1978 THL REGULAR SEASON


Everyone expected the Glaciers to mop the floor against other teams with their stacked roster still intact but they had a series of slumps and injuries that nearly derailed their season. A very late surge in the last week by Pekka Jokinen saved their playoff chances and won him an MVP trophy for the second time. The Joker carried the squad the whole season as Peter Isaksson regressed due to age and a usually stout blue line faltered often.

The Glaciers squeaked into the playoffs at the expense of the Captains who were neck-and-neck with them until the last few days to underscore a disappointing season for the Kirk Boys who were looking to make possibly a last run with their core unit of Draper, Rikhard and McKnight. The Anchors, however, enjoyed the opportunity to race to the top of standings and surprise the league with vintage performances from Ferdy Haight and Paul Kauffman who seemed to defy age in a brilliant year. Haight scored yet another Best Goalie on his stellar resume and the Anchors' stingy defense carried a pedestrian scoring output outside of Dimitri Ranko.

Just behind the Anchors as seemingly always, the Whales also saw a continued age-defying season from stalwart blue-liner Shane Galbraith at 38 years old as he's looking to make a final run along with goalie Maxwell Blunt. The Rockets have steadily become a real contender behind a deep roster headlined by Kevin Korycki as they cemented their 3rd-seed status.


The Narva Neptunes made a splash by vaulting to the top of the Hatch Division for a second straight time, seeing Kris Kotulak's usual potent scoring and a brilliant season from defenseman Gav Brankovic. Goaltender Ernie Bukowski is also proving to be a late bloomer with another All-Star selection. The Neps posted a league-best differential. The Kodiaks stayed close behind as their tough squad battled for position and Pascal Brink rediscovered his scoring touch. Kirlow hopes to make progress in the playoffs. Elsewhere in the Hatch, the Electrics have been sneaky good with a deep no-name roster outside of defenseman Darren Cain, and the Kavs have proven to be very capable scorers that don't rely on any one player. The Falcons had an up-and-down season but it was enough to gain playoff status even as their scoring was spotty at times.

Trowburgh had a nice building season, riding a very tough defensive squad as the team focused on fundamentals and excellent work on the boards. The Saints, with lauded rookie Jack Kovak on the roster, doubled their win total from the previous year as the team showed improvements in every category. In Guilden, however, the team regressed a bit defensively and improved their scoring but still finished last in the league. The Pioneers stayed neutral, unable to climb beyond 11th overall as the reworked roster struggled at times.

Playoff Preview

Anchors vs Glaciers
Port Alrene has played up and the Niko Side has played down. The Glaciers are dangerous but the Anchors have momentum. Will the trend continue or will the roles reverse?

Whales vs Rockets
On paper these are two evenly-matched teams. Both scored the same amount of goals but Portarra has a resurgent Shane Galbraith. Will the Rockets use youth to their advantage or will the Whales show their wisdom?

Neptunes vs Falcons
The Neptunes are flying high while the Falcons have been just treading water. Will Sava Side prove their clutch ways again or will Narva continue blazing a trail of destruction?

Kodiaks vs Electrics
The Kodiaks have been a model of consistency while the Electrics have been building a steady winner. Which team will be budged from their ways?

Up next: THL Playoffs

[updated standings graphic]

Last edited by Steelman (5/14/2020 8:52 pm)

Gaah, guess it's back to the Mile to top off my drink.

Hopefully the Kodiaks can finally break through this time and win it all

Stickman wrote:

I'm kinda feeling a Kodiaks vs. Whales final (with the Whales overcoming their hated rivals the Anchors in the semi-finals)

i hope your right and of course my Kodiaks will beat em

We made the second round! Oh wait we lose to Port Arlene, again!