a professional hockey league based in Heratoi will not hinder the game, but instead grow it. Instead of having to watch their superstars and role models play in foreign cities in front of foreign crowds, young aspiring Heratoian hockey players will instead be able to see their role models play essentially in their backyards.

"I grew up watching the likes of [Markus] Tyto, [Jakub] Gasix, and [Jakub] Kalowinizk playing for teams in Ontorisa. It was heartbreaking, as they only came home for the off-seasons, and I could never see them play in person." Cazarnik told media today. "I hope that kids back home will be able to see their role models play in front of them. Heratoi's pro league could definitely compete with Ontorisa's. We are just as die hard for hockey as Ontorisans are, and our country can support it entirely."

This move has been unpopular with Hokki Ontorisa however, as current president Heja Kaljuanis has cited that "it is a hostile move to try and jeopardize hockey in Ontorisa" and that "the HZE and OJL have enjoyed a long and healthy relationship in this day and age". The move has also been unpopular with players, who feel as if the more skilled and competitive Heratoi players may leave to go back home. Dejekus Oracles Captain Tealmos Wedernas spoke openly about his feelings concerning the HZE:

"I'm all for more hockey," Eujon Reds center Rieaa Delsja spoke to reporters after a practice today. "but I cannot see this being good for the Isles. We already have two pro leagues here, why do we need a third? It makes no sense."

"Yikes." Calvisburg Guardians defenseman Victor Ryaks said. "Just yikes. I mean it opens up career opportunities to the guys who wouldn't get a shot here, but even then, I like super competitive hockey as much as the next guy, but we're just gonna over saturate the market if we're not careful. It's not okay."

"I really wanna ask whoever's in charge of the HZE: is this really what you want to be doing?" Asza Royals center Kampha Lundriskart said. "We have a good gig here, the league's been the most competitive and fastest as it's ever been, and you want to take away from that? What an idiot."

It is only nervousness that has taken over the Ontorisans, and to a lesser extent the Kejians and Eglasourans. While the plan has not been set into motion, it is obvious that the plan for the HZE to make the transition will eventually happen. The only question is how this will affect
hockey in the Isles and to what extent?

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This article was written by: Nico Sayra-daj-Tyammik
Nico Sayra-daj-Tyammik is a reporter at vanHallostaar Hokki. You can follow them online on Twitter @NicoSDajT.

[Ontorisa]

EUJON REDS
REDS SIGN ANDALINO

EUJON - The Reds have announced today that they have signed Neu Engollian-native Fritz Andalino to a 3-year, #950,000 entry-level contract, with a signing bonus of #47,761.

A native of Grisbenden, Neu Engollon, the 21-year old recorded 6 goals, and 11 assists with Grisbenden this past season. Andalino went undrafted in the past three OJL Drafts, qualifying him as an unrestricted free agent.

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 195 pounds

Birthplace: Grisbenden, Neu Engollon

Shoots: Left

[Ontorisa]

ROUNDING OFF THE TOP 10 ENHL FREE AGENTS

24-year old Iivo Japarianen of HC Oceans highlights our list for the Top 10 ENHL Free Agents.

With the upcoming 97th OJL Entry Draft, this highlights another fun time in the OJL off-season: Free Agency. This year, there are plenty of eligible ENHL free agents in the mix. We've compiled a list of who we think should be taken a gander at.


10. C - Mattias Olosgorid - Esderisburg HC

A highly touted penalty killer and venomous two-way forward, the 27-year old is looking for his second tour of duty in the OJL following three years with Esderisburg HC. Originally drafted by the Plespro Giants, Olosgorid left to the ENHL following the Giants' unwillingness to qualify the then-OJL RFA. Since then, Olosgorid has posted three consecutive 30-point seasons in the ENHL and has been a monumental part of Esderisburg's leadership and penalty kill unit. He's quick, intelligent, and has clearly matured his abilities in the ENHL. Look for a fringe playoff team to take a run at him, or maybe one of the Big Four to pick him up on the cheap for depth.


9. RW - Kaspari Rasmussen - Rue-sur-la-Cote HC Snappers

A quick and fast player, Kaspari Rasmussen is a deadly two-way offensively-minded player. The 25-year old is coming off of a 15-goal, 39-point season with the Rue-sur-la-Cote HC Snappers, and currently makes $230,000 NSD with the team. A number of teams, namely the Trailblazers, Blades, and Fanatics have all been linked with Rasmussen, particularly since he has shown he can play at the OJL-level in the past, with a one season stint with the Giants. Where this forward will sign is anyone's guess, but he does bring a great toolset to his game and should be able transition his game well to the OJL.


8. D - Iivo Japarianen - HC Oceans

Heavily pursued by the Big Four, Iivo Japarianen is an offensively-gifted defenseman whose ability to quarterback a powerplay was simply unmatched in the ENHL this past season. Coming off of a 26 assist, 34-point season with HC Oceans, Japarianen has shown to possess an incredibly amount of hockey IQ in the offensive zone. While his defensive game still needs plenty of work on, the 23-year old has been rumoured to be courted by the Tridents and the Titans, two teams who have reportedly been in a bidding war with one another over the defenseman.


7. G - Reider van Klivissen - Hornets HC - Majardins

While a smaller goalie, only standing at 6'0", 182 pounds, the Kejian-national is a flexible and spectacular goaltender who can make an immediate impact in the OJL as either a 1B option or a fringe starter. van Klivissen has proven himself in the ENHL with a .919 SV% and a GAA of 2.41, and has shown at times that he is capable at reaching another level in order to stop opposing chances. He stole the job for three years straight with the Hornets, and should be a candidate for an OJL job in the upcoming season.


6. LW - Olli Karipanen - St. Hormis HC Fighting Spirit

Olli Karipanen is an odd case. The Eglasouran-national has shown that he possesses the ability to be a physical scoring presence in the ENHL, but his skating has always held him back. Regardless of this, his 40-point season in the ENHL has placed Karipanen on teams' radars as the Spectres and Timber Wolves have both been rumoured to be eyeing his services. The question is if Olli Karipanen will make the jump to the OJL or remain in the ENHL, as the 27-year old has no actual reason to move due to a comfortable and top line role with St. Hormis.


5. D - Manu Ollujans - Ironmen Grosburg HC

Manu Ollujans is another Ontorisan who finds himself on our board. A 6th Round Pick by the Prisosgrad Hussars back in the 90th OJL Entry Draft, the now 25-year old finds himself unsigned to an OJL contract but wishing to return home after a successful tour with the Ironmen. He's a staunch penalty killer and thrives in the transition game in the neutral zone. Additionally, his towering frame enables him to be a great shot blocker, something that Ollujans led the ENHL in last season. While he's not the fastest skater, Ollujans makes his money in the defensive side of things, using his long reach to knock the puck off of opposing forwards. He won't be the most attractive player, but he's a player that many teams like simply due to his physicality and defensive ability.


4. C - Emil Sapparinen - Esderisburg HC

A second member of the Esderisburg Hockey Club finds themselves on our list, as the club has been historically able to turn OJL castaways into legitimate talents. Emil Sapparinen is no exception to this. The former 4th Round Draft Pick has been honing his skills in the ENHL since he turned 20, and has played a total of 6 seasons in the league, all of whom were with Esderisburg. He's a speedy and feisty centreman whose offensive skills may be lacking, but has an impressive resume when it comes to defence and the face-off circle. Projected to be a 3rd-line checking forward in the OJL, Sapparinen can strengthen any of the OJL teams' penalty kill. And worst comes to worst, Sapparinen has always been rumoured to be wanting to return back home to his home in Raprisker, allowing him to continue to hone his game and potentially improve his offence.


3. D - Mikko Farianen - Esderisburg HC

Remember when Mikko Farianen was rumoured to have been signing with the Kelixsburg Legionnaires? Those rumours may come to fruition as the 26-year old is currently out of contract with Esderisburg HC now and has been looking to sign in the OJL. Due to COVID-19 however, these talks have been rumoured to have stalled, leaving Farianen with plenty of suitors available for his services. Standing at 6'2", 197 pounds, Farianen is a physical and playmaking defenseman, whose ability to thread the seam with his passes in the offensive zone being the prime area for his skillset.


2. D - Lukka Hjassen - Taljas Lightning HC

The free wheeling, 28-year old is a commodity as Hjassen also brings a right-shot to the league. While nothing is to be written home about his offensive skills, Hjassen has proven himself time and time again to be a reliable shutdown defenseman whose skating is an asset to his game. Compared to his fellow countryman in Mikko Farianen, Hjassen is much more physical but much less reliable offensively than the younger defenseman. However, his veteran leadership and few games played in the OJL should make him a desired depth signing for a contending team, or a stop-gap option for a rebuilder.


1. C - Rados Czallick - HC Chariots

The 23-year old Heratoian national has been on the OJL's radar for quite some time. While undrafted, Czallick is the prime definition of a late bloomer, as his skating and stickhandling abilities enable him to create offensive zone chances. Playing mostly as HC Chariots' go-to centreman, Czallick has lacked the defensive ability to be a staunch penalty killer, but his offensive gifts make him such a valuable target for any OJL team. Czallick is coming off of a 51-point season, 24 of these points were goals. He's a highlight reel machine and should be able to make an impact in the OJL when, not if, he is signed.