Post by Sayers on Jan 2, 2003 21:08:31 GMT -5
As we are starting out a new season in the FHFHL, the Weasels and GM Andy Sayers are very optimistic about their chances. "I know we spent the whole off-season trading away the team, just like we did last season, but I think this time we finally got it right." Sayers is right to be optimistic, as the Weasels finished the exhibition schedule tied for the number one spot in the league with 23 points. Sayers said, "Everything seemed to be clicking for us. Our top lines were scoring in bunches, the defence was solid, and Brodeur was sensational in net."
As Sayers stated earlier, the whole team was rebuilt prior to Season 2, the biggest change being in goal. "We were definately surprised to see Brodeur become available to the highest bidder, and even more surprised when we found that we were the highest bidders," Sayers commented. "We actually weren't even planning on bidding for him, but the market seemed to be against him, and I feel we got him for a steal of a deal, especially compared to some other free agents that were signed for more." Along with Martin Brodeur, the team picked up young Tim Connolly and veteran enforcer Brad May during free agency. They then followed up the free agent signings with several deals, including the moving of Markus Naslund to the Scavengers for Brad Isbister and Marco Sturm, Ed Jovanovski and Kris Draper heading to the Zombies for Steve Sullivan and Sami Salo, Brian Leetch going to the Bedoins for Brian Savage and Robert Svehla, Mark Recchi and cash going to the Warriors for Brendan Morrow, and the acquisition of star centerman Alexei Yashin for Scott Young and former Weasels starting goaltender Patrick Lalime. Sayers said, "There were quite a few changes made, but we definately needed to fill out our roster. Last season we had quite possibly the best top two lines in the league, but our third and fourth lines were awful, and the goaltending left a lot to be desired."
The off-season deals were then followed up by some fine-tuning from Andy Sayers. With the acquisition of Alexei Yashin, the Weasels were stuck with one too many centers and not enough right wingers. The hole was filled by the trading of Marco Sturm to the Phantoms for Marcus Nilson. The roster was also filled out by acquiring youngsters Branislav Mezei, Eric Chouinard, Lance Ward, and Ivan Novoseltsev, as well as the drafting of Derek Morris. "Morris was already a great player, and is being paired with Chris Pronger on our top defensive pairing. We are also very happy with the immense change we've already seen in Branislav Mezei since we got him, and Chouinard, Ward, and Novoseltsev aren't far behind," said Sayers.
Even after their stellar exhibiton season, the Weasels are struggling a bit so far this season. Sayers said, "We started out slow, mostly due to the poor play from Brodeur, but now that everyone is healthy and Brodeur is back to his regular self, we are going to turn it around. A few line changes and we'll be back on top."
That's all from the Weasels' front offices for now, but we'll keep the league posted on our progress and we hope to read about everyone else's team in the near future!
As Sayers stated earlier, the whole team was rebuilt prior to Season 2, the biggest change being in goal. "We were definately surprised to see Brodeur become available to the highest bidder, and even more surprised when we found that we were the highest bidders," Sayers commented. "We actually weren't even planning on bidding for him, but the market seemed to be against him, and I feel we got him for a steal of a deal, especially compared to some other free agents that were signed for more." Along with Martin Brodeur, the team picked up young Tim Connolly and veteran enforcer Brad May during free agency. They then followed up the free agent signings with several deals, including the moving of Markus Naslund to the Scavengers for Brad Isbister and Marco Sturm, Ed Jovanovski and Kris Draper heading to the Zombies for Steve Sullivan and Sami Salo, Brian Leetch going to the Bedoins for Brian Savage and Robert Svehla, Mark Recchi and cash going to the Warriors for Brendan Morrow, and the acquisition of star centerman Alexei Yashin for Scott Young and former Weasels starting goaltender Patrick Lalime. Sayers said, "There were quite a few changes made, but we definately needed to fill out our roster. Last season we had quite possibly the best top two lines in the league, but our third and fourth lines were awful, and the goaltending left a lot to be desired."
The off-season deals were then followed up by some fine-tuning from Andy Sayers. With the acquisition of Alexei Yashin, the Weasels were stuck with one too many centers and not enough right wingers. The hole was filled by the trading of Marco Sturm to the Phantoms for Marcus Nilson. The roster was also filled out by acquiring youngsters Branislav Mezei, Eric Chouinard, Lance Ward, and Ivan Novoseltsev, as well as the drafting of Derek Morris. "Morris was already a great player, and is being paired with Chris Pronger on our top defensive pairing. We are also very happy with the immense change we've already seen in Branislav Mezei since we got him, and Chouinard, Ward, and Novoseltsev aren't far behind," said Sayers.
Even after their stellar exhibiton season, the Weasels are struggling a bit so far this season. Sayers said, "We started out slow, mostly due to the poor play from Brodeur, but now that everyone is healthy and Brodeur is back to his regular self, we are going to turn it around. A few line changes and we'll be back on top."
That's all from the Weasels' front offices for now, but we'll keep the league posted on our progress and we hope to read about everyone else's team in the near future!