Pre-Season Preview: #10 Newfoundland NorthStars

Coach: Nick Ewing
Trophy Case: Nothing

POH5 Regular Season Finish: 7th
Postseason Finish: DNQ

Pre-Season Rank
Forwards: 10th
Defensemen: 8th
Goaltenders: 9th
Coaching Pedigree: 8th
Overall: 10th
Projected Win Total: 49

Keepers:
C Matt Duchene (2nd Year in Newfoundland)
C Ryan Kesley (2nd Year)
LW Alexander Semin (2nd Year)
D Duncan Keith (2nd Year)
G Ryan Miller (2nd Year)

Outlook
The Newfoundland NorthStars relocated after unsuccessful stints in both Saskatoon and Charlestown in coach Nick Ewing's return to Princes of Hockey. Despite moving to Newfoundland, where a $12.5 million state of the art facility was put in place to improve results for Ewing & Co., there is skepticism whether or not the talent-level is high enough to compete in POH6. The first round (No. 3 overall) selection of David Backes had many POH GM's scratching their head. Backes, who gains much of his value from PIM (which is not a category in POH), is now expected to lead a re-building project for the NorthStars. Ryan Miller remains the centerpiece of the franchise, though he struggled during POH5. Miller will be joined between the pipes by Winnipeg's Ondrej Pavelec and Dallas' Kari Lehtonen---neither of whom experienced great seasons in 2010-11. Forward Matt Duchene represents a beacon of hope entering his third year in the league, and should make the leap to a point-per-game scorer with the expected resurgence of the Avs. But fellow keepers Alexander Semin and Ryan Kesler have injury concerns, and when you pair that with a subpar draft, you get the feeling it could be tough sledding for Newfoundland's fantasy hockey club.


Players to Watch:

Goaltender Ryan Miller

Miller must improve on his 2.59 GAA, 34 W, 5 SO campaign if the NorthStars have any hope of being among the league leader in goaltending categories.

Forward Matt Duchene

We all know the hype, now it's time for Newfoundland's Matt Duchene to deliver on all the expectations. He is the clear cut top prospect within the NorthStars organization.

RW-David Backes

There is a great deal of pressure that comes with being a first round selection, especially in Princes of Hockey when the top-50 players are already off the board. Backes will be leaned on heavily this year, and a repeat of his 31 Goal, 31 Assist POH5 season simply won't be good enough this time around.