ECL Elite 16 in 16 is a season preview series we're implementing ahead of ECL 7. The idea was conceived by @chavelski, but due to time constraining the man himself, the project is now being carried out by the rest of our Elite writing team. The series will be released in 16 parts, one article for each team. The teams have been ranked by all team captains, and articles are being released in order from predicted last place finish to predicted champion of ECL 7. The objective of this series is to give an idea to the community of who is representing which team, added by a small insight into the team with an interview of the team captain.
It seems like quite a few Elite teams have experienced a larger type of overhaul this offseason, right? Remains to be seen if that will affect the power rankings at all when the season starts. So far, the captain vote has been rather predictable, and next in our 16 in 16 series that has now been slightly prolonged - we're taking a look at a team that's been known to finish close to the top of the standings, they've also made some drastic changes over the summer, they're former Carlsberg HC now turned Radical. Radical, led by scoring powerhouse @Tuukka.R (KingOfApes_), experienced some devastating losses in the early summer as arguably the best defensive pairing in the game @Janzuh - @vatalisti headed to FILADELPHIA and scoring winger @Vilupoika joined Butterfly Effect. Admirably, Radical didn't rest on their laurels and got right to action. They made some high level acquisitions and the team includes some interesting comebacks, so they're surely a team to watch out for once the season gets going.
IN
Joukki13 <-- Written In The Stars
xDoumi <-- FILADELPHIA
F-B-I__A-N-D-Y_ <-- Break from NHL
s_W1ld_Rus <-- Break from NHL
Juizki <-- Evolution
MAYZIIX <-- Arctic
OUT
Vilupoika --> Butterfly Effect
vatalisti --> FILADELPHIA
Janzuh --> FILADELPHIA
Zande95 --> FILADELPHIA
FinKonna --> FILADELPHIA
Current roster:
Forwards
KingOfApes_ (C) @Tuukka.R
Joukki13 (A) @Joukki
Penatski (A) @Penatski
Defensemen
xDoumi @xDoumi
Terasniska @Pontus T
F-B-I__A_N-D-Y_ @Andy90
MAYZIIX @MAYZIIX
Goaltenders
s_W1ld_Rus @s_w1ld_rus
Juizki @Juizki
Interview with captain @Tuukka.R (KingOfApes_)
We've heard a lot of criticism about the new game, mostly the tuners and patches have got quite a negative reception. What do you guys think?
The game was brilliant before the patch, although the poke check was completely useless. I think the patch broke the game, though. I'm very much against taking away the toolbox for individual skill and domination on the ice. This year it seems like everyone has the chance to play a winning type of hockey. Worst NHL ever.
Alike many other Elite teams, Radical has experienced a well.. radical player turnover over the summer. At times there were speculation if the team will even continue. With this in mind, how has the team been able to prepare for ECL 7?
To be honest, the preparation hasn't been easy at all. First of all it wasn't even easy to put together a team after we had so many players jump ship after the season. We were close to calling it quits a few times, but now as we've managed to establish a core group again, it's been easier.
Radical experienced some significant losses (see: @Vilupoika and @vatalisti to name a few) during the summer. What kind of acquisitions have you made to make up for your losses? How will the roster changes affect your style of play for the upcoming season?
Well, in reality you can't talk about 'making up for our losses'. We lost the best d-pairing in the game and a top scoring left wing. How do we come back from that? Luckily we managed to get players like @Joukki, @xDoumi and @Andy90 (F-B-I__A-N-D-Y_) so I think our future is bright!
What kind of thoughts do you have about the ECL Elite license?
Definitely positive. Personally, I think it will increase interest towards the league. I'd like to extend a special thanks to @FlyerKungen for firing up the discussion! ❤️
We've got about a month of NHL19 behind us now, who's been yout toughest opponent so far? Why?
Frankly, almost every game has been like an ECL Final game 7. The new game has evened out the skill gap so much, it doesn't really matter who you're facing right now. It's going to be a difficult season.
Let's finish off with a short one, who do you think will be the top scorer of ECL Elite this season?
@PleeMaker surely has the skill set and strong linemates to win.
Thanks Ape, good luck with the upcoming season!
ECL Elite 16 in 16 so far:
1. _______________
2. _______________
3. Radical
4. Symphony
5. Dynasty
6. Northern Ascendancy
7. Sjukstugan
8. Northern Stars
9. Unlucky Boys
10. Rusty Blades
11. Almost Famous
12. _____________ (To be released)
13. SIKA
14. Gotham Knights
15. Falun Coal Miners
16. Team Frosty
Only two teams left to choose from, which way do you think it'll go?
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