The Yubay Glaciers logo looks like an early 60’s gas station sign.

1965 REGULAR SEASON



In what became a pivotal turning point in the league, the regular season of 1965, with two new teams in the fold, was as stunning as it was shocking. With the playing field leveled from the expansion draft, depth was a problem for every team. It produced some of the tightest competition yet seen in the league. Even perennial basement dweller Narva, previously in Lecayne, put up a competitive season even while finishing last again.

The Neptunes saw improved play from the team and better fan turnout as the team showed promise with rookie top pick forward Kris Kotulak who is learning the ropes behind team captain F Stefan Ostrowski and another quiet all-star season for the underrated Pole. Just ahead of Narva, the Captains were a tough team to beat but couldn't find ways to put up wins. Defenseman Lauri Rikhard played his heart out, earning the new Alternate selection for the expanded All-Star team, but it wasn't enough as the normally tight team chemistry waned in critical moments. Rookie forward Keenan Draper showed flashes of scoring brilliance but at other times looked lost on the ice. Still, optimism is rising in Kirkenport as Don G feels the team is still adjusting but the new roster has a high ceiling.

The two expansion teams each provided an instant jolt into the league. In Yubay, the Glaciers, perhaps inspired by the brash attitude from owner Sterling Aquino, acquitted themselves well in their first season. First overall pick F Peter Isaksson was fantastic even as he waded through the rookie jitters and adjustments. The Icelander has all the makings of a future star in the league. Perhaps most surprising was the play of rookie goalie Keith MacGarvin, taken in the second round. He had some rough moments but otherwise looked the part of a solid netminder and the fans in Niko Side were especially excited for his potential. The Glaciers have quite a bit of room for improvement but it was a good start.


Over in Kirlow, with the new incarnation of the Kodiaks, chaos reigned. From the very first game, rookie defenseman Joaquin Outlaw made a massive impression as he delivered a brutal hit on Gary Wisniewski, breaking his jaw, and subsequently moving the stolen puck up the ice and punching in a fast break goal. The play caused a huge stir in the league as many pegged him as a dirty player. Outlaw seemed to thrive on the extra pandemonium as he proceeded to string together an incredible and unprecedented season of defense and scoring which left the whole league in shock. As Outlaw tore apart the league, essentially singlehandedly leading the Kodiaks to a surprising playoff berth, he not only won Top Rookie honors, but ascended all the way in the voting to a League MVP trophy and Top Defenseman and first All-Star selection. As a one-man wrecking crew, Outlaw carried decidedly average seasons from forward Morton Geary, who showed some age, and goalie Reed Darling who was awful at times even though he was selected as the second alternate.

The broken jaw suffered by Gary Wiz from the Outlaw hit was a bad blow to the Anchors' plans. Although the Wiz returned halfway through the season, and the team played well, Port Alrene couldn't keep up and missed the playoffs for the first time. Over in Portarra, the Whales seemed to enjoy the chaos around the league as they played their typical hard-nosed style and rose to the top of the standings behind an outburst of scoring from Marlin Parr and Adam Keenan and a nice season from Maxwell Blunt in goal. Defenseman Anton O'Reilly quietly had a great season that was overshadowed by Outlaw.

Chasonne had an up-and-down season as they were extremely streaky at times. The league-wide depth issues affected the Heralds greatly as they saw Paul Kauffman and Lou D'Angelo have All-Star campaigns while Nat Marchant struggled at times in goal and the second units looked overmatched. The Heralds still earned a 2nd-seed as coach Stan Massey did an excellent job navigating the struggles. Meanwhile, a mid-season surge by the Falcons earned them a 3rd-seed as fan favorite goalie Von Wentz finally earned an All-Star selection on his way to a Best Goalie award. Wentz seemed to turn a corner and was far and away the best goalie for the last 30 games as the Sava Siders made a push to restore dominance in Yubay. Geno Pasternak showed improvements to his already considerable scoring acumen and defenseman Shane Galbraith quietly had a dominant season.


With an expanded All-Star team roster now including two alternate selections for deserving players of an position, a new award was also added. The Blue Collar award will go to the player who shows the most workman-like play and demeanor and best represents his team and the league with consistent play and attitude. Paul Kauffman was named the inaugural winner of the award. Kodiaks coach Sam Bennett took home Best Coach for their stunning performance, although many thought Chasonne's Stan Massey was more deserving.

Playoff Preview

Whales vs Kodiaks
The Kodiaks are Back, and with a splash. Raging rookie defenseman Joaquin Outlaw has had a magical season. How much more can he pull out of the hat for this team? Meanwhile, the Whales put together one of their finest seasons and are looking downright formidable. Young luck or experience and wisdom?

Heralds vs Falcons
This matchup is becoming regular must-see programing, as both teams have forged a dislike for the other from previous escapades. The Heralds are stout in all phases of the game but the Falcons have some moxie going and are bucking all the trends. Whose got the gumption?


Up next: 1965 Playoffs

Wow, an exciting season! I'm expecting more of the same from the playoffs!

I think the Whales will have a tough time with the Kodiaks, and I think no matter what it goes to a game 7. However, I'll say the Whale's experience will win them this one, 4-3.

I'll say that the Heralds take out the Falcons 4-2. Just a gut feeling.

Finally, I bet the Whales get the Heralds also 4-2. Again, it just feels right.

I'll throw my predictions out here too, why not?

Portarra vs Kirlow
I want to go with the Kodiaks, but I just feel like the Whales are too much for an expansion team. Portarra in 5.

Chasonne vs Yubay 
I've gotta go with my Falcons. I have a feeling Wentz will shut down the Heralds and Pasternak will carry us to the finals. Chassonne will be a tough opponent though. Falcons in 7.

Portarra vs Yubay 
I know that I'm probably jinxing myself but I can't NOT pick Yubay so I'm saying this is the year we finally get it done. Falcons in 6.
 

Last edited by Section30 (8/24/2019 11:40 pm)

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