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    ECL '22 Spring Pro: Season Preview - Getting up to speed

    Strap up and get ready for some exciting ehockey action coming up, it is already time for the Spring season! Getting up to speed with the league is key, so stay with us and read this piece to gain an insight on what to expect.

    ECL_22_Spring_Pro_Season_Preview_16_9.jp

    Season information

    To find out about the prize pool specifics, check out our earlier prize pool info article. For a look at the whole ECL framework, check out the sign-ups article.

    Notable dates for the ECL '22: Spring Pro season:

    • Regular season: 4.4-5.5.
    • Transfer deadline: 18.4. 23:59 CEST
    • Playoffs (Best-of-7)
      • Round of 16: 8.-12.5.
      • Quarterfinals: 15.-25.5.
      • Semifinals: 30.5.-2.6.
      • Finals: 5.-6.6. (TBC)

    Default gamedays for the ECL '22: Spring Pro division will be on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, with a weekly broadcast on the SportsGamer Twitch at 19:45 CEST primarily on Tuesdays. Stay tuned for the season opening broadcast on 12.4.

    You can access the rulebook, schedule, standings, statistics and full rosters from the ECL ‘22: Spring Pro league page.

     

    Socials

    Here's an update to the social media instructions. Our sponsors this season are Kouvolan Lakritsi, St Hockey & Wilhelm.

    Twitter:

    When posting tweets of your lineups, matchups, recaps, clips, articles - or any other content you might want to create - please make sure to tag the following accounts and hashtag: 

    @SportsGamerGG
    #ECL22Spring
    #NHL22
    #esports
    #kouvolanlakritsi
    #MukanaWilhelm

    Instagram:

    When posting on Instagram, please make sure to tag the following accounts and hashtag: 

    @SportsGamerGG
    #ECL22Spring
    #NHL22
    #esports
    #kouvolanlakritsi
    #MukanaWilhelm

    Note: It is very helpful and critical for us to succeed in getting our partners tagged, so they get the necessary mentions and interaction to validate their participation in the future. That being said, it is understandable that there may be circumstances due to your other partners where you are unable to tag competition etc. Your support is appreciated.

    As there are quite a few hashtags by now, especially from a Twitter perspective with limited characters, we recommend using at least #ECL22Spring in the text part of the tweet and leave the sponsor tags for the end. If you need to cut out tags, remove #esports and #NHL22. For Instagram this shouldn't be an issue.

     

    Season preview

    Whereas there has usually been quite a lengthy break in between two ECL seasons, this time around the sojourn was rather brief. The short offseason did not make teams stand pat though, and, similarly to the other divisions, Pro squads have had their fair bit of roster roulette going on. We will dive more into those in the following team previews, but first let us quickly recap the qualifier process.

    The Pro Qualifier was played during the past few weeks, as usual. A number of Pro-eligible teams disbanded after last season, boosting the total of spots up for grabs to ten. The teams that succeeded in making it through include newly founded wildcard Be a Bro, ECL '22: Winter Core Champion Almtuna eSport, as well as teams who played Lite last season in Golden Nights, Powerhouse HC and Pasilan SKA. This actually marks an immediate return to Europe's second-highest level for Golden Nights, whose ECL 12 Pro campaign resulted in relegation.

    In the inaugural Pro Qualifier, ahead of ECL 12, none of the participating earlier Pro teams were able to retain their divisional spots. That changed last season with PENTA and RCTIC clawing their way through, though the majority (three) previous Pro teams still failed back then. The trend upwards has continued, and this time the majority in Joukkue (ex-AfroDunk), Company of Geeks, Fiasko, Hawaii Hockey and Nemesis did in fact get the job done, meanwhile Pata Hellalla and Luleå Hockey were the only ones to fail and will be playing in Lite for the foreseeable future.

    One thing to note is the change of power balances between represented areas: with noRex Gaming disbanding and PENTA and SPARTIATES X MCES relegated, Deadly Phantoms and Geekz Energy eSports are now the only Central European teams remaining in Pro. There is also one less Finnish and one more Swedish team this season, but the Finns are still at the forefront by a wide margin, 21 of the 32 teams being majority-Finnish.

    There are nine teams that did not play in Pro last season, most of them being more or less new to this level. The rest have seen some personnel changes as well, so let us take a closer look at the teams.

     

    Group 1 Written by @jahajaha93

     

    117606665_2696102397315474_216885147237210126_n%20(1)_20220103-121301.png  Almtuna eSport

    ECL '22: Winter result: Core Champion

    The ECL '22 Winter Core Champion managed to pave their way to the Pro division through the Qualifiers and are now in for a massive challenge. The core for this team has stayed intact and the main addition will be @eSwahn joining them in net from Södertälje SK. Some other interesting additions are @gtasir and @albin tinglert on offense, both of whom are yet to take their first strides on the Pro ice. Despite them seeing moderate success in the Qualifiers, a very tough season could be expected for Almtuna this spring.

     

    Player to watch: @BeastBenn14

    Regular season prediction:

    @jahajaha93: 13-16th place

    @Mikka: 12-16th place

     

    Djurgarden_Hockey.png Djurgården Hockey

    ECL '22: Winter result: 16th place in Elite

     

    Djurgården Hockey were crowned Champions during their last Pro stint back in ECL 12, but their Elite journey was quite short lived. As expected, they had a tough time adapting to the speed and skill level, and at the end of the season they were relegated. In the offseason, the team has made some changes, mainly losing @Strumpan87 and former captain @Jungledonk. They've brought in four new guys, in the form of @SPB_AlexZver_22, @Mistertyppo95, @Nampa77 and @lidman1. We'll have to wait and see what kind of lineup they ice on opening night, but if they end up clicking, there is a decent amount of skill in their ranks.

     

    Player to watch: @Sorsa103

    Regular season prediction:

    @jahajaha93: 6-12th place

    @Mikka: 8-14th place, extremely new team

     

    GEEKZENERGY%20eSPORTS%20SPORT%20BADGE%20LOGO%20%20PNG_20220107-140431.png Geekz Energy eSports

    ECL '22: Winter result: 10th place in Pro Group 2

     

    Geekz Energy eSports is one of those teams that are quite tough to get a read on. They have quite a wide roster with some scoring power, and a great goaltender in @PLA77NER. Some of these guys have player cards as long as my annual Christmas shopping list with all the competitive games they've played, so it definitely won't be about experience for Geekz. The team has also had time to perfect their craft in a competitive environment in the CSCL Relax Cup 5 over the past few weeks. 

     

    Player to watch: @Stefan_397 (ViSi0nZ97_)

    Regular season prediction:

    @jahajaha93: 6-12th place

    @Mikka: 8-12th place

     

    GIFU%20LOGO%20UUSIN,%20KIMI_20210426-104616.png GIFU Hockey

    ECL '22: Winter result: Eliminated in Pro RO16

     

    Another team that shouldn't have too much pressure to perform, but could very well end up surprising some good teams if they have a great night. @Baranizer has grown into a solid Pro level goalie with GIFU, and their skaters are all very mechanically skilled. New defenseman @Frompa- will have to take on a big role on breakouts and puck possession play, while @OzziX35 is the more defensive of the two. @Timotei97, who spent last season in Lite with Bellizzi could end up being an important piece for GIFU's scoring.

     

    Player to watch: @Timotei97

    Regular season prediction:

    @jahajaha93: 8-12th place

    @Mikka: 8-12th place

     

    GOLDEN%20NIGHTS_20220127-170915.png Golden Nights

    ECL '22: Winter result: Eliminated in Lite Quarterfinals

     

    Golden Nights already made a Pro appearance back in ECL 12, but their stint was short lived that time. Now, after some success in the Qualifiers, they are back for more, with some more experience and individual growth under their belts. Especially @xSaski_ and @JJimbo- are very skilled individually and know how to handle the puck, but the biggest downfall of Golden Nights could be insufficient puck movement.

     

    Player to watch: @xSaski_

    Regular season prediction:

    @jahajaha93: 8-14th place

    @Mikka: 8-14th place, boom or bust

     

    HanaaHC_20211214-214540.png HanaaHC

    ECL '22: Winter result: Eliminated in Pro RO16

     

    Hanaa has one of the longest streaks competing in the Pro division and they seem to be a lock for playoffs each year. Forward trio @Mikka - @Hazard-laser - @xLeikku is a very strong ensemble for pro and the team has strengthened their defense with @juhkis96, joining them from Conquer Gaming, so you should expect yet another playoff push. The one question mark lies in net, as the team currently has three netminders signed out of which @jg697000 (Gresu__) will most likely not play. @Simbanho could end up being their go-to-guy with zero experience above the Lite level.

     

    Player to watch: @xLeikku

    Regular season prediction:

    @jahajaha93: 1-4th place

    @Mikka plays for HanaaHC

     

    Hawaiiv2_20220307-113857.png Hawaii Hockey

    ECL '22: Winter result: 12th place in Pro Group 2

     

    Hawaii Hockey placed 12th in their group last season and had to partake in Qualifier action prior to the Spring season, which could've been a good thing for the team, as they passed with relative ease and got their competitive mindset going early. They've retained their core and acquired mainly @jiibada_ to boost their offense. This team really needs to dig deep in order to stay with the competition this season, and need big performances in net both from @JaxonRules93 and @vokial2 (SolidElli).

     

    Player to watch: @jiibada_

    Regular season prediction:

    @jahajaha93: 12-16th place

    @Mikka: 10-14th place

     

    logo%20transparent2_20201022-011113.png Hokurit

    ECL '22: Winter result: Eliminated in Pro RO16

     

    The ECL ‘22 Winter campaign for Hokurit was an interesting one. Defenseman @MCH_98 had a sensational season, outscoring several forwards and slotting in second for all defensemen. The routine level of the team managed to earn them a playoff spot, but their berth was short lived, as they were eliminated in the first round. They lost the aforementioned @MCH_98 to Be a Bro, but have brought in very capable replacements in the form of @jamal-_- and @Frans-Fin, who should elevate the base level of the team a bit. Could end up in no man’s land.

     

    Player to watch: @Jondeezz

    Regular season prediction:

    @jahajaha93: 8-12th place

    @Mikka: 8-12th place

     

    Mora_IK_logo_500x500.png Mora IK

    ECL '22: Winter result: Lite Champion

     

    The ECL ‘22 Winter Lite Champions step up to the next level and these are always interesting situations to see how they’ll adapt their game. Some changes have been made, but mainly the roster has been condensed. A notable absence is their top scorer from ECL ‘22 Winter @Robban kaudern (Kaudomovic), who joined Frolunda HC Academy in the offseason. On paper, it looks like Mora IK could be in a world of trouble this season, but their most important player, goaltender @Jeqque44 can salvage some big points for them on any given night.

     

    Player to watch: @Jeqque44

    Regular season prediction:

    @jahajaha93: 13-16th place

    @Mikka: 12-16th place

     

    IMG-20220314-WA0000_20220322-193714.png Nemesis

    ECL '22: Winter result: 12th place in Pro Group 1

     

    Nemesis is another squad consisting of very skilled individuals, that need time together in order to find that perfect balance and perform at their very best, and that is exactly what they've done. After a tough ECL '22 Winter, they dug deep and decided to double down on their familiar core, only adding @profiilipakki on offense to take the center position, in which he has slotted in nicely for them based on the Qualifiers. On defense, however, they acquired @N44TTI_16, who is a great addition and will elevate their game significantly.

     

    Player to watch: @N44TTI_16

    Regular season prediction:

    @jahajaha93: 5-10th place

    @Mikka: 5-10th place

     

    Pasila_SKA_500x500%20(2)_20220319-162933.png Pasilan SKA

    ECL '22: Winter result: Failed to make the playoffs in Lite

     

    After competing in the Core division and being eliminated in the Quarterfinals by Resurrection, it might be a bit confusing to see this team Pro this season, but in fact we’ll be seeing an entirely overhauled team, consisting of a Hotbox - Pasilan-fusion. The only previous Pasilan SKA players continuing are @Macentoitunu and @musta_surma1, who definitely were key players for them. Of course, a former Core team joining forces with a team that was relegated at the end of last season wouldn’t indicate a lot of success being on the horizon, but we’re not opposed to seeing these guys surprise big time.

     

    Player to watch: @Macentoitunu

    Regular season prediction:

    @jahajaha93: 12-16th place

    @Mikka: 12-16th place

     

    RCTIC_Logo%20for%20NHLGamer2_20201109-201723.png RCTIC

    ECL '22: Winter result: Eliminated in Pro Semifinals

     

    The icy boys had a surprisingly solid winter season showing and are looking to continue on that path in the emerging spring sunlight. The roster is virtually unchanged with the exception of the very solid signing of @MrNipsuli, who joins the team from Färjestad BK and an excellent season in Elite. The new recruit will match up with veteran @Aze down low, and the trio @Naikou88 - @yrjoo - @Limbe65 will continue potting goals up front. If the team can stay as solid defensively, while improving their firepower, they should be a lock for at least the quarterfinals.

     

    Player to watch: @MrNipsuli

    Regular season prediction:

    @jahajaha93: 1-4th place

    @Mikka: 1-4th place

     

    Reality_Check.png Reality Check

    ECL '22: Winter result: Pro runner-up

     

    Last season, Reality Check paved their way all the way to the Finals, where they came up short against JYP Jyväskylä. Postseason success is a thing these guys are no strangers to, but they do have an extensive record of never really coming through all the way. Since their last on ice appearance, they’ve replaced center @TheArska with @JesseL2002 and defenseman @jezbaru with @Mikax222, who both should be decent additions and the success of it all should come down to how their chemistry turns out.

     

    Player to watch: @Mikax222

    Regular season prediction:

    @jahajaha93: 1-4th place

    @Mikka: 1-4th place

     

    Sinister_500x500_20210519-222559.png Sinister

    ECL '22: Winter result: Eliminated in Pro RO16

     

    Sinister is a team with tremendous offensive potential and several young, hungry players with tons of upside. Most notably, they’ve exchanged @topikeranen with @Vale16, who obviously doesn’t have the experience, but has that scoring talent that seems to be a theme for this squad. Offensively, there’s no doubt that Sinister couldn’t hang with the big boys, but their biggest downfall could be their goaltending, as they don’t seem to have that bona fide top Pro level starter in their ranks.

     

    Player to watch: @OsquuG

    Regular season prediction:

    @jahajaha93: 4-8th place

    @Mikka: 4-8th place

     

    sulkavan%20sudet%20500x500.png Sulkavan Sudet

    ECL '22: Winter result: Eliminated in Pro RO16

     

    Long-time Pro division dwellers had a solid winter regular season but fell short in a round 1 seven game series at the hands of Tohtorit. Captain @Oxdoggi has managed to strengthen his squad for the upcoming season by acquiring former HAVU Gaming backup @vviljo and winger @apettaja, who bounced around a bit last season but has a decent track record of succeeding in a scoring role in the Pro division. The wolves have quite a wide roster with several options, so it’ll be an interesting thing to see what kind of setup they will be going with and if they will make changes moving forward. Sulkavan Sudet should without a doubt be a playoff team.

     

    Player to watch: @Oxdoggi

    Regular season prediction:

    @jahajaha93: 6-8th place

    @Mikka: 6-10th place

     

    Tohtorit_logo_500x500_20220309-153340.png Tohtorit

    ECL '22: Winter result: Eliminated in Pro Quarterfinals

     

    Tohtorit made a splash last season by pushing all the way to the Quarterfinals against all expectations, and the team definitely has the capability to accomplish a similar feat this time around, only now we'll be able to see it coming. Whereas they've held on to their starting lineup from last season, they've built on that and added depth and several options in acquiring players like @ADETIKKI (Dillynger) and @jezbaru to star in supporting roles.

     

    Player to watch: @Wpaanane

    Regular season prediction:

    @jahajaha93: 1-4th place

    @Mikka: 1-4th place

     

     

    Group 2 Written by @Mikka

     

    Logo_Blue_Transparent_1000_20220402-121129.png AHJO Previously Dynastia 

    ECL '22: Winter result: Eliminated in Pro Quarterfinals

     

    The former Dynastia lineup got recently picked up by esports organization AHJO, and are looking to keep on the same constantly improving trajectory as thus far. After ending their rookie Pro campaign with a first round exit in ECL 12, they had already by last season improved enough to make the second round. Can they reach the semis this time around? Losing your by far top scorer in @Pikkardz (Pikkarii) is always going to hurt, but getting experienced @TheArska (XxProArskaxX) from the runner-ups Reality Check may have made them more well rounded. AHJO should comfortably be in the playoffs and can easily challenge for the higher seeds.

     

    Player to watch: @xHatsi

    Regular season prediction:

    @Mikka: 4-8th place

    @jahajaha93: 4-10th place

     

    be-a-bro2_20220308-133115.png Be a Bro

    ECL '22: Winter result: Did not participate

     

    Even though Be a Bro is a completely new team, their players have plenty of shared history. The core of the roster in @Vaporik, @Janikka, @imosi and @Niskalaukaus all played for the hugely disappointing VISU Gaming last season, and captain @MCH_98 knows the NHL scene's longtimers @Janikka and @imosi from SIKA of seasons past. This is a chance for all of them to prove they belong back among Pro's top end. It will also be exciting to see what @rakkauspakkaus- can accomplish with another team than his old Björklöven Esport.

     

    Player to watch: @MCH_98

    Regular season prediction:

    @Mikka: 4-8th place

    @jahajaha93: 5-10th place

     

    bjorkloven_500x500.png Björklöven Esport

    ECL '22: Winter result: 9th place in Pro Group 1

     

    There have been some sizable changes with Björklöven, most notable being the acquisition of dynamic duo @Pappen (pappeen-) and @LukasGudinge (Gudinge) from Core's Carlstad Kings Esports. Björklöven's offense seems to be fully redone and jumping from Core to Pro is a challenge, so it remains to be seen if they start clicking. However, Tohtorit proved last season that you can jump straight from Core and do some damage, even though they had a longer offseason.

     

    Player to watch: @Pappen(pappeen-)

    Regular season prediction:

    @Mikka: 8-12th place

    @jahajaha93: 6-12th place

     

    7A42F392-C6C9-498C-B84D-446F1DF24BF0_20220312-114236.png Company of Geeks

    ECL '22: Winter result: 14th place in Pro Group 1

     

    The team that first started in 2008(!) has been on a downward trajectory for the past few years, going from 6th to 10th to 14th place in the regular season in their past three campaigns. They escaped relegation by showing up big time in the Pro Qualifier, winning all but two games. What they need the most is some consistency in their roster composition, as in being able to retain more players between seasons. That is going to come with solidifying a spot as a playoff challenger, so the sights should really be in the long term even though another fight for survival seems probable for now. They have reportedly already lost @Mikax222 to Reality Check, so finding an ample replacement for a key player in their dominating qualifier performance is of utmost importance.

     

    Player to watch: @PyroNiko

    Regular season prediction:

    @Mikka: 10-16th place

    @jahajaha93: 12-16th place

     

    Deadly_Phantoms.png Deadly Phantoms 

    ECL '22: Winter result: Eliminated in Pro RO16

     

    The German outfit has had two quite weird campaigns at this level since getting relegated from Elite. In both ECL 12 and ECL '22: Winter, they had some troubles during the first half of the regular season, but finished off strong with a 9-1-0 L10. They lost in the finals in ECL 12, but were eliminated already in the first round last season. They have steadily, no matter what, been a playoff team, and getting @Timasy and @PlaymakerSJ back in the playing lineup, at least in some capacity, is going to be a huge help on their quest back to Europe's top. Even though they will not be playing a 100% of the games, they can alleviate some pressure off the Phantoms' high-scoring defensemen.

     

    Player to watch: @xXPsykoSkillsXx

    Regular season prediction:

    @Mikka: 4-8th place

    @jahajaha93: 4-8th place

     

    1C425C82-5F38-4DFA-B084-10D3A0064D16_20211223-115545.png Fiasko

    ECL '22: Winter result: 14th place in Pro Group 2

     

    Avoiding instant relegation by just a tiebreaker is something that these guys would probably call a... Alright, now that that is out of the way, a season considerably better than their last one does not seem too likely for Fiasko. Their roster has remained largely the same, adding @StuPittman, @Jammelson and @Toimitusjohtaja3 from Lite's Its a nice city. @Jammelson and @Toimitusjohtaja3 had decent statistics for their old team, but they do not appear to have the kind of skill that would mask the squad's collective troubles. Unless they can make their game a lot more organized, another season of Survivor seems to await. Looking at the bright side, they may have taken lessons from last season and now be readier to do more than surviving.

     

    Player to watch: @Xkeineri

    Regular season prediction:

    @Mikka: 12-16th place

    @jahajaha93: 13-16th place

     

    Fila%20Academy,%20logo_20210323-231745.png FILADELPHIA ACADEMY

    ECL '22: Winter result: Lite runner-up

     

    As previously stated, losing your top scorer is never going to be easy, let alone after you get promoted to a higher division. Even though @xAaro89x moving on to last season's Pro champion JYP Jyväskylä is a tough blow, it tells that they have been doing things right. While their new starting six has not been confirmed, the talk around town is former standout defenseman @samza96 will be making a comeback at the center position. Whoever the replacement is, the Academy should be good enough and have the resources and support behind them to make the playoffs. Worst case scenario, they barely miss.

     

    Player to watch: @TEST0-RYTZE (Rytze_)

    Regular season prediction:

    @Mikka: 5-10th place

    @jahajaha93: 5-8th place

     

    ghettologo400_20211115-222514.png GHETTO FIREBIRDS

    ECL '22: Winter result: Eliminated in Pro RO16

     

    Thus far there has been quite a lot of talk about losing players, and GHETTO was not spared from that either: their captain since the beginning in ECL 4, @KepakkoFIN, decided to step away from competing. Getting @Talonmies69 (TaIonm1es) back after a year away should be more than ample replacement on the ice at least, and he is not even the only old friend making a return: ECL '22: Winter Pro top scorer @Valluxet is back as well! The last time he was here they ended up getting promoted, is it finally time for FIREBIRDS to make the return to Elite? They do have the strongest squad they have had during their current Pro stint.

     

    Player to watch: @Valluxet

    Regular season prediction:

    @Mikka: 1-4th place

    @jahajaha93 plays for GHETTO FIREBIRDS

     

    Herlev_Eagles_500x500.png Herlev Eagles

    ECL '22: Winter result: Eliminated in Pro Quarterfinals

     

    The Eagles are entering their fifth Pro season, seemingly continuing with the same lineup that got them to the quarterfinals the last time out. They are perceived as one of the favorites now, and should be one of the higher seeds come playoff time. Retaining the same starting six could be a huge advantage, with most other teams making multiple impactful changes during such a short offseason. Their forwards had way more Time with Puck than their defensemen did in ECL '22: Winter, so perhaps they should get the back end involved a bit more in the future.

     

    Player to watch: @Mr Steffmeister (Suth98_)

    Regular season prediction:

    @Mikka: 1-4th place

    @jahajaha93: 1-4th place

     

    9E81A49D-B87E-4B95-ACCC-CE7246EDF4F7_20220309-004352.png Joukkue Previously AfroDunk 

    ECL '22: Winter result: 13th place in Pro Group 1

     

    Half of their lineup has changed, and the ride through the qualifier was far from smooth. Looking at their roster though, with the additions of RW @Sluibaaja_88 and LD @kungenkurwa (Kungenkirwa), they *should* at least on paper mount a good challenge for the playoffs. A tremendous addition with those ambitions in mind is @theMaddias from Elite's Conquer Gaming, joining his former Otukset teammates @obivop (HaaganHamilton) and @Empuuz_24. They have the potential to be playoff bound, just need to start executing like it.

     

    Player to watch: @theMaddias

    Regular season prediction:

    @Mikka: 8-14th place

    @jahajaha93: 8-14th place

     

    VALLUlogo_20201021-191616.png Powerhouse HC

    ECL '22: Winter result: Eliminated in Lite Quarterfinals

     

    After five seasons in Lite, Powerhouse HC has finally made it to Pro. They do not look the strongest, but could they be another Hokurit and impress everyone right away with the sheer experience of seasons played together? Would not really bet on it, but certainly possible. While Hokurit had some players with earlier Pro experience leading the team, @suitsukemestari is the only one in Powerhouse. He only has six games from last season and two in ECL 10, so it is not exactly like he is some extremely experienced veteran either. The chemistry built up from playing together for a long time is going to come in handy, and it is their main resource for hoping to cause some upsets.

     

    Player to watch: @Burritokuningas

    Regular season prediction:

    @Mikka: 12-16th place

    @jahajaha93: 13-16th place

     

    C638BEFF-94FD-4A37-979A-AF741E7801BE_20211207-162429.png Prima eSport

    ECL '22: Winter result: Lite Bronze Game Winner

     

    Third place in Lite last season, Prima does not exactly have a lot of experience aside from captain @iSvamp (Svampbot). Their forwards do have a previous Pro season each though, and especially @Philip Deemus (PHDeemus) and @Daniel Asplund (Dasplund_) scored quite nicely ECL 12 Pro. As is always the case with their captain's teams, they have a strong identity. That identity is the factor that can bring them to the playoffs already in their debut season, if things go right. The competition for the last playoff spots is going to be fierce, but Prima has a decent chance to take one of those. Breakout seasons from the forwards would go a long way.

     

    Player to watch: @Philip Deemus (PHDeemus)

    Regular season prediction:

    @Mikka: 8-12th place

    @jahajaha93: 8-12th place

     

    3_20210807-212237.png Renascor

    ECL '22: Winter result: Eliminated in Pro RO16

     

    Not much remains of the old Renascor, with most of their big pieces now gone. New additions @Winci (Winci-_o) and @TuomoP83 have huge shoes to fill, having played last season in Core and Lite respectively. Both have performed at a decent level in Pro in the past, but time has passed since then and the competition has gotten better. Forwards @ilyagolubev (tendeerly) and @Virusactive, along with veteran defenseman @MAYZIIX, need to step up and take a big role if they want to achieve anything.

     

    Player to watch: @ilyagolubev (tendeerly)

    Regular season prediction:

    @Mikka: 10-16th place

    @jahajaha93: 13-16th place

     

    Vaxjo_Lakers_new.png Växjö Lakers

    ECL '22: Winter result: 9th place in Pro Group 2

     

    If any team has a wide range of possible outcomes this season, it is Växjö Lakers. They had an uninspiring Winter season, but since then they have already gained some silverware by winning the eSHL. Granted, they did have some extremely important loanees and should not be expected to be at that high of a level moving forward. But to get to the point, they signed forwards @dzouvi and @Birkedal96 from Elite teams, and are now looking like one of the strongest sides in Pro. There is practically zero data on their play though, and the uncertainty comes from that. If they can get their game rolling, they should be one of the top contenders. If not, the regular season is quite short...

     

    Player to watch: @dzouvi

    Regular season prediction:

    @Mikka: 1-6th place

    @jahajaha93: 1-4th place

     

    visu_png-1_20210407-231032.png VISU Gaming

    ECL '22: Winter result: 11th place in Pro Group 1

     

    Last season's result was a straight up farce for VISU, who were not too far off from getting promoted in the Elite qualifier ahead of the contest. Changes were made, and now is the time to prove it was a one off incident. They had a tough time finding new players, but got them in the end with @IKarkkiI and @Pontinho (I-CLAUGHTON-I) joining the organization. @jubex0r (jubeex0r) should also be a nice addition in between the pipes. VISU's strength has always been tight defense and collective play, we will see how well gelled the squad is without much practice under their belts. Should constantly improve as the season goes on.

     

    Player to watch: @hpkfani (MuKiMaisteri)

    Regular season prediction:

    @Mikka: 6-12th place

    @jahajaha93: 4-8th place

     

    WhatsApp%20Image%202021-10-07%20at%2015.08.50_20211117-232820.png WannaCry

    ECL '22: Winter result: 11th place in Pro Group 2

     

    A newly formed team ahead of ECL '22: Winter, WannaCry did not have an easy time during their first campaign. They managed to avoid the qualifier only by a tiebreaker after a tumultuous season. There has been some time to reset though, and are now looking to get into the playoffs for a taste. Captain @Okke40 (hifk_FANI) moves down to defenseman after being the center last season, with @selänne8 (BiggestEight) and @Jjomppa joining the forward group from now-disbanded Boomers. A lot of things need to go right for WannaCry to make it, but there is a chance.

     

    Player to watch: @kkostiiii

    Regular season prediction:

    @Mikka: 8-14th place

    @jahajaha93: 5-12th place

     

     

    With that, it has come time to wrap up the season preview. Stay tuned for the first Pro broadcast on 12.4. and we will be right back at you with the midseason report in a few weeks!

     

    PS: We would love for you to follow our social channels, as they are an integral part of the ECL season.




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    15 minuuttia sitten, MCH_98 kirjoitti:

    Jahajahas regular season prediction on Reality Check is a bit cryptic🌚 otherwise great work again @jahajaha93and @Mikka 💪

    Thanks for noting! :D One of those that slipped through the cracks.

    • Like 3

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