Yowlers complete trade with Yorkton, add veteran goaltender

After amiable day-long discussions with Yorkton GM drg, Yowler's GM yogsloth is pleased to announce a deal that will see MLD veteran goalie Roy Kakela come to Yorba Linda.

"As our fans are aware, season 18 is a bit of a rebuilding year for the franchise," confided GM yogsloth. "However, business-as-usual here in Yorba Linda means that even during rebuilding years we do what we need to to stay competitive. Our fans are the most vocal and demanding in the league, and they don't let us forget a single loss, let along a season-long slump."

"With the retirement of Branislav Hanhimaki, we knew we would have to find a new option in goal. Unfortunately, we quickly ran into some unforseen issues in that department. The guy we had lined up to take over the starting duties, Armstrong, secured a tryout with the ECHL franchise in Alaska this off-season, and we agreed to let him pursue that opportunity. Our guy Varenko we drafted this summer is committed to his team in Russia for the season, and although we have all the confidence in the world in Ethan Fabrell's ability, he just doesn't have the stamina to carry a team for a full season. That us with only one option - Hector Ramos."

A local player who grew up playing street hockey on the culdesacs of Santa Ana, Ramos was originially ticketed for a full season as the starting goalie for the Anaheim Hills Anacondas after serving as their backup (to Armstrong) last season. Instead, he found himself thrust into the role of starting goalie for the Yowlers, a role he wasn't prepared for.

"It's certainly not a case of Hec being unskilled - far from it. We believe he has a long future as a pro goaltender ahead of him. He was just rushed into the league too quickly, and mentally, playing in front of thousands of Yowler fans screaming for your blood wasn't exactly the best thing for his development," continued yog.

Ramos himself admits his struggles. "I actually think things were going okay until that game against Manchester," he began when contacted for this story, "I lost my first start in a close one, and won my second game. But against the storm, I had a really bad turnover in the 3rd period that cost us that game, and I just kind of unraveled. Furu took a shot and I saved it clean, but then I just passed it right back to him. It really sucks. I'm really really bummed."

"He never really even played that badly for us after that, but you could tell his confidence was just shot," continued yog. "He's actually part of the deal. He'll go straight to the Parkton Rangers to get some more quality development time in before getting his MLD chance at the proper time with Yorkton."

The full trade is Ramos, prospect Aldo Nemachuk, and a 2nd round pick before season 19 for goalie Roy Kakela, centerman Derrick Heikkanen, and a 1st round pick before season 20.

"Kakela is a veteran guy with a lot of talent. Although he's fallen out of favor a bit in Yorkton, he's been a #1 guy in this league, he's got over 70 wins... a winning record... and we believe he just needs a fresh start. With Roy on board, we feel much more secure in our goaltending, and that way Fabrell doesn't have to take on as much of a load as it was looking like we were going to give him. Heikkanen is a journeyman guy. He's played two MLD seasons, and although he hasn't broken out the way the Millers probably hoped he would, he still has a lot of hockey in him. He won't play this year, but he will definitely compete for a third-line job for us starting next year."

The other man in the deal, Nemachuk, is the one coach yog had the roughest time parting with.

"Well, you have to give to get, and Nemachuk is a heck of a player. He's currently leading the Anacondas in scoring with 14 points in 8 games. He's going to be special. Our plan was to have him spend the year in the MLDML and slide right into a top-six role next season. We were reserving uniform #7 for him, a jersey we've had a lot of luck with. We're quite confident Millers fans are going to be delighted with him. Losing him hurts, but picking up an extra first-round pick helps mitigate that loss a bit."

Kakela will take over Ramos' uniform #34, and Heikkanen will be assigned #42.

Yowlers load up for playoffs

The Yorba Linda Yowlers today announced a surprise trade with division-rivals Valhalla, made just after the Vikings arrived in Yorba Linda for tomorrow's match.

"It's pretty obvious we're going for it full-tilt this season," began Yowlers GM/coach yogsloth when contacted. "We're going for the record books, but obviously, regular-season records aren't worth a squirt of you-know-what once the playoffs begin."

With the trade deadline at midnight tonight and the Vikings conceding the season, word leaked out yesterday that Valhalla would be willing to part with retiring vets in exchange for younger players and picks. After a careful lookthrough of the Viking roster, coach yog picked up the phone and a deal was quickly struck.

Coming to the Yowlers are Valhalla's top two centermen, Punch Konsten and Kevin Mennander. Both players are longtime Vikings, and they've combined to score 78 points this season. "We're incredibly excited about both these guys," opined coach yog, "Both of them are tremendous defensively - good on the draw, great forecheckers, good playmakers... they're perfect fits for this team."

The two have somewhat limited playoff experience, however. "Well, yes, but that's not completely their fault. We think they'll do great. Most teams in the MLD warehouse their best talent for the playoffs. We have not done that this season - we've been putting our very best on the ice every night. That means that if we don't have some secret weapons to unleash in the playoffs, we'll be behind the competition. Both of these guys are itching for a chance to play for something meaningful. Valhalla had a 100 point season a while ago, but it's been four straight playoff misses, and these guys are hungry."

"Well, feelings are mixed, to be honest," began Konstan. "I've spent my entire career in Valhalla, and I really wanted to win a cup here. Of course it's great, though, to go to Yorba Linda. It's funny... Menner and I were actually just about to start practice here at the Yowler's rink when we got called in to the office... we just kind of packed our stuff and took it down the hall. At least we don't have to make an extra flight! But yeah, the Yowlers... just look at them! We have a fantastic chance to win it all here, and since this is my last season in the MLD, I can't think of a team I'd rather go to. Except maybe Kingston. Or Maricopa." Konstan will be issued #7 by the Yowlers, while Mennander will wear #24.

Going the other way are Yowler's journeyman center Nolan Helon and a third-round pick before season 20. "Helon played well for us, but Valhalla needed a centerman to go the other way, and he was who we settled on," coach yog told us. "He's actually been playing right wing for us this year, and he's done a great job as the forechecker on our 2nd line. We have no complaints about his play... +40 isn't too bad for a checking player, you know. It's true that we always had Helon pegged as being more of a scorer and he never really showed us what we wanted, but in a different environment, he could really blossom. The pick we had to include to even out the deal as well." Helon finishes his Yowler career with a respectable 45 goals and 50 assists for 95 points. He wore #38 throughout his stay in Yorba Linda.

Disruption, in-fighting erupts as Yowlers clean out lockers

After their crushing defeat in Reykjavik at the hands of the Vikings, the Yowlers journeyed home this weekend to clean out their lockers and go through season-ending coach's meetings. Even with the locker room closed to the press and public howver, several bystanders reported hearing a series of loud, angry exchanges, followed by crashing sounds and muffled explosions. When players finally the room - most without acknowledging reporters - rumors immediately began to abound about a physical confrontation between two groups of players, one of them led by defenseman Kaspars Torppala.

Yowlers' coach/gm yogsloth was seen angrily throwing extra pieces of equipment at departing players in the parking lot. "Hey! Here's your f***ing exit interview!!!" he was quoted screaming, throwing rolls of stick tape at some departing vehicles.

Speculation is rampant, but at this point it looks like a major effort is going to be needed to repair Yorba Linda's locker room - both the broken benches and broken esteem.

Yorba Linda Yowlers Fun Facts

Abe Gates is 25th all-time in regular season scoring, but 2nd in playoff scoring.

Jocelyn Kane is the only Yowler to ever appear in the playoffs but not the regular season, scoring 1 G 1 A in 4 games in season 1.

John Sleeman averaged over 3 shots/game in his Yowler career. Very few other players approached 2 shots/game.

Career PIM/game leader? Not Torpedo - it's Rhett Knutti, with 45 PIMs in only 4 games.

The Yowlers have an all-time record of 848-488-185-37, with 4227 GF and 3121 GA.

The team has won 209 regular-season and 17 playoff games via shutout.

Two of the the team's top three offensive totals have come in the last three seasons.

The most popular uniform # is a tie between 2 and 12. Four players each have worn those numbers.

The Yowlers have captured four Calder trophies - three of them through faulty calculations.

The team has four seasons on the books without an OTL - including three in a row from seasons 2-4.

Most career assists for a Yowlers player without a goal - 27 by D-man Petteri Puurunen.

Season 19 rookie winger Syl Loyachuk is the only player to ever appear in the playoffs without recording at least one point.

Outgoing captain Walter Schanin is the only Yowler to ever score at least 4 SH and 4 PP goals.

Winger Jergus Mitchell has 72 career goals - none on special teams.

The team's franchise player has won the "Defensman of the Year" Award 16 out of 19 seasons, and MVP 12 times.

Yowlers execute minor trade

After putting it out on the wire a few weeks ago that a veteran D-man was desired, Yowlers coach/gm yogsloth was able to land his man. Four-season veteran Gilbert Silvasti comes over to Yorba Linda in exchange for minor-league forward Lindy Palmqvist.

"Well, it's not really even a matter of needing a body to plug in right now," began coach yog, "It really has to do with projecting a few seasons down the line. We have some elite veterans on the edge of retirement, and some top-notch prospects just beginning their MLD careers, but we were a little short on some mid-career guys. You can't have all your vets retire at once and rely only on your kids... you've got to take these things in stages or you've got a big hole in your lineup."

Silvasti arrives with a reasonably impressive resumé: 327 regular-season games and 130 points. His career plus/minus of -23 doesn't quite fit with what Yowlers fans expect, but some of that could be explained by Halifax's status as a middle-of-the-pack team in recent seasons.

"I'm very excited, yes," began Silvasti when contacted. "Of course everyone regards Yorba Linda as a great place to play, especially for defensemen. They don't really let you shoot the puck very much in Halifax, so I can't wait for Yowler fans to see what I'm really capable of. Of course, eveyone also knows Yorba Linda's playoff struggles, so I'm hoping I can help to turn that around." Silvasti will take over #3 for the Yowlers.

Going the other way is recent draft pick Lindy Palmqvist, who was playing for the Anaheim Hills Anacondas at the time of the deal. "As always, you have to give to get," said coach yog, "And Palmqvist, although struggling a bit this year with a few nagging injuries, was a real good prospect for us. He's an extremely quick learner, and we had him pegged as a contributing forward for us in 2-3 seasons. We certainly wish him luck in Halifax."

Yowlers with another deal on the books

Yowlers coach/gm yogsloth orchestrated another minor trade today, as the team picked up Tornados starting goaltender Daryl Tast for a 3rd round pick.

"Again, you know, it's not for a big need right now... we're just planning ahead over the next several seasons," began coach yog when contacted for this story. "We've got our goaltending mapped out pretty thoroughly for the next several seasons. Our two workhorse guys (Armstrong and Kakela) are almost ready to retire, and we've been having terrible difficulties getting our guy in the KHL out of his contract to bring him over. We're not like the NHL where we can drop big money to buy out one of these Russian deals - we've got to wait until we can get him free and clear. That's us with some uncertainty in net, so we needed an experienced guy that can come in and play some games for us until we know for certain where we stand."

Tast is certainly experienced - he arrives with almost 220 hours (including 95 wins and 12 shutouts) under his belt, giving him little time until MLD rules require his retirement.

"I have some mixed feelings," relayed Tast, "Anoka I think are looking to rebuild a little, and I guess I don't factor into those plans anymore. I would have liked to have stayed, but of course Yorba Linda is a great organization to go to. Unfortunately, it looks like I'm heading to the MLDML for the rest of this year, so that's a bummer too. I just hope I can help out in some way before the league kicks me out."

Tast will be assigned uniform number 33 upon his callup to Yorba Linda.

AHHHHHHHH!!!!

My beautiful f***ing team thread!  It's ruined!

Yowlers announce season 21 retirements

Another good year for the Yowlers saw the team rack up 110 points and last until the third round in the playoffs, where they fell to eventual champions Pontiac.   Considering the franchise wasn't in full win-now mode, fans were pleasantly surprised at the devlopement of some of the team's prospects.  Retirements do hit the franchise hard this year, however.  Presented here in the new "WiS forum format" for the first time:

RW Jonas Ackerfeldt

Reg Season	GP	GLS	AST	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	+/-	PIM	S	S%	FW%	TOI
Season 15	19	3	2	5	0	0	0	5	35	24	12.5	48.3	4:26:58
Season 16	80	6	21	27	2	0	2	-5	253	57	10.5	100.0	19:47:25
Season 17	82	12	24	36	2	0	3	37	18	82	14.6	0.0	21:55:49
Season 18	82	14	32	46	3	0	2	26	20	77	18.2	49.0	20:40:16
Season 19	82	16	28	44	1	0	0	67	16	83	19.3	0.0	22:14:17
Season 20	82	12	26	38	1	0	3	14	14	89	13.5	51.6	20:21:21
Season 21	82	28	21	49	2	0	3	19	18	89	31.5	54.1	20:23:26
	509	91	154	245	11	0	13	163	374	501	18.3	51.5	131:25:27

Playoffs	GP	GLS	AST	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	+/-	PIM	S	S%	FW%	TOI
Season 16	6	0	1	1	0	0	0	-4	2	1	0.0	0.0	1:37:16
Season 17	19	1	7	8	0	0	1	7	0	14	7.1	0.0	5:09:19
Season 18	13	2	3	5	0	0	0	3	2	10	20.0	0.0	3:21:02
Season 19	11	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	4	9	0.0	0.0	2:50:10
Season 20	10	2	1	3	1	0	0	0	0	8	25.0	55.3	2:36:49
Season 21	18	2	4	6	1	0	1	6	2	14	14.3	50.0	4:42:25
	77	7	17	24	2	0	2	12	10	56	12.5	52.0	20:17:01

Ackerfeldt, known as "The Swedish Assassin", arrived in the MLD with a reputation for savagery.  Although goonery is a rare trait in the MLD these days, Jonas came to Yorba Linda after having been banned from the SEL for fighting with a pair of knuckledusters hidden under the tin foil he had wrapped around his hands.  His first season was spent racking up and impressive 456 PIM for the Anheim Hills Anacondas (with an additional 35 during his callup to Yorba Linda) while learning the North American game.  A player with far more intelligence (both on and off the ice) than he usually let on, Ackerfeldt developed into a solid-two way physical player.  Over time he cut out the goonery but retained the hard physical edge that opened up the ice for his teammates so well.   He won the team's "Unsung Hero" award in his final season after chipping in a career-high 28 goals.  He wore the franchise's highest number ever awarded - #91.  He also retires in third place on the team's all-time PIM list... although only the inimitable Kaspars Torppala ever had a single-season PIM total higher than Ackerfeld'ts 253 in season 16.

C Shane Myrdahl

Reg Season	GP	GLS	AST	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	+/-	PIM	S	S%	FW%	TOI
Season 12	16	0	3	3	0	0	0	1	0	23	0.0	38.6	4:02:20
Season 13	82	9	9	18	0	0	0	14	16	98	9.2	50.0	19:08:52
Season 14	19	2	3	5	0	0	0	1	4	33	6.1	59.0	4:18:50
Season 15	16	1	1	2	0	0	0	-3	4	26	3.8	39.0	4:04:30
Season 16	82	11	18	29	0	1	1	32	14	94	11.7	37.7	21:19:55
Season 17	82	16	10	26	0	0	2	25	10	100	16.0	33.3	19:24:41
Season 18	82	18	16	34	0	0	1	26	10	106	17.0	43.9	18:28:11
Season 19	82	32	26	58	0	0	8	67	12	193	16.6	0.0	21:01:47
Season 20	19	9	8	17	1	0	0	20	4	43	20.9	0.0	4:55:41
Season 21	82	20	28	48	1	0	3	40	2	125	16.0	48.7	21:30:04
	562	118	122	240	2	1	15	223	76	841	13.9	46.1	139:43:28

Playoffs	GP	GLS	AST	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	+/-	PIM	S	S%	FW%	TOI
Season 13	5	0	1	1	0	0	0	-2	2	8	0.0	57.1	1:10:46
Season 16	6	0	1	1	0	0	0	1	2	5	0.0	66.7	1:29:03
Season 17	19	2	4	6	0	0	0	2	2	20	10.0	0.0	4:38:36
Season 18	13	6	0	6	0	0	1	7	2	21	28.6	0.0	3:06:52
Season 19	11	3	2	5	0	0	1	0	4	17	17.6	0.0	2:50:10
Season 20	10	0	3	3	0	0	0	-3	0	13	0.0	0.0	2:38:14
Season 21	18	2	8	10	0	0	0	3	6	21	9.5	0.0	4:58:23
	82	13	19	32	0	0	2	8	18	105	12.4	54.5	20:52:04

A classic case of a "Diamond in the Rough", Myrdahl was a late-round draft pick who struggled for years to crack the Yowlers' roster.  Four seasons after being drafted, he had only suited up for 133 games - mostly as an injury replacement, and had done little to assure himself a permanent spot in the lineup.  Over time, however, he gradually improved in all areas of his game, beginning as a defensive-minded fourth-line center and eventually breaking through into a 30+ goal scorer - a season that saw him capture the team's "Most Improved" trophy.  Myrdahl wore #16 throughout his MLD career.

C Derrick Hiekkanen

Reg Seas	GP	GLS	AST	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	+/-	PIM	S	S%	FW%	TOI
Previous Team	75	7	3	10	0	0	0	-25	12	122	5.7	46.1	16:04:18
Previous Team	67	7	8	15	0	0	3	-2	14	95	7.4	44.1	14:28:50
Season 18	46	5	17	22	0	0	3	21	6	48	10.4	38.8	12:46:05
Season 19	82	15	23	38	0	0	4	36	10	77	19.5	0.0	19:03:36
Season 20	82	10	31	41	0	0	4	3	8	84	11.9	52.4	20:10:06
Season 21	82	15	16	31	0	1	2	-3	6	75	20.0	51.5	19:30:08
	434	59	98	157	0	1	16	30	56	501	11.8	47.2	102:03:03

Playoffs	GP	GLS	AST	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	+/-	PIM	S	S%	FW%	TOI
Season 18	13	1	2	3	0	0	0	7	2	10	10.0	0.0	3:05:35
Season 19	11	2	2	4	0	0	0	7	0	11	18.2	0.0	2:37:40
Season 20	10	1	0	1	0	0	0	-9	2	9	11.1	45.2	2:29:17
Season 21	18	1	6	7	0	0	0	2	0	20	5.0	59.6	4:29:10
	52	5	10	15	0	0	0	7	4	50	10.0	54.9	12:41:42

Originally a throw-in to the Kakela trade, Heikkanen arrived without much fanfare but quietly did everything asked of him by the Yowlers.  Never a particularly talented player, he toiled on the fourth line and second penalty-kill units.  Although prone to the occaisonal undisciplined penalty, he became the very definition of the workmanlike defensive player that can find success in Yorba Linda.  Well-liked by his teammates despite his quiet nature, Roy won the team's "Unsung Hero" award in season 18 after the trade that brought him from Yorkton.  He wore #42 during his tenure in Yorba Linda.

G Roy Kakela

Reg Season	GP	W	L	T	GA	GAA	SO	SA	S	S%	TOI
Previous Team	4	1	1	0	9	3.95	0	36	27	75.00	2:16:45
Previous Team	47	18	13	7	82	2.02	3	1157	1075	92.91	40:37:20
Previous Team	22	9	8	2	43	2.43	2	498	455	91.37	17:42:51
Previous Team	47	25	12	5	113	2.65	4	736	623	84.65	42:42:20
Previous Team	36	19	11	1	94	3.18	0	598	504	84.28	29:32:13
Season 18	58	35	17	6	122	2.08	5	967	845	87.38	58:41:55
Season 20	58	31	20	7	144	2.50	7	1040	896	86.15	57:41:56
Season 21	58	39	11	8	100	1.71	12	862	762	88.40	58:26:53
	330	177	93	36	707	2.30	33	5894	5187	88.0	307:42:13

Playoffs	GP	W	L	T	GA	GAA	SO	SA	S	S%	TOI
Previous Team	2	0	1	0	8	3.92	0	64	56	87.50	2:02:33
Previous Team	2	0	1	0	5	2.53	0	68	63	92.65	1:58:27
Previous Team	9	4	5	0	27	3.06	0	154	127	82.47	8:49:57
Season 18	2	2	0	0	3	1.50	0	25	22	88.00	2:00:00
Season 21	13	8	5	0	22	1.61	3	216	194	89.81	13:38:38
	28	14	12	0	65	2.28	3	527	462	87.7	28:29:35

Brought to Yorba Linda in a highly controversial trade with Yorkton, Kakela came to the team during a time of goaltending crisis and quickly eclipsed the expectations the team and fans had for him.  His 177 career victories and 33 shutouts compare quite favorably with other Yowler standout netminders Pokela and Hanhimaki, even though only 105 wins and 24 shoutouts actually came with the team.  A tenacious goaltender, Kakela was entertaining to watch for his propensity to come out of his net to challenge shooters - even frequently moving beyond the crease to do so.  He absolutely shown in the playoffs, leading many Yowler fans to publicly question why he got so little playing time in the post-season, usually stuck behind often-injured but talented Ethan Fabrell.  Kakela won the team's "Best Newcomer" award in season 18 after the trade.  He wore #34 for the team.

Yowlers owner/GM yogsloth to take "temporary leave of absence", hand over reigns to sons

Following the Yowler's disappointing first-round beating at the hands of Okanagan, team owner/GM yogsloth called a press conference to make an important announcement:

"After 22 seasons of triumph, frustration, and agony, it's time for me to take a season away from the team.  I leave and breathe this team, and it's gotten to the point where I almost can't think of anything else.  I'm making line combinations in my dreams and pouring over draft lists in the john.  This has got to stop.  I love this team, but I am going to take a one-year leave of absence to concentrate on my many other loves - pigeons, bottlecaps, and really boring books."

Coach yog declined to take questions, immediately ducking into a waiting car behind the podium.

The team then introduced yogsloth's replacements for the coming season: his sons, Andrew and Logan. 

"I LOVE Chick-Fil-A!  They have a SLIDE!" announced two-year-old Andrew, beaming.  Repeated questions on the state of the franchise or what this management change would mean for the team were turned aside with further announcements of admiration for the popular chicken restaurant.  His brother and new business partner Logan, aged sixteen months, appeared to be eating a kleenex.

While this announcement has come as quite a surprise to the team's fanbase, it certainly indicates no shortage of excitement for the upcoming season. 

Yowlers say bye-bye to lots of guys

I like Captain America.  He goes WHOOOSH!  He's running.  I have Mickey underpants.  I saw Mickey at Disneyland!  He doesn't talk.  Maybe he's sleeping?  I love oatmeal.  I love... no Logan, that's MY Captain America... NO LOGAN.  NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! (*)

(*)Press release dictated by team co-president Andrew, player write-ups and commentary by Yowlers staff

D Arch Peterson

Regular Season Statistics

	GP	GLS	AST	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	+/-	PIM	S	S%	FW%	TOI
Season 11	82	18	12	30	2	0	0	15	12	200	9.0	0.0	26:53:40
Season 14	82	14	7	21	0	0	0	-3	6	208	6.7	0.0	26:25:43
Season 15	82	19	14	33	1	0	0	0	10	229	8.3	0.0	26:24:56
Season 16	82	36	20	56	2	0	9	29	0	219	16.4	0.0	26:51:24
Season 17	82	32	32	64	3	1	5	49	0	188	17.0	0.0	27:33:44
Season 18	19	5	1	6	0	0	0	8	0	20	25.0	0.0	6:30:55
Season 19	82	19	34	53	2	0	5	48	0	101	18.8	0.0	29:05:30
Season 20	82	13	53	66	0	0	2	37	0	111	11.7	0.0	27:57:06
Season 21	82	20	41	61	0	0	3	33	4	118	16.9	0.0	28:22:13
Current Season	82	19	54	73	2	0	3	38	0	112	17.0	0.0	28:02:42
	757	195	268	463	12	1	27	254	32	1506	12.9	0.0	256:12:38

Playoff Statistics

	GP	GLS	AST	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	+/-	PIM	S	S%	FW%	TOI
Season 11	6	0	0	0	0	0	0	-3	0	14	0.0	0.0	2:00:09
Season 16	6	4	0	4	0	0	1	-3	0	12	33.3	0.0	2:01:49
Season 17	19	2	4	6	0	0	1	0	0	24	8.3	0.0	6:33:02
Season 18	13	2	10	12	0	0	0	16	0	13	15.4	0.0	4:06:44
Season 19	11	0	2	2	0	0	0	-6	0	5	0.0	0.0	3:54:17
Season 20	10	0	3	3	0	0	0	-4	0	10	0.0	0.0	3:38:30
Season 21	18	4	6	10	0	0	2	4	0	27	14.8	0.0	6:26:12
Current Season	5	1	1	2	0	0	0	-2	0	1	100.0	0.0	1:43:28
	88	13	26	39	0	0	4	2	0	106	12.3	0.0	30:24:11

The fifth franchise player in team history hangs up his skates this off-season, as highly talented offensive defenseman Arch Peterson has completed his nine seasons of service.   Known for his blistering and accurate slap shot, Peterson finishes his career with a surprising number of team records.  In the regular season, he finishes as the all-time leader in goals and shots, and is second on games played and plus/minus.  It's that last mark that stands as his proudest achievement, given that at the time he was drafted, he was seen as a one-dimensional offensive player.  It wasn't until his fourth season that he really put his game together and became an elite talent at both ends of the ice.  He had six seasons at +29 or better, has two of the top five single-season assist marks in team history, and is one of only three defenseman to have a single season with 35+ goals.  Like several of his FP predescesors, however, he couldn't match his regular-season success to post-season victories.  Other than an amazing run in season 18, he consistently struggled in the playoffs, frequently finishing on the minus side of the ledger and scoring only 13 goals in 88 games.  It was a burden he wore heavily, and in fact, was probably never fully comfortable with the Franchise Player tag.  He is the only Yowlers FP never to win the team's MVP award in any individual season, although he did win two "Outstanding Defenseman" awards, as well as the team's "Best Newcomer" trophy his rookie season.  He wore number 23 throughout his Yowler career.

LW Denis Ustorf

Regular Season Statistics

	GP	GLS	AST	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	+/-	PIM	S	S%	FW%	TOI
Season 13	70	1	18	19	0	0	0	-5	18	79	1.3	42.4	16:58:38
Season 15	33	0	2	2	0	0	0	3	6	42	0.0	36.5	7:26:24
Season 16	19	1	3	4	0	0	0	6	8	18	5.6	0.0	4:16:43
Season 17	58	3	19	22	0	0	1	12	12	70	4.3	48.1	14:05:24
Season 18	19	2	4	6	0	0	0	5	0	15	13.3	50.9	5:15:58
Season 19	19	1	10	11	0	1	0	8	0	13	7.7	59.0	4:22:00
Season 20	82	18	35	53	2	0	4	40	2	117	15.4	62.1	21:46:05
Season 21	82	21	42	63	3	0	6	40	0	105	20.0	59.1	23:07:26
Current Season	82	15	46	61	1	0	3	27	4	82	18.3	54.9	22:36:41
	464	62	179	241	6	1	14	134	50	541	11.5	56.3	120:27:05

Playoff Statistics

	GP	GLS	AST	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	+/-	PIM	S	S%	FW%	TOI
Season 17	19	1	5	6	0	0	0	2	4	8	12.5	0.0	4:38:36
Season 20	10	1	1	2	0	0	0	-3	0	4	25.0	62.9	2:40:41
Season 21	18	5	6	11	0	0	0	3	0	20	25.0	58.4	5:05:48
Current Season	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	-1	0	5	0.0	71.4	1:20:25
	52	7	12	19	0	0	0	1	4	37	18.9	61.3	13:45:30

Yet another in a seemingly endless assembly-line of elite defensive forwards, German-born Ustorf overcame injury problems early in his career to become a highly reliable checker and penalty killer.  Although never blessed with much natural offensive talent, later in his career he became one of the team's leading playmakers, using his speed and tenacity to dig up pucks for his more skilled teammates.  It was actually thought of Ustorf earlier in his career that he would wash out... seven seasons after being drafted, he had burned three years of eligibilty, but had only scored a laughable 8 total goals.  Ironically, it was only after he was converted to a defense-only role that his offensive abilities developed.  Amazingly, he actually finishes his career as the highest-scoring LW in team history with 241 points!  Although Ustorf never actually won many team accolades, his amazing two-way numbers in season 21 earned him the best piece of hardware the team offers - its "MVP award.   He wore number 43 throughout his career, and returns to the DEL to continue his professional career.

G Daryl Tast

Regular Season Statistics

	GP	W	L	T	GA	GAA	SO	SA	S	S%	TOI
Previous Team	1	0	0	0	2	2.98	0	31	29	93.55	00:40:20
Previous Team	7	2	4	1	18	2.54	0	229	211	92.14	7:05:00
Previous Team	6	4	2	0	15	2.50	1	182	167	91.76	6:00:00
Previous Team	7	2	3	2	14	1.95	1	205	191	93.17	7:10:00
Previous Team	23	11	7	3	45	2.04	4	607	562	92.59	22:01:39
Previous Team	28	14	9	1	55	2.20	3	691	636	92.04	25:02:11
Previous Team	44	3	12	2	131	4.42	0	1064	933	87.69	29:36:26
Previous Team	44	19	18	4	137	3.49	1	947	810	85.53	39:12:18
Previous Team	45	19	17	2	145	3.90	0	1004	859	85.56	37:09:54
Previous Team	19	9	4	2	55	3.47	0	390	335	85.90	15:51:37
Season 20	4	2	1	0	9	2.80	0	77	68	88.31	3:12:50
Previous Team	32	12	18	1	116	3.96	2	743	627	84.39	29:19:11
Season 21	25	10	10	4	66	2.68	1	402	336	83.58	24:38:06
Current Season	75	48	18	8	171	2.30	8	1111	940	84.61	74:17:42
	360	155	123	30	979	3.05	21	7683	6704	87.3	321:17:14

Playoff Statistics

	GP	W	L	T	GA	GAA	SO	SA	S	S%	TOI
Previous Team	1	0	0	0	0	0.00	0	16	16	100.00	00:38:42
Previous Team	1	0	0	0	2	6.07	0	7	5	71.43	00:19:46
Previous Team	3	0	2	0	8	3.28	0	55	47	85.45	2:26:28
Previous Team	1	0	0	0	0	0.00	0	0	0	-	00:11:44
Season 21	5	3	1	0	5	1.19	1	52	47	90.38	4:12:51
Current Season	4	1	3	0	10	2.49	1	43	33	76.74	4:00:50
	15	4	6	0	25	2.11	2	173	148	85.5	11:50:21

Acquired in a trade with Anoka to be a stop-gap solution and backup goaltender for a season or two only, Tast surprised everyone with his tenacity and talent.   Used largely in a backup or mop-up role in Anoka (that's not a typo above - in season 16 he played 44 games with only 17 decisions) he came to Yorba Linda prepared to take the same role.  His surprising play (especially coming in as an injury replacement in the season 21 playoffs) led him to earning a season as a starter in Yorba Linda.  He responded with a 48 win season as he led the team to a surprising 114 point season when fans were actually expecting a bit of a rebuilding year.  He was rewarded with the team's "MVP" award for season 22.  His career numbers of 155 wins and 21 shutouts actually compare quite favorably with prior Yowlers netminders.  It's safe to say the 60 wins and 9 shutouts posted for the Yowlers far exceeded the team's expectations.  He wore number 33 for the team.

Yowlers face largest wave of retirements ever

After yet another 100+ point season in which the Yowlers put it all on the line to try and win that elusive 4th MLD championship, the team currently faces a whopping seven retirements.  It will certainly be a much different team in Yorba Linda next season, as most of the retirees were key contributors to the team's success.

LW Jergus Mitchell

Regular Season Statistics

	GP	GLS	AST	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	+/-	PIM	S	S%	FW%	TOI
Season 13	82	8	9	17	0	0	0	16	12	121	6.6	33.5	19:59:00
Season 15	19	1	2	3	0	0	0	3	0	20	5.0	33.9	4:42:42
Season 16	17	7	2	9	0	0	1	6	0	28	25.0	0.0	4:02:59
Season 17	19	6	3	9	0	0	1	5	0	33	18.2	0.0	4:36:56
Season 18	82	26	16	42	0	0	5	31	2	151	17.2	0.0	19:52:25
Season 19	82	24	11	35	0	0	6	47	2	188	12.8	100.0	20:12:48
Season 21	82	5	21	26	2	0	1	35	2	61	8.2	75.0	21:30:33
Season 22	82	12	23	35	0	0	3	28	2	88	13.6	0.0	20:57:11
Current Season	82	17	31	48	0	0	4	60	10	82	20.7	31.0	21:32:52
	547	106	118	224	2	0	21	231	30	772	13.7	34.0	138:23:07

Playoff Statistics

	GP	GLS	AST	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	+/-	PIM	S	S%	FW%	TOI
Season 13	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	-5	0	1	0.0	27.8	1:14:42
Season 16	6	1	1	2	0	0	0	2	0	12	8.3	0.0	1:28:25
Season 18	13	1	2	3	0	0	0	3	0	24	4.2	0.0	3:16:44
Season 19	11	2	1	3	0	0	0	-6	0	20	10.0	0.0	2:51:38
Season 21	18	2	3	5	0	0	0	2	2	9	22.2	0.0	4:45:04
Season 22	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0.0	0.0	1:18:14
Current Season	18	2	3	5	0	0	1	-2	0	10	20.0	0.0	4:58:00
	76	8	10	18	0	0	1	-6	2	78	10.3	27.8	19:52:47

A steady performer at both ends of the ice, Mitchell largely made his living in front of the opposition's net, tipping in shots from the point and banging in garbage rebounds.  After a lenghty apprentenceship in the minors, Mitchell turned in steller back-to-back seasons of 20+ goals early in his career. (Earning him the team's "Most Improved" award after season 18.)  A mysterious virus that didn't keep him out of the lineup, but robbed him of much of his stamina, deeply affected him after that.  Although he was never quite the same after that illness, he continue to be a valuable member of the team. He wore the unusual number of 35 for the team throughout his career.

LW Hubie Coltrain

Regular Season Statistics

	GP	GLS	AST	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	+/-	PIM	S	S%	FW%	TOI
Season 17	19	0	2	2	0	0	0	4	0	21	0.0	0.0	4:30:49
Season 18	80	14	12	26	0	0	0	5	4	131	10.7	0.0	19:33:47
Season 19	82	16	17	33	0	0	4	28	4	133	12.0	0.0	19:08:22
Season 20	82	12	26	38	0	0	0	9	2	95	12.6	100.0	20:19:50
Season 21	82	12	16	28	0	0	3	23	0	79	15.2	0.0	19:25:38
Season 22	82	15	12	27	0	0	3	28	2	88	17.0	0.0	20:55:35
Current Season	82	16	27	43	0	0	1	45	2	87	18.4	0.0	18:28:36
	509	85	112	197	0	0	11	142	14	634	13.5	100.0	122:48:50

Playoff Statistics

	GP	GLS	AST	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	+/-	PIM	S	S%	FW%	TOI
Season 18	13	3	0	3	0	0	0	2	6	23	13.0	0.0	3:19:07
Season 19	11	2	2	4	0	0	0	1	0	13	15.4	0.0	2:41:35
Season 20	10	1	0	1	0	0	0	-9	0	8	12.5	0.0	2:28:30
Season 21	18	1	2	3	0	0	0	6	0	10	10.0	0.0	4:36:19
Season 22	5	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	3	33.3	0.0	1:18:14
Current Season	18	3	3	6	0	0	0	2	0	20	15.0	0.0	4:10:17
	75	11	7	18	0	0	0	2	6	77	14.3	0.0	18:34:02

Little-used fourth-liner Coltrain epitomises the way even grinding forward for Yorba Linda can compile impressive stats given enough time.  A model of consistency, Coltrain managed to produce dependable (if unspectacular) numbers and quality defensive play despite a rotating-cast of linemates.  Never a lethal goal-scorer or a talented playmaker, Hubie still managed to pile up almost 200 points and never finished as a minus player in any of his seasons.  He won no team awards - only the respect of his teammates, as he utilized his limited talent to its utmost capacity every night.  He wore #12 for the team.

D Jarmo Bethere

	GP	GLS	AST	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	+/-	PIM	S	S%	FW%	TOI
Season 15	82	13	4	17	0	0	0	-13	20	213	6.1	0.0	27:32:01
Season 16	82	40	6	46	0	0	3	32	4	225	17.8	0.0	28:09:01
Season 17	82	13	9	22	2	0	5	28	8	112	11.6	0.0	29:20:08
Season 18	82	13	26	39	2	1	3	27	2	84	15.5	0.0	30:23:46
Season 19	82	22	28	50	1	0	3	91	6	121	18.2	0.0	27:24:53
Season 20	19	5	6	11	0	0	1	7	0	21	23.8	0.0	5:52:33
Season 21	14	2	5	7	1	0	0	10	2	20	10.0	0.0	4:31:04
Current Season	82	19	43	62	0	1	2	68	2	125	15.2	0.0	29:01:13
	525	127	127	254	6	2	17	250	44	921	13.7	0.0	184:19:53

Playoff Statistics

	GP	GLS	AST	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	+/-	PIM	S	S%	FW%	TOI
Season 16	6	3	1	4	0	0	1	4	0	16	18.8	0.0	2:03:25
Season 17	19	3	1	4	0	0	0	-2	0	15	20.0	0.0	7:01:29
Season 18	13	2	3	5	0	0	1	-4	0	14	14.3	0.0	4:54:47
Season 19	11	2	0	2	0	0	0	4	0	10	20.0	0.0	3:51:32
Season 20	10	3	1	4	0	0	2	-2	0	12	25.0	0.0	3:09:38
Current Season	18	0	11	11	0	0	0	5	0	11	0.0	0.0	6:43:32
	77	13	17	30	0	0	4	5	0	78	16.7	0.0	27:44:23

With one of the hardest slapshots in franchise history, Bethere (Buh-THER-e) blasted himself into the Yowlers' record books with an incredible 40-goal season in the MLD's first season after the offensive-friendly rule changes.  Not content to be simply a human cannon, Bethere not only holds the franchise mark for goals in a season by a D-man, he holds the record for best +/- rating in one season with a ridiculous +91.  In fact, his rating of +250 is the best of any non-franchise player in team history, placing him "up and over" every single one of his teammates.  Bethere never won a Best Defender award for the team, but he did take home the "Unsung Hero" award in season 19, "Best Newcomer" in season 15, and "Most Improved" in season 16.  His presence will be terribly missed, as he had the ability to single-handedly dominate a game, and his abscence leaves a gaping hole on the blueline.  He wore #2 at the start of his Yowlers career, and switched to #14 during season 16 when the team re-aquired Kip Fulton.

D Gilbert Silvasti

Regular Season Statistics

	GP	GLS	AST	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	+/-	PIM	S	S%	FW%	TOI
Previous Team	82	10	18	28	0	0	0	8	4	186	5.4	0.0	27:43:43
Previous Team	74	3	25	28	0	0	0	-12	0	118	2.5	0.0	24:38:55
Previous Team	15	1	5	6	0	0	0	-3	0	19	5.3	0.0	5:04:26
Previous Team	65	3	29	32	0	0	1	-4	2	14	21.4	0.0	22:27:35
Previous Team	82	1	28	29	0	0	0	-13	6	16	6.3	0.0	32:00:33
Previous Team	9	1	6	7	0	0	1	1	0	1	100.0	0.0	3:01:43
Season 20	6	1	7	8	0	0	1	7	0	3	33.3	0.0	1:47:56
Season 21	68	16	36	52	0	1	3	25	4	93	17.2	0.0	23:52:31
Current Season	82	21	57	78	0	0	2	67	6	110	19.1	0.0	29:22:26
	483	57	211	268	0	1	8	76	22	560	10.2	0.0	169:59:48

Playoff Statistics

	GP	GLS	AST	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	+/-	PIM	S	S%	FW%	TOI
Previous Team	11	0	3	3	0	0	0	3	0	27	0.0	0.0	3:59:47
Previous Team	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	-5	0	0	-	0.0	1:31:55
Season 20	10	0	2	2	0	0	0	-2	0	11	0.0	0.0	3:05:50
Season 21	18	1	6	7	0	0	0	5	0	20	5.0	0.0	6:37:12
Current Season	18	3	11	14	0	0	2	5	4	17	17.6	0.0	6:31:21
	61	4	22	26	0	0	2	6	4	75	5.3	0.0	21:46:05

Acquired from the Halifax Mooseheads for talented minor-leaguer Lindy Palmqvist, Silvasti arrived in Yorba Linda with a reputation for quality play in somewhat limited minutes.  Coach/gm yogsloth felt his offensive talents were not being allowed to shine through for the Mooseheads, and once plugged into the lineup, Silvasti delivered with substantial offense to go with his defensive prowess.  Although he only played two full seasons for the Yowlers, his final year saw him win the team's "Most Improved", "Outstanding Defenceman", and "MVP" awards as he championed the team through a 121 point season and deep playoff run.  HIs 57 assists that season are actually the third-highest single-season total in franchise history.  He wore #3 during his brief stay with the team.

D Frederic Voltaire

Regular Season Statistics

	GP	GLS	AST	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	+/-	PIM	S	S%	FW%	TOI
Season 11	82	11	14	25	3	0	0	-2	24	198	5.6	0.0	28:10:50
Season 13	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	12	0.0	0.0	1:20:00
Season 15	76	11	11	22	0	0	0	-11	16	207	5.3	0.0	25:04:19
Season 16	82	13	21	34	0	1	3	-5	2	152	8.6	0.0	25:10:12
Season 18	82	16	37	53	0	0	3	23	4	98	16.3	0.0	28:33:10
Season 19	19	5	10	15	1	0	3	8	0	26	19.2	0.0	5:55:27
Season 20	82	17	36	53	0	0	3	35	14	84	20.2	0.0	29:23:11
Season 21	8	2	12	14	0	0	0	11	0	16	12.5	0.0	2:53:54
Current Season	82	24	47	71	0	0	3	67	4	126	19.0	0.0	24:53:01
	517	99	188	287	4	1	15	126	64	919	10.8	0.0	171:24:04

Playoff Statistics

	GP	GLS	AST	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	+/-	PIM	S	S%	FW%	TOI
Season 18	13	0	5	5	0	0	0	-4	0	10	0.0	0.0	4:45:21
Season 20	10	1	3	4	0	0	1	2	2	7	14.3	0.0	3:42:15
Current Season	18	3	6	9	0	0	0	-2	0	19	15.8	0.0	5:46:38
	41	4	14	18	0	0	1	-4	2	36	11.1	0.0	14:14:14

A true curiousity for Yowlers historians, despite largely excellent regular-season numbers, Voltaire rarely saw playoff time.  A combination of early-career injury troubles, an always-crowded team blueline, and some rumored personality conflicts with coaching staff conspired to limit Voltaire to only appear in three different post-seasons despite piling up nearly 300 regular-season points.  Never the strongest skater, Voltaire was prone to the occaisonal interference penalty, but made up for it with strong instincts and a deft touch with the puck.  He was named the team's "Most Improved" player after season 20's strong defensive effort.  He won no team awards.  He wore #8 for the team.

C Pierre-Marc Patin

Regular Season Statistics

	GP	GLS	AST	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	+/-	PIM	S	S%	FW%	TOI
Season 14	17	3	1	4	0	0	0	2	2	14	21.4	34.1	3:47:24
Season 15	14	0	1	1	0	0	0	-8	4	17	0.0	30.8	3:19:58
Season 16	4	1	1	2	0	0	0	0	0	7	14.3	0.0	00:57:25
Season 17	82	10	15	25	0	0	2	19	10	110	9.1	0.0	18:41:57
Season 18	72	7	17	24	0	0	0	16	2	87	8.0	50.0	16:37:09
Season 20	82	11	14	25	0	0	1	5	10	121	9.1	0.0	18:44:32
Season 21	80	11	10	21	0	1	1	-6	6	78	14.1	50.0	18:16:08
Season 22	82	9	21	30	0	0	1	14	4	74	12.2	100.0	18:24:32
Current Season	82	18	20	38	0	0	2	43	0	88	20.5	50.0	18:27:26
	515	70	100	170	0	1	7	85	38	596	11.6	36.1	118:39:29

Playoff Statistics

	GP	GLS	AST	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	+/-	PIM	S	S%	FW%	TOI
Season 16	6	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	6	0.0	0.0	1:21:04
Season 17	19	2	1	3	0	0	1	-3	2	23	8.7	0.0	4:34:06
Season 20	10	1	1	2	0	0	0	0	0	8	12.5	0.0	2:29:45
Season 21	18	2	2	4	0	0	0	1	0	14	14.3	0.0	4:21:23
Season 22	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	-2	0	0	-	56.3	1:11:19
Current Season	18	3	6	9	0	0	0	6	0	11	27.3	50.0	4:17:23
	76	8	10	18	0	0	1	2	4	62	12.9	56.0	18:15:00

Another in a seemingly-endless rotation of quality checking fowards, Patin arrived in Yorba Linda with a skillset designed to make him a front-line player.  He was never fully able to realize that potential, but after a few seasons in the minors adapted well to the franchise's defensive and cycling game.  Never flashy or unique, the Quebec-born Patin simply came to work every day and did the little things that have allowed the team to succeed year after year.  He wore #56 for the Yowlers, never changed from his "scrub" days when it was assigned to him as a temporary training-camp number.  He returns to his native Quebec to play in the NAHL.

G Tim Armstrong

Regular Season Statistics

	GP	W	L	T	GA	GAA	SO	SA	S	S%	TOI
Season 13	39	19	13	5	70	1.85	2	1094	1024	93.60	37:49:56
Season 14	42	17	19	6	92	2.22	3	1148	1056	91.99	41:23:26
Season 15	16	3	5	3	31	2.34	1	404	373	92.33	13:15:03
Season 16	63	32	21	7	158	2.56	3	1070	912	85.23	61:49:35
Season 19	75	57	13	4	119	1.63	13	1063	944	88.81	72:56:08
Season 20	23	16	3	2	46	2.09	2	371	325	87.60	22:02:24
Current Season	76	52	16	8	159	2.10	9	992	833	83.97	75:47:10
	334	196	90	35	675	2.08	33	6142	5467	89.0	325:03:42

Playoff Statistics

	GP	W	L	T	GA	GAA	SO	SA	S	S%	TOI
Season 13	1	0	1	0	5	5.00	0	32	27	84.38	1:00:00
Season 14	5	3	2	0	11	1.96	0	167	156	93.41	5:37:02
Season 16	3	1	2	0	9	3.00	0	39	30	76.92	3:00:00
Season 19	5	1	3	0	7	1.74	1	60	53	88.33	4:00:55
Season 20	3	0	2	0	8	4.06	0	31	23	74.19	1:58:16
Current Season	4	1	3	0	13	3.72	0	52	39	75.00	3:29:37
	21	6	13	0	53	2.78	1	381	328	86.1	19:05:50

Of all the players retiring this year, with their many quirks and career curves, nobody is more of an enigma that Yowlers 'tender Armstrong.  An absolutely dominant netminder during the regular season, Armstrong retires second on the team's all-time list for wins by a wide stretch.  He holds the two best single-season win marks, with seasons of 50 and 57 victories.  His 33 shutouts and remarkable 2.08 GAA (largely set in the new "longpuck" era from seasons 16+) are remarkable accomplishments as well.  In fact, his 196 career victories represent the MLD record for most wins by a non-FP goalie in the 250 GP retirement era.  The mystery, however, came year after year, as Armstrong would begin his inexplicable and inevitable self-annihilation during the playoffs.  He won a total of 6 games during his playoff career - with no series wins.  Year after year Yowler fans and teammates were frustrated by his lack of poise and confidence the moment the post-season began.  It is possibly for this reason he won no team awards in Yorba Linda, despite winning the Vezina trophy in season 19.  He wore #31 for the Yowlers.  As a side note, his unique nickname "Polly" came from his junior days and his unusal habit of referring to the puck as a "cracker".  Since he always wanted to eat up the cracker... his teammates found him a suitable nickname.