The Light The Lamp Hockey League (LTLHL) is in the midst of its Season 3 Entry Draft, and the top 10 picks have already set the stage for an exciting season. Let's take a closer look at the standout young talents who are expected to make significant impacts on their new teams.

1. Motor City Mustangs

LW - Gerald Slobodian

• Previous Team: Lethbridge Howlers
• Overall Rating: 79
• Age: 18
• Height/Weight: 6'1", 193 lbs
• Stats: GP: 80 | G: 48 | A: 40 | Pts: 88

Gerald Slobodian, selected first overall, is a dynamic left winger with an impressive scoring touch. His 88 points in 80 games highlight his offensive prowess, making him a perfect fit for the Mustangs.

2. Miami Trident

C - Silvan Haslebacher

• Previous Team: Texas Terror
• Overall Rating: 80
• Age: 18
• Height/Weight: 5'11", 207 lbs
• Stats: GP: 70 | G: 37 | A: 38 | Pts: 75

Miami Trident picked Silvan Haslebacher, a solid center with excellent playmaking abilities. His well-rounded game will be an asset to Miami's offensive strategy.

3. Los Angeles Dynasty

C - Griffin Froats

• Previous Team: Carolina Reapers
• Overall Rating: 75
• Age: 21
• Height/Weight: 6'6", 237 lbs
• Stats: GP: 80 | G: 33 | A: 42 | Pts: 75

Griffin Froats brings size and skill to the Los Angeles Dynasty. Standing at 6'6" and scoring 75 points last season, he adds a powerful presence to their center position.

4. Las Vegas High Rollers

D - Borisz Merchel

• Previous Team: Phoenix Firebirds
• Overall Rating: 76
• Age: 18
• Height/Weight: 6'8", 236 lbs
• Stats: GP: 80 | G: 4 | A: 21 | Pts: 25

Las Vegas High Rollers focused on their defense by selecting Borisz Merchel. At 6'8", his physicality and defensive acumen will be key for the High Rollers' blue line.

5. Seattle Samurai

RW - Anrei Loukonen

• Previous Team: Red Deer Rapids
• Overall Rating: 72
• Age: 18
• Height/Weight: 5'11", 190 lbs
• Stats: GP: 77 | G: 44 | A: 32 | Pts: 76

Anrei Loukonen, a prolific right winger, joins the Seattle Samurai. His 44 goals last season underscore his ability to find the back of the net, making him a valuable offensive weapon.

6. Denver Bandits (From Halifax Chaos)

LW - Evin Lapointe

• Previous Team: Dartmouth Dragons
• Overall Rating: 72
• Age: 19
• Height/Weight: 6'4", 223 lbs
• Stats: GP: 80 | G: 42 | A: 59 | Pts: 101

Evin Lapointe brings a high-octane offensive game to the Denver Bandits. With 101 points in 80 games, he has shown he can dominate the score sheet.

7. Saint-Lambert Maulers

LW - Jerry Bergius

• Previous Team: Michigan Menace
• Overall Rating: 72
• Age: 18
• Height/Weight: 6'0", 191 lbs
• Stats: GP: 66 | G: 39 | A: 35 | Pts: 74

The Maulers add Jerry Bergius, a consistent scorer, to their lineup. His near point-per-game pace will boost their offensive depth.

8. Rochester North Stars

C - Angelo Bonneau

• Previous Team: Fargo Force
• Overall Rating: 70
• Age: 18
• Height/Weight: 6'8", 206 lbs
• Stats: GP: 61 | G: 30 | A: 30 | Pts: 60

Angelo Bonneau, a towering center, is expected to provide a strong physical presence and scoring ability to the Rochester North Stars.

9. Laval Red Bull

LW - Nils Nowak

• Previous Team: California Quake
• Overall Rating: 74
• Age: 18
• Height/Weight: 6'7", 227 lbs
• Stats: GP: 80 | G: 32 | A: 41 | Pts: 73

Nils Nowak joins Laval with a solid offensive record. His combination of size and scoring touch will be a significant addition to the Red Bull's forward group.

10. Quebec City Harfang (From New York City Knights)

C - Helgert Pitt

• Previous Team: Boulder Grizzlies
• Overall Rating: 74
• Age: 19
• Height/Weight: 6'5", 250 lbs
• Stats: GP: 80 | G: 32 | A: 46 | Pts: 78

Quebec City Harfang selected Helgert Pitt, a big, powerful center who can both score and set up plays. His 78 points last season indicate his dual-threat capability.

These top 10 picks promise to bring excitement and talent to the LTLHL in Season 3. Fans eagerly await to see how these young stars will perform on the ice and contribute to their respective teams' successes.

In total 36 players who were assigned to teams have chosen to retire.  For some perspective the retirement formula is based on age, usage and production.  As a player ages it becomes more likely they will retire, if a player isn't used the chances grow.  Eventually though every player will retire.  So this year the player with the lowest chance to retire who did retire was just 10% while the highest chance was at 48%

Here is your list by Team, with the remaining contract to be paid out 

Unsigned Free Agents

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Thank you, 

Introduction

Andrew Wiewel, the goaltender for the Massachusetts Militia in the Light The Lamp Hockey League (LTLHL), is a player of contrasts. Known for his exceptional performance during the regular season, Wiewel's abilities have repeatedly faltered when the stakes are highest in the postseason. This dichotomy poses a significant dilemma for the Militia as they contemplate their strategy moving forward: Should they trade their star goaltender or devise a plan to leverage his regular season prowess while finding a reliable alternative for the playoffs?

Regular Season Excellence

Throughout the regular season, Andrew Wiewel is a rock in the net for the Massachusetts Militia. His agility, sharp reflexes, and keen hockey sense make him one of the top goaltenders in the league. Wiewel's statistics during the regular season are often stellar, boasting impressive save percentages and goals-against averages (GAA). His ability to make critical saves and keep his team in the game has earned him accolades and a loyal following among Militia fans.

Postseason Disappointments

However, Wiewel's regular season heroics have not translated into postseason success. This season's playoffs were particularly troubling. Facing the Harfang in a best-of-seven series, Wiewel's performance plummeted. He was pulled from the net in three consecutive games, an unprecedented move that underscored his struggles. The Militia, despite their best efforts, fell to the Harfang in a hard-fought seven-game series. Wiewel's postseason numbers were dismal, with a significantly lower save percentage and a higher GAA compared to his regular season stats.

The Dilemma: Trade or Trust?

The Massachusetts Militia now face a critical decision regarding Andrew Wiewel's future with the team. Several factors must be weighed:

1. Regular Season Value: Wiewel's performance during the regular season is undeniably valuable. His ability to secure wins and keep the Militia competitive cannot be overlooked. Trading him could weaken the team’s chances of making the playoffs in the first place.
2. Postseason Reliability: The stark contrast between Wiewel's regular season and postseason performances is a glaring issue. The Militia must consider whether they can afford to rely on a goaltender who has repeatedly faltered under playoff pressure.
3. Trade Market: The potential return in a trade for Wiewel is another crucial factor. The Militia must assess whether they can acquire a goaltender or other assets that could strengthen the team in both the regular season and playoffs.
4. Alternative Strategies: One possible approach is to continue to utilize Wiewel during the regular season while developing or acquiring a reliable backup who can step up in the playoffs. This strategy would allow the Militia to capitalize on Wiewel's strengths while mitigating his postseason weaknesses.

Conclusion

Andrew Wiewel's tenure with the Massachusetts Militia is at a crossroads. His regular season brilliance is counterbalanced by his postseason unreliability, creating a complex situation for the team's management. As the Militia contemplate their next steps, they must carefully weigh the benefits of retaining Wiewel against the potential advantages of exploring new options. Whether they choose to trade him or develop a dual-goaltender strategy, the decision will significantly impact the team's future success in both the regular season and the playoffs.

The atmosphere was electric as the Harfangs and the Militia faced off in a decisive Game 7 of the Light the Lamp Hockey League playoffs. The intensity was palpable, and from the first drop of the puck, both teams came out with the ferocity expected in a win-or-go-home scenario.

First Period: Harfangs Surge Ahead

The game started with Dillon Salerno winning the opening face-off against Ron Lebar. Just seconds in, Kory Nestor was hit by Marten Gronvall, setting the tone for a physical contest. The Harfangs showcased their defensive prowess early on, with Elijah Sanner blocking an early snap shot from Amadeus Helm.

The Harfangs struck first at 15:34 when Stefan Gordon found the back of the net, capitalizing on a Militia defensive lapse. The floodgates opened as Osma Gullfors scored just seconds later, doubling the lead with a blistering slap shot. The Harfangs weren’t done yet; Wil Garland redirected a Tim Humonen snapshot into the net at 15:48, making it 3-0 and sending the Militia into disarray.

Despite multiple attempts, the Militia couldn’t find a way past Harfangs’ goaltender Stephane Wazasnik. By the end of the period, the Harfangs had taken 14 shots to the Militia’s 7, clearly dominating the ice.

Second Period: Harfangs Maintain Control

The Militia looked to rebound in the second period, but the Harfangs' defense and Wazasnik’s goaltending remained impenetrable. Early on, Polikarp Zlotsky’s wrist shot was blocked by Tim Humonen, and despite sustained pressure, the Militia couldn’t find the back of the net.

The Harfangs continued to press, with Lindon Stallworth and Abram Korolyuk taking multiple shots, only to be stopped by Militia’s goalie Leon Campaner, who had replaced Andrew Wiewel in a desperate bid to shift momentum. Midway through the period, the physical play intensified with hard hits and blocked shots becoming the norm.

Despite their efforts, the Militia’s frustration grew as they missed several key opportunities, including a close call from Donald Cloud. The period ended scoreless, but the Harfangs maintained their commanding lead.

Third Period: Harfangs Seal the Victory

Entering the third period, the Militia faced a daunting task. They needed a miracle to overcome a three-goal deficit. The Harfangs, however, remained composed and focused on their game plan. Early in the period, Dwight Robichaud and Tim Humonen kept up the pressure, ensuring the Militia couldn’t gather any offensive rhythm.

The Militia’s desperation was evident as they tried to push forward, but the Harfangs’ defense, led by Sanner and Kaylor, thwarted every attempt. The physicality didn’t wane, with several players exchanging hits and losing the puck in hard-fought battles along the boards.

The clock ticked down with the Harfangs controlling possession and not allowing the Militia any room to breathe. Wazasnik continued his stellar performance securing the win for Québec.

As the final horn sounded, the Harfangs celebrated their  victory, having executed a near-perfect game plan. Their defensive solidity and clinical finishing had sealed their place in the next round of the playoffs, leaving the Militia to ponder what might have been.

Key Players:

• Stephane Wazasnik (Harfangs): An outstanding performance in goal, stopping all 30 shots he faced and securing the shutout.
• Stefan Gordon (Harfangs): Opened the scoring and set the tone for the Harfangs' dominance.
• Osma Gullfors (Harfangs): Scored the second goal and was a constant offensive threat.
• Wil Garland (Harfangs): Sealed the first-period rout with a deft deflection.

The Harfangs move on with momentum and confidence, while the Militia will need to regroup and address the gaps exposed in this high-stakes game. The playoffs continue to deliver excitement and drama, embodying the spirit of the Light the Lamp Hockey League.

In a thrilling playoff opener, the Harfangs clashed with the Blizzard in a game that set the tone for the playoffs ahead. With both teams eager to start the campaign on a high note, the intensity was palpable from the puck drop.

The Harfangs wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Osma Gullfors firing a power-play goal past Blizzard's goalie, Levi Radmacher, at 14:55 in the first period. The crowd erupted as Gullfors celebrated, setting the stage for an action-packed game.

As the first period drew to a close, Abram Korolyuk extended Harfang's lead with a well-executed goal at 18:48. Despite a valiant effort from Blizzard, the period ended with Harfang holding a commanding 2-0 lead.

The second period saw Blizzard fight back, with Lazarz Zawilinski putting his team on the scoreboard with a goal at 4:00. However, Harfang's defense held strong, thwarting numerous attempts by Blizzard to equalize the score. Penalties were a theme of the period, with players from both sides spending time in the penalty box.

Entering the third period with a narrow lead, Harfang refused to relent. Gote Ostlund capitalized on another power-play opportunity, extending Harfang's lead to 3-1 at 15:43. Despite a late surge from Blizzard, Harfang's defense remained resolute.

In the dying minutes of the game, Codey Ainsworth sealed the victory for Harfang with a shorthanded goal at 18:11, leaving Blizzard with little hope of a comeback. As the final buzzer sounded, Harfang emerged victorious with a final score of 4-1.

Stephane Wazasnik emerged as the star of the game, showcasing his exceptional goaltending skills with 40 saves on 41 shots. His stellar performance earned him the first star of the game, with Elijah Sanner and Gote Ostlund rounding out the top three stars.

Despite the loss, Blizzard showed glimpses of promise, and with plenty of hockey left to play, they'll be looking to bounce back in their next matchup. As for Harfang, they'll be riding high on this opening victory as they set their sights on a successful playoff push ahead.