Regular Season Recap: Team Performances and Playoff Predictions

As the regular season comes to an end, it's time to analyze how each team performed and what to expect in the upcoming playoffs. The competition was fierce, with teams battling for the top spots and securing their place in the postseason. From dominant offensive powerhouses to strong defensive squads, every team brought something unique to the ice.

This season was exhilarating as WECL 4 introduced many new teams from different countries, making the competition more diverse and unpredictable than ever before. With fresh talent and unique playstyles, these new teams challenged the established powerhouses and added an extra layer of intensity to the league.

In this article, we’ll break down the key statistics, highlight the best performers, and assess each playoff team’s chances of winning the championship. Which team has the best shot at the title? Let’s dive into the numbers and find out.

Top Performers of the Season

Owned Hexa (1st place)

Owned Hexa dominated the regular season with 19 wins in 24 games, securing 45 points. Their goal-scoring ability was outstanding, with 131 goals (5.46 goals per game), while their defense remained solid, allowing only 52 goals (2.17 goals per game). Their strong penalty kill (82%) and power play efficiency (22.22%) were crucial in maintaining their top position.

Best player on the team: #10 Super @Ryan68lmt Ryry

Points: 97 (51 goals, 46 assists)

An elite scorer who leads offensively, providing both exceptional goal-scoring and valuable assists, making him a decisive factor in nearly every game.

Shooting Percentage: 50%

Demonstrates remarkable precision and finishing capability, turning half of his shot attempts into goals and consistently maximizing scoring chances.

Hits: 143

Dominates physically, regularly imposing his presence on opponents, significantly influencing game momentum and creating opportunities through his aggressive play.

Takeaways/Giveaways (TA/GA): 61/221

Effectively maintains puck control, frequently reclaiming possession and minimizing turnovers, showcasing reliability in critical moments.

Three Stars (2nd place)

Three Stars finished just behind Owned Hexa with 43 points. They had a slightly better goal-scoring rate (5.75 GF/GP) but conceded more goals (2.17 GA/GP). Their power play was a major advantage, operating at 36.36%, the best in the league. Strong faceoff performance (55.93%) helped them control possession.

Best player on the team: #8 Juris @snipeLVcelly8 Lopatko

Points: 77 (30 goals, 47 assists)

A strong scoring presence coupled with notable playmaking ability, contributing consistently on offense.

Shooting Percentage: 33.7%

Demonstrates precision and effectiveness, reliably capitalizing on scoring chances.

Hits: 58

Provides solid physical play, regularly challenging opponents and making his presence felt.

Takeaways/Giveaways (TA/GA): 46/154

Exhibits responsible puck management, effectively gaining possession while limiting turnovers.

ce2c66dc-93fa-489f-a6be-4d38ac52c2e6_202 Pirates eSports (3rd place)

Pirates eSports secured third place with 42 points. They had a balanced offense and defense, scoring 150 goals (6.25 GF/GP) while allowing 63 goals (2.63 GA/GP). Their special teams were efficient, with a 27.03% power play success rate and a solid penalty kill of 87.23%.

Best player on the team: #68 Adrien @AdriF_23 Frinkelin

Points: 115 (59 goals, 56 assists)

Dominant offensive force whose impressive goal-scoring combines seamlessly with exceptional playmaking, making him pivotal in the team's attack.

Shooting Percentage: 41.8%

Exceptionally accurate shooter who consistently turns shots into goals, maximizing offensive opportunities.

Hits: 66

Provides dependable physical play, contributing actively to the team's physical presence and disrupting opponents effectively.

Takeaways/Giveaways (TA/GA): 54/258

Reliable puck handler who regularly regains possession, strengthening the team's control during crucial phases of play.

Silver Sword Griffins (4th place)

The Silver Sword Griffins showcased a solid all-around performance with 36 points. Their defense was strong, allowing just 59 goals (2.46 GA/GP), while their offense was effective at 4.71 GF/GP. Their penalty kill was among the best in the league (87.5%).

Best player on the team: #17 Kristaps @CapinsH-LV Zirg-Abols

Points: 79 (40 goals, 39 assists)

A versatile offensive talent, delivering balanced scoring and playmaking, consistently sparking the team's attack.

Shooting Percentage: 33.3%

A reliable scorer, efficiently turning shooting opportunities into valuable goals, reflecting his accuracy under pressure.

Hits: 38

Plays a disciplined physical game, effectively challenging opponents while maintaining strategic positioning.

Takeaways/Giveaways (TA/GA): 52/175

Consistent at winning back possession, skillfully managing puck control, and limiting turnovers to enhance team stability.

DALLE_2025-02-03_00.28.53_-_A_fierce_and Pylsais (5th place)

Pylsais finished with 28 points, showing a decent offensive output of 4.25 GF/GP. However, their defense struggled, conceding 3.29 goals per game. Their power play (42.86%) was the most effective in the league, but their penalty kill (79.41%) was not as reliable.

Best player on the team: #95 Sweini @Sweini999 Rohdonski

Points: 72 (17 goals, 55 assists)

An elite playmaker who significantly boosts his team’s offensive power, effectively setting up scoring chances with exceptional vision.

Shooting Percentage: 21%

A dependable shooter who converts his opportunities efficiently, capitalizing consistently during critical game moments.

Hits: 39

Contributes strategically through targeted physical play, actively disrupting opponents without compromising his positioning.

Takeaways/Giveaways (TA/GA): 65/193

Demonstrates excellent puck control, reliably reclaiming possession and minimizing errors, enhancing his team’s ability to maintain offensive pressure.

Valence Hockey (6th place)

Valence Hockey had a balanced season with 27 points. Their goal-scoring was average (3.25 GF/GP), but their defense was stable, allowing only 3.13 goals per game. Their penalty kill (90.91%) was a key factor in their success.

Best player on the team: #58 - @ChakaFR Dylan

Points: 56 (31 goals, 25 assists)

A dynamic forward with excellent scoring instincts, adept at finding the net himself and creating opportunities for teammates.

Shooting Percentage: 32.6%

Highly efficient shooter who regularly capitalizes on opportunities, demonstrating precision and confidence in front of goal.

Hits: 31

Delivers focused physical play, effectively applying pressure and challenging opponents to gain strategic advantages.

Takeaways/Giveaways (TA/GA): 64/192

Shows disciplined puck handling, consistently reclaiming possession and carefully managing the puck to limit turnovers.

D281E3E1-CC33-414D-9625-29903327636C(1)_ Wildcats esport I (7th place)

Wildcats esport I finished with 26 points, relying on a decent offense (3.83 GF/GP) but a weaker defense (3.46 GA/GP). Their penalty kill (71.11%) was one of the worst in the league, which could be a concern in the playoffs.

Best player on the team: #8 Maximilien @multimiliar88 Haller

Points: 63 (30 goals, 33 assists)

An impactful forward with balanced offensive output, excelling equally at scoring and setting up teammates for success.

Shooting Percentage: 26.8%

Reliable accuracy, consistently turning shot attempts into meaningful goals, enhancing his team's scoring depth.

Hits: 102

Plays with noticeable physicality, often shifting momentum through strong and effective body checks.

Takeaways/Giveaways (TA/GA): 49/223

Demonstrates solid puck-handling discipline, efficiently regaining control and minimizing costly turnovers.

112461%20T_1e9b589ea14742bebcf1ff0cf9583 Brothers in Gaming (8th place)

Brothers in Gaming secured the last playoff spot with 25 points. They had a strong offensive game (3.58 GF/GP) but struggled defensively (3.79 GA/GP). Their penalty kill (77.14%) was not the strongest, but they compensated with physical play, leading the league in hits (946).

Best player on the team: #98 Jean-Michel @Xx_Vador_98 PROBEURRE

Points: 62 (29 goals, 33 assists)

Consistently contributes to the offense with a balanced ability to score and generate key opportunities for teammates.

Shooting Percentage: 35.4%

A highly efficient shooter who capitalizes regularly on scoring chances, displaying strong finishing ability.

Hits: 15

Engages in precise, tactical physical play, effectively disrupting opponents without sacrificing defensive coverage.

Takeaways/Giveaways (TA/GA): 50/260
Manages puck possession responsibly, effectively recovering control and minimizing turnovers to sustain offensive momentum.

Teams That Missed the Playoffs

The bottom teams, including EKH GLEBOGRYZARKA, HC UKRAINE, Hawks HC, HK Bricks, and Brothers in Gaming 2, were unable to secure playoff spots due to poor offensive output and inconsistent defensive play. These teams struggled with scoring, with HC UKRAINE and Brothers in Gaming 2 posting the lowest goals per game (2.21 and 1.67, respectively).

Playoff Teams Analysis by ChatGPT:

Owned Hexa (1st)

Strength: Best defensive record (52 GA), consistent gameplay (82% PK), and highly disciplined (low PIM: 100).
Key Player: LvExT4ZzYLVv6810, with high points (97) and extraordinary shot accuracy (50%).

Three Stars (2nd)

Strength: Balanced attack (138 GF), physical play (267 Hits), high face-off win rate (55.93%).
Key Player: JurajLV, highly efficient (77 points, balanced offense-defense).

Pirates eSports (3rd)

Strength: Highest offensive output (150 GF), aggressive (456 Hits), strong special teams (87.23% PK).
Key Player: AdriF_29, league-top points (115) and dominant offensively.

Silver Sword Griffins (4th)

Strength: Strong power-play (39.53%), balanced defense (59 GA), reliable physicality (345 Hits).
Key Player: CapinsH-LV, reliable scorer (79 points).

Pylsais (5th)

Strength: Decent offensive/defensive balance, strong hits (448), average special teams.
Key Player: Sweinii999, dominant playmaker (72 points).

Valence Hockey (6th)

Strength: Disciplined special teams (90.91% PK), physical (393 hits).
Key Player: Chaaka-_-, solid scorer (56 points).

Wildcats esport (7th)

Strength: Moderate special teams performance, balanced hits (389).
Key Player: multimiliar88, physical offensive threat (63 points).

Brothers In Gaming (8th)

Strength: High physicality (313 Hits), balanced in special teams, but struggle offensively.
Key Player: Xx_Vador_98, team’s reliable offensive player (62 points).

Playoffs Prediction:

Quarterfinals (1/4):

Owned Hexa (1) vs Brothers In Gaming (8)

Winner: Owned Hexa (4-1)
Owned Hexa’s superior defense and offense easily overcome Brothers In Gaming.

Three Stars (2) vs Wildcats esport (7)

Winner: Three Stars (4-2)
Three Stars' balanced attack, led by JurajLV, neutralizes Wildcats' moderate offense.

Pirates eSports (3) vs Valence Hockey (6)
Winner: Pirates eSports (4-0)
Pirates' dominant offensive line overwhelms Valence Hockey swiftly.
Silver Sword Griffins (4) vs Pylsais (5)

Winner: Silver Sword Griffins (4-3)
Close, physical series; Griffins’ special teams edge helps secure victory in game 7.

Semifinals (1/2):

Owned Hexa (1) vs Silver Sword Griffins (4)
Winner: Owned Hexa (4-2)
Owned Hexa’s disciplined and structured gameplay withstands Griffins’ physical style.
Three Stars (2) vs Pirates eSports (3)
Winner: Pirates eSports (4-3)
High-scoring and tightly contested series; AdriF_29’s offensive dominance clinches a game 7 victory.

Finals:

Owned Hexa (1) vs Pirates eSports (3)
Winner: Pirates eSports (4-3)
The finals go the distance; Pirates' relentless attack, driven by AdriF_29, narrowly outpaces Owned Hexa’s structured defense to secure the championship.

Reasoning:
Although Owned Hexa has a slightly stronger defense, Pirates eSports’ overwhelming offensive firepower (150 GF), coupled with the highest individual scorer, AdriF_29 (115 points), gives them a critical advantage. Pirates’ aggressive playing style (456 hits) can pressure Owned Hexa’s disciplined defense, creating turnovers and scoring opportunities. AdriF_29’s elite scoring ability could ultimately prove decisive in high-pressure playoff games, giving Pirates eSports the edge in an intense, closely contested series.