Coin Hockey League

Danny Kielbasa, the League's Personal Trainer, has thoroughly evaluated each and every player of the league. He has taken ridiculously thorough notes, and devised write-ups on each player. They are as follows:

**Highlight Players

Week 1 MVP- Jackson Smith

Week 1 Underdog Player- Willy McGuigan

Week 1 Most Surprising Player- AJ Nieves

**#1 Robert J. Smith (8-0-0)(West) – It’s not often you see a lefty as #1, but there’s a reason this kid is at the top of the polls. He continues to impress me day in and day out with his good goalkeeping, fast pace offense, and his preposterous finishing ability. I am really starting to fall in love with the way Smith runs the playing field, he has great game management and does a great job getting in his opponents heads. Smith is also highly recognized for his intensity level, when he wins a game he does not hold back to show his excitement, something that I love about him. I can’t wait to watch what he has to offer in the coming weeks of the CHL, and to see if he can hold his spot at the top of the polls with the big target that is on his back.

#2 Carlo Mandarino (7-2-1)(West) – Let’s face it, Carlo is number 2 in the league without a doubt. He had a tough day with 2 consecutive losses to (#8 Ethan Zavacky) and (#1 Robert J. Smith) but he has more skill than the majority of the CHL. He has a fast pace of play and is very well known for his ability to chip the coin in tight situations. The Italian Stallion is going to need to fix his “I don’t care” attitude towards the game in the coming weeks if he expects to stay atop the polls.

#3 Dillon Costello (6-1-1)(West) – Fastest pace of play in the league, Costello moves the coin like it’s his job. I love how this young player can make goalies question whether the coin is even still on the field, it is almost impossible to see the coin while he is on offense. Costello can also squeeze the coin through the tightest openings, a great attribute for sticky situations. However, Big Cos is going to need to get his finishing abilities improved if he wants to make it to the top, he is a poor finisher who gets frustrated easily. I can see Costello knocking off some big names if he gets his finishing down pat.

#4 Alexander Mejia (6-2-0)(West) – One word for this kid; Goaltending. AJ doesn’t let up when he plays the game, and his goaltending is a big part of that. Although Mejia has good fundamentals and coin movement, his incredible goaltending keeps him in the games. I am not sure how his competitors slip the coin past him; he has great finger flexibility and reaction time between the pipes. Haven’t seen him play much, but I know he is one of the better players in the league.

**#5 Austin Nieves (5-1-0)(East) – No surprises here, the Middleburg transfer has really put on in the first week of the CHL. Nieves shows great fundamentals, I was very impressed with his pick, pick, pass offense, it is evident that he is not a first-timer. Austin shows nothing fancy or flashy, he just gets the job done. Very good passing ability and shows a great effort when he steps on the floor, His shots are hard to track and his goaltending is right where it needs to be. Austin could be a definite title contender if he keeps his hard work up.

#6 Will Salva (6-3-1)(East)- Will is a natural athlete, but unfortunately is an underestimated opponent. He shows great pace while moving the coin, however makes some careless mistakes while in the process. If Will could get his poor goalkeeping skills up than he would be a contender for sure.

#7 Tim O’Leary (5-3-1)(East)- Saw the kid play in McDonald’s one day for about 2 minutes and it was enough to impress me. For a little guy, he has a lot of power on his shot, and handles the pressure well. Can’t say too much about him because of my limited time watching him, however don’t be surprised if this kid slowly works his way up the rankings.

**#8 Willy McGuigan (4-0-1)(West) – Mark my words right now, this kid is GOOD. I was highly, highly impressed by this athlete’s skills; I had no clue that McGuigan possessed such good fundamentals. I watched him take down (#3 Dillon Costello) and he looked as if he didn’t even know what nervous was. He would be higher on my list if he had more games under his belt. Do not doubt this kid, I would not be surprised if he jumps somewhere in the top 4 within the next week of play.

#9 Ethan Zavacky (3-4-4)(West) – Yes, I know he has a total of 8 losses, but this kid can play. Zavacky shows up to play against the top name opponents and knocks them off, however he struggles while playing weaker opponents. If he can play like he does against the big dogs all the time, than he will be money. I am making a stretch with putting him at the number 9 spot, but I really think Zavacky has a lot to offer.

#10 Evan Antonellis (5-4-1)(East)- I’m indifferent about Antonellis’ play in the CHL during week 1. I saw some sharp moments for him, yet saw some very dull moments. He has the fundamentals but is going to need to make a big step to stay in the running for the title.

#11 Emmet Kemble (4-2-1)(West)- Emmet knows how to move the ball, he squeezes it through tight openings and has a great pace to the offense. Make sure you tape your knuckles when you play him because you will bleed with his cannon of a shot. Good all-around player.

#12 Jason Volpicelli (3-2-0)(East)- His biggest asset of his game is his hair. Volpi plays like a stud with quick movement and great coin control. I wish he had more games under his belt against some higher competition to get a real feel for how good he is. All around smooth player.